Climate and monthly weather forecast
Iquique, Chile

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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 »

Frequently asked questions

What are the least humid months in Iquique?

January, August through December, with an average relative humidity of 73%, are the least humid months.

How much does it rain in Iquique?

In Iquique, Chile, during the entire year, the rain falls for 17.8 days and collects up to 15mm (0.59") of precipitation.

What are the months with the least sunshine in Iquique?

January, February, April, May, July and December, with an average of 9.8h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine in Iquique, Chile.

When is the highest UV index in Iquique?

The months with the highest UV index in Iquique are January through March, with an average maximum UV index of 6.

What is the hottest time of year in Iquique?

February registers as the month with the average highest temperatures in Iquique, Chile, reaching 23.9°C (75°F) at its peak and 19.4°C (66.9°F) at the lowest.

What is the rainiest month in Iquique?

February is the month with the most rainfall in Iquique, Chile. Rain falls for 2.9 days and accumulates 3mm (0.12") of precipitation.

What month is the sea warmest in Iquique?

With an average sea temperature of 22.8°C (73°F), February is the month with the warmest seawater in Iquique, Chile.

What is the month with the most sunshine in Iquique?

The months with the most sunshine are March, June, August through November, with an average of 9.9h of sunshine.

What is the most humid month in Iquique?

April and May, with an average relative humidity of 76%, are most humid months.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Iquique?

On Sunday, 07. April 2024, at 00:00, Daylight Saving Time ends, and the time zone changes from -03 to -04. The next Daylight Saving Time starts on Sunday, 08. September 2024, at 00:00, and the time zone reverts from -04 to -03.

When is the lowest UV index in Iquique?

April through December, with an average maximum UV index of 5, are months with the lowest UV index in Iquique, Chile.

What is the month with the shortest days in Iquique?

The month with the shortest days in Iquique is June, with an average of 10h and 54min of daylight.

When is the sea coldest in Iquique?

July and August, with an average sea temperature of 16.8°C (62.2°F), are months with the coldest seawater in Iquique, Chile.

What time of the year is the coldest in Iquique?

Iquique witnesses the coldest weather in August, with temperatures averaging a high of 18°C (64.4°F) and a low of 12.1°C (53.8°F).

What is the driest month in Iquique?

The only month without rainfall in Iquique is November.

When does it rain in Iquique?

Months with rainfall are January through October and December.

When are the longest days in Iquique?

The month with the longest days is December, with an average of 13h and 18min of daylight.

Average temperature
Iquique, Chile

Average temperature - Iquique, Chile

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is February (23.9°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is August (18°C).

The month with the highest average low temperature is February (19.4°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is August (12.1°C).

Average pressure
Iquique, Chile

Average pressure - Iquique, Chile

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (1016.1mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is February (1012.6mbar).

Average wind speed
Iquique, Chile

Average wind speed - Iquique, Chile

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (11.4km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (9.8km/h).

Average humidity
Iquique, Chile

Average humidity - Iquique, Chile

The months with the highest relative humidity are April and May (76%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are January, August, September, October, November and December (73%).

Average rainfall
Iquique, Chile

Average rainfall - Iquique, Chile

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is February (3mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is November (0mm).

Average rainfall days
Iquique, Chile

Average rainfall days - Iquique, Chile

The month with the highest number of rainy days is February (2.9 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (0.2 days).

Average sea temperature
Iquique, Chile

Average sea temperature - Iquique, Chile

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is February (22.8°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are July and August (16.8°C).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Iquique, Chile

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Iquique, Chile

The month with the longest days is December (Average daylight: 13h and 18min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 10h and 54min).

The months with the most sunshine are March, June, August, September, October and November (Average sunshine: 9h and 54min).
The months with the least sunshine are January, February, April, May, July and December (Average sunshine: 9h and 48min).

Average sunshine days
Iquique, Chile

Average sunshine days - Iquique, Chile

The month with the most sunshine days is March (29.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is February (24.2 days).

Average UV index
Iquique, Chile

Average UV index - Iquique, Chile

The months with the highest UV index are January, February and March (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (UV index 5).

Average visibility
Iquique, Chile

Average visibility - Iquique, Chile

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).

Iquique, Chile

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