The climate of Uyuni
Uyuni,
Bolivia is positioned in a zone characterized by a mid-latitude steppe climate according to the Köppen climate classification. The locale is labeled as BSk, denoting a significant influence of semi-arid conditions, with relatively short, dry summers and substantial temperature variations throughout the year.
A glance through the data reveals the high temperature diversity that Uyuni experiences. High temperatures remain relatively consistent throughout the year, oscillating between 10.8°C (51.4°F) in
July to 19.5°C (67.1°F) in
November. At the other end of the spectrum, low temperatures reach their peak at -1.1°C (30°F) in July, contrasting with a toasty 9.3°C (48.7°F) in
February and
December.
Humidity relative follows its rhythm, having a peak of 53% in February and a trough of 24% in
October. Rainfall follows a peculiar trend, with
January claiming the most rainfall of 105mm (4.13"), and
June reporting no rainfall. This trend is reflected in number of rainfall days, which hovers around 20 days in January but drastically reduces to almost zero in June.
Glimmers of snowfall are noticeable, but primarily from June to
September with the highest snowfall of 15mm (0.59") in July. This subtle presence of snowy weather is aligned with the relatively low daylight averages of 10.9 hours in June to 13.4 hours in December. The UV index stays generally moderate, hovering at 4 from January to
March and October to December, while it drops slightly to 3 from
April to September.
The best time to visit Uyuni
The most opportune time to visit
Uyuni is from
April to
October, when the weather is characteristically dry and conditions for outdoor pursuits are at their best. Despite lower temperatures, particularly from
June to
August, the sunshine duration is generous, averaging above 9 hours per day, and the UV index hovers around a moderate 3, allowing ample opportunity for exploring Uyuni’s magnificent landscapes without excessive heat. Furthermore, rainfall is a minimum during these months, with June and
July almost devoid of rainfall.
The worst time to visit Uyuni
Visiting
Uyuni during the first quarter of the year, particularly from
January to
March, is not generally recommended. This period marks the height of the rainy season, exhibiting the highest rainfall amounts and number of rainfall days. High temperatures can reach up to 19.2°C (66.6°F) in
December and 18°C (64.4°F) in January, which combined with high humidity levels, can cause discomfort.
Spring weather in Uyuni
Spring in
Uyuni, spanning from
September to
November, sees a rousing rise in temperatures with highs between 13°C (55.4°F) in September and 19.5°C (67.1°F) in November. The low temperatures follow a similar trajectory, increasing from 2.2°C (36°F) to 7.2°C (45°F). Rainfall remains at practical minimum levels during this period, with a slight increase to 19mm (0.75") in November.
Summer weather in Uyuni
The summer months of
December to
February sees the climatic conditions turning a bit extreme. High temperatures revolve around 19°C (66.2°F), while lows settle between 9.1°C (48.4°F) to 9.3°C (48.7°F). Rainfall steals the limelight with a dramatic increase, reaching its peak in
January with 105mm (4.13").
Autumn weather in Uyuni
Autumn in
Uyuni, encompassing
March to
May, is characterized by a gradual drop in temperatures from highs of 17.7°C (63.9°F) in March to lows of 1.4°C (34.5°F) in May. Rainfall too follows a similar pattern, dwindling from 41mm (1.61") in March to barely 2mm (0.08") in May.
Winter weather in Uyuni
Winter, from
June to
August, is a relatively dry season in
Uyuni with negligible rainfall. Cold conditions prevail, with temperatures falling to -1.1°C (30°F) in
July. Nevertheless, the winter months see increased daylight duration, from the annual lowest of 10.9 hours in June, incrementing to 11.4 hours by August.
Weather in January
The new year in
Uyuni,
Bolivia, drifts in under a blanket of cloud cover with diminished sunshine.
January witnesses the most rainfall in the year with 105mm (4.13") precipitation recorded across 20.3 days. There is a distinct increase in relative humidity, caused multifactorially by rain and less average daily sunshine.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Following the downpour of
January,
February lightens up with a drop in rainfall to 85mm (3.35"). Seasonal transformation from January to February is evident in the increased sunshine days. Quenching the thirst from the sky diminishes leading to a drier climate.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Characterizing the advent of autumn in
Uyuni,
March experiences a transition into drier conditions. The rapid decline in rainfall, from 85mm (3.35") in
February to 41mm (1.61"), signals the oncoming of the drier months. While autumn paints the day with hues of a softer sun, soothing winds continue their rhythmic sway.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Uyuni signifies a shift to substantially drier and less humid conditions compared to the preceding months. The city virtually dries up with only 11mm (0.43") rainfall registered, a significant plunge from 41mm (1.61") in
March.
Weather in April » Weather in May
A hint of winter seeps into
May in
Uyuni, noticeable in the dropping temperatures and the introducing of snowfall. The trend of declining rainfall from
April further plummets with a meagre 2mm (0.08") average. It also steps into the stage of most abundant sunshine days, offering ample opportunity for sightseeing.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June is marked as the coldest month with minimum temperatures dipping to -0.3°C (31.5°F) on average. The precipitation lessens to nominal, with the landscape hardly feeling a drop from the sky. Relative humidity is at its yearly lowest due to dearth of rainfall, a feature that renders comfort.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Compared to
June's cold austerity,
July paints a slightly warmer picture with the average minimum temperature rising to -1.1°C (30°F). July witnesses maximum snowfall, with 15mm (0.59") registered, offering a spectral white panorama.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August beckons a mild retreat of cold, with an average temperature rise to -0.2°C (31.6°F). Notably, the absolute discontinuation of rainfall, observed from
June to August, contributes to it being the driest phase. The wind intensity is slightly magnified compared to
July, providing respite from the warm afternoons.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September strikes a harmonious balance in weather as
Uyuni transitions towards the warmth of spring. Following a dry spell, a mild resurgence of rainfall brings hyper-localized showers. Humidity remains relatively low, and fresh gusts of wind signal the change of season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Uyuni mildly escalates the heat, as reflected in the average high temperature rising to 17.8°C (64°F). The slight increase in rainfall does not deter the conditions from being considered dry. A gradual increase in daylight hours concurrently aligns with increased sunshine hours.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November experiences a progressive rise in temperature with the average high reaching 19.5°C (67.1°F). An escalation in rainfall to 19mm (0.75") provides relief from the otherwise dry conditions. Even with the increase in rainfall, sunshine days remain plentiful, limiting any disturbance to outdoor activities.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December, the door to the rainy season, encounters a further rise in rainfall to 63mm (2.48"). A slight dip in average high temperature to 19.2°C (66.6°F) introduces a subtle chill in the air. Daylight hours increase to their peak, ensuing an extended period of exploration under the sun.
Weather in December » [Resources]