The climate of Iquique
The city of
Iquique,
Chile, rests under the climatological purview of the BWk Köppen zone, also known as the mid-latitude desert climate. Geographically poised on the country's northern edges, the region's weather is dictated by the interactions between the encroaching desert air and the cool Pacific currents.
A review of the yearly climate statistics reveals a city that basks under considerably steady temperatures, partially sparse humidity, and minimal rainfall. High temperatures waver within a relatively narrow band, oscillating between a peak of 23.9°C (75°F) and a nadir of 18°C (64.4°F). Conversely, the low temperatures display a similar trend, fluctuating between 19.4°C (66.9°F) and 12.1°C (53.8°F). The relative humidity registers a consistent annual score, remaining fixated around the 73% to 76% mark. The city witnesses an annually accumulated average rainfall of just 16 millimeters, confirming the primarily arid nature of the region.
Observing the climate parameters, a low variability is evident, testifying to Iquique's steady microclimate. The rainfall frequency is meager, with only 0 to 2 days of precipitation per month. The sea temperature also maintains a stable gradient, hovering between 16.8°C (62.2°F) and 22.8°C (73°F). The duration of daylight varies between 10.9 hours and 13.3 hours, while the sunshine hours exhibit an unprecedented constancy, staying around 9.8 to 9.9 hours every day throughout the year.
The best time to visit Iquique
The optimal time to visit
Iquique is from
November through
February. During these months, the city basks in its highest temperatures, ranging from 19.3°C (66.7°F) to 23.9°C (75°F). Moreover, rainfall is at its lowest, making outdoor activities more pleasant. The sea displays its warmest colors, with temperatures varying between 18.8°C (65.8°F) and 22.6°C (72.7°F), fostering favorable conditions for swimming.
The worst time to visit Iquique
With its dominant desert climate,
Iquique doesn't exhibit drastically uncomfortable periods. Nevertheless, a somewhat less favorable period to make a trip corresponds to the months of
June to
September. From a vacation perspective, lower temperatures can reduce the attractiveness, particularly for water activities. During these months, the temperature dances between 18°C (64.4°F) and 20.6°C (69.1°F). Moreover, the sea temperature also dips to its lowest limits, from 16.8°C (62.2°F) to 19.1°C (66.4°F), providing a less inviting environment for beach activities.
Spring weather in Iquique
As
Iquique transitions into spring from
September to
November, the city witnesses a gradual increase in temperatures. This period experiences high temperatures ranging from 18.5°C (65.3°F) to 21.9°C (71.4°F) and fairly comfortable lows varying from 12.9°C (55.2°F) to 17.1°C (62.8°F). Rainfall remains sparse, usually restricted to one or two days per month. The sea temperatures also start to warm from 17°C (62.6°F) to 21.3°C (70.3°F) offering better conditions for water activities.
Summer weather in Iquique
The summer months of
December through
February constitute the warm annual climax in the city, with high temperatures oscillating from 21.6°C (70.9°F) to 23.9°C (75°F), while the lows range from 16.9°C (62.4°F) to 19.4°C (66.9°F). Rainfall is at its meager best, with hardly any recorded instances. Sea temperatures avow their warmest averages from 21.2°C (70.2°F) to 22.8°C (73°F), creating ideal conditions for swimming and other water-related activities.
Autumn weather in Iquique
During the autumn months from
March to
May,
Iquique experiences a gradual descent in temperatures, as the highs fluctuate between 20.3°C (68.5°F) and 23.3°C (73.9°F) and the lows vary from 15.5°C (59.9°F) to 19.4°C (66.9°F). Despite the changes, rainfall remains sparsely distributed. Concurrently, the sea temperature sees a slight drop, moving from 21.3°C (70.3°F) to 19.1°C (66.4°F).
Winter weather in Iquique
Amid the winter months of
June to
August, the city experiences its annual nadir in temperatures. The mercury sits between 18°C (64.4°F) and 20.6°C (69.1°F) for the highs, while the lows linger between 12.1°C (53.8°F) to 15.4°C (59.7°F). Rainfall remains largely absent despite being the coolest period. Sea temperatures also hit their coolest point, ranging from 16.8°C (62.2°F) to 18.3°C (64.9°F), but still offering considerably tolerable conditions for aquatic enthusiasts.
Weather in January
January in
Iquique,
Chile, is characterized by moderately warm temperatures and clear blue skies. The days are filled with sunlight shining bright for about 9.8 hours, perfect for those who enjoy basking in the sun. Calm winds averaging 10.7km/h (6.6mph) make for a slight cool breeze, maintaining a comfortable atmosphere.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The climate in
February is a slight tweak from
January's, being cloudless for 85% of the time. Days are slightly shorter with daylight hours reduced to about 12.8 hours. Cool winds continue to balance the warmth, leaving a pleasant atmosphere for outdoor activities.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March sees the arrival of autumn, bringing a minor drop in temperatures and daylight hours, which fall to 12.2 hours. Relative humidity clocks at 75%, typically attributed to slightly cooler conditions, but it doesn't compromise outdoor engagements.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the middle of autumn in
Iquique, with a more noticeable dip in temperatures and shorter daylight hours. Sunshine hours remain steady around 9.8 hours, ensuring the days still feel bright and sunny. The UV index drops from 6 in
March to 5, reducing the risk of sunburns.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May signals the onset of colder weather in
Iquique. The city is marked by a consistent drop in temperature and humidity. Daylight hours dip to 11.2, but the weather remains mostly clear with 9.8 hours of sunshine granting the city bright and sunny days.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Iquique is characterized by the first signs of winter. While the temperature continues its downward trend, the weather remains calm and pleasant. The wind's velocity drops to an average of 10.2km/h (6.3mph), making outdoor activities enjoyable despite the cooling trend.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July maintains the winter weather as temperatures reach their annual low, making it the coolest month in
Iquique. Less rainfall ensures dry weather, which is a consistent feature throughout the year. Winds, however, pick up slightly to maintain a comfortable atmosphere despite the chilly conditions.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August marks a turning point in
Iquique's weather cycle, showing early signs of spring. The sea temperature begins to rise, clocking in at 16.8°C (62.2°F), as the city transitions out of winter. Clear skies are the norm with cloud cover at a minimal 7%, ensuring conditions stay bright and sunny.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As spring progresses in
September, a gradual rise in temperature and daylight hours becomes more noticeable.
Iquique experiences cooler evening breezes averaging about 10.9km/h (6.8mph), ideal for evening strolls. Relative humidity remains at 73%, maintaining and complimenting the pleasant weather conditions.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings to
Iquique a weather quite consistent with the previous month, but with a significant change: longer daylight hours. Sunny days and a stable UV index of 5, make for fabulous beach days, but, remember, sunscreen remains crucial.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November presents the onset of summer, with an increase in temperature and daylight hours. Clear skies are the highlight of this month, making it an ideal time for all outdoor activities. The high visibility of 10km (6.2mi) ensures unobstructed views of
Iquique's scenic beauty.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December marks the peak of summer, with conditions conducive to various activities, from sightseeing to beach lounging. With the longest daylight hours of the year, it makes for extended outdoor fun. December's temperature scales a high, marking the start of the most refreshing sea dips at a soothing 21.2°C (70.2°F).
Weather in December »