The climate of Santa Marta
Santa Marta lays under the tropical wet and dry awning of the Köppen climate classification. This positioning naturally influenced its weather patterns throughout the calendar. Strategically situated on
Colombia's Caribbean coast, Santa Marta experiences a predominantly tropical climate with minimal temperature variations and relatively high humidity levels throughout the year.
Temperature-wise, Santa Marta is relatively consistent, with average highs hovering around 27°C (80.6°F), and lows seldom dropped below 23.8°C (74.8°F). The steadiness of the mercury's movement indicates a year-round warm climate, augmented by the city's proximity to the equator. Humidity levels, paralleling the temperature, remain relatively constant, fluctuating from 76 to 81%.
Rainfall in Santa Marta is predominantly concentrated in the middle of the year, with the highest volumes marked from
April to
September. During this period, the city registers between 65mm (2.56") to 95mm (3.74") of rain, specifically in
May peaking at 95mm (3.74"). Correspondingly, this period also possesses the highest number of rain days, escalating to 26.5 days in
August. Not surprisingly, the period from
November to
March is the driest, with a marked descent in both rainfall volumes and quantities, falling between 7mm (0.28")and 12mm (0.47") in
February and
December respectively.
Santa Marta also enjoys ample daylight hours, ranging from approximately 11.5 to 12.8 hours, while actual sunshine duration fluctuates more distinctly, from as low as 7.6 hours in December and
January, to 11.9 hours at its zenith in April. This discrepancy indicates a variation in cloud cover, with cloud percentage ascending from 8% in February to a peak of 28% in
October.
The best time to visit Santa Marta
A trip to
Santa Marta is highly recommended during the end and beginning of the year, specifically from
November to
February. During these months, rainfall is at its lowest, with an average of 7mm (0.28") registered in both
December and February. Concurrently, the number of sunshine days is significantly higher, with 14.6 days enjoyed in December. With the relative humidity remaining constant year-round, these cooler and drier months offer the best conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Santa Marta
Travelers are advised to approach the period from
April to
September with caution, as it characterizes the wettest season in
Santa Marta. In this span, rainfall escalates sharply, peaking at 95mm (3.74") in
May. Accompanying this is a notable increase in the number of rainy days, culminating in 26.5 days in both
August and September. As such, the conditions may not be ideal for visitors looking to capitalize on outdoor activities, considering the predominantly damp and overcast conditions.
Spring weather in Santa Marta
There is negligible seasonal temperature variation in
Santa Marta due to its proximity to the equator; however, the spring months from
March to
May see a gradual rise in rainfall. Rainfall rises from 12mm (0.47") in March to a high of 65mm (2.56") in May, coupled with an increase in rainy days, climbing from 9.3 days to 23.8 days. Despite the greater downpours, daylight averages 12.4 hours and sunshine duration remains relatively high around 11.9 hours in
April, suggesting there is still ample opportunity to explore outdoors in the early spring.
Summer weather in Santa Marta
The summer in
Santa Marta, running from
June to
August, is characterized by high humidity, intense rain along with the refreshing sea breeze. Rainfall peaks at 95mm (3.74") in August, while the number of rainy days hits its annual high of 26.5. Despite the damp conditions, summer boasts average maximum temperatures around 27.7°C (81.9°F) and lows of 25.2°C (77.4°F). The sea temperature reaches its annual apex at 28.7°C (83.7°F), ideal for water activities.
Autumn weather in Santa Marta
During Autumn, spanning from
September to
November, the city experiences a transition from a rain-laden season to a relatively drier one. The decrease in rainfall, from 89mm (3.5") to 34mm (1.34"), coupled with a reduction in humidity, provides a gradual relief from the dampness. The daylight hours decline slightly from 12.2 hours in September to 11.6 hours in November, but the temperature remains comfortable with highs around 27.5°C (81.5°F) and lows of 25.4°C (77.7°F).
Winter weather in Santa Marta
Despite its tropical climate, winter in
Santa Marta, from
December to
February is marked with reduced rainfall, lower cloud cover, and the most number of sunshine days. December is the driest month, with rainfall dropping to 7mm (0.28"), and the number of sunshine days hitting 14.6. There is a mild decrease in temperature, resting between highs of 27.2°C (81°F) and lows of 23.8°C (74.8°F). Furthermore, sea temperature remains warm at 26.7°C (80.1°F) in December, creating a favorable environment for water-based activities.
Weather in January
With the beginning in sight,
January greets
Santa Marta with relatively stable conditions. The rainfall is moderate, with 7mm (0.28") falling across five days, acting as a balance between the dry and wet seasons. The city experiences a slight increase in humidity and cloud cover, while the prevailing winds maintain a constant speed, ensuring a gentle breeze throughout the month.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The weather in
Santa Marta undergoes subtle changes in
February. An increase in daily sunshine hours is noticeable, along with a diversified wind pattern that carries a mild, refreshing breeze. The city encounters a slight decrease in rainfall compared to
January.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Santa Marta ushers in a distinct shift in weather conditions. The city witnesses a visible surge in rainfall from 7mm (0.28") to 12mm (0.47") and the number of rainy days almost doubles. This rise is coupled with a slight uptick in humidity, resulting in a dewy atmosphere.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April showcases the transition of
Santa Marta’s climate into the wet season. The rainfall takes a drastic leap to 26mm (1.02"), spread across 15 days, signalling the start of a pronounced wet spell. An increase in cloud cover and relative humidity accompanies this change, cloaking the city with a mild, misty ambiance.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The onset of
May marks the peak of the wet season in
Santa Marta. The city is engulfed by a significant increase in rainfall to 65mm (2.56"), spanning across 24 days. The cloud coverage expands significantly, decreasing the hours of sunshine and intensifying the city’s humid atmosphere.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Santa Marta is characterized by a perpetuation of the heavy showers from
May. The city experiences its highest rainfall for the year at 89mm (3.5"), sustained over 24.5 days. This results in a surge of relative humidity, intensifying the wet spell even further.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Santa Marta in
July maintains its consistent, rhythmical pattern from the previous month. Although the volume of rainfall dips slightly to 85mm (3.35"), the city remains enveloped in a tide of elevated humidy and wind speeds. The frequency of sunny days trickles down, ensconced by an expanding cloud cover.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As
August unfolds,
Santa Marta experiences the last of its heavy rainfall, saturating 26.5 days with an accumulation of 95mm (3.74") of precipitation. The relentless showers heighten the humidity, reaching its zenith for the year.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the beginning of a downward trend in
Santa Marta's rainfall. With 89mm (3.5") of precipitation and a gradual decline in humidity, it signals the end of the wet season. The lighter winds give the city a breath of fresh air, bringing a partial relief from the previous months' damp climate.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The arrival of
October indicates a further reduction in
Santa Marta's rainfall to 84mm (3.31"), marking the transition into the dry season. The declining weather extremes are reflected in the city's diminishing humidity and recursive wind speed, contributing to an overall peaceful ambiance.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November showcases significant changes in
Santa Marta, heralding the advent of the dry season. While the rainfall drastically decreases to 34mm (1.34"), the city's humidity and wind speed continue their steady descent. The cloud cover begins to dissipate, granting the city longer sunshine hours and setting the stage for more vivid sunsets.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December caps off the year in
Santa Marta with its minimal rainfall of 12mm (0.47"), marking a stark shift to its drier climate. The city's humidity lessens, complemented by a gentle increase in wind speed, reflecting a typically dry December atmosphere.
Weather in December »