Climate and monthly weather forecast
Riohacha, Colombia

Located in northern Colombia on the Caribbean coast, Riohacha experiences a tropical savanna climate, recognized in the Köppen climate classification as 'Aw'. This prevalent climate type is typically characterized by consistent high temperatures and significant shifts in rainfall throughout the year.

Temperature variations in Riohacha are relatively minor with average highs hovering around 32°C (89.6°F) to 34.8°C (94.6°F) and lows gravitating from 21.8°C (71.2°F) to 25.3°C (77.5°F). This stability of temperatures means Riohacha does not encounter conventional seasons, rather, its climatic patterns are primarily influenced by rainfall.

Relative humidity levels remain fairly stable year-round despite the fluctuations in precipitation, with percentages ranging from 66% to 79% monthly. This indicates the air often maintains a certain level of moisture, contributing to the tropical feel of the area.

Rainfall displays a much more distinct pattern, peaking significantly in October with an average of 143mm (5.63") over ten days. The rainiest period extends from May to November receiving over 90mm (3.54") precipitation per month, contributing majorly to the 'wet season'. The 'dry season' prevails from December to April, with a marked decrease in precipitation.

The daylight hours exhibit a slim variation from 11.5 hours to 12.8 hours throughout the year, offering generous times to be outdoors. Accordingly, the average sunshine hours range from 6.2 hours to 8 hours, ensuring bright and sunny days irrespective of the month.

Considering Riohacha's tropical savannah climate and its impact on temperature and rainfall, the most comfortable and enjoyable period for visiting the city would be during the 'dry season.' This spans from December to April, and during this period, the city sees the least amount of rainfall, typically 1mm (0.04") to 26mm (1.02") monthly. The temperatures are also pleasant with highs floating around 32°C (89.6°F) to 33.2°C (91.8°F) and lows between 21.8°C (71.2°F) and 24.8°C (76.6°F). The genial weather and lower precipitation make this period ideal for outdoor activities and exploration.

The 'wet season' which spans from May to November may pose some challenges for visitors due to the increased rainfall. Especially during the peak in October, where precipitation levels reach up to 143mm (5.63"), widespread over ten days. The temperatures remain warm, ranging from 32.1°C (89.8°F) to 34.8°C (94.6°F), but the heightened humidity, due to the increased rainfall, could make it feel much warmer. Therefore, for those not accustomed to tropical heat and humidity, this period might not be the most pleasant for visitation.

Although Riohacha lacks the traditional four seasons due to its tropical Savannah climate, for the purpose of comparing global seasonal norms, lets consider March, April, and May as 'Spring.' During these months, temperatures remain consistently warm with highs from 32.5°C (90.5°F) to 34.2°C (93.6°F) and lows varying between 22.9°C (73.2°F) to 24.8°C (76.6°F). Rainfall begins to increase, especially in May with 76mm (2.99") precipitation, marking the onset of the 'wet season.' The city also enjoys approximately 7.6 to 7.7 hours of sunshine during these months.

'Summer' months in Riohacha, from June to August, are characterized by high temperatures averaging from 34.2°C (93.6°F) to 34.8°C (94.6°F), and lows averaging from 25°C (77°F) to 25.3°C (77.5°F). The months also denote the 'wet season,' with rainfall increasing from 37mm (1.46") in June to a peak of 52mm (2.05") in August. Despite the showers, sunshine is still aplenty, with an average of 7.5 to 8 hours per day.

The period from September to November, termed as 'Autumn,' in Riohacha sees the continuation of the 'wet season,' with rainfall particularly heavy in October at 143mm (5.63"). Temperatures still remain high with averages from 32.4°C (90.3°F) to 33.4°C (92.1°F) for highs and 23.7°C (74.7°F) to 24.4°C (75.9°F) for lows. Sunshine hours decrease slightly with an average of 6.6 hours to 6.8 hours per day.

During 'Winter,' from December to February, the 'dry season' takes effect in Riohacha, with a significant drop in rainfall to a low of 1mm (0.04") in January. Temperatures remain consistently warm, with highs ranging from 32.3°C (90.1°F) to 32.4°C (90.3°F) and lows varying between 21.8°C (71.2°F) and 22.9°C (73.2°F). This period also receives about 7.7 to 8.4 hours of sunshine daily, making it a great time for outdoor activities and exploration.

January in Riohacha, Colombia, marks the beginning of the calendar year with warm weather and a mild atmosphere. The average high and low temperatures, respectively, range from 32.4°C (90.3°F) to 21.8°C (71.2°F), providing a comfortable climate. Weather in January »

Transitioning into the second month, February continues to flourish under similar weather conditions, retaining almost the same temperatures. The City of Riohacha witnesses a minor increase in rainfall, a meager 1mm (0.04"). The days enjoy an average of 11.8 hours of daylight and an average of 8.2 hours of sunshine. Weather in February »

March marks a significant climatic change in Riohacha as temperatures slightly rise. Even with the taking place of a modest increase in precipitation this month at 3mm (0.12") as compared to February. The city experiences an average of 12.1 hours of daylight and less sunshine at 7.6 hours. Weather in March »

Weather-wise, April in Riohacha brings about notable changes. Temperatures rise further, and a substantial increase in rainfall, standing at 26mm (1.02"), is recorded. Despite the increase in rain, the city relishes 12.4 hours of daylight but lesser sunshine hours. Weather in April »

May brings the considerable onset of the wet season for the city of Riohacha, Colombia. There is a substantial increase in rainfall, with the total precipitation amounting to 76mm (2.99"). The daylight lengthens marginally to 12.7 hours, while the sunshine hours reduce. Weather in May »

June presents a significant drop in rainfall in Riohacha, despite being a part of the wet season. The average high and low temperatures remain marginally stable, creating a comfortable climate. The city gets bathed in sunlight for longer hours in comparison to May, with 12.8 hours of daylight and 7.7 hours of sunshine. Weather in June »

In July, Riohacha continues on the trend of stable temperature levels, resonating with June. The city experiences a considerable decrease in precipitation, settling at 16mm (0.63"), with fewer rainy days. Riohacha remains bathed in light for 12.7 hours, and the sunshine registers for 8 hours. Weather in July »

August experiences an unexpected increase in rainfall in Riohacha, a total of 52mm (2.05"), reversing the decreasing trend observed since June. The temperature remains analogous to June and July, providing continuity in terms of warmth. Weather in August »

As the year advances forward to September in Riohacha, Colombia, there is a significant increase in rainfall, hitting a high of 116mm (4.57") for the year. The temperature remains stable, in line with the preceding months. The daylight reduces to 12.2 hours while the sunshine hours fall slightly. Weather in September »

October in Riohacha brings the highest rainfall with 143mm (5.63") over 10 days, setting the height of the monsoon season. The decrease in temperatures compared to September isn't significant, hence maintaining the warmth. The daylight shortens to 11.9 hours, and the sunshine hours stay relatively stable. Weather in October »

November in Riohacha signifies the receding of the monsoon, with rainfall dropping drastically to 59mm (2.32"). The average temperatures of the city experience minor changes from those seen in October. The daylight sees a minor reduction of 0.3 hours from October. Weather in November »

Celebrating the end of the year, December in Riohacha, Colombia, witnesses a significant dip in rainfall, plummeting to 17mm (0.67"). The overall temperature sees a slight decrease compared to November. Considering sunlight, the city enjoys 11.5 hours of daylight and 7.7 hours of sunshine. Weather in December »