The climate of Portoviejo
Located in the South American country of
Ecuador,
Portoviejo experiences a tropical wet and dry climate, also referred to as savanna, as per the Köppen climate classification (Aw). This classification wholly depends upon a sharp contrast witnessed between the wet and dry seasons.
Throughout the year, Portoviejo undergoes subtle but significant variations in weather parameters such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall. Monthly average high temperatures tend to hover around 28.4°C (83.1°F) and 29.8°C (85.6°F), while lows float between 19.6°C (67.3°F) and 22.4°C (72.3°F). This consolidated data indicates quite a consistent and scorched climatic condition, with the highest mean temperatures occurring around
April and
May at 29.8°C (85.6°F).
Relative humidity percentages remain fairly high throughout the twelve months, reflecting the tropical climate. These percentages range from 69% to 84%, with
February marked as the most humid month. Rainfall demonstrates a more distinct yearly pattern, with totals dropping to a minimal 6mm (0.24") in
July and
August and peaking typically at 132mm (5.2") in
January.
The changing pattern of rain is accompanied by a similar pattern in rainfall days, i.e., from a minimum of 4.9 days in August to a maximum of 26.5 days in February. One may witness a clear transformation between a wetter, overcast period of the year and the drier, sunnier months, dictated by the tropical savanna climate.
The best time to visit Portoviejo
With such a diverse weather pattern, the choice for the best time to visit
Portoviejo often boils down to the visitor's preferences. However, considering the favorable weather conditions, such as lower rainfall and more sunshine hours, it is recommended to plan a trip between
June and
October. During these months, measurable rainfall is rare, averaging at most 12mm (0.47") in October and as low as 6mm (0.24") from
July to
September. Furthermore, the sunshine hours range from 6 to 6.6, promising pleasant and sunny days.
The worst time to visit Portoviejo
In contrast, the worst time for tourists typically coincides with the wettest months of the year. This period from
January to
March sees heavier rainfall from 102mm (4.02") to 132mm (5.2") and higher humidity levels reaching up to 84%. The increased precipitation levels and high humidity during these months might prove to be uncomfortable for many visitors.
Spring weather in Portoviejo
Spring in
Portoviejo brings a transition from wetter to drier conditions. During this season, which includes
March,
April, and
May, average high temperatures range from 29.5°C (85.1°F) to 29.8°C (85.6°F), making it the hottest season climatically. Rainfall occurs frequently in March but drastically decreases in April and May of precipitation. The average length of the day in
January in Portoviejo,
Ecuador, is 12h and 10min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 06:19 and sunset at 18:30. On the last day of January, sunrise is at 06:30 and sunset at 18:40 -05. With an average of 4.5h of sunshine, January has the least sunshine of the year in Portoviejo. January through
December, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index. The months with the lowest UV index are January through December, with an average maximum UV index of 6. A UV Index reading of 6 to 7 represents a high health vulnerability from unprotected exposure to Sun's UV rays for the average person.
Note: The maximum UV index, 6 during January, leads to the following recommendations:
Shun overexposure. Protection from sun ravages is indispensable. Avoid direct Sun exposure and seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV radiation is at its peak, but keep in mind that not all shade structures provide complete protection. During bright days, sunglasses that offer UVA and UVB defense are recommended.
Weather in February
Shifting into
February, the climate in
Portoviejo still maintains its humid and warm nature. There is a slight reduction in the lower temperatures when compared to
January, with the mercury dropping to 22.1°C (71.8°F). A notable increase in relative humidity translates into a cozier and warm atmosphere that is accompanied by slightly less precipitation.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March ushers in a slightly drier phase in
Portoviejo, with rainfall reducing from the previous two months. Sustaining the warm trend, the recorded temperatures for the month range from 21.6°C (70.9°F) to 29.5°C (85.1°F). Gradually decreasing rainfall results in drier conditions, although the city continues to experience a majority of rainy days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April signifies a distinct change in the weather in
Portoviejo. With a notable decrease in rainfall to 52mm (2.05"), it signals the onset of the drier season. Distinctively less rainy days and higher sunshine hours brighten up the city's landscapes.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Portoviejo makes a significant diversion from the previous months’ weather patterns. Comparing to the past months, May experiences a drastic drop in rainfall, reaching as low as 27mm (1.06"). Massive reduction in rainy days and significantly less cloud coverage means more bright, sunny days.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings in the driest phase of the year in
Portoviejo, with rainfall decreasing further to merely 8mm (0.31"). The city becomes notably drier with a drop in the number of wet days, offering a more inviting climate for outdoor activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July adopts a consistent weather pattern from
June, with slight changes observed in certain aspects. While the temperature differences between day and night in
Portoviejo remain minimal, rainfall remains at a significantly low level only reaching 6mm (0.24").
Weather in July » Weather in August
There is a minor shift in
Portoviejo's weather in
August, with an observed gradual increase in rainfall to 9mm (0.35"). Despite this, August retains its position among the drier months of the year. While temperatures are slightly lower than the previous months, they are still comfortably warm.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Approaching the end of the dry spell,
September experiences a minuscule increase in rainfall from the previous month. A slight rise in the temperature lower limit to 20.6°C (69.1°F) is seen, indicating a shift towards warmer nights.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October begins a transition back towards the wet season in
Portoviejo with an increase in rainfall to 12mm (0.47"). While the lower temperatures remain largely stable, the extended sunlight hours offer ample time for outdoor activities.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Portoviejo presents a climate progressively turning wet, with rainfall further increasing to 10mm (0.39"). The consistent warmth, both during the day and at night, promotes a comfortably warm atmosphere. Even though the wind flow continues to be strong, it caters to the hot conditions, alleviating the overall heat.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December marks the official entry of the wet season in
Portoviejo, with rainfall reaching 60mm (2.36"). Nevertheless, the climatic conditions remain consistently warm, ranging from 22.1°C (71.8°F) to 29.2°C (84.6°F). As is customary with the wet season, there appears a significant jump in the number of rainy days.
Weather in December »