The climate of San Rafael del Sur
San Rafael del Sur, situated in
Nicaragua, falls under the Köppen climate classification of 'Aw'. This signifies a display of a tropical wet and dry climate, commonly referred to as the savanna type. This climatic category is noteworthy for its high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. This town, though in the tropics, certainly experiences a seasonal variation in terms of precipitation patterns.
The annual climatic portfolio of San Rafael del Sur comprises of high temperatures ranging from 29.4°C (84.9°F) to 33.3°C (91.9°F), with the highest peaks typically between
March and
May. Low temperatures are also on the warmer end of the scale across the year, fluctuating in the range of 23.8°C (74.8°F) to 26.4°C (79.5°F). Consequently, the area rarely experiences severe cold.
A prominent characteristic of San Rafael del Sur’s climate is the prominent rainy season that results in months of high rainfall, sharply contrasted by nearly dry seasons. This town records rainfall ranging from 1mm (0.04") to 321mm (12.64"), with the bulk of precipitation falling from May to
October. It's noteworthy, that October represents the peak in terms of rainfall, with an impressive 321mm (12.64") and roughly 28.9 days of rainfall. A drastic drop in rainfall is observed after
November, marking the onset of the dry season that lasts from November to
April.
Additionally, the relative humidity in San Rafael del Sur predominantly fluctuates from 61% to 82% throughout the year, indicating a moderately humid climate. Sunshine hours range from 7.6 hours to 10.6 hours, with a significant decrease during the wet months. Yearly wind speeds vary between 10.8km/h (6.7mph) to 22.4km/h (13.9mph), indicating a relatively calm atmosphere.
The best time to visit San Rafael del Sur
The ideal time to visit
San Rafael del Sur is during the dry season from
November to
April. During this period, rainfall is at a minimum, ranging from 0mm (0") to 18mm (0.71"), making outdoor excursions and exploration more enjoyable. Temperature ranges also remain pleasant, with highs from 29.4°C (84.9°F) to 33.3°C (91.9°F) and lows from 23.8°C (74.8°F) to 25.7°C (78.3°F) allowing for a comfortably warm atmosphere for tourism. Furthermore, the relative humidity decreases and sunshine hours are relatively higher contributing towards overall better weather conditions during these months.
The worst time to visit San Rafael del Sur
Visitors might want to avoid the town during the wet season spanning from
May to
October. This period experiences increased rainfall reaching a staggering 321mm (12.64") in October, accompanied by high relative humidity levels. While temperatures remain consistently warm, the heavy rains can deter outdoor activities and travel plans. Amidst the rainy season, the cloud cover can also potentially reduce the sunshine hours, leading to overall less enjoyable weather conditions.
Spring weather in San Rafael del Sur
Spring season in
San Rafael del Sur, typically from
March to
May, is characterized by increasing temperatures and the onset of the rainy season. High temperatures can reach up to 33.3°C (91.9°F), whilst lows hover around 24.3°C (75.7°F) to 26.4°C (79.5°F). Rainfall begins to pick up in
April, with an average of 18mm (0.71") during the month, eventually leading to significantly higher amounts in May.
Summer weather in San Rafael del Sur
The summer months, from
June to
August, fall within the heavy rain season in
San Rafael del Sur. High temperatures during this time span from 30.5°C (86.9°F) to 30.9°C (87.6°F) while low temperatures revolve around 25.3°C (77.5°F) to 25.6°C (78.1°F). Rainfall during these months is substantial, ranging from 76mm (2.99") to 177mm (6.97"), meaning this season is particularly humid and wet.
Autumn weather in San Rafael del Sur
The autumn months -
September to
November represent the transition from the wet to dry season. Although
October receives the highest amount of rainfall at 321mm (12.64") in the year, by November rainfall significantly drops to 55mm (2.17"). Temperature highs during this period range from 29.4°C (84.9°F) to 30.1°C (86.2°F), with lows roughly between 24.2°C (75.6°F) to 25.1°C (77.2°F).
Winter weather in San Rafael del Sur
Winter is the driest season in
San Rafael del Sur. It runs from
December to
February with rainfall reaching a mere 0mm (0") to 1mm (0.04"). Throughout these winter months, high temperatures from 30.4°C (86.7°F) to 32°C (89.6°F) are observed, alongside lower border temperatures fluctuating from 23.8°C (74.8°F) to 23.9°C (75°F). The overall conditions are comfortably warm, and this dry period is considered an excellent time for tourism activities.
Weather in January
January in
San Rafael del Sur is characterized by stable tropical conditions. The month begins the year on a dry note, a continuity from
December. As winds pick up, with a common speed of 21.9km/h (13.6mph), January days welcome the new year with a fresh breeze.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February weather in
San Rafael del Sur reveals slightly higher temperatures than
January. Still, it maintains similar humidity conditions and wind speeds. Increased solar daylight hours extend the sunny period. There is a small, but noticeable change in pressure from 1011.9mb in January to 1011.5mb.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March in
San Rafael del Sur experiences a mild increase in lower temperatures and longer daylight hours compared to
February. As the wind velocity dips marginally, whether or not it significantly alters the feel of the month remains subjective.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April displays a different weather pattern in
San Rafael del Sur, compared to the preceding month. There is a significant increase in rainfall from 1mm (0.04") in
March to 18mm (0.71") in April, indicating the onset of the wet season.
Weather in April » Weather in May
San Rafael del Sur in
May marks a notable change in weather, moving towards peak tropical conditions. Rainfall surges to 177mm (6.97") from 18mm (0.71") in the previous month, converting the landscape to a lush green. A remarkable decrease in sunshine hours from 9.7 to 10.3 shows that clouds often cover the sky.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The weather for
June in
San Rafael del Sur continues with the tropical mood, showcasing similar features as in
May. Average rainfall lessens slightly, while humidity increases, giving a highly moist feel to the atmosphere. A subtle dip in the temperature range along with stable pressure levels highlights the harmony of the season.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July sees a continuation of the prevalent monsoon climate, despite a drop in rainfall from
June. The month speaks to the heart of the rainy season in
San Rafael del Sur, with 76mm (2.99") of average rainfall. Wind speeds, temperatures, and humidity remain relatively constant, maintaining the atmosphere's dampness.
Weather in July » Weather in August
San Rafael del Sur weather in
August exhibits enhanced monsoonal factors marked by a rise in rainfall to 175mm (6.89") from 76mm (2.99") in
July. The month additionally continues the trend of steady temperature, wind speeds, and pressure metrics from July.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Coming in with 185mm (7.28") rainfall,
September is considered as the wettest month of the year in
San Rafael del Sur. The season exhibits dense cloud cover, contributing to the highest relative humidity of 80%. Reduced wind gusts and cooler temperatures sum up September as a rainy and tranquil month.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The city of
San Rafael del Sur experiences its highest rainfall of 321mm (12.64") in
October, setting it far apart from the rest. The temperature range is slightly low with increased cloud cover. The wind speed drops further, and the relative humidity remains high.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November's charm in
San Rafael del Sur is the transition from the wet to the dry season. Rainfall drops to 55mm (2.17"), reducing the overall moisture content in the atmosphere. Comparatively clear skies offer increased sunshine hours, allowing for ample warmth during the daytime.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings the year to a close with stable and dry weather conditions in
San Rafael del Sur. With the rainfall reaching as low as 5mm (0.2"), festivities are often celebrated under clear skies. The wind speed in December climbs back to nearly its
January level, signifying the return to original weather conditions.
Weather in December »