Climate and monthly weather forecast
Santa Marta, Colombia

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The climate of Santa Marta

Santa Marta lays under the tropical wet and dry awning of the Köppen climate classification. This positioning naturally influenced its weather patterns throughout the calendar. Strategically situated on Colombia's Caribbean coast, Santa Marta experiences a predominantly tropical climate with minimal temperature variations and relatively high humidity levels throughout the year.

Temperature-wise, Santa Marta is relatively consistent, with average highs hovering around 27°C (80.6°F), and lows seldom dropped below 23.8°C (74.8°F). The steadiness of the mercury's movement indicates a year-round warm climate, augmented by the city's proximity to the equator. Humidity levels, paralleling the temperature, remain relatively constant, fluctuating from 76 to 81%.

Rainfall in Santa Marta is predominantly concentrated in the middle of the year, with the highest volumes marked from April to September. During this period, the city registers between 65mm (2.56") to 95mm (3.74") of rain, specifically in May peaking at 95mm (3.74"). Correspondingly, this period also possesses the highest number of rain days, escalating to 26.5 days in August. Not surprisingly, the period from November to March is the driest, with a marked descent in both rainfall volumes and quantities, falling between 7mm (0.28")and 12mm (0.47") in February and December respectively.

Santa Marta also enjoys ample daylight hours, ranging from approximately 11.5 to 12.8 hours, while actual sunshine duration fluctuates more distinctly, from as low as 7.6 hours in December and January, to 11.9 hours at its zenith in April. This discrepancy indicates a variation in cloud cover, with cloud percentage ascending from 8% in February to a peak of 28% in October.

The best time to visit Santa Marta

A trip to Santa Marta is highly recommended during the end and beginning of the year, specifically from November to February. During these months, rainfall is at its lowest, with an average of 7mm (0.28") registered in both December and February. Concurrently, the number of sunshine days is significantly higher, with 14.6 days enjoyed in December. With the relative humidity remaining constant year-round, these cooler and drier months offer the best conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

The worst time to visit Santa Marta

Travelers are advised to approach the period from April to September with caution, as it characterizes the wettest season in Santa Marta. In this span, rainfall escalates sharply, peaking at 95mm (3.74") in May. Accompanying this is a notable increase in the number of rainy days, culminating in 26.5 days in both August and September. As such, the conditions may not be ideal for visitors looking to capitalize on outdoor activities, considering the predominantly damp and overcast conditions.

Spring weather in Santa Marta

There is negligible seasonal temperature variation in Santa Marta due to its proximity to the equator; however, the spring months from March to May see a gradual rise in rainfall. Rainfall rises from 12mm (0.47") in March to a high of 65mm (2.56") in May, coupled with an increase in rainy days, climbing from 9.3 days to 23.8 days. Despite the greater downpours, daylight averages 12.4 hours and sunshine duration remains relatively high around 11.9 hours in April, suggesting there is still ample opportunity to explore outdoors in the early spring.

Summer weather in Santa Marta

The summer in Santa Marta, running from June to August, is characterized by high humidity, intense rain along with the refreshing sea breeze. Rainfall peaks at 95mm (3.74") in August, while the number of rainy days hits its annual high of 26.5. Despite the damp conditions, summer boasts average maximum temperatures around 27.7°C (81.9°F) and lows of 25.2°C (77.4°F). The sea temperature reaches its annual apex at 28.7°C (83.7°F), ideal for water activities.

Autumn weather in Santa Marta

During Autumn, spanning from September to November, the city experiences a transition from a rain-laden season to a relatively drier one. The decrease in rainfall, from 89mm (3.5") to 34mm (1.34"), coupled with a reduction in humidity, provides a gradual relief from the dampness. The daylight hours decline slightly from 12.2 hours in September to 11.6 hours in November, but the temperature remains comfortable with highs around 27.5°C (81.5°F) and lows of 25.4°C (77.7°F).

Winter weather in Santa Marta

Despite its tropical climate, winter in Santa Marta, from December to February is marked with reduced rainfall, lower cloud cover, and the most number of sunshine days. December is the driest month, with rainfall dropping to 7mm (0.28"), and the number of sunshine days hitting 14.6. There is a mild decrease in temperature, resting between highs of 27.2°C (81°F) and lows of 23.8°C (74.8°F). Furthermore, sea temperature remains warm at 26.7°C (80.1°F) in December, creating a favorable environment for water-based activities.

Weather in January

With the beginning in sight, January greets Santa Marta with relatively stable conditions. The rainfall is moderate, with 7mm (0.28") falling across five days, acting as a balance between the dry and wet seasons. The city experiences a slight increase in humidity and cloud cover, while the prevailing winds maintain a constant speed, ensuring a gentle breeze throughout the month. Weather in January »

Weather in February

The weather in Santa Marta undergoes subtle changes in February. An increase in daily sunshine hours is noticeable, along with a diversified wind pattern that carries a mild, refreshing breeze. The city encounters a slight decrease in rainfall compared to January. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March in Santa Marta ushers in a distinct shift in weather conditions. The city witnesses a visible surge in rainfall from 7mm (0.28") to 12mm (0.47") and the number of rainy days almost doubles. This rise is coupled with a slight uptick in humidity, resulting in a dewy atmosphere. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April showcases the transition of Santa Marta’s climate into the wet season. The rainfall takes a drastic leap to 26mm (1.02"), spread across 15 days, signalling the start of a pronounced wet spell. An increase in cloud cover and relative humidity accompanies this change, cloaking the city with a mild, misty ambiance. Weather in April »

Weather in May

The onset of May marks the peak of the wet season in Santa Marta. The city is engulfed by a significant increase in rainfall to 65mm (2.56"), spanning across 24 days. The cloud coverage expands significantly, decreasing the hours of sunshine and intensifying the city’s humid atmosphere. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June in Santa Marta is characterized by a perpetuation of the heavy showers from May. The city experiences its highest rainfall for the year at 89mm (3.5"), sustained over 24.5 days. This results in a surge of relative humidity, intensifying the wet spell even further. Weather in June »

Weather in July

Santa Marta in July maintains its consistent, rhythmical pattern from the previous month. Although the volume of rainfall dips slightly to 85mm (3.35"), the city remains enveloped in a tide of elevated humidy and wind speeds. The frequency of sunny days trickles down, ensconced by an expanding cloud cover. Weather in July »

Weather in August

As August unfolds, Santa Marta experiences the last of its heavy rainfall, saturating 26.5 days with an accumulation of 95mm (3.74") of precipitation. The relentless showers heighten the humidity, reaching its zenith for the year. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September marks the beginning of a downward trend in Santa Marta's rainfall. With 89mm (3.5") of precipitation and a gradual decline in humidity, it signals the end of the wet season. The lighter winds give the city a breath of fresh air, bringing a partial relief from the previous months' damp climate. Weather in September »

Weather in October

The arrival of October indicates a further reduction in Santa Marta's rainfall to 84mm (3.31"), marking the transition into the dry season. The declining weather extremes are reflected in the city's diminishing humidity and recursive wind speed, contributing to an overall peaceful ambiance. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November showcases significant changes in Santa Marta, heralding the advent of the dry season. While the rainfall drastically decreases to 34mm (1.34"), the city's humidity and wind speed continue their steady descent. The cloud cover begins to dissipate, granting the city longer sunshine hours and setting the stage for more vivid sunsets. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December caps off the year in Santa Marta with its minimal rainfall of 12mm (0.47"), marking a stark shift to its drier climate. The city's humidity lessens, complemented by a gentle increase in wind speed, reflecting a typically dry December atmosphere. Weather in December »
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Frequently asked questions

What are the least humid months in Santa Marta?

The months with the lowest humidity in Santa Marta, Colombia, are January and February, with an average relative humidity of 76%.

What is the driest month in Santa Marta?

January and February are months with the least rain in Santa Marta when the rain falls for 4.7 days and typically aggregates up to 7mm (0.28") of rain.

How many days does it rain in Santa Marta?

Throughout the year, in Santa Marta, there are 211.9 rainfall days, and 605mm (23.82") of precipitation is accumulated.

What are the months with the least sunshine in Santa Marta?

The months with the least sunshine are January and December, with an average of 7.6h of sunshine.

When is the lowest UV index in Santa Marta?

With an average maximum UV index of 6, January is the month with the lowest UV index.

What is the coldest month in Santa Marta?

Santa Marta's February weather reaches an average high of 27°C (80.6°F) and an average low of 23.8°C (74.8°F), making it the coldest month.

What is the month with the coldest sea water in Santa Marta?

With an average sea temperature of 25.7°C (78.3°F), February is the month with the coldest seawater in Santa Marta, Colombia.

When is the highest UV index in Santa Marta?

February through December, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index.

What month has the most sunshine in Santa Marta?

The month with the most sunshine in Santa Marta, Colombia, is April, with an average of 11.9h of sunshine.

What month is the hottest in Santa Marta?

May, on average, is the warmest month, registering a high temperature of 27.8°C (82°F) and a low of 25.3°C (77.5°F).

When are the longest days in Santa Marta?

With an average of 12h and 48min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Santa Marta, Colombia.

What is the most humid month in Santa Marta?

With an average relative humidity of 81%, August is the most humid month in Santa Marta.

What is the wettest month in Santa Marta?

August is the month with the most rainfall in Santa Marta. Rain falls for 26.5 days and accumulates 95mm (3.74") of precipitation.

When is the sea warmest in Santa Marta?

With an average sea temperature of 29.5°C (85.1°F), October is the month with the warmest seawater in Santa Marta.

What is the month with the shortest days in Santa Marta?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 11h and 30min of daylight.

Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Santa Marta?

Santa Marta does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). -05 timezone is used throughout the entire year.

Average temperature
Santa Marta, Colombia

Average temperature - Santa Marta, Colombia

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is May (27.8°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is February (27°C).

The month with the highest average low temperature is October (25.4°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (23.8°C).

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Average pressure
Santa Marta, Colombia

Average pressure - Santa Marta, Colombia

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (1010.7mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is November (1009.5mbar).

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Average wind speed
Santa Marta, Colombia

Average wind speed - Santa Marta, Colombia

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is February (28.5km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is October (13.1km/h).

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Average humidity
Santa Marta, Colombia

Average humidity - Santa Marta, Colombia

The month with the highest relative humidity is August (81%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are January and February (76%).

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Average rainfall
Santa Marta, Colombia

Average rainfall - Santa Marta, Colombia

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (95mm).
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are January and February (7mm).

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Average rainfall days
Santa Marta, Colombia

Average rainfall days - Santa Marta, Colombia

The month with the highest number of rainy days is October (26.9 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (3.8 days).

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Average sea temperature
Santa Marta, Colombia

Average sea temperature - Santa Marta, Colombia

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is October (29.5°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (25.7°C).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Santa Marta, Colombia

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Santa Marta, Colombia

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 12h and 48min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 11h and 30min).

The month with the most sunshine is April (Average sunshine: 11h and 54min).
The months with the least sunshine are January and December (Average sunshine: 7h and 36min).

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Average sunshine days
Santa Marta, Colombia

Average sunshine days - Santa Marta, Colombia

The month with the most sunshine days is January (17.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is September (0.6 days).

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Average UV index
Santa Marta, Colombia

Average UV index - Santa Marta, Colombia

The months with the highest UV index are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (UV index 7).
The month with the lowest UV index is January (UV index 6).

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Average visibility
Santa Marta, Colombia

Average visibility - Santa Marta, Colombia

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).

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Santa Marta, Colombia

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