The climate of El Quetzal
In the heart of Latin America,
El Quetzal is geographically nestled within
Guatemala. The Köppen climate classification marks it with a label of 'Aw', denoting it as a region marked by a tropical wet and dry climate, also known as savanna.
A closer examination of the climate parameters indicates a number of fascinating patterns consistent with its geographical positioning and climatic classification. Across the unfolding of the year, temperatures range from 19.5°C (67.1°F) during cooler months to a sultry 32.5°C (90.5°F) at their peak. A relative humidity ranging from 59% to a high of 78% hangs in the air, reflecting the moist and warm conditions typical of the tropical climate.
Characteristic of its tropical savanna climate, the region experiences a clear distinction between wet and dry seasons. Monthly rainfall fluctuates significantly between its lowest at 11mm (0.43") in the drier months up to a dramatic 261mm (10.28") in the height of the wet season. Consecutively, the frequency of rainfall days correlates, escalating from an average of 5.3 to a high of 27.5 in rainiest months.
It is also noteworthy to highlight the solar and light parameters. Ranging from daylight hours of 11.3h to a bright 13h, and sunshine hours between 7.5h and 11.5h, El Quetzal experiences a generous dose of sunlight, further warmed by a consistently high UV index reading of 6-7.
The best time to visit El Quetzal
Considering all climate parameters, the optimal time for a visit to
El Quetzal is between the months of
February and
April. While temperatures during this period are on the higher side, ranging from 31.8°C (89.2°F) to 32.5°C (90.5°F), it is the drier phase with rainfall between 11mm (0.43") and 24mm (0.94"). Sunshine hours peek, reaching up between 9.7h to 11.2h per day, and relative humidity rests towards its lower end at around 59-63%.
The worst time to visit El Quetzal
Tourists might want to avoid planning a trip to
El Quetzal from
June to
September. This period is characterized by the highest rainfall, peaking at 261mm (10.28") in
May and remaining above 130mm (5.12") leading into September. Humidity during this phase reaches its zenith with levels hovering between 71-77%. This high moisture content in the air, combined with lesser sunshine hours, can make the climate particularly uncomfortable.
Spring weather in El Quetzal
El Quetzal hardly distinguishes its spring from the bigger chunk of the tropical year. Still, in
March,
April, and
May, temperatures remain consistent between 32.4°C (90.3°F) to 32.5°C (90.5°F) accompanied by rising humidity levels going from 59% to 71%. Precipitation indicates the onset of rainier months, increasing from 24mm (0.94") in March to a high of 261mm (10.28") in May.
Summer weather in El Quetzal
Embracing the Wet Season,
June,
July, and
August in
El Quetzal see consistent downpours with an average rainfall between 130mm (5.12") and 206mm (8.11"). Despite being the rainy months, temperatures still range from a warm 30.8°C (87.4°F) to 31.5°C (88.7°F). Average humidity remains on the higher side, peaking at 75%.
Autumn weather in El Quetzal
Autumn months from
September to
November, while presenting a slightly decreased temperature from 30.1°C (86.2°F) to 29.8°C (85.6°F), still experience significant rainfall between 159mm (6.26") and 178mm (7.01") in the initial months. The departure of the rainfall starts becoming evident in November which records a lower 57mm (2.24") precipitation.
Winter weather in El Quetzal
Winter in
El Quetzal occurs from
December to
February. This period marks the dry phase with average temperatures marginally lower, fluctuating from 30.5°C (86.9°F) to 31.1°C (88°F). December witnesses the least rainfall at 21mm (0.83"), and
January & February also follow close with only 11mm (0.43") of precipitation. During these months, El Quetzal experiences the least humid conditions, with relative humidity dropping to around 59-64%.
Weather in January
January in
El Quetzal,
Guatemala, witnesses a shift from the coldest month of the year to slightly milder weather conditions. The region experiences a relative humidity of 59% and an even distribution of sunshine lasting for 8.3 hours per day.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
El Quetzal,
February signals a continuation of drier conditions that the earlier month sets in motion, with no substantial changes in weather patterns. This month does experience a slight increase in average high temperature from 31.1°C (88°F) in
January to 31.8°C (89.2°F) in February, increasing the overall warmth of the city.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The month of
March in
El Quetzal is characterized by an observable increase in rainfall. This shift in weather conditions further develops leading to a notable jump in precipitation levels from an average of 11mm (0.43") in
February to 24mm (0.94") in March.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
El Quetzal marks an apparent transition from the dry season to the wet season. This month witnesses a high deviation in rainfall patterns, with a significant surge in precipitation from 24mm (0.94") in
March to a massive 61mm (2.4") in April.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Considered one of the wettest months in
El Quetzal,
Guatemala,
May sees a pronounced increase in rainfall and humidity. An average of 261mm (10.28") of rainfall registers in May, making it the month with the most precipitation throughout the year.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Following
May,
June witnesses a slight decrease in precipitation levels but remains part of the wet season in
El Quetzal. The cooler temperatures coupled with high rainfall enhance the feeling of freshness across the region. The presence of long daylight hours facilitates visibility and creates an appealing glow in the surroundings.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
El Quetzal,
Guatemala brings in a slightly drier climate compared to the preceding months. The rainfall drops to an average of 130mm (5.12"), in contrast to the 206mm (8.11") of precipitation in
June. The average temperature also drops subtly, creating a fresher and comfortable ambiance.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In comparison to the previous month,
August in
El Quetzal witnesses a slight rise in rainfall and resembles the wet and warm weather conditions typical in this region. A gentle upsurge in temperature is also apparent, adding to a more tropical feel in the city.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September unveils a slightly cooler side of
El Quetzal, with a minor drop in temperature. Despite this, the month still brings tropical warmth and humidity typical in a Guatemalan monsoon season. September continues the pattern of high rainfall, mirroring the wet and damp environment seen in the previous months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Moving into
October, there's a slight drop in temperatures, making the weather cooler and more pleasant in
El Quetzal. However, the humid tropical climate persists, due to the continued high level of rainfall carried over from
September.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
El Quetzal signifies the transition from monsoon to winter season. The city experiences a notable plunge in rainfall from 178mm (7.01") in
October to a mere 57mm (2.24") in November. The temperatures drop further, contributing to a noticeable freshness in the air.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December finally draws out the end of the prolonged monsoon season in
El Quetzal and paves the way for drier weather conditions. Notwithstanding the transition, this month still sees 21mm (0.83") of rainfall, which is significantly lower than the precipitation in
November.
Weather in December » [Resources]