The climate of Retalhuleu
Retalhuleu, a city located in
Guatemala, exhibits a climate that is primarily classified as Aw by the Köppen climate classification. This reveals that the predominate climate is Tropical wet and dry or savanna. This translates to two significant seasons within the city every year: a dry season and a wet season. The temperatures fluctuate between 24°C (75.2°F) to 32°C (89.6°F) throughout the year showing limited variation in temperature.
The influence of the tropical savanna climate manifests itself in the rainfall patterns, with some months witnessing considerably more rainfall than others. The maximum rainfall measures at an impressive 460mm (18.11"), typically observed in the month of
September. Notably, the months of
May to
October show significant rainfall, with each month recording over 200mm (7.87") on average. In contrast, the dry months, which include
February,
December and
January, receive less than 50mm (1.97") of rainfall, creating a stark contrast between the seasons.
Hence, Retalhuleu experiences a substantial shift in weather conditions between the rainy and the dry seasons. Additionally, the city also experiences generous amounts of sunlight throughout the year, with daylight hours varying from 11.3 to 13 over the yearly cycle.
The best time to visit Retalhuleu
Based on the weather conditions, the best time to visit
Retalhuleu would be during the months from
December to
February. During these months, the city reports the least amount of rainfall, making it the ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing without interruptions from rainfall. Furthermore, the temperatures remain consistently warm, averaging between 24°C (75.2°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), providing pleasant conditions for visitors.
The worst time to visit Retalhuleu
On the other hand, the worst time to visit
Retalhuleu would arguably be during the months with the highest rainfall. This includes the period from
May to
October with rainfall ranging from 200mm (7.87") to 460mm (18.11"), increasing the chances of flood-like conditions and disrupting travel plans. Additionally, the temperatures are slightly higher during these months, adding humidity to the mix.
Spring weather in Retalhuleu
Although the concept of spring is not traditionally recognized in tropical climates, the months of
March and
April can be considered as the spring months for the purpose of climate analysis. During these months,
Retalhuleu experiences temperatures ranging from 26°C (78.8°F) to 32°C (89.6°F). Rainfall begins to increase during this period but remains manageable, ranging from 50mm (1.97") to 80mm (3.15").
Summer weather in Retalhuleu
Again, as with tropical climates, the concept of summer is not universally applicable, but for comparison purposes, the months from
May to
August can be labeled as summer months. Here, temperatures continue to hover around the 30°C (86°F) mark. However, rainfall magnifies considerably, especially towards
July and August, when rainfall averages 360mm (14.17") to 380mm (14.96").
Autumn weather in Retalhuleu
Retalhuleu's "autumn" months,
September and
October, present the most challenging weather conditions. Rainfall hits its peak with 460mm (18.11") recorded in September and a significant 360mm (14.17") in October. The temperatures continue to stay within the range of 24°C (75.2°F) to 29°C (84.2°F).
Winter weather in Retalhuleu
The winter months, interpreted as
November,
December, and
January, bring relief from the heavy rainfall of the preceding months. With temperatures averaging between 24°C (75.2°F) to 31°C (87.8°F) and a significant drop in rainfall to 50mm (1.97"), these months create a marked shift from the earlier high-rainfall period, making it an attractive period for travel.
Weather in January
The new year in
Retalhuleu,
Guatemala unfolds with a relatively consistent tropical climate, echoing the weather conditions of late
December. Rainfall is moderately active, with an average precipitation of 50mm (1.97"). Daylight begins to gradually extend its tenure, adding a subtle enhancement to the warmth of the sun rays.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As winter gives way to spring,
February’s weather follows the established weather patterns of
January. The minimal variation between these two months provides a steady tropical climate. Interestingly, rainfall slightly decelerates to 30mm (1.18"), signalling a downturn in precipitation.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March comes with an unmistakable hint of summer heat and rainfall returns to
January’s average of 50mm (1.97"). This month represents a transitional phase, bridging the divide between the drier start of the year and the forthcoming torrents of the summer season.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April can be defined as the doorway to the imminent rainy season. The temperature hits the annual peak of 32°C (89.6°F) and daylight hours extend a touch further, yet rainfall notably escalates to 80mm (3.15"). Moving from the relatively dry conditions of
March to a month that witnesses a precipitous surge in rain, April truly signals the commencement of the summer spell in
Retalhuleu,
Guatemala.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks the real summer in
Retalhuleu,
Guatemala, with a distinct climate clinging to the trends set in by
April. Despite the slightly falling temperatures, the heat remains quite overwhelming. Rainfall becomes significantly prominent, doubling that of April and leading to an intensified 200mm (7.87") of precipitation.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June introduces a palpable shift in
Retalhuleu’s climate; it morphs into the year’s rainiest month, with rainfall figures soaring to a notable 360mm (14.17"). Even as daytime stretches its length to its yearly peak, the brilliance of the sun is veiled by persistent clouds and showers.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July weather in
Retalhuleu,
Guatemala, mirrors that of
June. Showers remain significant, marking this month as a continuation of the wettest period of the year. Rainfall measures a abundant 380mm (14.96"), attaining the annual zenith.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Coming onto
August, the weather slightly dials back from the peak rainfall of
July, but the quantity of showers remains substantial at 360mm (14.17"). The pervasive rain showers, coupled with a warm and substantive tropical climate, continue to characterise August in
Retalhuleu,
Guatemala.
Weather in August »Weather in September
In
September,
Retalhuleu bids farewell to the intense downpour phase, as it experiences its final major burst of rain. With an impressive 460mm (18.11") of precipitation, the city sees the tail-end of the wet season. A calming ambiance begins to prevail as the heavy showers start to retreat.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October introduces a significant change in
Retalhuleu's weather phenomena. The rainfall returns to
June and
August levels, averaging 360mm (14.17"), thereby bringing an end to the heightened showers of
September. While the temperature remains consistent, the evident reduction in rain begins to mark a transitional phase into the drier season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November further diminishes the wet period, as rainfall plummets to 150mm (5.91"). This significant respite from previous rainfall announces the advent of a distinctly drier period. The weather in
Retalhuleu,
Guatemala, starts to show a marked decrease in both the severity and the frequency of rain showers.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December rounds off
Retalhuleu’s dry season, witnessing a further contraction in rainfall figures to 50mm (1.97"), returning to
January and
February levels. This month ushers in an invitingly dry spell, ceasing the heavy downpours that had been a recurrent theme.
Weather in December » [Resources]