The climate of San Rafael
San Rafael annually displays features of a predominantly Tropical monsoon climate, as identified by the Köppen climatic classification (Am). The location envelops the area with high temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. A distinct trait is a dry spell within this otherwise year-long humid and wet environment.
In terms of temperatures, the year is marked by warmth, with the highest average high temperature ranging from 22.2°C (72°F) to 25.3°C (77.5°F) and the average low fluctuating from 13.7°C (56.7°F) to 16.9°C (62.4°F). It is important to note the minimal variation in these temperatures, showcasing a tropical climate characteristic. Humidity is a constant presence here, with relative humidity oscillating between 76% and 90%.
The commonality of rainfall, is linked with the tropical monsoon climate. Rainfall volumes variate between 33mm (1.3") and 444mm (17.48") each month, culminating in wet days spanning from 14.9 to 30.5 days. However, an interesting pattern is noticeable in this tropical setting. The period from
November to
April appears to be drier, with less rainfall compared to the balance year.
The best time to visit San Rafael
To ascertain the ideal time to visit
San Rafael, several weather parameters must be considered. Assuming preferences for drier conditions and more sunlight, the span from
November to
April emerges to be the preferable timeframe. Although temperatures remain consistently high throughout the year, San Rafael experiences lesser rainfall and higher sunshine hours during this time.
In April, rainfall averages at a modest 103mm (4.06"), making it a desirable time for visitors looking to partake in outdoor activities and sightseeing. The month also showcases long daylight periods of up to 12.4 hours and maximum sunshine hours recorded is 8.6 hours, allowing ample opportunity for exploration and enjoyment of natural beauty.
The worst time to visit San Rafael
It would be prudent to avoid planning a trip to
San Rafael between
May and
October owing to the substantial rainfall during these months. The highest rainfall volume occurs in October, registering a staggering 444mm (17.48"), coupled with the maximum number of wet days, touching 30.5 days. Moreover, sunshine hours are at their lowest, from 6.5 hours to 7.3 hours during these months, implying a rather cloudy environment.
July,
August and
September specifically, record high rainfall totals, hovering around 300mm (11.81") and above, making it a disadvantaged period for tourists, especially those inclined towards outdoor pursuits.
Spring weather in San Rafael
Spring in
San Rafael is witnessed from
March to
May, painted with warm temperatures consistently above 22°C (71.6°F). However, a significant shift in terms of rainfall is observed. March has an average rainfall amount of 39mm (1.54"), swiftly climbing to 103mm (4.06") by
April, and inflating further to 367mm (14.45") in May.
Humidity levels accelerate alongside rainfall, as May witnesses an average relative humidity of 86%, posing a stark difference from the 77% in March. Considering all these factors, it would be advisable for potential visitors to plan their trips in the earlier part of the Spring season.
Summer weather in San Rafael
Summer months in
San Rafael, namely
June,
July, and
August, are characterized by substantial rainfall. Average amounts veer between 271mm (10.67") in July and 352mm (13.86") in June. Accordingly, the frequency of wet days reaches a yearly high with an average of approximately 29 days in each of these months.
Despite these wet conditions, the temperature remains fairly stable, the average high falls between 23°C (73.4°F) to 23.7°C (74.7°F) and the average low between 16°C (60.8°F) to 16.9°C (62.4°F). High humidity levels, averaging at 88%, are also a defining feature of the San Rafael summer. These months are less preferable for visitation unless travelers specifically desire to experience tropical rainfall.
Autumn weather in San Rafael
The Autumn season in
San Rafael spans
September to
November. Temperature averages at this time vary little from the values seen in summer, with high temperatures ranging from 22.2°C (72°F) to 23°C (73.4°F) and low temperatures from 15.3°C (59.5°F) to 16.5°C (61.7°F).
However, a shift in rainfall pattern is observed with rainfall of 320mm (12.6") in September, progressing to a high of 444mm (17.48") in
October, but noticeably dipping to 174mm (6.85") by November. Reduction in rainfall in November might provide travelers an opportunity to visit, keeping in mind that the weather remains relatively warm and the days are still quite humid.
Winter weather in San Rafael
Winter ensues from
December to
February in
San Rafael. Temperatures remain warm, with high temperatures averaging between 22.4°C (72.3°F) to 24.3°C (75.7°F). Low temperatures range from 13.7°C (56.7°F) to 13.8°C (56.8°F), but these values are still relatively high for a winter season, owing to the tropical climate.
The months of December and
January offer a reprieve from the intensive rainfall characteristic of the preceding months. Rainfall averages drop significantly to 45mm (1.77") and 33mm (1.3") respectively. The average number of wet days also sees a reduction, dropping to 17.8 days in December. This pattern of rainfall, coupled with an average of 9 hours of sunshine every day, makes winter an ideal time for visitation.
Weather in January
San Rafael sits under a predominantly cloudy weather in
January but receives only 45mm (1.77") of precipitation. Humidity is high, making the air feel rather sticky. Moderate breezes blow over the region, alleviating the heat slightly.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
February, the weather in
San Rafael remains very similar to that of
January, registering almost identical temperature scales. There is a slight decrease in relative humidity and a palpable increase in sunshine hours when considering the previous month's conditions.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March weather in
San Rafael retains the "rainy summer" vibe, with increased warmness and comparisons to
February's conditions. The city dwells under an abundance of cloud cover, which hardly lets any significant amount of sun through.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Drastic changes get underway in
San Rafael's weather by
April as the rain intensifies remarkably into 103mm (4.06") from 39mm (1.54") in
March. The city welcomes the blooming spring with frequent drizzles, higher humidity and more cloud cover.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Following the trend set by
April,
May introduces
San Rafael to its wet season, evidenced by a rainfall of 367mm (14.45") and rainfall for 29.1 days throughout the month. As the city transitions into the rainy phases, chilly drafts of air pass through slowing down the winds.
Weather in May »Weather in June
San Rafael's weather carries over the rainy essence of
May into
June, featuring recurrent showers throughout the month. The temperatures do not fluctuate widely and stay fixed in the 23°C (73.4°F) high and the 16°C (60.8°F) low range.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Dominant characteristics defining
San Rafael's weather in
July include persistent bouts of rain, high relative humidity, and smaller sunshine windows. Despite the rainy conditions, temperatures remain constant, neither exceeding 23°C (73.4°F) nor dropping below 16°C (60.8°F) throughout the month.
Weather in July »Weather in August
Continuing
July's weather pattern,
August involves abundant rainfall accompanied by higher humidity in
San Rafael. Though the city basks in daylight for nearly half the day, actual sunshine remains elusive, owing in large part to the lingering thick clouds.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September introduces itself with further variations in
San Rafael's weather, heightening the rainfall to an impressive 320mm (12.6"). The clouds cling to the skies almost round the clock, rarely allowing a break for sunshine to slip through.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
San Rafael becomes immersed in an environment dominated by constant showers, with the rainfall reaching its pinnacle at 444mm (17.48"). The prolonged rains saturate the city's atmosphere, maintaining the highest relative humidity levels of the year at 90%.
Weather in October »Weather in November
San Rafael's weather in
November shows indications of exiting the peak rains and moderating the weather scale. Though it remains much wetter than the starting months of the year, November sees a significant decline in the rainfall metrics, stacking up to 174mm (6.85") as opposed to
October's 444mm (17.48").
Weather in November » Weather in December
December greets
San Rafael with the year's coldest temperatures, as lows drop to 14.3°C (57.7°F). Despite being the winter season, it isn't entirely dry, with a respectable amount of rain falling across 23 days. The sun diversifies its appearance a little more compared to the previous month, pushing the limit to 8 hours of sunshine.
Weather in December » [Resources]