The climate of Chinandega
The geographical position of
Chinandega, a city located in
Nicaragua, places it within the Köppen climate classification of Aw, indicating a predominating tropical wet and dry or savanna climate. This climate manifests in warm temperatures throughout the year, combined with a distinct wet and dry season.
A close observation of the temperature parameters reveals a fairly stable condition year-round. The highest monthly average highs are noticed from
March to
May, spanning 33.8°C (92.8°F) to 35.3°C (95.5°F).
December and
January, though slightly cooler, still maintain highs around 31.6°C (88.9°F) and 32.8°C (91°F) respectively. Night lows range between 22.4°C (72.3°F) to 26.4°C (79.5°F), again indicating relatively minimal differentiation.
There is a clear pattern with rainfall, reaching its peak between May and
October. The heaviest rainfall is recorded in October with 214mm (8.43") and decreases progressively from
November to December. This confirms the onset of a dry season, which continues with minimal rainfall until
April. Relative humidity shows a corresponding increase during the rain-soaked months, peaking at 83% in October.
Wind speeds fluctuate moderately over the year, with the highest average wind speed reported as 11km/h (6.8mph) in
February and the lowest as 6.6km/h (4.1mph) in
September and October. The highest gusts are recorded in January and December at 16.4km/h (10.2mph) and 14.7km/h (9.1mph) respectively, indicative of slightly windier conditions during these periods.
The best time to visit Chinandega
Considering a blend of weather conditions, the best time to visit
Chinandega is typically from
December to
March. While humidity is comparatively lower, at about 61% to 68%, these months provide relief from heavy rainfall, with December being the driest. Average daily highs maintain comfortable warmth from 31.6°C (88.9°F) to 33.8°C (92.8°F), while overnight lows from 22.4°C (72.3°F) in December to 23°C (73.4°F) in March ensure pleasant evenings, perfect for outdoor activities. Clear skies with ample sunshine averaging up to 11.2h per day in
April and a maximum UV index of 7 should aid tourists keen on catching a good dose of sun.
The worst time to visit Chinandega
The period from
May to
October marks the worst time to visit
Chinandega, attributed largely to the heavy rainfall and high humidity levels ranging from 69% to 83%. Wet season is particularly felt in October, with the heaviest rainfall of 214mm (8.43") spread across an average of 26.8 days. The months of May and
September also witness high precipitation levels. Additionally, these months register reduced sunshine hours, with September recording the least at 8.4h per day.
Spring weather in Chinandega
Defining spring in the context of a tropical climate can be challenging. However,
March and
April are considered spring months, notable for their notably high temperatures. Average highs peak at 35°C (95°F) and 35.3°C (95.5°F) while minimum temperatures range between 23.9°C (75°F) and 26.3°C (79.3°F). Rainfall in March averages 2mm (0.08") over 3.1 days, increasing substantially to 17mm (0.67") spread over 10.5 days in April, signaling the onset of wet season. Average wind speeds during these months drop to 10.1km/h (6.3mph) and 8.4km/h (5.2mph) respectively.
Summer weather in Chinandega
In
Chinandega, summer spans from
May to
July, marked primarily by heavy rainfall and high humidity. May records the highest rainfall and humidity, with 192mm (7.56") of average rainfall and a relative humidity of 69%. This tapers slightly to 163mm (6.42") and 78% humidity in
June and further to 88mm (3.46") and 74% humidity in July. Daylight lasts for about 12.7h to 12.8h per day, dropping slightly to 12.5h in July.
Autumn weather in Chinandega
Autumn in
Chinandega, from
August to
October, ensues with a continuation of the rainy season. Rainfall remains heavy, with recorded averages at 155mm (6.1") in August, 166mm (6.54") in
September, and peaking at 214mm (8.43") in October. The relative humidity also stays high throughout these months, solidifying the conviction of autumn being particularly wet and humid in Chinandega.
Winter weather in Chinandega
The winter months of
November to
February in
Chinandega are distinguished by a relatively dry spell, offering a respite from the extended period of heavy rains. Rainfall diminishes significantly from 44mm (1.73") in November to 2mm (0.08") by February. However, temperatures maintain a stable range with average highs from 30.2°C (86.4°F) to 32.8°C (91°F) and lows from 22.2°C (72°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). The relative humidity also eases off, dropping to 68% in
December and reaching a relative low of 59% by February. Winter, thus, presents a more convenient backdrop for travelers.
Weather in January
January finds
Chinandega in the midst of its dry season, making it an excellent time to enjoy outdoor activities without concern for rain. The climate is characterized by warm temperatures and low rainfall, a distinct shift from the rainy season that precedes it.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As the shortest month of the year,
February carries forward
January's warmth, with slightly elevated temperatures. The lack of rainfall and low cloud coverage enhance the city's natural beauty, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Dominantly dry weather patterns continue in
Chinandega through
March. The month is characterized by a significant increase in daylight hours and an abundance of sunshine. This month holds the year’s highest temperature, reaching a scorching 35°C (95°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the end of the dry season in
Chinandega with a considerable increase in rainfall. Long daylight hours remain a dominant feature, allowing plenty of time for exploration before the rain resumes. A notable shift registers in April, with an increase of rainfall to 17mm (0.67") from previous dry spells.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The onset of the rainy season characterizes
May in
Chinandega, bringing with it increased humidity and significant cloud coverage. The cooler temperatures are a welcome contrast to the dry season's heat, and the city's scenery takes on a lush, vibrant hue.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June’s weather brings continued rainfall and high humidity, which contribute to
Chinandega’s vibrant, lush appearance. Cloud cover increases significantly, shielding the city from an excess of sunlight, while temperatures stabilize, remaining warm but not overly hot.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July carries forward the wet season in
Chinandega, with continued rainfall and overcast skies predominating most of the month. However, there is a slight decrease in rain and humidity compared to the previous month. Furthermore, July records 88mm (3.46") of rainfall, less than the prior two months.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The rainy season persists through
August, with
Chinandega experiencing high humidity and frequent showers. Despite the rain, the city continues to display its unique charm, and the rainfall brings about a captivating transformation of the scenery.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September ushers in a continuation of the rainy season in
Chinandega, with frequent downpours and increased cloud coverage. The increased cloud coverage ensures a decrease in daylight and sunshine hours, introducing a calmer, cooler ambience to the city.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October is the wettest month in
Chinandega, characterized by frequent heavy showers and the highest amount of cloud coverage during the year. This causes a decrease in temperatures and increased humidity, aligning with the dominant wet season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings about the gradual lessening of the wet season with a reduction in rainfall and rise in sunshine. Skies begin clearing up, making way for more sunlight and an increase in sunshine hours compared to previous months.
Weather in November » Weather in December
The year concludes with
December bringing back the dry season in
Chinandega. The weather becomes predominantly sunny with less cloud cover, and rainfall is at an annual low. December sees only 6mm (0.24") of rainfall, marking a sharp decline from the preceding months.
Weather in December »