The climate of El Alto
Located in the uplands of
Bolivia,
El Alto is characterized by a Temperate highland tropical climate with dry winters, as categorized by the Köppen climate classification. A unique blend of moderate temperatures, persistent humidity, and considerable year-round rainfall distinguishes this high-altitude city's climate.
Average high temperatures slightly fluctuate from 13.5°C (56.3°F) to 17°C (62.6°F) throughout the year. Winter months (
June and
July) tend to be colder with high temperatures dipping to 13.5°C (56.3°F). In contrast, the warmest months are observed in
November with a high temperature of approximately 17°C (62.6°F). Low temperatures show more significant variations, oscillating between -4.4°C (24.1°F) in the winter (July) and 4.4°C (39.9°F) in
December and
January. Relative humidity remains fairly consistent throughout the year, ranging from 42% in June and July to a peak of 72% in
February.
El Alto experiences varying levels of rainfall throughout the year. The city receives the highest rainfall, 134mm (5.28") in January, contrasting sharply with the drier months from June to
August that receive between 5mm (0.2") and 15mm (0.59") of precipitation. Days with significant rainfall range from a minimum of 2.8 days in June and July to a maximum of 20.7 days in January.
The best time to visit El Alto
Absolute delight can be experienced visiting
El Alto between
May and
September when weather conditions are most favorable. Despite winter setting in, low levels of precipitation combined with slightly increased daylight hours (from 11.2 hours to 11.7 hours) and comfortable average high temperatures (ranging from 13.5°C (56.3°F) to 14.4°C (57.9°F)) make this period ideal for exploring the city and its surroundings. However, it is advised to pack warmly due to lower temperatures (extending from -4.4°C (24.1°F) to -1.9°C (28.6°F)) during this time.
The worst time to visit El Alto
Visiting
El Alto from
January through
March is considered less favorable due to significantly high precipitation levels. During this period, average rainfall measures peak from 72mm (2.83") in March to 134mm (5.28") in January, with extensive rainy days accounting from approximately 14.2 to 20.7. Even though the average temperatures during this period range from the comfortable 14.2°C (57.6°F) to 14.3°C (57.7°F), the large amount of rainfall can be less enjoyable for activities.
Spring weather in El Alto
Spring in
El Alto, which spans from
September to
November, sees a gradual rise in temperatures and suitable daylight hours, rendering this season as an excellent time to visit. Average high temperatures during this period peak at 17°C (62.6°F) in November, with the lowest temperature reaching to a manageable 2.1°C (35.8°F). Rainfall patterns in spring range from 36mm (1.42") in September to 51mm (2.01") in November. Coupled with the ample sunshine hours of approximately 6.3 to 5.7, this period provides ideal conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Summer weather in El Alto
During the summer months (
December to
February),
El Alto experiences mild temperatures with high precipitation. Average high temperatures during this period remain constant at around 14.3°C (57.7°F), while the lowest temperature varies from 4.4°C (39.9°F) in December to 3.6°C (38.5°F) in February. Notably, these months record the highest rainfall, with December experiencing 95mm (3.74") of precipitation and February reaching a high of 105mm (4.13"). Hence, the summer season, marked by evident rainfall and relatively low sunshine duration (around 5.5 to 5.9 hours), might be less ideal for tourists.
Autumn weather in El Alto
Autumn, from
March to
May, is notable for declining rainfall and increasing temperatures. During this season, high temperatures in
El Alto elevate from 14.2°C (57.6°F) in March to 14.4°C (57.9°F) in May. Conversely, the low temperature exhibits a slight drop, starting at 3.6°C (38.5°F) in March and descending to -1.9°C (28.6°F) in May. Rainfall decreases consistently from 72mm (2.83") in March to 14mm (0.55") in May, implying that the latter part of the season might see more favorable touring conditions.
Winter weather in El Alto
Winter in
El Alto, extending from
June to
August, is characterized by colder temperatures and significantly lower rainfall. During these months, the high temperature dips to around 13.5°C (56.3°F) to 14°C (57.2°F), while the low temperature stoops to an average of -4.4°C (24.1°F) in
July. Although minimal rainfall and ample daylight (from 11.2 to 11.6 hours) can provide great exposure for sightseeing, the fairly low temperatures would require suitable winter attire for comfort during outdoor activities.
Weather in January
January is characteristic of the rainy season in
El Alto,
Bolivia, dominated by heavy rainfall and high humidity levels. With a consistent average high temperature of 14.3°C (57.7°F), January is generally mild. Noticeably, January holds the record for the highest rainfall of 134mm (5.28"), compared to subsequent and preceding months.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Transiting into
February, weather conditions in
El Alto show a distinctive shift with a decline in rainfall and slight rise in relative humidity compared to
January. It is generally a wet month, but not as intense as January. The average precipitation slightly decreases, totaling 105mm (4.13") this month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March marks a more apparent shift towards drier conditions in
El Alto,
Bolivia. Compared to
February, lower rainfall and a slight fall in maximum temperature signify the end of the rainiest period. With average rainfall slipping to 72mm (2.83"), it is relatively drier.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
El Alto,
Bolivia,
April puts the rainy season behind as it welcomes the drier months. A marked decrease in rainfall compared to the month of
March contributes to its transition into the dry season. The month gets significantly drier with the average rainfall dropping to 32mm (1.26").
Weather in April »Weather in May
May is characterized by relatively drier conditions, as it marks the middle of the dry season in
El Alto,
Bolivia. Rainfall amounts continue to decrease from
April to May, leading to considerably clearer skies. With the average rainfall falling to a meager 14mm (0.55"), May is the driest month of the year.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June signifies the peak of the dry season in
El Alto,
Bolivia. Conditions are noticeably drier and cooler compared to
May. The subtle drop in the minimum temperature to -4.3°C (24.3°F) is contrasted with the lowest rainfall of the year observed at 5mm (0.2").
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
El Alto continues with the trend of cool and dry conditions. Relative to
June, there is a small increase in rainfall although the amount remains low. Temperatures throughout the month vary mildly, with the average low hitting -4.4°C (24.1°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
Entering
August,
El Alto,
Bolivia experiences a slight increase in average rainfall and humidity compared to
July. Nonetheless, it is still part of the extended, dry period. The city witnesses a mild rebound in average rainfall, which totals 15mm (0.59") this month.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September ushers in the start of the gradual transition from the dry to the rainy season in
El Alto. A significant increase in rainfall from
August characterizes this period of transition. The average precipitation jumps to 36mm (1.42"), marking a notable uptick after the prolonged dry stretch.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October is a transitional month in
El Alto,
Bolivia, with rainfall amounts growing, signaling a shift toward the upcoming rainy season. Even though it follows the trend set by
September, October sees a considerable increase in precipitation and humidity.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November, the rainy season fully comes to the fore in
El Alto,
Bolivia. There is a significant climb in rainfall measures from
October, indicating the intensification of the wet season. With an increased average rainfall of 51mm (2.01"), November marks the return of the heavy rains.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December, while not the rainiest month, is characterized by frequent rainfall and an increased likelihood of overcast or mostly cloudy days in
El Alto. From
November to December, there is an outstanding increase in precipitation, with an average rainfall of 95mm (3.74").
Weather in December »