The climate of Copiapó
Copiapó, a city in the Atacama region of
Chile, is categorized under the Köppen climate classification as a BWk, indicating a mid-latitude desert climate. Lay under a clear sky, the city experiences minimal variability in temperature and humidity throughout the year. The maximum temperature tends to hover around 26.8°C (80.2°F), dipping to a low of 15°C (59°F). The city annually remains relatively dry with low humidity levels, falling between 50% and 63%.
Several weather patterns highlight Copiapó's desert climate. The lack of significant rainfall throughout the year with an average daily sunshine of almost 10 hours underscores the year-round dry conditions. Rainfall seldom surpasses 6mm (0.24") per month and occurs on fewer than two days. The most considerable volume of precipitation comes in
May, whereas very minimal to no rainfall marks the summer months from
December to
February.
The most defining feature of the area's climate is the excellent visibility, persisting at 10 kilometers all year round, indicative of its lack of fog or heavy precipitation. Wind speed averages at around 9km/h (5.6mph), with gusts rarely exceeding 12km/h (7.5mph). Though cloud cover fluctuates during the year, it remains relatively low, with a maximum of 11% in May. Moreover, atmospheric pressure barely changes throughout the year, oscillating between 1014.9 millibar to 1019.1 millibar.
The best time to visit Copiapó
Considering the constant weather parameters, the optimal time to visit
Copiapó primarily depends on the desired climatic conditions. However, given the city's benign weather conditions, it's safe to say that Copiapó remains favorable for visitors throughout the year. Still, for visitors seeking more warmth, the period from
December to
March might offer the best opportunity, as temperatures remain well above 24°C (75.2°F) during these months.
The worst time to visit Copiapó
While
Copiapó maintains a welcoming climate year-round, some periods can be less desirable. If avoiding colder temperatures is of concern, the months from
July through
September could be considered less ideal for a visit. During this period, daily temperatures can drop as low as 8.6°C (47.5°F). Additionally, higher rainfall and lower visibility may lessen the appeal of Copiapó during
May, despite the overall low amount of rainfall and excellent visibility throughout the year.
Spring weather in Copiapó
Characterized by a mild rise in temperature, Spring weather in
Copiapó from
September to
November is relatively dry and sunny. Temperatures ranging from 21.8°C (71.2°F) to 24.7°C (76.5°F) and long daylight hours provide pleasant days. The rainfall remains minimal, with an average of less than 1mm (0.04"), and tends to occur on no more than one day. Dry conditions, complimented by near-perfect visibility of 10km (6.2mi), make this period quite suitable for outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Copiapó
Summer in
Copiapó, from
December to
February, is characterized by warm temperatures, ranging from 25.3°C (77.5°F) to 26.8°C (80.2°F). The weather remains predominantly dry, with near-zero rainfall and low relative humidity between 59% and 61%. The clear skies permit about 14 hours of daylight and nearly 10 hours of glorious sunshine each day, providing ample opportunity for outdoor pursuits.
Autumn weather in Copiapó
Autumn in
Copiapó, from
March to
May, experiences a modest decrease in temperature, from 26.2°C (79.2°F) dipping to 22.3°C (72.1°F). Decreasing daylight hours from 12.2 hours to 10.8 hours parallely accompany the transition. This period observes an increase in cloud cover leading to the highest rainfall of around 6mm (0.24") in May. Despite this, humidity levels remain manageable, falling within 56% to 63%.
Winter weather in Copiapó
Uncharacteristic of conventional winters,
Copiapó from
June to
August is marked by temperatures moderately ranging from 19.6°C (67.3°F) to 21.2°C (70.2°F). A decrease in daylight and a slight uptick in cloud cover is noticeable. The city again enters a relatively arid phase with almost no rainfall, and humidity levels taper off, ranging from 50% to 51%. Winds stay mild, providing a comfortable climate for visitors and residents alike.
Weather in January
January in
Copiapó,
Chile is characterized by high energy and sun-soaked days. Sunshine is typical for up to 10 hours a day, making it one of the sunniest months. With the maximum temperature reaching up to 26.8°C (80.2°F) along with minimal rainfall of only 0mm (0"), it is advisable to prepare for dry and warm conditions.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As the calendar turns to
February,
Copiapó remains firm on providing a sublime package of warmth, sunshine, and minimal rainfall. Weather shifts are not drastic from
January, merely with a slight drop in the maximum temperature to 26.6°C (79.9°F).
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Copiapó witnesses a gentle, yet noticeable, shift in climate patterns from the preceding month. Though temperatures and rainfall are decreasing, the conditions remain comfortably warm and legislate an ample amount of sunshine.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Entering into
April, the mild winter begins to make its presence felt in
Copiapó, marking a steady decline in the temperature compared to the previous month. The temperature swing between daytime and night becomes more pronounced, indicating the arrival of cooler days.
Weather in April »Weather in May
As the heart of autumn approaches with
May, there's a noticeable transition from the strong sunshine-soaked days to more cool and brisk ones. The city experiences the coldest month of the year, with copious rainfall achieving a significant 6mm (0.24"), distinctly higher than the preceding months.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June ushers in the mid-year period with chillier mornings and evenings in
Copiapó. The city maintains a beautiful serenity and offers the citizens a cooler ambiance compared to the preceding few months. The decrease in daylight hours during this month paints a picture of shorter, snugglier days.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As
Copiapó welcomes the grip of winter in the month of
July, the signs of seasonal transition from the previous month are less evident. The city adapts to the chilly evenings while simultaneously harboring pleasant sunny days. With the lowest maximum temperature touching 19.6°C (67.3°F), July stands as the coldest month of the year.
Weather in July »Weather in August
Entering
August, a modified breeze starts to hover over
Copiapó, announcing the departure of winter with a slight increase in temperature compared to
July. It's a gradual change, enough to ignite the interest in the weather's shifting course.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September showers a warmer embrace when compared to the preceding months in
Copiapó. It is a transition month from the mild winter to the coming spring, embracing the golden sunshine and clear skies. With a significant increase in temperature from previous months, September brings a sense of renewal.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October is yet another beautiful month in
Copiapó, with the weather displaying a smooth transition from the mildness of
September to inviting warmth. An increase in daylight indicates longer, sunnier days marking the ascent of the sizzling summer.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November, the last month of the spring in
Copiapó, is also a moderately hot month, with temperature in the range of an average low of 13.2°C (55.8°F) and an average high of 24.7°C (76.5°F). November's commencement is accompanied by an average high-temperature of a still warm 24.7°C (76.5°F), diverging marginally from
October's 23.5°C (74.3°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
Closing the year in
December,
Copiapó maintains a trend of incrementally warmer temperatures and uses this progression as an elegant curtain call. The year finishes on a high note, with the maximum temperature jumping slightly to 25.3°C (77.5°F).
Weather in December »