The climate of Santarem
Santarem,
Portugal, finds itself classified under the Mediterranean hot summer climate, precisely the Csa classification, according to the Köppen climate classification. Its geographical position between the Atlantic ocean and the Iberian interior contributes to a distinct set of climatological parameters, spanning a cyclical pattern of variations from month to month.
Throughout the year, average high temperatures range from 14°C (57.2°F) in winter to a peak of 31°C (87.8°F) in summer, while low temperatures vary from 6.8°C (44.2°F) to 15.8°C (60.4°F), encapsulating the Mediterranean essence of mild winters and hot summers. Relative humidity manifests a similar pattern; starting the year at its highest at 81%, it gradually decreases to reach a summer low of 62%, only to rise again towards the end of the year.
Rainfall in Santarem is moderate to high during winter months peaking at 53mm (2.09") in
November and very low during summer — a mere 3mm (0.12") from
July to
August, characteristic of the Mediterranean style wet winters and dry summers. Sunshine is abundant; however, the number of sunny days is at its best from
June to August, reaching up to around 27 days. Interestingly, wind speeds exhibit almost a steady pattern the whole year, lingering at an average of 12km/h (7.5mph).
The best time to visit Santarem
Certainly, the prime time to visit
Santarem is from
June to
August. During these summer months, the weather is at its warmest — high temperatures range from 26.8°C (80.2°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), significantly suited for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Furthermore, the relative humidity drops to its yearly low, which, combined with plenty of sunshine — an average of 11 hours per day — and minimal rainfall, offers a satisfyingly warm and sunny travel experience.
In terms of daylight,
July offers the most with approximately 14.6 hours, providing ample time for visitors to explore the city’s attractions. The UV index is relatively higher, however, so it’s advisable to be prepared with appropriate sun protection.
The worst time to visit Santarem
Based on the climatological parameters, the less desirable time for a visit to
Santarem would be during the winter, particularly from
November to
January. The temperatures are at their lowest, ranging between 7.5°C (45.5°F) and 15.1°C (59.2°F). Moreover, the area experiences increased rainfall — peaking at 53mm (2.09") in November — and a fewer number of sunny days.
The relative humidity and cloud percentage are relatively high, potentially leading to more overcast days. The sharp drop in the number of daylight hours, especially in
December with just 9.5 hours, narrows the window for outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Santarem
Spring in
Santarem faces a budding transformation from the cool, damp conditions of winter. Average high temperatures gradually rise; memories of winter slowly fading as they reach 23.8°C (74.8°F) by
May. Meanwhile, the relative humidity starts reducing and continues on a steady declining trail.
Expect rainfall values to display a fluctuating trend, peaking at 46mm (1.81") in
April and then reducing to 24mm (0.94") by May. Daylight hours constantly expand, concluding in May with a total of 14.3 hours, granting visitors extended viewing time of the stunning spring landscapes in Santarem.
Summer weather in Santarem
Summer ushers in a distinct shift in climate conditions. Characterised by hot, dry days; day temperatures would hover from 26.8°C (80.2°F) in
June to a peak of 31°C (87.8°F) in
August, while the night temperatures would fluctuate between 14.6°C (58.3°F) and 15.8°C (60.4°F). The relative humidity dips, reaching its lowest point of the year.
Rainfall hits its yearly low, reducing to an almost negligible 3mm (0.12") in both
July and August, cementing the summer’s reputation for dryness. Maximum daylight and sunshine hours prevail, with June leading the way with 14.9 daylight hours and a promising 27.3 sunny days.
Autumn weather in Santarem
Autumn in
Santarem presents a gradual transition towards the cooler conditions of winter. Temperatures begin a gradual descent, starting from 28.6°C (83.5°F) in
September and ending with 17.2°C (63°F) in
November. Night temperatures impressively maintain a narrow margin between 15.2°C (59.4°F) and 10.1°C (50.2°F). The relative humidity starts increasing, signalling the onset of the rainy season.
Precipitation levels increase notably, culminating in a yearly high of 53mm (2.09") in November. Sunshine hours and the number of sunny days decline steadily, yet maintaining a respectable high.
Winter weather in Santarem
Winter in
Santarem presents cooler conditions, marking the phase of the year with the lowest temperatures, ranging from 6.8°C (44.2°F) in
January to a maximum of 15.1°C (59.2°F) in
December. Nights can get relatively chilly, with temperatures hovering around the 7°C (44.6°F) mark.
Higher humidity levels, consistently around 78%, pervade the season. Rainfall surges during winter reaching up to 42mm (1.65") in December. While sunshine is still in abundance, the overall number of sunny days and daylight hours shrinks, reaching a year’s low in December and January, respectively. Although wind speeds display minimal variation, the gust speeds are at their peak during this season, reaching up to 19.3km/h (12mph) in December.
Weather in January
The new year in
Santarem,
Portugal, opens up with mild and pleasant weather. Even in the midst of winter, temperatures maintain a comfortable range, from 6.8°C (44.2°F) to 14°C (57.2°F). Rainfall is relatively high, marking
January as a wet month.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Shifting from
January,
February in
Santarem reveals a noticeable decrease in humidity from 81% to 77%, and slight increase in temperatures. The average high temperature rises modestly to 15.2°C (59.4°F), providing slightly warmer days when compared with the preceding month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The arrival of
March in
Santarem brings early signs of spring. The weather shifts towards a warmer landscape, the average maximum temperature escalates to 17.6°C (63.7°F). With daylight hours extending, the city experiences increased sunshine.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April blooms with pleasant weather conditions in
Santarem. The temperature scale climbs further, reaching an average maximum of 19.8°C (67.6°F), indicative of the approaching summer. Distinct from
March, April experiences a significant rise in rainfall, with the city receiving approximately 46mm (1.81") of precipitation.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks an evident transition into the hot and dry season in
Santarem. Ascending temperatures reveal summer's arrival, with the average high temperature soaring to 23.8°C (74.8°F). In comparison to
April, May witnesses more than half the reduction in rainfall, thereby tipping the weather towards aridity.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Gliding into
June,
Santarem enters the full swing of the summer season. A stronger warmth grips the city as the highest temperatures peak at around 26.8°C (80.2°F). Rainfall is considerably reduced in comparison to
May, subtly shifting the weather towards aridity.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The zenith of summer in
Santarem arrives with
July. The extraordinary influence of high temperatures, reaching up to 29.8°C (85.6°F), attests to the strength of summer. A striking feature is the scanty rainfall registered this month, making it one of the driest months of the year.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August continues the trend of high temperatures in
Santarem, exceeding
July's average maximum slightly to peak at 31°C (87.8°F). In alignment with the rest of summer, minimal rainfall is noted. The extended daylight hours, paired with high temperatures, add to the city's summer charm.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As
Santarem steps into
September, a visible decrease in temperature to an average high of 28.6°C (83.5°F) signals the onset of autumn. The significant increase in rainfall from the preceding month re-introduces wet conditions.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October witnesses a further decline in the weather metrics of
Santarem. A noticeable drop in the average high temperature to 23.9°C (75°F) consolidates autumn's influence. Rainfall mounts up substantially compared to
September, making October a considerably wet month.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Approaching winter,
November in
Santarem sees continued lowering of temperatures with an average high of 17.2°C (63°F). The rise in rainfall this month, reaching a sizable 53mm (2.09"), positions November as one of the wettest months.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December ushers in the coldest month in
Santarem, with minimum temperatures dipping to 7.5°C (45.5°F). While temperature drops, a decrease in rainfall contrasts
November's wet conditions. The shortened daylight hours align with the winter solstice, offering limited sunshine.
Weather in December » [Resources]