The climate of Pinar del Río
The Köppen climate classification recognizes
Pinar del Río,
Cuba as having a tropical wet and dry climate, also known as the savanna climate. In practical terms, this means the region experiences a noticeable dry season in addition to a warm and wet season. While tropical in nature, its unique position on the westernmost part of the island affords it a blend of atmospheric conditions, making a comprehensive understanding of its weather phenomena paramount.
Throughout the year, atmospheric pressure in Pinar del Río fluctuates marginally. It ranges from 1012.8mb to 1018mb, indicative of consistent weather patterns. The region gets an average of 9 hours to a peak of 10 hours of visible sunshine daily, with the longest daylight hours recorded between
May to
July, amounting to about 13.5 hours. It is important to note that the length of daylight hours and sunshine hours are not synonymous: while the former relates to the period from sunrise to sunset, the latter relates specifically to the duration of direct sunlight.
Temperature patterns in Pinar del Río are fairly consistent across the calendar year. High temperatures range from 25.3°C (77.5°F) to 32.1°C (89.8°F), while low temperatures fluctuate from 24.7°C (76.5°F) to 18.5°C (65.3°F). These values point to a predominantly hot climate, which is characteristic of tropical areas. Alongside this is the relative humidity level, which hovers around the high 70s and low 80s percentage range, underlining the moisture-filled atmosphere of Pinar del Río.
Rainfall distribution throughout the year shows a significant increment in the volume of rain from May to
October, with a peak rainfall of 134mm (5.28") in
August. This period hosts the majority of the rainy days experienced in Pinar del Río. Conversely, the dry season runs from
November to
April, with
February having the least rainfall amounting just to 17mm (0.67").
The best time to visit Pinar del Río
When considering a visit to
Pinar del Río, it is best to consider the dry season months from
November to
April. During this time, rainfall is at its minimum, with
February being the driest month, receiving just 17mm (0.67") of rain over approximately 10 days. Moreover, the temperatures during these months fluctuate between 25.3°C (77.5°F) and 30.3°C (86.5°F), offering a comfortably warm climate for outdoor activities. Sunlight periods last around 9 to 10 hours daily, thereby allowing plenty of daylight for sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Pinar del Río
Conversely, the period between
May and
October might be less favorable for a visit, as it marks the wet season in
Pinar del Río. Rainfall volumes increase significantly during this period, peaking at 134mm (5.28") in
August. Furthermore, relative humidity during this period is high, often reaching 80% and above, which can make the temperature feel much hotter than it is. Conditions like these may lead to discomfort and inconvenience for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Spring weather in Pinar del Río
Spring weather in
Pinar del Río, accounted for in
March,
April, and
May, starts off relatively dry and ends with a consistent increase in rainfall. The temperatures during this time range from a low of 19.4°C (66.9°F) in March to a high of 30.3°C (86.5°F) in May. While March and April still belong to the dry season, May marks the onset of the rainy season, with rainfall increasing to 90mm (3.54").
Summer weather in Pinar del Río
Summers in
Pinar del Río span from
June to
August. This period coincides with the peak of the wet season. Rainfall during these months is high, with August receiving the highest rainfall of 134mm (5.28"). Temperature highs during this season can reach an average of 32.1°C (89.8°F) in
July, with the lowest being 24.2°C (75.6°F) in June. coupled with high humidity levels, this creates a typically hot and humid tropical summer.
Autumn weather in Pinar del Río
Autumn, from
September to
November, sees a gradual decrease in rainfall, with November marking the end of the wet season. The temperatures in this period range from a high of 31.2°C (88.2°F) in September to a low of 20.8°C (69.4°F) in November. Autumn thus provides a transition from the high rainfall and humidity of the summer months to the drier and relatively cooler conditions of the dry season.
Winter weather in Pinar del Río
Winter in
Pinar del Río, denoted by the months of
December,
January, and
February, is characterized by reduced rainfall and cooler temperatures. December experiences a significant decrease in rainfall to 31mm (1.22"), marking the onset of the dry season which lasts until the end of February. Temperatures during this period range from a high of 26.6°C (79.9°F) in December to a low of 18.5°C (65.3°F) in January, offering a cool respite from the tropical heat.
Weather in January
January welcomes the new year with moderate temperatures and noticeable humidity in
Pinar del Río,
Cuba. The weather remains mostly stable, making it a pleasant month for winter escapees. Although the temperatures are moderate, the humidity peaks at 80%, making the atmosphere perceptibly moist.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As
February rolls in,
Pinar del Río experiences a subtle shift in weather conditions. The moisture content in the air decreases slightly, making February less humid than
January. Despite the occasional rainfall, sunshine persists with nearly 9 hours of daylight.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings a clear change in weather as the city gears up for the warmer months ahead. The most significant change is the increase in the average temperature, and the city also enjoys a slight decrease in humidity and rainfall from previous months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April, Pinar Del Río,
Cuba enters a transitional weather period, showing signs of the approaching summer. There is a noticeable increase in average temperatures from
March, and the likelihood of rain also increases. With an average rainfall of 36mm (1.42"), April proves wetter than its preceding month.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May heralds the start of the summer season in
Pinar del Río with higher temperatures and increased rainfall. It is characterized by an average maximum temperature of 30.7°C (87.3°F) and a whopping rainfall volume of 90mm (3.54"), signifying the onset of the rainy season.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June presents a typical summer scenario in
Pinar del Río, with high temperatures and significant rainfall. It is the start of the region's wettest period, characterized by higher humidity levels and frequent downpours. Despite this, daylight remains high with approximately 13.5 hours per day, although actual sunshine hours tend to decrease due to the increased cloud cover.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is typically one of the warmest months of the year in
Pinar del Río. The region continues to experience high rainfall levels, with precipitation of 110mm (4.33") spread across roughly 24 days, embodying the heart of the rainy season.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August brings similar weather conditions to
July with the characteristic high temperatures, humidity, and rainfall of the summer season in
Pinar del Río. It demonstrates a remarkable amount of rainfall, peaking at 134mm (5.28"), the highest for the year.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September,
Pinar del Río witnesses a gradual shift in weather, indicating the forthcoming autumn season. Despite this, high rainfall persists, although with a slightly lower volume compared to
August's peak. Average temperatures reveal a subtle decrease, marking the start of the transition to cooler weather, yet remaining warm enough for outdoor activities.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings noticeable signs of autumn in
Pinar del Río. There is a significant drop in the average maximum temperature from the previous month, indicating the incoming cooler months. The rainfall volume stays high at 108mm (4.25"), reflecting remnants of the wet season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November marks the beginning of the cooler season in
Pinar del Río. The city experiences a significant drop in rainfall to 29mm (1.14"), indicating the end of the rainy season. Average temperatures also decline, marking a clear departure from the summer heat.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Pinar del Río marks the official start of the dry season. As the year comes to a close, the city enjoys mild and dry weather conditions. With a further drop in temperature, December's weather is quite enjoyable, with pleasant daytime temperatures and cool evenings.
Weather in December »