The climate of San Carlos
The geographical situation of
San Carlos,
Chile, orients it towards a Mediterranean warm summer climate, hence its Köppen climate classification: Csb. The climate in San Carlos undergoes variations throughout the year, exhibiting prominent dichotomy generally seen in regions with Mediterranean climates. The variations that occur in each weather parameter depict a pattern that is formed by alternating seasons of wet and dry periods.
The annual high temperature in San Carlos ranges from 31.4°C (88.5°F) to 12.8°C (55°F), with the peak temperature observed in
January and lowest in
July. On the other hand, the lowest temperature swings between 13.2°C (55.8°F) and 4.5°C (40.1°F), from January to July. The city witnesses an upward movement in humidity through the year, starting with 47% in January and reaching a high of 77% in July and
August, before dipping slightly towards the end of the year. Rainfall patterns in San Carlos follow a similar trend. The year starts with a minimal precipitation of 3mm (0.12") in January, surges to 151mm (5.94") in
June and gradually subside to 12mm (0.47") by
December.
The city's relative sunshine hours oscillate from 14.3 hours in January and decrease to 9.7 hours in June, before gradually increasing towards the end of the year. The annual range of cloud cover percentage extends from 6% in the initial months of the year to 36% during the winter months of June to August. The wind speed in San Carlos alternates between 9.4km/h (5.8mph) to 7.3km/h (4.5mph) from January to
May, rises to 8.9km/h (5.5mph) in June and hovers around 8km/h (5mph) for the rest of the year.
The best time to visit San Carlos
The ideal time to explore
San Carlos is during the months when the Mediterranean climate is the most pleasant. That happens in the period from
November to
March, when temperatures range from 18.1°C (64.6°F) to 31.4°C (88.5°F), providing warm days and cooler nights. Coupled with longer daylight hours, from 10.2 hours increasing to 14.3 hours, and lower rainfall between 3mm (0.12") and 15mm (0.59"), it allows for outdoor activities to be enjoyed without any weather disruption.
The worst time to visit San Carlos
The months of
May to
August are categorized as unfavorable for visiting
San Carlos. During these months, the city experiences its highest rainfall of the year, ranging from 88mm (3.46") to 151mm (5.94"), which coupled with the highest humidity levels of 73% to 77%, results in damp and cold weather. Additionally, the lowest temperature of the year from 4.5°C (40.1°F) to 8.3°C (46.9°F) and shortest daylight durations of 9.7 hours to 10.2 hours make this period less conducive for outdoor tourist activities.
Spring weather in San Carlos
During the spring months of
September to
November, a gradual increase in temperature can be witnessed in
San Carlos, with high temperatures ranging from 17.4°C (63.3°F) to 24.5°C (76.1°F) and lows varying from 5.7°C (42.3°F) to 9°C (48.2°F). Simultaneously, there’s a decrease in rainfall from 51mm (2.01") in September to 15mm (0.59") in November. Hence, these months provide a perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities without significant weather discomfort.
Summer weather in San Carlos
The summer months of
December to
February are characterized by the city experiencing its hottest weather. The highs oscillate between 28.3°C (82.9°F) in December and peak at 31.4°C (88.5°F) in
January, while the lows vary from 9°C (48.2°F) in December to 13.2°C (55.8°F) in January. With a steady level of low rainfall from December till February, ranging from 3mm (0.12") to 4mm (0.16"), this period is best suited for outdoor exploration.
Autumn weather in San Carlos
In the autumn months that stretch between
March to
May,
San Carlos experiences a decrease in temperature from highs of 28.5°C (83.3°F) in March to 18.1°C (64.6°F) in May and lows ranging from 11.5°C (52.7°F) to 8.3°C (46.9°F). With the onset of autumn, there is a steady increase in rainfall from March until a high of 88mm (3.46") in May. Despite
April having the highest number of rainfall days, the moderate temperature and blooming nature make it an attractive time to explore the city.
Winter weather in San Carlos
The winter months from
June to
August depict the coldest period in
San Carlos with high temperatures dropping to 12.8°C (55°F) in
July and low temperatures decreasing to 4.5°C (40.1°F). The number of rainfall days is also at its peak during these months with 12 days of rainfall in June and 12.4 days in August. However, despite the increased cloud cover of 36%, visibility remains unhindered throughout these months. Winter is an optimal time to encounter the chilly side of the city while also getting to witness daily life in the cold months.
Weather in January
January marks the start of the year with hot weather in
San Carlos,
Chile, characterized by high humidity levels and minimal cloud coverage. The solar presence is quite substantial this month, making outdoor activities quite popular.
Weather in January » Weather in February
For those seeking warm weather and abundant sunlight,
February in
San Carlos,
Chile offers just that with lesser rainfall compared to
January and clear skies. While daily temperatures remain high, there is a noticeable dip in humidity, making it feel a bit more comfortable.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
March approaches,
San Carlos,
Chile witnesses a further decrease in temperature along with an increase in atmospheric pressure. Despite the continual fall in temperature, this month still falls within the hot weather category due to the near-constant tropical climate prevalent in the area.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the turn of seasons in
San Carlos,
Chile, and those who prefer milder climates will find this time of year quite inviting. Showers become more frequent, and overcast skies start to replace the regular bright, clear skies.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May, the weather in
San Carlos,
Chile tends to remain predominantly cool and is characterized by an increased amount of precipitation. This month marks the onset of winter, with temperatures continuing on their downward trajectory.
Weather in May »Weather in June
The cold winter month of
June in
San Carlos,
Chile is filled with overcast skies and increased cloud presence. Most days remain chilly, and precipitation becomes increasingly common, contributing to the overall chill in the air. June experiences torrential rain with an impressively high figure of 151mm (5.94").
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July marks the peak of winter in
San Carlos,
Chile with the weather continuing its cold and wet trend. It is typically the coldest month of the year with low temperatures, significant cloud cover, and minimal sunlight exposure. There is a slight dip in rainfall as compared to
June, with the total only reaching 111mm (4.37") throughout the month.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
San Carlos,
Chile,
August sees a very slow return of warmth, following the peak of the winter season in
July. Despite this, the weather remains on the colder side, and precipitation levels are comparatively high to the annual average.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September introduces spring in
San Carlos,
Chile, and brings with it an increase in temperatures and reduction in cloud cover. The weather begins to warm up slightly, and the amount of sunlight starts to gradually increase each day.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
San Carlos,
Chile greets visitors experiencing the city's full spring bloom, with mild weather conditions and an abundance of sunshine. The sunshine hours reach their maximum, resulting in longer and warmer days that are ideal for outdoor adventures.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Coming closer to the end of the year,
November in
San Carlos,
Chile shows definite signs of summer approaching as temperatures begin to rise. Evenings become shorter, and it becomes less likely to experience rain, enhancing outdoor activities significantly.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December marks the advent of summer in
San Carlos,
Chile as temperatures further ascend, and the sun becomes a regular companion during the majority of daytime hours. It is one of the warmest months of the year, and the weather favors ample outdoor activities without the threat of rain to dampen plans.
Weather in December » [Resources]