The climate of Riobamba
Situated in the mountainous region of
Ecuador, the city of
Riobamba rests in the predominantly Cfb climate according to the Köppen climate classification system, known as a marine west coast climate, with pleasant summers. This marine west coast climate exhibits comfortable, moderate temperatures throughout the year. Nevertheless, certain weather factors, including rainfall and temperatures, shift according to the changing seasons.
A review of the annual temperature range indicates remarkably consistent figures, with high temperatures in all months fluctuating from 11.8°C (53.2°F) to 13.6°C (56.5°F), and low temperatures ranging from 3.8°C (38.8°F) to 6.4°C (43.5°F). Humidity levels remain fairly constant year-round, standing around 85%. Rainfall varies throughout the months, with the highest precipitation in
March of 223mm (8.78") and the lowest in
August at 46mm (1.81").
There is an observable distinction between months when it comes to snowfall, with heavier snow in winter, in
December measuring 96mm (3.78"), and lesser measures in late summer, falling to as low as 18mm (0.71") in
September. Similarly, daylight duration and sunshine hours remain in a close range throughout the year, from 12 hours to 12.2 hours of daylight and 6.6 hours to 9.5 hours of sunshine. The range of UV index moves between 2 and 3 indicating a generally low UV radiation levels.
The best time to visit Riobamba
Considering all climatic variables, the most favorable period to visit
Riobamba would align with the city's lower rainfall, higher sunshine hours, and balanced temperatures. These conditions occur around the time of
August, when rainfall decreases to 46mm (1.81") and sunshine hours peak at 8.7 hours per day. Moreover, the temperature rests at a comfortable high of 12.5°C (54.5°F) and a low of 3.8°C (38.8°F), providing a weather condition that is comfortable yet not overly hot or cold.
The worst time to visit Riobamba
On the other hand,
March might prove less desirable for travelers seeking to avoid high rainfall rates, as it records the highest precipitation levels of 223mm (8.78"). Additionally, it offers limited sunshine at 7.2 hours per day and has higher humidity at 87%. Hence, although its temperatures remain agreeable at a high of 13°C (55.4°F) and a low of 6.4°C (43.5°F), frequent precipitation, high humidity levels, and reduced sunshine hours may detract from the outdoor exploration experience.
Spring weather in Riobamba
Springtime in
Riobamba, specifically from
March to
May, corresponds with a period of ample rainfall and moderate temperatures. Rainfall hits its highest peak in March at 223mm (8.78") and gradually decreases to 151mm (5.94") by May. Meanwhile, average high temperatures in this season hover around 13°C (55.4°F), with minimum temperatures averaging from 6.4°C (43.5°F) to 5.8°C (42.4°F). Days still have ample daylight at 12.1 hours to 12 hours.
Summer weather in Riobamba
The summer months of
June,
July, and
August present a shift in
Riobamba's weather pattern. Rainfall decreases significantly, particularly in August, when it measures only 46mm (1.81"). High temperatures range from 12.1°C (53.8°F) to 12.5°C (54.5°F) and humidity declines slightly. Additionally, there's a notable increase in sunshine hours, reaching up to 8.7 hours in August, offering longer sunny days for exploring Riobamba's landscape.
Autumn weather in Riobamba
Autumn in
Riobamba, from
September to
November, experiences an increase in rainfall, peaking at 179mm (7.05") in November. Nevertheless, there persists a consistency in temperature levels with highs from 13.3°C (55.9°F) to 13.6°C (56.5°F) and lows from 4.5°C (40.1°F) to 5.8°C (42.4°F). Sunshine hours decrease slightly, yet the city retains long daylight hours of approximately 12.2 hours per day.
Winter weather in Riobamba
Winter, from
December to
February, in
Riobamba, exhibits higher snowfall levels, especially in December with 96mm (3.78") but corresponds with comparatively lower rainfall from 155mm (6.1") to 160mm (6.3"). Daylight duration sustains around 12.2 hours, while sunshine hours decrease. temperatures retain their moderate range with highs around 12.6°C (54.7°F), and lows vary from 5.4°C (41.7°F) to 6.4°C (43.5°F), contributing to chilly but not freezing conditions.
Weather in January
The New Year in
Riobamba,
Ecuador, brings with it relatively cool temperatures and a high chance of rainfall. The high amount of cloud cover, reaching around 47% in
January, usually leads to damp, overcast conditions. Despite acidic rainfall from 160mm (6.3") to 187mm (7.36"), the city experiences fallen snow peaking at 106mm (4.17") in days characterized with approximately 3.8 days of snowfall.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
Riobamba,
Ecuador, the weather conditions in
February slightly improve from
January. Although there is still a significant amount of cloud cover, there is a marginal drop in the relative humidity. Snowfall reaches up to 55mm (2.17") during February on about 2.3 days, a mild reduction from January's snowy days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As the city of
Riobamba,
Ecuador moves into
March, the rainfall intensifies, reaching up to 223mm (8.78"), coupled with higher humidity levels peaking at 87%. Though it is a month characterized by frequent rain showers, the frequency of snowy days remains constant from
February, maintaining the cool weather patterns.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April's weather in
Riobamba,
Ecuador is defined by steady patterns, with a minor reduction in rainfall from
March’s peak. The amount of snowfall increases mildly, reaching 56mm (2.2"), showing a subtle hint of more wintry weather.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
Riobamba,
Ecuador,
May brings a reprieve from the prevalent rainy weather. There is a noticeable decrease in both rainfall and snowfall compared to
April, with the snow accumulating up to 66mm (2.6"). Despite the persistent high cloud cover, the amount of sunshine hours sees a slight increase, bringing more brightness to the city.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Riobamba,
Ecuador continues the reducing trend of rainfall and snowfall. Despite 65mm (2.56") snowfall accumulated during about 3.6 snowy days, a notable decrease in the relative humidity brings a dry touch to the climatic equation.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Despite being in the heart of the year,
Riobamba,
Ecuador experiences cooler temperatures in
July, accompanied by the year’s lowest rainfall. The frequency and amount of snowfall reduce from
June to just 22mm (0.87"), marking a distinct dry spell in the city's weather.
Weather in July »Weather in August
Mid-year in
Riobamba,
Ecuador, poses a continuation of the weather experienced in
July. A slight decrease in wind speed complements the relative temperatures and the least rainfall recorded in the year. Snowfall drops mildly in
August, only amounting to 19mm (0.75") of snowy precipitation on an estimated number of 2.3 days.
Weather in August »Weather in September
The weather in
September in
Riobamba,
Ecuador witnesses a small uptick in rainfall from the drier
August. Despite this increase, the amount of snowfall remains steady at 18mm (0.71"), confirming September as the month with the year's least snowfall.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Entering the last quarter of the year,
Riobamba,
Ecuador experiences a sharp rise in rainfall in
October, almost tripling that of
September. Despite the sudden shift to a wetter climate, the degree of snowfall only mildly increases from the previous month to 58mm (2.28").
Weather in October »Weather in November
In
November, the city of
Riobamba,
Ecuador, endures increased rainfall, coming in second only to the highest rainfall month,
March. Despite the wet conditions, snowfall records an upward tick at 92mm (3.62"), more than
October, but lesser than the start of the year.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Riobamba,
Ecuador, concludes the year in a festive cloud of cooler temperatures and persisting rainfall. The snowfall retreats slightly from the
November peak, recording 96mm (3.78") in
December. The windy conditions from the past months have dissipated considerably, maintaining an average speed.
Weather in December »