The climate of Zacapa
Located in the heartland of
Guatemala,
Zacapa experiences a tropical monsoon climate, as denoted by the Köppen climate classification (Am). This classification characterizes the area with significant rainfall throughout the year, even in its driest months.
Throughout the year, temperatures fluctuate moderately, reaching their peak during
April with a high of 32.3°C (90.1°F), and dipping to the lowest in
January, at 15.7°C (60.3°F). Humidity, too, waxes and wanes between 67% to 84%, rendering the air consistently humid, a typical trait of the monsoon climate.
Rainfall showcases a unique pattern, displaying a significant increase from 8mm (0.31") in
March to 97mm (3.82") in
May. The wettest months remain between May and
October, with rainfall steadily remaining above 67mm (2.64"). During these months, the number of rainfall days climb remarkably from 10.1 days in March to 23.8 days in
June, portraying a season heavy with rainfall.
The southern region of Zacapa experiences strong trade winds, resulting in wind speeds varying from 5.1km/h (3.2mph) to 7.6km/h (4.7mph). Moreover, there is not much variation in daylight hours, fluctuating slightly from 11.2 hours in
December to 13 hours in June.
The best time to visit Zacapa
Based on climate data, the favourable time to visit
Zacapa falls from
November to
April. During this period, the area experiences less rainfall, fewer rainfall days and enhanced sunlight exposure. The average high temperature rests comfortably between 25.1°C (77.2°F) to 32.3°C (90.1°F), whilst the average low varies from 15.7°C (60.3°F) to 19.2°C (66.6°F). It’s an ideal time to enjoy the city's outdoor attractions without getting stalled by heavy rain or oppressive heat.
The worst time to visit Zacapa
Contrary to the ideal time,
Zacapa could prove challenging for tourists from
May to
October. During these months, the city grapples with increased rainfall and decreased sunshine hours. Rainfall ascends drastically to 111mm (4.37") in
June, with the number of rainfall days reaching a high of 23.8. Similarly, the sunshine hours tumble from 11.2 hours in
April to around 9.1 hours in
July, limiting sightseeing opportunities.
Spring weather in Zacapa
In
Zacapa, the spring months from
March to
May feature temperatures ranging from 16.7°C (62.1°F) to 32.3°C (90.1°F), with the level of humidity oscillating between 67 and 73%. Towards the end of spring, the rainfall increases significantly, marking a transition from the drier part of the year to the rainy season.
Summer weather in Zacapa
The summer months of
June,
July, and
August can be wet and humid in
Zacapa. With humidity remaining high, up to 83%, the rain reaches its maximal levels, peaking at 111mm (4.37") in June. Despite this, persistent sunshine persists during this period, with daylight hours ranging from 12.6 to 13.
Autumn weather in Zacapa
Autumn, occurring from
September to
November, remains part of the rainy season in
Zacapa. Humidity hovers at a high level, with rainfall peaks and ample cloud cover. However, as autumn progresses, the city experiences fewer rainfall days and slightly increasing sunshine hours.
Winter weather in Zacapa
Winter months,
December to
February, spell a respite from the usual monsoon climate. Temperatures range from 15.7°C (60.3°F) to 27.3°C (81.1°F), inviting a comfortable environment. Although the rainfall is at its minimal, the humidity remains relatively high. The number of rainfall days decreases remarkably to 10.8 in February, marking the onset of the dry period. Due to the southern latitude of the city, daylight hours barely decline during the winter, keeping a steady range from 11.2 hours to 11.4 hours.
Weather in January
January’s weather in
Zacapa,
Guatemala, sees a blend of cool temperatures with a high of 25.1°C (77.2°F) and a low of 15.7°C (60.3°F). Relative humidity stands at 82% making it one of the more humidity heavy months. With a rainfall of 13mm (0.51") over 12.6 days, it provides a soft initiation to the wet season.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The weather in
February sees a moderate rise in temperatures and a decrease in rainfall when compared to
January. Slight elevations in temperature and UV index make the
Zacapa climate ideal for visitors preferring gentle warmth and sunlight.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The month of
March in
Zacapa boasts less relative humidity - at 73%, it is the lowest of the year. Being the last month of the dry season, the reduced humidity and a minimal number of rainy days make for noticeably dry conditions.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April’s heightened temperatures accentuate the onset of the wet season in
Zacapa. With the highest occurring temperature of 32.3°C (90.1°F), a significant warmth embarks. The noticeable upswing of rainfall to 24mm (0.94") is the harbinger of increased humidity, showering the earth after the dry spell.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May,
Zacapa experiences a distinct change in weather. The ample warmth of
April dovetails into May, keeping temperatures high. Yet, this is aptly balanced by the most significant amount of sunshine hours, offering a pleasant warmth.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Zacapa's weather exhibits high humidity and the wettest conditions in
June. Compared to
May, the number of sunshine days drops, indicating increased rainy days. Despite high precipitation, temperatures remain fairly stable, blending heat with the rainfall.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
With
July, conditions underpin further changes in
Zacapa's weather. The overall temperature depicts a decrease as the month progresses, giving a slight relief from the heat of
June. The rainfall lessens from a peak in June, indicating a transition towards dryer conditions.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August's weather in
Zacapa indicates a reversal of
July's declining rainfall and temperatures. While the humidity remains fairly consistent, rainfall is slated at 90mm (3.54"), high when compared to the previous month. The temperature rises, setting the stage for warmer days than July.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Zacapa's weather in
September maintains general consistency with
August. An increase in rain and decrease in sunshine hours predict more cloud cover in the sky. In spite of the relatively high rainfall, temperatures remain fairly stable, offering a pleasant blend of warmth and rainfall.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Zacapa showcases a moderate decline in temperatures and rainfall. The weather starts transitioning towards drier conditions as the rainy season ends. This month also brings a fall in the number of daylight hours compared to
September, hinting at the approaching end of the year.
Weather in October » Weather in November
With
November,
Zacapa's weather signals the onset of the dry season. Consistent with the pattern established in
October, rainfall drops significantly from the soggy months of the wet season. Lowered temperatures coincide with a decrease in humidity, culminating in optimum cool and dry weather.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Zacapa's
December weather accentuates the characteristic dry season. With only 10mm (0.39") of rainfall observed over a minimal 9.3 days, this month is the driest of the year. Despite this decline in precipitation, the temperature range is stable, providing comfortable warmth.
Weather in December » [Resources]