The climate of Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Santa Cruz de la Sierra dwells in the climatic classification according to Köppen as Aw, popularly called the Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate. The geographical positioning of the city within
Bolivia endows the region with specific weather indicators throughout the year.
The climate information denotes variations in several weather parameters over the year. Temperature highs in Santa Cruz de la Sierra range from 24.9°C (76.8°F) in
May to as much as 31.4°C (88.5°F), registered in
December. On the other side of the scale, the city shows a temperature low fluctuation from 14.8°C (58.6°F) in
July to a 21.3°C (70.3°F) peak in from
January to
February. With this range in temperatures, one can conclude that the city hardly gets genuinely cold, even at the peak of winter.
Humidity in Santa Cruz de la Sierra stays relatively constant through the year with a slight drop between July and
October where it fluctuates around 65% to 64%. The relative humidity for the rest of the year hovers at the bracket between 78% and 79%.
Rainfall varies through the year, with a definite wet and dry cycle. The wettest month is January with an average rainfall of 203mm (7.99") while the driest months of the year are from
April to
September when the average rainfall strays around 37mm (1.46") to 84mm (3.31"). The frequency of rainfall days narrows down from 14 days in January to a low of 4 days in
August.
The best time to visit Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Considering the climatic variables, the best time to visit
Santa Cruz de la Sierra would be between
May and
September. This period records relatively lower temperatures, with average highs from 24.9°C (76.8°F) to 27.7°C (81.9°F) and lows from 14.8°C (58.6°F) to 16.5°C (61.7°F). The period is also relatively dry and less humid with rainfall ranging from 37mm (1.46") to 84mm (3.31") and average relative humidity of 65%.
The worst time to visit Santa Cruz de la Sierra
For those avoiding wet and somewhat humid conditions, the less desirable time to visit
Santa Cruz de la Sierra would be between
January and
March. These months mark the wettest period of the year with rainfall heights soaring from 118mm (4.65") to 203mm (7.99"). High temperatures also prevail with highs between 29.5°C (85.1°F) to 30.5°C (86.9°F).
Spring weather in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
The spring months of
September to
November in
Santa Cruz de la Sierra bring along warmer temperatures rising steadily from 27.7°C (81.9°F) to 30.7°C (87.3°F). Humidity elevates from 64% in September to 72% in November. Rainfall increases gradually over this period as well from 58mm (2.28") in September to 108mm (4.25") in November. The length of daylight also increases from 12 hours to 13 hours alongside the sunshine hours rising from 8 to 8 hours.
Summer weather in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Summer in
Santa Cruz de la Sierra stretches from
December through
February and is characterized by scorching highs from 30.7°C (87.3°F) to 31.4°C (88.5°F) and lows from 20.3°C (68.5°F) to 21.3°C (70.3°F). These months also record the highest overall rainfall with
January experiencing the peak at 203mm (7.99"). The relative humidity averages 79%, amounting to quite humid conditions.
Autumn weather in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
March to
May embody the autumn months for
Santa Cruz de la Sierra. These months see a decline in temperatures with highs dropping from 29.5°C (85.1°F) to 24.9°C (76.8°F) and lows receding from 20.5°C (68.9°F) to 16.5°C (61.7°F). The rainfall also declines from 118mm (4.65") in March to 73mm (2.87") in May.
Winter weather in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
The winter months from
June to
August in
Santa Cruz de la Sierra are characterized by cooler temperatures with average highs ranging from 23.1°C (73.6°F) to 27.7°C (81.9°F) and average lows from 14.8°C (58.6°F) to 16.3°C (61.3°F). There is a significant decrease in rainfall during these months reaching it's a minimum of 37mm (1.46") in August. The sunshine hours remain at a constant 7 hours per day, and the UV index hovers above 7, indicating a moderate potential for harm from unprotected sun exposure.
Weather in January
January kicks off the year with typical tropical weather in
Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
Bolivia's climate during this period is characterized by impressive high humidity of 79% and significant rainfall of 203mm (7.99"). This makes January the wettest month of the year, so don't leave the house without an umbrella.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Transitioning to
February,
Santa Cruz de la Sierra experiences a slight decrease in rainfall, moving away from
January's maximum figures. The weather remains typically tropical, with high temperatures even though the average high temperature slightly decreases to 30.5°C (86.9°F).
Weather in February »Weather in March
Santa Cruz de la Sierra moves into
March with a weather pattern indicative of a receding summer. Rainfall continues to decline from the previous month, indicating a gradual transition towards the dry season. On the temperature front, the maximum values drop to an average of 29.5°C (85.1°F), resulting in relatively more relaxed conditions compared to
February.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The weather in
Santa Cruz de la Sierra undergoes a significant transformation from summer conditions as we enter
April. Characterized by a substantial shift in climate, rainfall decreases to 118mm (4.65"), indicating the onset of the dry season.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May brings about a more diverse climate change in
Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Marking a definitive shift towards less harsh conditions, the month sees mild temperatures, reduced rainfall, and lower relative humidity. The decreasing trend from the previous months continues in the average minimum and maximum temperatures.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The climate in
Santa Cruz de la Sierra presents optimal conditions for
June. The mild and dry weather persists, making the city an even more attractive destination for tourists. Relative humidity falls to 78%, showing a yearly mimic of the standard annual swing.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July comes with a turn in weather conditions, especially in terms of temperature and daylight hours in
Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The minimum temperature drops to a yearly low of 14.8°C (58.6°F), making this the chilliest month of the year.
Weather in July » Weather in August
With
August arrival,
Santa Cruz de la Sierra sees a reversal in the downward temperature trend. Despite this, the weather remains pleasantly mild, eventually setting the stage for the year's onset of the warmer months. The lowest rainfall amount of the year subsides at 37mm (1.46"), creating an overall dry climate.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Weather in October
Traditionally infamous for its hot weather,
October amplifies the temperature change registered in
September in
Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Rainfall continues to rise, signaling the return of a wetter climate. The months proceeds with a warm and humid pattern, typical of the impending summertime.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November shares many weather characteristics with
October in
Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The rainy season continues to intensify with 143mm (5.63") of rainfall recorded this month. Meanwhile, the temperature stays stable, with averages close to those experienced in the preceding month.
Weather in November » Weather in December
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