The climate of Maracaibo
The city of
Maracaibo, nestled within in the tropical country of
Venezuela, experiences a predominantly savannah type of climate. This has been officially recognised under the Köppen climate classification as Aw, referring to 'Tropical wet and dry or savannah'. The climate details offered here allow a glimpse into the weather dynamics prevailing over the city throughout the year.
On a monthly level, the temperature varies marginally, maintaining a tropical stagnancy, which gives Maracaibo a consistent climate. The temperature range between the highest monthly average of 34.2°C (93.6°F) and the lowest monthly average of 32.3°C (90.1°F), suggests a modest difference. Similar stability is seen in terms of minimum temperatures, fluctuating between 24.2°C (75.6°F) and 26.1°C (79°F).
The role of atmospheric humidity is pronounced here, with readings oscillating from 64% to 75%, indicating the city's continually moist conditions. On the other hand, rainfall seems to follow a noticeable trend of escalation and recession. The monsoon onset in
May brings about a significant increase in rainfall, going from 18mm (0.71") in
February to 133mm (5.24") in
October before subsiding.
It is of note that the sea-temperature hovers between 27.8°C (82°F) and 31.8°C (89.2°F) throughout the year, suggesting warm coastal waters, a byproduct of the city's tropical pedigree. Additionally, wind speeds in Maracaibo oscillate from 6.9km/h (4.3mph) to 11.4km/h (7.1mph), while visibility remains consistently at 10km (6.2mi) across all months.
The best time to visit Maracaibo
For travelers who seek to avoid the monsoon and enjoy the city's tropical climate, the early months of the year, particularly
February and
March, when rainfall is lowest, clocking at 5mm (0.2") and 19mm (0.75"), respectively, are ideal. Additionally, during this period, the humidity values are the least, at 64% and 66%, making the weather quite comfortable.
The worst time to visit Maracaibo
The period from
September to
November might not be ideal for travel plans in
Maracaibo, given the high amounts of rainfall, reaching 133mm (5.24") and 98mm (3.86"), respectively. Simultaneously, with humidity levels averaging around 75%, the discomfort levels would be quite high.
Spring weather in Maracaibo
As springtime unfolds in
Maracaibo, the weather dynamics follow a predictably tropical pattern. The period encompassing
March,
April, and
May exhibits a gradual rise in temperatures, ranging from 32.8°C (91°F) to 33.5°C (92.3°F) for highs and 24.7°C (76.5°F) to 25.8°C (78.4°F) for lows. Correspondingly, there is a discernable increase in rainfall from 19mm (0.75") in March to 69mm (2.72") by May.
Summer weather in Maracaibo
During
June,
July, and
August, the summer season holds sway over
Maracaibo. The heat peaks with highest temperatures oscillating between 33.4°C (92.1°F) and 34.2°C (93.6°F), and low temperatures from 25.5°C (77.9°F) to 26.1°C (79°F). Humidity levels remain consistently high, averaging around 70%, reinforcing the tropical nature of Maracaibo. With rainfall values hitting 47mm (1.85"), 43mm (1.69"), and 69mm (2.72") respectively, summer is a clear precursor to the monsoon.
Autumn weather in Maracaibo
Moving into the months of
September,
October, and
November, the weather begins to shift gently. The rainfall pattern shows a distinct increase, going from 88mm (3.46") in September to 133mm (5.24") in October, and then gradually decreasing to 98mm (3.86") in November. Simultaneously, temperatures commence a minor downward slide, with highs transitioning from 34°C (93.2°F) to 32.4°C (90.3°F), and lows from 25.5°C (77.9°F) to 24.7°C (76.5°F).
Winter weather in Maracaibo
Winter in
Maracaibo, spanning the months of
December,
January, and
February, is a far cry from the frigid cold often associated with the season. The temperatures stabilize, with high temperatures varying from 32.3°C (90.1°F) in December/January to 32.8°C (91°F) in February, and lows from 24.4°C (75.9°F) to 24.2°C (75.6°F). Rainfall also drops significantly to 48mm (1.89") in December and reduces further to 18mm (0.71") by February, marking the drier part of the year.
Weather in January
The first month of the year sees
Maracaibo,
Venezuela enjoying warm temperatures, typical in this tropical region. No significantly drastic changes are noticeable from
December, showing the area's relatively stable weather patterns.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Continuing along the lines of
January,
Maracaibo experiences warm temperatures in
February. Observably, the amount of rainfall decreases to 5mm (0.2"), rendering February the driest month of the year. Despite an increase in temperature, no major climatic shifts occur, demonstrating the region's climate reliability.
Weather in February »Weather in March
With the arrival of
March, weather conditions show some divergence compared to
February. Rainfall significantly increases to 19mm (0.75"), hinting the preliminary onset of the wet season. Nevertheless, temperatures exhibit slight increases, maintaining the warm and comfortable climate.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April initiates a more evident transition towards a moderately wetter period in
Maracaibo. With comparatively higher rainfall of 46mm (1.81"), the showers become an integral part of daily life. Despite this change, Maracaibo continues to relish in warm tropical temperatures.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As
Maracaibo moves into
May, residents notice an increasing trend in rainfall, reaching up to 69mm (2.72"). The incidence of rain becomes more apparent, underlining the entrance into the wet season. Despite this, temperatures continue to remain mostly consistent, emphasizing the region's tropical climate.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June persists with the wet season trend, characterized by regular rainfall, although slightly less than in
May. The comfortable warmth does not waiver, remaining consistent with the yearly temperatures of
Maracaibo. Interestingly, the sea temperature peaks at 30.4°C (86.7°F), reaching its maximum for the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July sustains the warm temperature, reflecting
Venezuela's emblematic tropical weather. Despite a minor decrease in rainfall relative to
June, the month remains well within the annual wet period indicating frequent rains. Days of sunshine continue to decrease gradually, although not enough to mark any dramatic transformation in the weather.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Maracaibo bestows upon its denizens a slight uptick in both temperature and rainfall. The sea temperature climbs up to 30.8°C (87.4°F), hitting the highest point for the year. The climate retains its warm disposition, in tune with the rest of the year.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September brings a noticeable increase in rainfall, with a record of 88mm (3.46") for the year in
Maracaibo. Tropical temperatures persist, indicating no major shifts from the usual weather conditions. Despite higher rainfall, the sea temperature soars to a warm 31.8°C (89.2°F), providing an excellent counterbalance.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October, rainfall in
Maracaibo peaks at 133mm (5.24"), making it the wettest month of the year. The warmth of the region remains a constant companion, seldom varying throughout the year. Interestingly, despite the high incidence of rain, daily sunshine hours remain relatively stable, providing a well-rounded weather experience.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November presents a slight decrease in rainfall which had peaked in
October. However, the month still encounters a substantial amount of rainfall - 98mm (3.86").
Maracaibo's weather during November remains in line with previous months concerning temperature.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Rounding up the year,
December shows a significant drop in rainfall from
November to 48mm (1.89"). Temperatures also exhibit a minor drop, subtly hinting the arrival of a new year. Nevertheless, the region maintains high relative humidity at 72%, characteristic of tropical climates.
Weather in December » [Resources]