Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Catamarca, Argentina, is characterized by diverse Köppen-Geiger climate classifications, including BSk (semi-arid), Cwb (temperate with dry winters), BSh (hot semi-arid), and Cwc (temperate with dry winters). Temperatures in the region exhibit a remarkable range, with a minimum of -21°C (-6°F) recorded in June, contrasting sharply with summer peaks reaching 46°C (115°F) in January. The annual average temperature rests around 16°C (61°F), illustrating the significant thermal variation that defines Catamarca's climatic landscape.
Catamarca, Argentina, experiences distinct seasonal temperature patterns characterized by significant fluctuations throughout the year. The summer months of January and February are marked by high averages of 22°C (71°F) and 20°C (68°F), peaking at maximums of 46°C (115°F) and 43°C (110°F), respectively. As autumn advances into March and April, temperatures gradually decline, with March averaging 18°C (65°F) and April dropping further to 16°C (61°F), while maximums decrease from 41°C (107°F) to 37°C (99°F). Winter months exhibit a stark contrast; temperatures plummet, especially in June, reaching a minimum of -21°C (-6°F) and an average of only 9°C (49°F). July and August maintain similar low averages but begin to rise slightly by September, indicating the transition toward spring. Finally, October through December witness a gradual warming trend, with November and December averaging around 20°C (68°F) and 21°C (70°F), while maximums hover close to 45°C (113°F), highlighting the region's dynamic climate and seasonal variability.
Fiambala experiences a notable temperature variation throughout the year, with winter lows reaching a chilling minimum of -8°C (17°F) in June. In contrast, the summer months bring significantly warmer weather, with maximum temperatures soaring up to 34°C (94°F) in December. For more detailed insights into the climate, refer to the monthly temperatures in Fiambala.
Precipitation in Catamarca, Argentina, follows a distinct seasonal pattern, peaking during the summer months of January and February, where rainfall reaches 118 mm (4.6 in) and 121 mm (4.7 in), respectively. These months are characterized by relatively frequent rainfall days, averaging 13 days each, providing essential moisture to the region. As summer transitions into autumn, precipitation begins to decrease, with March receiving 95 mm (3.7 in) spread over 11 days, followed by a notable decline in April with 67 mm (2.6 in) over just 8 days.
The trend continues into winter, where rainfall sharply diminishes, with June recording only 16 mm (0.6 in) across 3 days and July falling to a mere 8 mm (0.3 in) over only 1 day. August sees virtually negligible precipitation at 6 mm (0.2 in), marking it as the driest month of the year. However, as spring approaches, precipitation gradually increases again, with October and November receiving 41 mm (1.6 in) and 74 mm (2.9 in), respectively. December marks a resurgence of moisture with 109 mm (4.3 in), setting the stage for the cycle to repeat. Overall, Catamarca’s precipitation pattern reveals a clear dichotomy between wet and dry seasons, crucial for understanding its ecological dynamics.
Catamarca, Argentina, boasts a significant variation in sunshine duration throughout the year, with a clear trend toward increasing daylight hours as it transitions from winter to summer. The year kicks off with January receiving 283 hours of sunshine, but it swiftly climbs in February, peaking at 300 hours. March offers an even more notable rise, achieving 310 hours, indicating a robust start to the spring. This rising pattern continues through the spring months, with April and May still enjoying ample sunshine at 275 hours and 277 hours, respectively, before a brief dip in daylight hours during June.
The summer months shine bright, culminating in December, where the duration reaches an impressive 360 hours of sunshine, making it the sunniest month of the year. Notably, October and November also see substantial sun exposure, with 336 hours and 346 hours, respectively, highlighting the region’s propensity for bright, sunny days in late spring and early summer. In contrast, the winter months—particularly June—exhibit modest sunshine, but overall, Catamarca experiences a steady increase in sunlight across the seasons. This consistent rise in sunshine hours not only enhances the region’s natural beauty but also supports agricultural activities and outdoor recreation during its warmer months.
The UV Index in Catamarca, Argentina, presents a striking seasonal variation, particularly peaking during the summer months. January marks the highest levels of UV exposure, with an index of 19, categorized as extreme, indicating a very short burn time of just 10 minutes. February and March follow closely, with UV Index values of 18 and 16 respectively, also falling within the extreme exposure category. Even as spring approaches in April, the UV Index remains high at 13, underscoring a significant risk for sunburn and the necessity for sun protection.
As the year transitions into the cooler months, the UV Index maintains a notably high level but shifts to a “very high” exposure category. From May to August, the UV Index ranges between 8 and 10, reflecting slightly lower risks, yet still warranting caution with burn times extending to 15 minutes. Notably, as September rolls in, the UV Index spikes again to 14, re-entering the extreme category, before peaking once more in the summer months of October, November, and December. Thus, while the UV Index fluctuates throughout the year in Catamarca, extreme levels in summer months demand vigilant sun safety practices year-round.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Catamarca, Argentina, exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with longer days evident during the summer months and shorter days in the winter. The year begins with January and February each basking in 13 hours of daylight, providing ample time for outdoor activities and agricultural pursuits. As March approaches, the daylight begins to wane slightly to 12 hours, marking the transition toward autumn. By April, daylight is reduced to 11 hours, and it continues to decline through May, reaching 10 hours in both May and June, the shortest days of the year.
As the winter months progress into July, daylight remains steady at 10 hours before beginning to increase again in August, where it regains 11 hours. This upward trend continues into September and October, as daylight gradually extends back to 12 hours. November and December close the year with a return to 13 hours of daylight, mirroring the earlier months. This cyclical pattern highlights Catamarca's consistent and predictable daylight variations, essential for both residents and those planning activities in the region throughout the year.
Fiambalá, Argentina experiences a diverse climate with warm summers and cold winters. January peaks at a maximum of 33°C (91°F) while June and July see lows of -8°C (17°F), showcasing significant seasonal variation. Precipitation is modest, with January receiving the most rainfall at 43 mm (1.7 in) and a decrease to just 3 mm (0.1 in) in August. The region enjoys plenty of sunshine, especially in October, which boasts 380 hours. For more detailed information, visit Fiambala climate.
In conclusion, Catamarca, Argentina, showcases a dynamic and captivating climate characterized by distinct seasonal patterns in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight duration. The region experiences extreme temperature variations from scorching summers with significant sunshine to cooler winters with reduced daylight. This fluctuation in sunshine and a high UV Index, particularly during the summer months, underscores the importance of sun protection and outdoor planning. Meanwhile, the seasonal changes in precipitation highlight the critical role of moisture for regional agriculture and ecosystems. Together, these climatic factors create a unique environment that supports diverse lifestyles and activities, making Catamarca a remarkable area for both residents and visitors alike.