The climate of Chichicastenango
At a glance, the climate in
Chichicastenango,
Guatemala, presents as a Temperate highland tropical climate with dry winters according to the Köppen climate classification Cwb. This classification indicates that the geographical position of Chichicastenango, situated at an elevated level, affects overall weather conditions significantly due to its altitude.
Notable throughout the year, there is a constant relative humidity level generally hovering around 70% to 87%. As a consequence, a permanent yet varying level of comfort can be expected subject to the concurrent temperature.
Temperatures offer a gentle range, from highs of about 23.8°C (74.8°F) down to lows of 10.2°C (50.4°F). This variation presents a moderate climate overall, rarely uncomfortable due to extreme heat or cold.
When analyzing rainfall, a higher incidence occurs from
April to
November, peaking drastically in
May with 372mm (14.65") and descending gradually towards November. In sharp contrast,
December till
March shows substantially less precipitation, with
February being the driest month with just 14mm (0.55") of rain.
Equally significant is the sunshine data; the town basks in month-long durations of sunlight, ranging from 7.2 hours per day on the shorter end during November, to a generous 10.8 hours per day in April. However, this sunshine is often hazy, as the visibility fluctuates from 8km (5mi) to 10km (6.2mi) throughout the year.
The best time to visit Chichicastenango
Based on climate parameters, the most agreeable time to visit
Chichicastenango is from
December to
March. During these months, the weather is at its driest and sunniest. Temperatures are pleasant, with the highs oscillating around 21.9°C (71.4°F) to 23.8°C (74.8°F) and the lows hovering approximately between 10.2°C (50.4°F) to 13.3°C (55.9°F). The least rain showers occur during
February, creating a warm, dry climate perfect for exploring the local attractions. Daylight hours remain consistent around 11.4 to 12.5 hours per day, facilitating longer sightseeing schedules.
The worst time to visit Chichicastenango
The less desirable period for travel would likely fall from
May to
November. The reasons being heavy rainfall, especially during May which records a massive 372mm (14.65") of precipitation, consistently high humidity, and limited sunshine hours. Aside from the likelihood of rainfall dampening outdoor activities, the heightened humidity could result in some discomfort. Despite these drawbacks, it's worth mentioning that temperatures remain relatively moderate, and natural beauty is at its peak due to the proliferating green landscapes during these wet months.
Spring weather in Chichicastenango
Chichicastenango in spring, from
March to
May, witnesses a prominent change in the weather. These months mark the onset of the rainy season. Average high temperatures range from 21.8°C (71.2°F) to 23.7°C (74.7°F) and the lows from 10.6°C (51.1°F) to 13.3°C (55.9°F), marking an increase from the winter months of
December to
February. Precipitation levels change drastically. March still remains comparatively dry with 37mm (1.46") of rainfall which escalates to an all-time annual high of 372mm (14.65") in May.
Summer weather in Chichicastenango
Although traditional notions of summer may not apply to
Chichicastenango due to its geographic location,
June to
August registers as the warmest period. However, this is also the peak of the rainy season. Average high temperatures during these months range from 21.3°C (70.3°F) to 22.4°C (72.3°F), and the average lows range from 13.2°C (55.8°F) to 14.3°C (57.7°F). Rainfall amounts approximately between 201mm (7.91") to 371mm (14.61") per month, with frequent downpours expected, especially in June when rainfall is at its peak.
Autumn weather in Chichicastenango
Around
September to
November, the weather starts showing signs of a transition from the rainy to dry season. High temperatures range from 20.7°C (69.3°F) to 21.9°C (71.4°F), and the lows from 11.3°C (52.3°F) to 13.6°C (56.5°F). Rainfall starts to decrease gradually, going down from 305mm (12.01") in September to 66mm (2.6") by November. However, it is still significant compared to the dry months, so visitors should be prepared for a rain shower now and then.
Winter weather in Chichicastenango
Winter in
Chichicastenango, encompassing
December through
February, showcases the driest season. Average highs range from 21.7°C (71.1°F) to 23.1°C (73.6°F) and lows from 10.2°C (50.4°F) to 10.4°C (50.7°F), creating a comfortable environment for outdoor exploration. The dry phase goes from the driest month of February with rainfall of 14mm (0.55"), increasing slightly to 19mm (0.75") in December. Despite being winter, the region does not experience severe cold, and the consistent sunlight, averaging around 11.3 to 11.7 hours per day, creates a pleasant holiday setting.
Weather in January
Daunting cold envelops the city in
January, heralding the onset of the New Year in
Chichicastenango,
Guatemala. Humidity remains at a tolerable 72%, allowing for relative comfort despite low temperatures. Light breezes whisk through the city streets, providing respite from the rhythmic rise and fall of atmospheric pressure.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Calmly transitioning from the previous month,
February carries over the essence of
January's cooling trends, yet adds a touch of warmth with high temperatures rising slightly to 23.1°C (73.6°F). The whispers of cold continue to linger in the nighttime air.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March ushers in a more dramatic shift in
Chichicastenango’s weather, making way for more observable changes. The city experiences slightly warmer nights, alongside an increase in rainfall to 37mm (1.46"), hinting at the impending wet season.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As
April unfurls, the climate undergoes a significant transformation, setting the stage for the onset of the rainy season in
Chichicastenango. The city witnesses a noticeable surge in rainfall, catapulting to 111mm (4.37") from the previous month, transforming landscapes into lush green vistas.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May thrusts the city into the grip of the rainy season with a steep increase in precipitation to 372mm (14.65"). Amidst this deluge, the city maintains itself, creating an intricate interplay between the urban and natural environments.
Weather in May » Weather in June
As
June unfolds,
Chichicastenango continues its rainy sojourn with an almost unchanged precipitation level at 371mm (14.61"). Complemented by the high relative humidity of 86%, the frequent rain designs a vibrant and rejuvenating cityscape.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July experiences a slightly more moderate climate as rainfall decreases to 201mm (7.91"). A respite from the heavy downpours of the previous months, the city breathes a tiny sigh of relief and pauses to relish the suffused sunlight pouring between the softened rain clouds.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August brings a resurgence of rainfall reaching 267mm (10.51"), marking the peak of
Chichicastenango's wet season. A marked increase in cloud cover celebrates the season's climate dynamics, giving birth to a myriad of chromatic palettes.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Chichicastenango presents a harmonious blend of weather phenomena. Following
August, rainfall persists at a slightly higher 283mm (11.14"), characterizing the city's landscape and hinting at the nearing end of the lengthy rainy season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks a distinct shift in
Chichicastenango's weather, with the persistent rain beginning to retreat. Although rainfall remains substantial at 305mm (12.01"), the decreasing number represents a meaningful downward trend.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November welcomes a significant decrease in rainfall, plummeting to 66mm (2.6"), signaling the end of the lengthy rainy season.
Chichicastenango encounters a colorful transition as the lessening rains make way for more sunlight, allowing for an increase in outdoor activities.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Chichicastenango marks the return of a drier climate, with minimal rainfall decreasing further to a mere 19mm (0.75"). The cold creeps back into the landscape, announcing the year-end with a dip in temperature. The city parades a glorious amalgamation of mild sunlight, cool winds, and clear skies.
Weather in December »