The climate of Chimaltenango
Situated in temperate highland tropical terrain,
Chimaltenango, Guatamela, experiences a Köppen climate classification of "Cwb", which primarily features dry winters. This implies a typically mild and somewhat wet climate, with noticeably less precipitation during the winter months.
Throughout the year, the average maximum temperature ranges from 22.5°C (72.5°F) to 27.3°C (81.1°F), while the average minimum temperature oscillates between 11.8°C (53.2°F) and 16.5°C (61.7°F). This pattern reveals a moderate temperature variance, with colder nights especially in the latter half of the year. The relative humidity hovers between 69% and 90%, indicating a predominantly damp environment.
This region records rainfall from 7mm (0.28") to 285mm (11.22") per month, with notable differences across the year. Specifically, heavy rainfall appears from
April to
September, peaking remarkably in
May at approximately 285mm (11.22"). Furthermore, the area experiences varying wind speeds, reaching an average high of 18.8km/h (11.7mph) and rarely dropping below 5.9km/h (3.7mph).
While the winter months are predominantly marked by dry conditions, the period from April to September is drastically different with much higher humidity and rain frequency. Sunlight hours per day vary minorly over the year, peaking at 13 hours in
June and reaching the lowest point of around 11.3 hours in
December. Regarding cloud cover, it is at its most dense between May and September, reaching up to 59% and decreases to 26% during winter and early spring.
The best time to visit Chimaltenango
An optimal season to visit
Chimaltenango is during the winter and early spring, from
December to
March. During these months, temperatures are comfortable, humidity is relatively lower, and there is less rainfall, making it the perfect season for outdoor activities. Moreover, the area also sees an increased number of sunlight hours, with an average daylight duration between 11.3 hours and 12.1 hours per day, contributing to the pleasant and enjoyable travel conditions.
The worst time to visit Chimaltenango
The months from
May to
September, marking the late spring and summer, are considered far from ideal for visiting
Chimaltenango. The city receives high precipitation levels during this period, peaking at an overwhelming 285mm (11.22") in May. This, coupled with heavy cloud cover and high humidity levels of up to 90%, can lead to damp weather conditions and might limit outdoor activities. Visitors should also be prepared for lower visibility during these months.
Spring weather in Chimaltenango
Spring in
Chimaltenango commences with dry conditions in
March and
April and gradually transitions to a much wetter climate by
May. March and April record an average rainfall of 15mm (0.59") and 84mm (3.31") respectively while precipitation noticeably increases to 285mm (11.22") in May. Lighter winds are a characteristic of spring, averaging between 7.8km/h (4.8mph) and 10.1km/h (6.3mph). Temperatures during this period remain moderately warm, with highs in the mid-20s°C and lows ranging from 12.6°C (54.7°F) to 15.6°C (60.1°F).
Summer weather in Chimaltenango
Summer in
Chimaltenango is distinguished by its wet and humid conditions. Rainfall during this season remains high, ranging from 168mm (6.61") up to 285mm (11.22"). The temperatures are also marginally higher, with the average lows and highs ranging from 15.8°C (60.4°F) to 16.5°C (61.7°F) and 23.5°C (74.3°F) to 25.4°C (77.7°F), respectively. Furthermore, this period experiences reduced sunlight hours due to increased cloud cover and frequent rains.
Autumn weather in Chimaltenango
Autumn in
Chimaltenango witnesses a gradual reduction in rainfall, from 254mm (10") in
October to a significantly lower 32mm (1.26") by
November. Temperatures during these months remain moderately warm, with highs ranging from 22.5°C (72.5°F) to 24°C (75.2°F) and lows varying from 13.3°C (55.9°F) to 15°C (59°F). The average daylight duration throughout this period declines slowly from 12.2 to 11.6 hours per day.
Winter weather in Chimaltenango
Marked by minimal rainfall and cooler temperatures, winter in
Chimaltenango offers a dry and pleasant climate. Average temperatures consistently stay between 11.8°C (53.2°F) and 14.3°C (57.7°F), creating a cosy atmosphere. Rainfalls are infrequent and light, with an average of around 8mm (0.31") to 10mm (0.39") per month. Despite shorter daylight durations, ranging from 11.3 hours to 11.7 hours per day, this season experiences comparatively clear skies with average cloud cover percentage ranging between 26% to 28%. On average, the winter months also register relatively higher pressures of around 1014.6mb to 1015.5mb.
Weather in January
The new year in
Chimaltenango,
Guatemala, begins with a mild climate, with only short bursts of rainfall. Cool breezes and relatively low humidity make this a pleasant time of the year. It is an ideal time to visit, with the weather conducive to outdoor activities, offering a chance to take in the city's cultural and natural attractions unhindered by erratic weather conditions.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Weather in March
As the city moves into
March, distinct changes in climatic conditions can be noted in
Chimaltenango. An upward shift in temperature becomes more noticeable but does not yet reach the peak temperatures often experienced in the middle of the year.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings about significant changes in the weather in
Chimaltenango as the region steps firmly into the hot season. The amount of rainfall sees a sharp increase, with precipitation reaching 84mm (3.31") spread over 19.1 days. April's conditions can prove challenging to those unaccustomed to such changes, as the temperature climbs and the elevated humidity enhances the sensation of heat.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May forms part of the wettest period in
Chimaltenango, bringing an essential element for the city’s diverse flora and fauna. Despite the continuous downfall, the city's vibrancy does not dampen - in fact, the rainfall brings with it a renewed freshness in the atmosphere.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June continues along the same lines as
May -
Chimaltenango in this month also sees substantial rainfall. The realm of fauna thrives in these conditions, painting a lively picture of the region. A consistent feature is the slightly increased cloud cover percentage, reaching 59%, providing periods of shade during the daytime, which balances the overall weather environment.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July marks a downward trend in rainfall in
Chimaltenango, signaling a gradual transition from the intense rainy season. An interesting feature of July’s weather is a slight drop in temperature, providing relief from the preceding hot and wet months.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August brings a brief pause to the descending trend in rainfall, with precipitation levels rising again to 241mm (9.49") over 27.9 days. The temperature in
Chimaltenango stays relatively steady to that of the previous month, maintaining the balance between the warmth and the wetness.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September,
Chimaltenango,
Guatemala, sees the last of the significant rainfall for the year with precipitation levels climbing further to 269mm (10.59"), the highest for the year. The aroma of the city gets enriched as it absorbs the last of the heavy showers before the dry season sets in.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings about a significant shift in
Chimaltenango’s climatic pattern, with rainfall dramatically decreasing to 254mm (10") over 26 days. This reduction signals the beginning of the end of the rainy season. A decrease in cloud cover, coupled with a gradual drop in the average temperature, creates an appealing environment.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November continues the transition towards the dry season in
Chimaltenango, with noticeably lesser rainfall - measuring an average of only 32mm (1.26") over 14.4 days. With the fading away of the rain clouds, the city gains more sunlight, giving inhabitants and visitors alike another reason to celebrate.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Concluding the year,
December highlights a marked decrease in weather extremities in
Chimaltenango,
Guatemala. Showing the lowest rainfall for the year, a mere average of 9mm (0.35") over 7.5 days, the month crystallizes the end of the rainy season.
Weather in December »