Climate and monthly weather forecast
Potosi, Bolivia

Potosi, Bolivia, is known for its mid-latitude steppe climate, an inference derived from the Köppen climate classification of BSk. This classification suggests a relatively dryer environment with less pronounced seasonality in precipitation. Throughout the year, weather tendencies in Potosi alternate from cool to cold temperatures often paired with moderate to low rainfall.

An annual overview reveals a considerable fluctuation in temperature spanning from a lower limit of -4°C (24.8°F) in the peak of winter to a summertime high reaching 18°C (64.4°F). A fairly cold climate dominates most of the year, even in the supposed warm season. Rainfall distribution varies significantly from a maximum amount of 92mm (3.62") observed in January to a minimal amount of 1mm (0.04") during the months of June and July. Noticeably, a dramatic fall in precipitation is observed between March to April denoting the transition from the wet season to the dry season.

There is a consistent level of daylight each month, ranging from 11 hours to slightly over 13 hours, while sunshine durations extend from 6 hours to a maximum of 9 hours daily. Ultraviolet (UV) index levels maintain a high range of 8 to 12, reminding visitors and residents of the prevailing need for sun protection all year round. Uniquely, despite the dominant cool weather, the UV index remains extraordinarily high implying a subtropical sun intensity in Potosi.

Acknowledging the varied weather conditions, the optimum point of visitation aligns with the warmer and drier period from April to October. This stretch records minimal rainfall with levels not exceeding 13mm (0.51"), practically signifying dry conditions. The UV index is slightly lower than in other months, thus reducing the risk of sunburn while still necessitating sunblock measures. Sunshine hours reach an optimum period providing ample daylight for sightseeing and exploration. Temperatures during these months sway between a bearable range of 14°C (57.2°F) to 18°C (64.4°F), ensuring relative comfort albeit with cool thermal conditions.

The least conducive period for visitation orbits around the wet season, from November to March, where significant rainfall amounts swing from 38mm (1.5") to a maximum of 92mm (3.62"). During this wet phase, daily temperatures often plunge down to 3°C (37.4°F) to 2°C (35.6°F), accompanied by the high UV index, making outdoor activities less comfortable and somewhat challenging.

Springtime, from September to November, witnesses a gradual increase in temperature from a high of 16°C (60.8°F) to 18°C (64.4°F) and lows rising from -1°C (30.2°F) to 3°C (37.4°F). Rainfall begins to rise significantly in November, reaching 38mm (1.5"), signaling the onset of the wet season. However, sunshine hours are abundant averaging 8 hours daily, complemented by daylight extending from 12 hours to 13.3 hours. The UV index at this time, however, reaches its maximum, necessitating stringent sun protection measures.

December to February denotes the summer period in Potosi. Temperature highs shift between 17°C (62.6°F) to 18°C (64.4°F), whereas lows range from 0°C (32°F) to 3°C (37.4°F). Rainfall is significantly boosted this season, plateauing at a substantial 92mm (3.62") in January. Correspondingly, the number of rainfall days expands to between 14 and 17 days, augmenting the wet conditions. Daylight extends above 13 hours, providing sufficient illumination despite gloomier days. UV index levels persist at maximum levels of 12, underscoring the intensity of solar radiation even amid the rainy season.

March to May in Potosi indicates the arrival of autumn. During these months, temperature highs oscillate between 16°C (60.8°F) to 15°C (59°F) with lows fluctuating from 2°C (35.6°F) to -2°C (28.4°F). There is a drastic drop in rainfall as autumn progresses, shifting from 55mm (2.17") in March to a mere 3mm (0.12") by May, marking the transition from the wet to the dry season. Daylight lasts between 12.2 hours to 11.2 hours, combined with an equivalent decrease in sunshine hours from 7 to 9 hours. Nonetheless, the UV index remains elevated between 9 to 12, urging the need for UV protection.

June through August unveils the winter period. This season captures lowest temperatures with daily highs dropping to 14°C (57.2°F) and lows sinking to a chilly -4°C (24.8°F), highlighting the coolest month in the annual timeline. Rainfall is minimally received, recording meager amounts of 1mm (0.04"), thus exacerbating the dry, cold conditions. The span of daylight retracts to 11 hours but begins to extend by late August. On a brighter note, sunshine hours reach their peak at 9 hours, offering a consoling balance to the cold conditions. The UV index, however, persists at relatively high levels, projecting the continual need for sun protection even in the heart of winter.

January's weather in Potosi, Bolivia, offers some of the year's most extended daylight hours, giving locals and visitors plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors. As one of the warmer months, the temperature begins to rise, paving the way for pleasant, sunny days. Weather in January »

The February climate in Potosi, Bolivia, proceeds similarly to January, reflecting minor decreases in temperature, daylight, and rainfall. Despite these slight changes, the overall weather remains stable, with no significant change in the overall conditions. Weather in February »

March is the doorway to Potosi's changing weather - a transition from a rainy, humid February to a drier, slightly cooler April. The city's rainfall undergoes a significant reduction from 86mm (3.39") to 55mm (2.17"), a characteristic shift signifying the end of the wet season. Weather in March »

As April unfolds in Potosi, Bolivia, it brings the year's most drastic decrease in precipitation, from 55mm (2.17") in March to a minuscule 13mm (0.51"). This change sets the stage for the following months’ dry and clear weather conditions. Weather in April »

May offers a significant shift in Potosi's weather with signs of the ever-approaching winter. The reduction in rainfall continues, dropping to a low 3mm (0.12"), marking the onset of the driest part of the year. The decrease in temperature becomes noticeable, with morning and night becoming increasingly colder. Weather in May »

Potosi's climate in June exhibits signs of Bolivian winter, with temperature and rainfall at their lowest points. Moreover, the continuation of dry weather with a scanty rainfall of 1mm (0.04") makes June the driest month of the year. Weather in June »

July in Potosi brings crisp weather, coupled with a continuation of the dry season. The city experiences consistently low temperatures, with frost a common occurrence on clearer nights. The rainfall remains static at 1mm (0.04"), reiterating the city's driest period. Weather in July »

August in Potosi, Bolivia, is the transition point from the driest period toward slightly rainier days, with rainfall increasing to 3mm (0.12"). This month promises warmer days, but nights continue to be cold. Yet the change is subtle as the city drafts from the winter season to spring. Weather in August »

September weather in Potosi marks the exit of winter, as temperatures begin to rise. The rainfall sees a noticeable increase, tripling from 3mm (0.12") in August to 10mm (0.39"), indicating the initiation of the wet season. The climate starts getting milder, and the increased daylight hours highlight this transition. Weather in September »

October continues the trend of increasing temperatures and rainfall in Potosi, Bolivia, reaching a noteworthy high of 18°C (64.4°F). It signifies Potosí's transition into the warm season, characterized by steadily rising temperatures and precipitation. Weather in October »

The last month of the spring, November, is comfortable month in Potosi, Bolivia, with an average temperature varying between 18°C (64.4°F) and 2°C (35.6°F). In Potosi, the warmest months are October and November, registering an average high-temperature of 18°C (64.4°F). Weather in November »

December carries forward the increased rainfall from November to reach a yearly high of 75mm (2.95"), heralding the onset of the rainy season in Potosi, Bolivia. Despite the increase in precipitation, the temperature remains steady, with cool evenings and warm days. Weather in December »