The climate of Santa Elena
Situated in the lush landscapes of
Belize,
Santa Elena encounters a dominantly Tropical monsoon climate, also known as the Köppen climate classification Am. This tropical environment ushers in a steady variation of weather elements, from temperature and humidity to rainfall and sunshine duration.
Throughout the year, temperatures in Santa Elena display modest fluctuations. The coolest month,
January, observes an average high temperature of 26.3°C (79.3°F) and an average low of 16.7°C (62.1°F). Contrarily, the month of
April witnesses the highest temperature, soaring to an average high of 33.1°C (91.6°F) and an average low of 20.6°C (69.1°F). The latter part of the year from
May sees a gradual reduction in temperatures, returning to a range more akin to the start of the year by
December.
In terms of precipitation, the region experiences a marked increase in its rainy season, starting from May until
October. The highest level of rainfall is recorded in
June, reaching a substantial 88mm (3.46"). Correspondingly, Santa Elena also sees more rainfall days during this period, with June again taking the lead at roughly 22.6 days of rainfall.
Closely linked to rain occurrences, cloud cover likewise reaches its peak from June to October, with cloud percentages hovering around the high 60s. This, however, does not significantly impact the amount of daylight received. Duration of daylight remains relatively constant throughout the year, varying from 11.1 hours in December to 13.1 hours in June.
The best time to visit Santa Elena
The optimal time to pay a visit to
Santa Elena would likely be from
November to
April. During these months, the city receives significantly less rainfall, with the average precipitation falling to just 19mm (0.75") in
December. This drier period also sees fewer rainfall days, allowing for more opportunities to explore the outdoor wonders that Santa Elena has to offer.
Simultaneously, this interval is characterized by moderate temperature levels, making daylight outings comfortable. This period, especially between
February and April, is also marked by increased sunshine hours, with an average of 9.3 hours of sunshine in April, providing ample time to explore and enjoy the tropical charms of Santa Elena.
The worst time to visit Santa Elena
On the other hand, the period from
May to
October is likely less appealing to travellers. During these months,
Santa Elena experiences its rainy season, leading to increased precipitation, cloud cover, and humidity.
June, in particular, witnesses a rainfall level of 88mm (3.46"), along with a high humidity of 83%, potentially making outings less comfortable and more prone to disruptions.
In these months, despite a slight increase in daylight hours, the abundance of rain and cloud cover reduces the number of sunshine hours, with only an average of 7.1 hours of sunshine in
September, making outdoor activities potentially less enjoyable.
Spring weather in Santa Elena
Springtime in
Santa Elena, stretching from
March to
May, sees a steady rise in temperatures, with May recording highs of 32.4°C (90.3°F) and lows of 21.5°C (70.7°F). This period heralds the start of the rainy season, resulting in an increase in rainfall from 13mm (0.51") in
February to 50mm (1.97") in May. Relative humidity also begins to rise, but the spring season maintains a moderately comfortable atmosphere for visitors.
Summer weather in Santa Elena
Summers, spanning
June to
August, are characterized by high rainfall and temperatures. June sees the peak of precipitation with an elevated 88mm (3.46") of rainfall, along with a considerable 22.6 days of rainfall. Despite the significant cloud cover and high humidity levels, the summer period still offers long daylight hours, averaging around 12.9 hours in June.
Autumn weather in Santa Elena
Autumn, from
September to
November, displays consistent climate patterns from the summer months. Heavy rainfall persists, clocking in at 80mm (3.15") in September, albeit with a gradual decreasing trend in the succeeding months. Temperatures during the autumn months remain in the comfortable range, averaging a high of 29.3°C (84.7°F) in
October.
Winter weather in Santa Elena
The winter season ushers in a transitional period, as rainfall begins to decrease significantly from 28mm (1.1") in
November down to just 19mm (0.75") in
December. Average temperatures follow suit, with lows of 17.5°C (63.5°F) and highs of 26.8°C (80.2°F) in December. Despite the decline in temperature, the plentiful sunshine, averaging 5.2 hours per day in December, provides a pleasant ambiance that encourages outdoor activities.
Weather in January
January in
Santa Elena,
Belize, ushers in the new year with a climate that remains slightly cooler compared to the coming months. The weather transitions from the cold of
December, preparing to embrace the warmth of
February. Rainfall is relatively low, registering at 16mm (0.63") for the month with nearly half the daylight hours showcasing sunshine.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As
January gives way to
February, the temperatures begin to escalate, offering relatively warmer days and nights.
Santa Elena experiences a slight drop in humidity as the city prepares for the impending dry spell of
March. February witnesses an average UV index of 6 and boasts 6.1 hours of sunshine per day.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March is typically the transition period into the warm season with its mild temperature fluctuations, thereby making it an enjoyable month. The rainfall dips further to reach the year's lowest at 13mm (0.51"), with an impressive 8.1 hours of sunshine per day.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April arrives with the highest daytime temperature so far, reaching up to 33.1°C (91.6°F) on hotter days.
Santa Elena welcomes this month as the beginning of the pronounced warm season, with nights that are comfortable, albeit slightly warmer compared to
March.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
Santa Elena,
May signifies the prelude to the wet season, with the first substantial increase in rainfall, reaching up to 50mm (1.97") in the month. The city experience a mixed bag of weather conditions, with warm temperatures prevailing, yet a slight increase in humidity.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June underscores the commencement of the rainy season with the highest rainfall of the year, at around 88mm (3.46"). Weather patterns in
Santa Elena undergo a drastic shift from the previous month's heat. The city witnesses a drop in the UV index to a year-round low of 7, with reduced sunshine hours.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues the monsoon mood set by
June, with an average rainfall of 44mm (1.73"). The city of
Santa Elena experiences a slight dip in temperatures, both during the day and at night, but maintains a relative humidity of 81%. Despite the substantial rains, the city basks under 8.3 hours of sunshine per day, indicating the peculiar interplay of sun and rain in July.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Santa Elena marks a phase of continuity with respect to
July, exhibiting similar weather patterns. The rainfall remains consistent at 67mm (2.64") with higher humidity levels, offering cooler nights. The daylight hours recede slightly, with the retreating monsoon preparing for the upcoming transition season.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September emerges as a mixed bag with rains peaking again at 80mm (3.15"), yet witnessing a downward temperature trend. The city prepares to bid adios to the humid monsoon season even as the rainfall remains pronounced. Shorter daylight hours begin to mark the onset of the fall season, with a reduced UV index registering at 6.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October presents a noticeable shift towards the cooler season, with temperatures beginning to decrease from the highs of the preceding months. An average rainfall of 71mm (2.8") signals the tail-end of the rainy season in
Santa Elena.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November sets the tone for the winter season in
Santa Elena with temperatures dipping further. A significant reduction in rainfall down to 28mm (1.1") indicates the end of the wet season. The city experiences reduced cloud coverage with a slight increase in the number of sunshine days.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December arrives in
Santa Elena, signaling the onset of the winter season, with the lowest night-time temperature averaging at 17.5°C (63.5°F). As the year's last month, it comes with the promise of a fresh start characterized by a decrement in daily temperature averages.
Weather in December »