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Contents
- The climate of Calama
- The best time to visit Calama
- The worst time to visit Calama
- Spring weather in Calama
- Summer weather in Calama
- Autumn weather in Calama
- Winter weather in Calama
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
The climate of Calama
Calama, a city nestled in the Atacama Desert, endures the BWk, or mid-latitude desert climate, as characterized by the Köppen climate classification. This type of climate manifests in seasonal amplitude with minimal precipitation and a significant variation in diurnal temperatures.
With a highest average temperature of 24.1°C (75.4°F) and a lowest average of 6°C (42.8°F), Calama's weather exhibits the desert's typical thermal irregularity. Daylight varies insignificantly, fluctuating between 10.8 hours in the winter and 13.5 hours in the summer months. A considerable sunlight abundance throughout the year, with 9.7 to 10 hours of sunshine daily, substantiates the desert climate prominently.
Another defining feature of Calama's climate is the remarkably low rainfall, with the highest monthly average being a mere 3mm (0.12"). When rainfall does occur, it happens infrequently and is concentrated between January and March. Coinciding with this, relative humidity reaches its peak at 50%, only to fall to a mere 20% later in the year.
Notable, is the lack of snowfall in Calama, making it a standout from other mid-latitude desert climates that often experience low-intensity winter snow. Wind speeds moderately vary from 10km/h (6.2mph) to 12.8km/h (8mph), with gusts up to 19.4km/h (12.1mph) recorded, putting a characteristic desert wind into Calama’s weather portfolio.
With a highest average temperature of 24.1°C (75.4°F) and a lowest average of 6°C (42.8°F), Calama's weather exhibits the desert's typical thermal irregularity. Daylight varies insignificantly, fluctuating between 10.8 hours in the winter and 13.5 hours in the summer months. A considerable sunlight abundance throughout the year, with 9.7 to 10 hours of sunshine daily, substantiates the desert climate prominently.
Another defining feature of Calama's climate is the remarkably low rainfall, with the highest monthly average being a mere 3mm (0.12"). When rainfall does occur, it happens infrequently and is concentrated between January and March. Coinciding with this, relative humidity reaches its peak at 50%, only to fall to a mere 20% later in the year.
Notable, is the lack of snowfall in Calama, making it a standout from other mid-latitude desert climates that often experience low-intensity winter snow. Wind speeds moderately vary from 10km/h (6.2mph) to 12.8km/h (8mph), with gusts up to 19.4km/h (12.1mph) recorded, putting a characteristic desert wind into Calama’s weather portfolio.
The best time to visit Calama
Taking into account the monthly average temperature fluctuations, the optimal time to visit Calama spans from March to May. During these months, daily high temperatures range from 20.2°C (68.4°F) to 23.8°C (74.8°F), offering amicable sightseeing conditions. Additionally, the lower precipitation rates and sunshine duration exceeding 9.7 hours daily, contribute to favorable outdoor venture conditions. The UV index is lower at this time, indicating a safer sun exposure compared to other months.
The worst time to visit Calama
The months from June to August present the most challenging weather conditions. The average daily low temperatures can drop to a chilly 6°C (42.8°F), further accompanied by a nearly nonexistent rainfall, which exacerbates the aridity. The humidity during this period also reaches its lowest values, adding to the overall dry conditions.
Spring weather in Calama
September to November signifies spring in Calama. This period is characterized by warming temperatures, with the November average high hitting 23.3°C (73.9°F). However, the desert night's cool significantly bringing the average lows down to between 6.7°C (44.1°F) and 8.9°C (48°F). Rain is practically non-existent during this period, and sunshine prevails for about 9 hours almost every day. This season experiences moderate wind speeds averaging 12.2km/h (7.6mph) to 12.6km/h (7.8mph).
Summer weather in Calama
Calama's summer falls between December and February, shining with average high temperatures ranging from 23.3°C (73.9°F) to 24.1°C (75.4°F). Noticeably, the nights retain some of the desert chill with lows averaging from 9.8°C (49.6°F) to 12.2°C (54°F). Sunshine is generous during these months, with nearly 9.9 hours enjoyed each day. Despite it being summer, rainfall remains at a minimum with only 3mm (0.12") recorded in January and February.
Autumn weather in Calama
During the autumn months of March, April, and May, temperatures cool down to an average high between 20.2°C (68.4°F) and 23.8°C (74.8°F) and an average low fluctuating from 6.7°C (44.1°F) to 9.3°C (48.7°F). Unlike most regions, Calama's rainfall doesn't increase in the autumn, maintaining a low average of 1mm (0.04") throughout. Sunshine hours remain consistent at around 9.8 to 10 hours daily.
Winter weather in Calama
Winter, arriving in Calama from June to August, is the epitome of the desert cold with average low temperatures dropping to 6°C (42.8°F). However, the winter days do heat up, with highs averaging 18.7°C (65.7°F) to 20.3°C (68.5°F). Rainfall during this season is the scarcest, scarcely surpassing 1mm (0.04"), while the sunshine continues unabated with about 9.8 hours daily.
Weather in January
Starting the year on a pleasant note, the weather in Calama, Chile, during this month is typically pleasant. January boasts of a setting perfect for plenty of sunshine and a lively atmosphere. Taking a closer look at the parameters, the recorded high temperature stands at 24.1°C (75.4°F), the relative humidity lies at 44%, and the town experiences 9.8 hours of sun each day. Weather in January »
Weather in February
Maintaining a similar outlook is February, with the weather in Calama leaning towards the warm side. Despite a slight drop in the highest temperature to 23.3°C (73.9°F), there isn't a major shift in the weather pattern from January. Weather in February »
Weather in March
March in Calama brings a shift in weather dynamics. Witnessing a marginal shift from the higher temperatures of February, March bestows a more relaxed atmosphere on Calama. Bright, sunny days still dominate, reflected in the extended daylight hours of 12.2 hours for most of the month. Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in Calama witnesses a noticeable shift from the warmer first quarter of the year. With the mercury marking a decline to 22.7°C (72.9°F), it offers a unique blend of warm and comforting weather. No longer abuzz with the higher temperatures of March, April introduces a fresh, cooler dynamic to the scene. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May marks the tilt towards cooler weather in Calama. The sun blazes less intensely, the heat from the previous months dissipates, and an overall much cooler ambiance prevails. Specific figures indicate that the highest temperature dips to 20.2°C (68.4°F), daylight hours are curtailed to 11 hours, and the relative humidity stands at 24%. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June brings in lower temperatures and subtle atmospheric shifts in Calama. Breaking away from the scorching temperatures at the beginning of the year, buckle up for colder days and the initial hints of frost. For clarity purposes, June records the highest temperature at 18.7°C (65.7°F) and brings only 10.8 hours of daylight to Calama. Weather in June »
Weather in July
With the peak of the cooler season upon Calama, July packs a serene and quiet atmosphere. The temperature drops to the year's low of 18.8°C (65.8°F), accompanied by a relative humidity of just 23%. However, despite the chillier days and longer nights, the warmth of Calama's spirit remains undiminished. Weather in July »
Weather in August
August ushers in a mild recoil from the extremes of the previous month. Making a faint but noticeable comeback, Calama's temperature inches back up to 20.3°C (68.5°F), instigating a return of the earlier warmth. The city stirs back into activity as the inhabitants adjust to the rising temperatures. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September celebrates Calama once again, basking under the bright Chilean sun. Marked by a higher temperature of 21.9°C (71.4°F), September reflects a significant rejuvenation from the cooler mid-year months. The winds of change blow lightly, carrying hints of a return to warmth. Weather in September »
Weather in October
Carrying on the September notions, October at Calama is a transition into the city's warm embrace once again. Further progressing from the September standards, October climatic behavior befits the city's vibrant character. By reaching a high temperature of 23.3°C (73.9°F) with the sun shining almost endlessly, the city thrives in daylight. Weather in October »
Weather in November
November sustains the reviving warmth that was established in the earlier months. As the year draws to a close, Calama's weather caps at 24.1°C (75.4°F), paving the way for an environment suited for outdoor activities. With negligible rain and vast glittering blue skies adorned minimally with clouds, the city radiates striking natural beauty. Weather in November »
Weather in December
Capping off the year, December in Calama persists with the warmth and bright sunny days. December emulates November's highest temperature of 24.1°C (75.4°F), further echoing the pleasure this Chilean city offers to its residents and rare visitors. Weather in December »
[Resources]Frequently asked questions
What are the warmest months in Calama?
Temperatures in Calama reach their maximum during January, November and December, recording an average high-temperature of 24.1°C (75.4°F).
When does it rain in Calama?
January, February, May through August are months with rainfall.
What is the wettest month in Calama?
The months with the most rainfall are January and February, with an average 3mm (0.12") of precipitation.
How much does it rain in Calama?
Throughout the year, in Calama, Chile, there are 7 rainfall days, and 10mm (0.39") of precipitation is accumulated.
When it does not snow in Calama?
In Calama, Chile, snow does not fall in January through April, June, August through December.
How many days does it snow in Calama?
Throughout the year, there are 0.3 snowfall days.
When is the highest UV index in Calama?
The months with the highest UV index in Calama are January through April, September through December, with an average maximum UV index of 5.
What is the most humid month in Calama?
With an average relative humidity of 50%, February is the most humid month in Calama, Chile.
What is the driest month in Calama?
March, April, September through December are months without rainfall.
What is the month with the most sunshine in Calama?
March, April and September, with an average of 10h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Calama?
On Sunday, 07. April 2024, at 00:00, Daylight Saving Time ends, and the time zone changes from -03 to -04. The next Daylight Saving Time starts on Sunday, 08. September 2024, at 00:00, and the time zone reverts from -04 to -03.
When does it snow in Calama?
Months with snowfall in Calama are May and July.
What are the months with the lowest UV index in Calama?
May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 4, are months with the lowest UV index.
What time of the year is the coldest in Calama?
Calama's coldest month, June, generally records average temperatures ranging from a high of 18.7°C (65.7°F) to a low of 6.8°C (44.2°F).
What is the month with the shortest days in Calama?
With an average of 10h and 48min of daylight, June has the shortest days of the year.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Calama?
June has the least sunshine of the year in Calama, with an average of 9.7h of sunshine.
When does it snow the most in Calama?
July has the most snowfall days of the year in Calama. Snow falls for 0.2 days.
What is the least humid month in Calama?
The least humid month is August, with an average relative humidity of 20%.
When are the longest days in Calama?
With an average of 13h and 30min of daylight, December has the longest days of the year.
Average temperature
Calama, Chile
The warmest months (with the highest average high temperature) are January, November and December (24.1°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is June (18.7°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is February (12.2°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is July (6°C).
Average pressure
Calama, Chile
- Average pressure in January:
1014mbar - Average pressure in February:
1013.8mbar - Average pressure in March:
1014.7mbar - Average pressure in April:
1016.3mbar - Average pressure in May:
1018mbar - Average pressure in June:
1018.8mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1018.9mbar - Average pressure in August:
1018.2mbar - Average pressure in September:
1017.4mbar - Average pressure in October:
1016.1mbar - Average pressure in November:
1014.8mbar - Average pressure in December:
1014mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (1018.9mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is February (1013.8mbar).
Average wind speed
Calama, Chile
- Average wind speed in January:
12.8km/h - Average wind speed in February:
12.4km/h - Average wind speed in March:
11.1km/h - Average wind speed in April:
10km/h - Average wind speed in May:
10.9km/h - Average wind speed in June:
11.3km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
11.8km/h - Average wind speed in August:
11.7km/h - Average wind speed in September:
12.2km/h - Average wind speed in October:
12.3km/h - Average wind speed in November:
12.6km/h - Average wind speed in December:
12.8km/h
The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are January and December (12.8km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is April (10km/h).
Average humidity
Calama, Chile
The month with the highest relative humidity is February (50%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is August (20%).
Average rainfall
Calama, Chile
The wettest months (with the highest rainfall) are January and February (3mm).
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are March, April, September, October, November and December (0mm).
Average rainfall days
Calama, Chile
- Average rainfall days in January:
1.8 days - Average rainfall days in February:
2.1 days - Average rainfall days in March:
0.4 days - Average rainfall days in April:
0.1 days - Average rainfall days in May:
0.4 days - Average rainfall days in June:
0.3 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
0.9 days - Average rainfall days in August:
0.2 days - Average rainfall days in September:
0.2 days - Average rainfall days in October:
0.1 days - Average rainfall days in November:
0 days - Average rainfall days in December:
0.5 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is February (2.1 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (0 days).
Average snowfall days
Calama, Chile
- Average snowfall days in January:
0 days - Average snowfall days in February:
0 days - Average snowfall days in March:
0 days - Average snowfall days in April:
0 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0.1 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0.2 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0 days - Average snowfall days in November:
0 days - Average snowfall days in December:
0 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is July (0.2 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are January, February, March, April, June, August, September, October, November and December (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Calama, Chile
- Average daylight in January:
13h and 2min - Average daylight in February:
12h and 5min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in April:
11h and 4min - Average daylight in May:
11h and 0min - Average daylight in June:
10h and 5min
- Average daylight in July:
10h and 5min - Average daylight in August:
11h and 2min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in October:
12h and 4min - Average daylight in November:
13h and 1min - Average daylight in December:
13h and 3min
The month with the longest days is December (Average daylight: 13h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 10h and 48min).
- Average sunshine in January:
9h and 5min - Average sunshine in February:
9h and 5min - Average sunshine in March:
10h and 0min - Average sunshine in April:
10h and 0min - Average sunshine in May:
9h and 5min - Average sunshine in June:
9h and 4min
- Average sunshine in July:
9h and 5min - Average sunshine in August:
9h and 5min - Average sunshine in September:
10h and 0min - Average sunshine in October:
9h and 5min - Average sunshine in November:
9h and 5min - Average sunshine in December:
9h and 5min
The months with the most sunshine are March, April and September (Average sunshine: 10h and 0min).
The month with the least sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 9h and 42min).
Average sunshine days
Calama, Chile
- Average sunshine days in January:
29.1 days - Average sunshine days in February:
25.7 days - Average sunshine days in March:
30.8 days - Average sunshine days in April:
29.9 days - Average sunshine days in May:
30.2 days - Average sunshine days in June:
29.3 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
30.1 days - Average sunshine days in August:
30.8 days - Average sunshine days in September:
29.8 days - Average sunshine days in October:
30.9 days - Average sunshine days in November:
30 days - Average sunshine days in December:
30.5 days
The month with the most sunshine days is October (30.9 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is February (25.7 days).
Average UV index
Calama, Chile
The months with the highest UV index are January, February, March, April, September, October, November and December (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 4).
Average cloud cover
Calama, Chile
The month with the most cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 14).
The months with the least cloud cover are August, September and November (Cloud cover 2).
Average visibility
Calama, Chile
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).
Calama, Chile
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