The climate of Coyhaique
Coyhaique, found in the maritime southern region of
Chile, is characterized by a particular Marine west coast climate, classified as Cfc in the widely recognized Köppen climate classification. This classification is particularly characterized by a cool summer and ample precipitation throughout the year.
In Coyhaique, the weather display is quite diverse ranging from temperatures as low as -3.2°C (26.2°F) to highs of 15.2°C (59.4°F). Alongside such temperature contrasts, a rather distinctive weather footprint arises - a persistent high relative humidity, reaching up to 93%. Low visibility of merely 6km (3.7mi) is not unusual, especially during the winter months, further intensified by the high cloud cover of up to 66%.
Undeniably, rainfall is a major marker of Coyhaique’s climate. Going through the cycle of the year, the rainfall volume peaks from 98mm (3.86") in
May to 112mm (4.41") in
June, and tapers off thereafter. But it's an almost year-round phenomenon with a few dry spells. Reflective of this rainy climate, the number of rainy days follows a similar pattern, registering maximum in
August with 18.4 days.
The best time to visit Coyhaique
Given the region's unique weather conditions, it does make it a bit complex for pinpoint the ideal time to visit
Coyhaique. However, for those most comfortable with milder temperatures and less rainfall, the months from
October to
December could provide the most enjoyable experience. The city experiences moderate temperatures ranging from 6.5°C (43.7°F) to 13.7°C (56.7°F), with relative humidity dropping to 79%. Moreover, sunshine hours peak at 10.2 hours in December, making day-long excursions more pleasant.
The worst time to visit Coyhaique
Venturing into
Coyhaique becomes particularly challenging during the cold winter months. From
May to
August, average high temperatures dip below 10°C (50°F), sometimes dropping to a chilly -3.2°C (26.2°F). The rate of rainfall escalates, along with a drastic increase in snowy days, hitting the peak of 8.8 days in
July. With limited daylight hours, heavy cloud cover, and a high relative humidity of up to 93%, winter is decidedly a harsh period in this city, so it's certainly not the most suitable period for visiting.
Spring weather in Coyhaique
Spring kicks off in
September in
Coyhaique, with temperatures rising from 6.5°C (43.7°F) to 13°C (55.4°F) by
November. The rainfall volume reduces to a more tolerable level, averaging 53mm (2.09") in November. Daylight hours also progressively increase from 11.8 in September to 14.9 in November, extending much-enjoyed daylight for outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Coyhaique
Summers see
Coyhaique's temperatures gradually climb to a high of 15.2°C (59.4°F), while the nights remain cool throughout the season. The overall climate, however, stays relatively wet, with rainfall averages hitting 45mm (1.77") as early as
February. The season is characteristically marked by extending daylight hours, reaching up to 15.6 hours towards the end of
December.
Autumn weather in Coyhaique
During autumn,
Coyhaique experiences a slow and steady fall in temperatures, with figures dropping from 15.2°C (59.4°F) in
March to 9.4°C (48.9°F) in
May. Autumn also signals the start of increasing rainfall that peaks at 98mm (3.86") in May. The daylight hours, by this time, would have reduced to 10.8 hours placing an early end to daytime activities.
Winter weather in Coyhaique
Winter grips
Coyhaique from
June, bringing along an intensified cold front, with temperatures averaging from 6.5°C (43.7°F) in June to 2.6°C (36.7°F) by
July. The city also witnesses a considerable increase in snowfall from 69mm (2.72") in June to 169mm (6.65") in July. This period also sees the relative humidity climb to its highest of up to 93%, typically making this the harshest time in Coyhaique.
Weather in January
Coyhaique,
Chile starts the year off with a mild and damp spell. The average high temperature of 14.9°C (58.8°F) and low temperature of 5°C (41°F) creates an environment that is neither freezing cold nor excessively hot.
January weather patterns show a moderate level of rainfall, falling over 16.3 days and bringing a total of 43mm (1.69") of precipitation.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As we move to
February,
Coyhaique continues to experience subtropical weather conditions. With the month experiencing similar temperature and weather characteristics to
January, the city sees a minimal rise in both maximum and minimum temperature, centered about 15.2°C (59.4°F) and 4.9°C (40.8°F) respectively.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings the arrival of autumn in
Coyhaique, with the month witnessing a downturn in temperature and a subsequent uptick in humidity. Average high temperatures chart a decrease to 13°C (55.4°F), while lows maintain a steady cool at 4.1°C (39.4°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings with it a turn in
Coyhaique’s weather, moving away from subtropical temperatures towards a colder and wetter season. The shift in temperature becomes unmistakable with the recording of high and low averages at 9.8°C (49.6°F) and 2.6°C (36.7°F).
Weather in April » Weather in May
Variability defines the weather in
May in
Coyhaique as the city now fully embarks on its winter journey. High and low temperatures rest at 6.3°C (43.3°F) and 0.8°C (33.4°F), contributing to an increasingly cold environment. Additionally, May's weather sees the first notable snowfall of the year, with 4mm (0.16") falling over 0.6 days.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Winter weather in
June presents a stark contrast to the mild conditions earlier in the year in
Coyhaique. The appearance of snow becomes pronounced in June as the city sees a substantial leap to 69mm (2.72") of snowfall over 4.8 days.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Coyhaique sees the weather shift further towards the colder end of the spectrum. As evidenced by the increased snowfall tallying up to 169mm (6.65") over 8.8 days, winter conditions intensify. July's maximum and minimum temperatures reach 2.6°C (36.7°F) and -3.2°C (26.2°F), adding to the overall chill.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August signals a gradual winding down of the severe winter conditions
Coyhaique experiences in
July. Snow begins to recede in August, decreasing to 110mm (4.33") over a period of 5.8 days. The city experiences a slight rise in temperature, with averages recorded at 3.9°C (39°F) and -1.8°C (28.8°F) for the high and low categories respectively.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September, the milder spring climate becomes observably clear in
Coyhaique with the steady decrease in snowfall and climbing temperatures. Snowfall in September sees a significant drop to 44mm (1.73") over 3.5 days. Concurrently, the recorded high and low temperature average sees a betterment to 6.5°C (43.7°F) and -0.6°C (30.9°F) signifying a shift towards a warmer spell of weather.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings a distinct spring-like feel to
Coyhaique as snow gives way to rain, and temperature starts to climb significantly. Scarcely accumulated, the remaining snowfall records at 25mm (0.98") spread across 2.5 days. Meanwhile, the fluctuation in temperature continues to show a trend towards warming, as highs reach 9.4°C (48.9°F) while lows settle at 0.8°C (33.4°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
As summer rounds the corner,
November brings an uptick in temperatures and a return to pre-winter weather models in
Coyhaique. The temperature range jumps significantly, averaging between a high of 11.5°C (52.7°F) and a low of 2.1°C (35.8°F).
Weather in November »Weather in December
Closing out the year,
December brings the arrival of summer in full swing to
Coyhaique. Notable are the high temperatures ranging from 13.7°C (56.7°F) down to 4.1°C (39.4°F) serving as an indicator of the season. December's remaining snowfall finally becomes inconspicuous, with a near-negligible 1mm (0.04") falling over 0.5 days.
Weather in December » [Resources]