The climate of Montevideo
Categorized under the Köppen climate classification as Cfa,
Montevideo, the vibrant capital of
Uruguay, nestles perfectly within a humid subtropical climate zone. This signifies absence of a dry season within the capital city. Over the calendar year, the climatic patterns and conditions display substantial variation, influenced by its geographical position and the advancing seasons.
A closer examination of the annual weather pattern unravels a skew towards mild to warmer temperatures, oscillating from 7.2°C (45°F) to around 28.4°C (83.1°F) range. The hotter months are generally from
December to
March, with
January being the hottest at 28.4°C (83.1°F), whereas the winter months, predominantly from
June to
September, witness lows sinking to between 7.2°C (45°F) and 16.2°C (61.2°F). The coldest month is
July with the lowest recorded temperature of 7.2°C (45°F).
Humidity in Montevideo ranges monthly from 67% to 82%, the month of June typically recording the highest relative humidity of 82%. With respect to rainfall, the city witnesses a fair distribution throughout the year, presenting a range of approximately 83mm (3.27") to 109mm (4.29"). Peek in the precipitation is usually in the month of
October, thereby adding to the overall subtropical climate characterization.
The best time to visit Montevideo
Given
Montevideo's mild climate and moderate weather conditions, the city is quite welcoming for tourists and visitors all year round. However, the best time to visit would be late spring and early summer, typically from
November to
February. During this period, the city experiences warm and pleasant weather, with
December and
January showcasing the highest UV index of 12. Average temperatures from 23.7°C (74.7°F) to 28.4°C (83.1°F) and ample daylight hours up to 14 hours in December make it an attractive destination for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Montevideo
While each season has its own charm, winter months from
June to
August might be less inviting for visitors, particularly those keen on experiencing
Uruguay's outdoor delights. Average low temperatures can dip to about 7.2°C (45°F) in
July, paired with a relatively high rain count of around 7 days in June and July. Moreover, maximum UV index of just 2 coupled with limited daylight hours, dropping as low as 9.8 hours in June, might make sightseeing less appealing.
Spring weather in Montevideo
Spring, spanning the months of
September to
November, comes to
Montevideo with a refreshing swing in weather conditions. Average temperatures are mild and range from 18°C (64.4°F) to 23.7°C (74.7°F), thus encouraging exploration within the city. The relative humidity drops to the annual average of 71% and rainfall varies from 94mm (3.7") in September to 89mm (3.5") in November. The daylight hours begin to extend, reaching up to 14 hours in November while the average UV index moves from 6 in September to 10 in November, promising more sun-soaked hours.
Summer weather in Montevideo
Summer in
Montevideo is warm, extending from
December through
February. During these months, the temperatures hover between 26.5°C (79.7°F) and 28.4°C (83.1°F). This is also the time of the year when the city receives the longest daylight hours, with up to 14.5 hours in December. Despite an average rainfall of 87mm (3.43") in December, the city savors longer sun exposure with UV index peaking at 12.
Autumn weather in Montevideo
Marked by cooling temperatures, Autumn in
Montevideo prevails from
March till
May. The average temperature ranges dip from 25.5°C (77.9°F) in March to around 18.6°C (65.5°F) in May. While the daylight hours decrease to around 10.3 hours in May, the city observes an increase in rainfall from 105mm (4.13") in March to 89mm (3.5") in May with an average of 6 rainfall days.
Winter weather in Montevideo
Winter in
Montevideo, extending from
June to
August, is characterized by the coldest weather of the year. During this period, the city experiences average temperatures falling from 15.1°C (59.2°F) in June to a yearly low of 7.2°C (45°F) in
July. The shortest daylight hours are seen in June at 9.8 hours, with an average UV index of 2. Despite the cold temperatures, rainfall isn't significantly high ranging from 83mm (3.27") to 86mm (3.39") across these months.
Weather in January
The year starts in
Montevideo,
Uruguay with higher temperatures, hinting at strong summer weather conditions. A beach outing is desirable due to the warm sea temperature of 24.2°C (75.6°F). A slight decrease in temperature is observed from
January to
February.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The near perfect resemblance between
January's and
February's climatic patterns creates an extended summer feel in
Montevideo. Rainfall increases to 102mm (4.02") from 87mm (3.43") in January, contributing to the relatively high humidity of 69%.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March observes the farewell of Uruguayan summer as temperatures begin to decline, preparing for the arrival of Autumn. There's a shift in the climatological scene as rainfall hits its peak at 105mm (4.13"). Cooler evenings foresee the approaching climate changes and shorter days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings
Montevideo into the heart of Autumn, with a more cooler and refreshing atmosphere. The change in season is characterized by a fall in sea temperature to 19°C (66.2°F), resulting in less crowded shores. There's a noteworthy shift in daylight and sunshine duration compared to
March.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May ushers in the colder period of
Montevideo's climatic pattern, with signs of winter becoming clearer. Decreased daylight hours coupled with increased rainfall creates an ambiance of winter approaching. The sea temperature dips further down to 15.9°C (60.6°F), making it the coolest thus far in the year.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marks the beginning of winter in
Montevideo,
Uruguay, painting the city with a cooler palette. The lowest sea temperature of the year at 13.1°C (55.6°F) discourages water-based activities. A noticeable decrease in sunshine duration and day length occurs creating shorter days.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In the midst of winter,
July exhibits colder nights with the least variance in climatic conditions. A minor increase in rainfall to 86mm (3.39") distinguishes July from the preceding month. Crisp winter days prevail throughout the month and it's the ideal time for indoor activities.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August presents a gentle transition from winter to spring, showcasing slightly longer days and extended sunshine duration. An uptick in sea temperature to 12.1°C (53.8°F) hints at the changing season. The rainfall remains almost stable at 88mm (3.46") maintaining the wet conditions from
July.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September, the dawn of
Montevideo's spring exhibits warmer temperatures and extended sunshine hours. The sea temperature gradually increases to 13.3°C (55.9°F), inviting for enjoyable walks along the beaches. From a climatological perspective, a rise in rainfall to 94mm (3.7") can be seen.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
By
October,
Montevideo fully embraces spring with pleasant weather encouraging outdoor enjoyment. Rainfall peaks again at 109mm (4.29"), being the highest in the second half of the year. Day and sunshine durations increase noticeably, painting long vibrant days.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Montevideo,
Uruguay signals the transition to summer with warmer days and increasing sunshine durations. A marked increase in sea temperature to 19.8°C (67.6°F) revitalizes the beach scene. The weather remains comfortable despite the minimal fluctuation in humidity levels.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December puts forward
Montevideo's summer with longer sun-filled days and warm sea temperatures. A peak sea temperature of 21.9°C (71.4°F) invites locals and tourists to enjoy beach activities. Gradual decrease in rainfall to 84mm (3.31") announces the holiday season with clear skies.
Weather in December »