Last updated: January 18, 2025
Salta, Argentina, showcases a diverse climate characterized by multiple Köppen-Geiger climate classifications, including Cwb, Cwc, ET, BSh, and Cwa. The region experiences considerable temperature variability, with minimums plummeting to -21°C (-5°F) in June, while average temperatures hover around 16°C (61°F). In stark contrast, the thermometer can soar to an astonishing 46°C (116°F) in October, illustrating the extremes of its semi-arid and mountainous conditions. This climatic diversity significantly influences local ecosystems and agriculture, making Salta a unique case study in understanding weather patterns and climate dynamics.
In Salta, Argentina, temperature patterns reveal pronounced seasonal fluctuations. The year begins with quite warm conditions in January, where average temperatures reach around 20°C (69°F) and maximums can spike to 46°C (115°F). As the months progress into early autumn, temperatures gradually decrease, with March averaging 18°C (65°F) and experiencing a slight drop in maximums. By April and May, cooler conditions dominate, as average temperatures fall to 16°C (61°F) and 13°C (55°F), accompanied by minimums dropping to as low as -12°C (11°F). The winter months of June and July usher in the coldest temperatures, with minimums plunging to -21°C (-5°F) in June, yet maximums still reach 36°C (96°F). Gradually, spring arrives in August, lifting temperatures and paving the way for a warm resurgence in October, where temperatures can soar back to 46°C (116°F). This cyclical rhythm underscores the region's diverse microclimates influenced by both altitude and geography, showcasing Salta's unique climatic character.
In August, Iruya experiences a minimum temperature of -8°C (18°F) and a maximum of 24°C (75°F) in October, while Salta sees its lowest temperatures at -4°C (25°F) in June, peaking at 32°C (90°F) in October. Conversely, Cafayate can drop to -8°C (18°F) in July, but reaches a maximum of 34°C (93°F) in October. For more detailed monthly temperatures, you can visit monthly temperatures in Iruya, monthly temperatures in Salta, and monthly temperatures in Cafayate.
Precipitation in Salta, Argentina, exhibits distinct seasonal patterns, with the wettest months occurring in the summer. January and February are characterized by heavy rainfall, receiving 164 mm (6.5 in) and 175 mm (6.9 in) respectively, accompanied by approximately 16 to 18 days of rainfall. This abundance contributes to the lush landscapes typical of the region during these months. March sees a slight decrease in rainfall to 151 mm (5.9 in), while April further reduces precipitation to 101 mm (4.0 in), signaling the transition toward drier conditions.
As the year progresses into the winter months, Salta experiences a significant drop in rainfall, with June and July recording only 17 mm (0.7 in) and 13 mm (0.5 in) respectively. This dry period culminates in August, which has the least precipitation at just 11 mm (0.5 in), further emphasizing the region's arid characteristics during this time. However, a resurgence of rain occurs in October with 68 mm (2.7 in) and again in November with 108 mm (4.3 in), as spring brings refreshing showers. Overall, the annual precipitation pattern in Salta highlights the stark contrasts between wet and dry seasons, critical for local agriculture and ecosystems.
Sunshine duration in Salta, Argentina, exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing as the year progresses. Starting from winter, the region receives around 266 hours of sunshine in January and climbing to 281 hours in February. This upward trajectory continues through the early months of autumn, peaking in March with an impressive 297 hours. As the temperature begins to cool in April and May, the sunshine hours remain relatively stable, with 272 and 276 hours respectively, indicating that while warmth may diminish, daylight continues to bless the region.
The summer months shine even brighter, showcasing the longest sunshine durations. July sees a notable bounce back to 290 hours, followed by August with an impressive 322 hours. The trend reaches its zenith in December, where Salta basks in 336 hours of sunlight. This consistent increase highlights November and December as standout months, providing ample sunlight for outdoor activities and agricultural pursuits. Overall, the abundant sunshine in Salta throughout the year not only shapes its climatic character but also plays a crucial role in the local culture and economy, particularly in fostering a vibrant agricultural landscape.
The UV Index in Salta, Argentina, reflects a significant seasonal variation, with extremely high levels observed predominantly during the summer months. January and February mark the peak of the UV Index at 19 and 20, respectively, both categorized as extreme, where a mere 10 minutes of sun exposure can lead to skin burns. This extreme rating persists into March, when the UV Index is recorded at 18, underscoring the potential risks associated with sun exposure during the height of summer. As autumn approaches in April and May, the UV Index begins to taper slightly to 14 and 11, yet it still falls within the extreme exposure category.
With the arrival of winter, Salta's UV Index experiences a decline, settling at 8 in June and rising slightly to 10 in July, categorized as very high. The trends shift once more as spring arrives, with August seeing the UV Index rise back to 12 in the extreme bracket. This fluctuation continues through September and October, culminating at 22 in December, marking another point of heightened UV exposure. Consistently high UV Index levels throughout much of the year emphasize the importance of sun protection for residents and visitors alike, particularly during the sunnier months when exposure risks remain critical.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Salta, Argentina, displays distinct seasonal patterns, closely mirroring the region's climate and sun position throughout the year. In the summer months of January and February, residents enjoy approximately 13 hours of daylight, providing ample time for outdoor activities and exploring the vibrant landscapes. As the daylight gradually shortens in March and April to about 12 and 11 hours, respectively, the transition toward autumn becomes evident, offering a balanced mix of light and cooler temperatures. By May, daylight continues to diminish, flattening out at 10 hours from June through July, marking the heart of winter, when the days feel noticeably shorter.
As spring approaches in August, daylight duration rebounds to 11 hours, signaling the gradual return of longer days. September and October maintain this trend, again reaching 12 hours of daylight, which rekindles the vibrancy of life in the region. This increase culminates in November and December, where the daylight extends once more to 13 hours, coinciding with the summer solstice. These variations in daylight duration not only reflect the changing seasons but also profoundly influence daily activities, agricultural practices, and the overall lifestyle of those living in Salta.
Cachi, Argentina experiences a diverse climate with significant variations throughout the year. January is the warmest month, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 22°C (72°F) and high precipitation at 168 mm (6.6 in). The coldest months are June and July, where temperatures can drop to -13°C (8°F) and rainfall decreases to just 2 mm (0.1 in). Notably, sunshine is abundant, especially in October and November, with over 380 hours of sunlight per month. For more details, visit Cachi climate.
Cafayate, Argentina experiences a diverse climate characterized by hot summers and cool winters. January and February are the warmest months, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 32°C (90°F) and significant sunshine, averaging over 299 hours. In contrast, winter months like June and July see minimum temperatures dip to -8°C (18°F). Precipitation is highest during the summer, peaking in February with 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, and minimal rain falls in the colder months. For more details, visit Cafayate climate.
General Martin Miguel de Gueemes, Argentina, experiences a diverse climate characterized by hot summers and cool winters. January and February are typically the hottest months, with temperatures averaging around 25-23°C (77-74°F) and maxima reaching 39°C (103°F) and 36°C (98°F), respectively. Precipitation peaks in January at 133 mm (5.2 in) and significantly decreases during the winter months, with June and July receiving only around 9 mm (0.4 in) and 7 mm (0.3 in). Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, particularly in the summer, with July boasting up to 255 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit General Martin Miguel de Gueemes climate.
Iruya, Argentina, experiences a varied climate with temperatures ranging from 1°C (34°F) in January to a minimum of -8°C (18°F) in August. The area sees considerable rainfall, particularly in January (184 mm) and February (188 mm), tapering off to as little as 3 mm in June and July. Sunlight is abundant, with the highest hours recorded in August (338 hours) and October (348 hours). The overall weather includes a mix of warm days and chilly nights, making it a unique destination. For more details, visit Iruya climate.
La Candelaria, Argentina, experiences warm summers and cool winters, with January being the hottest month, averaging 23°C (74°F) and peaking at 38°C (102°F). Annual precipitation is highest in January (191 mm) and decreases significantly towards winter, with July receiving only 6 mm. This area enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in August, when it records 300 hours of sunlight. Winters can be chilly, with average temperatures dropping to around 11°C (53°F) in July. For more details, visit La Candelaria climate.
Salta, Argentina experiences a diverse climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters. January is the warmest month, with daytime temperatures averaging around 19°C (66°F) and significant rainfall of 241 mm (9.5 in). In contrast, June and July record the coldest temperatures, averaging around 9°C (48°F) with minimal precipitation. The region also enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in October, which sees up to 356 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Salta climate.
San Antonio de los Cobres experiences a cold desert climate characterized by significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Average temperatures range from a low of -21°C (-5°F) in June to a high of 26°C (79°F) in November. Precipitation is minimal from May to August, while the summer months of January and February see the highest rainfall, averaging around 95-97 mm. Sunshine is abundant, with October and November boasting over 380 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit San Antonio de los Cobres climate.
Santa Rosa de Tastil, Argentina experiences a distinctive climate characterized by significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. In summer (December to February), temperatures range from lows of -2°C (29°F) to highs of 24°C (75°F), while winter (June to August) sees colder temperatures, with averages around 3°C (38°F) and minimal precipitation. The region receives most of its rainfall in the summer months, with January being the wettest at 97 mm (3.8 in). Sunshine is abundant, especially in October and November, with over 370 hours of sunlight per month. For more detailed information, visit Santa Rosa de Tastil climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Salta, Argentina, is characterized by significant seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight duration. The region experiences extreme temperatures and notable fluctuations throughout the year, with summer months bringing not only warmth but also high UV exposure and abundant sunshine. As precipitation patterns shift with the seasons, Salta reveals both wet conditions ideal for agriculture and dry spells that define its landscape. Understanding these climatic dynamics is crucial for residents and visitors to navigate the outdoor environment safely and responsibly, making the most of Salta's unique climate while prioritizing health and wellbeing. Ultimately, Salta stands as a compelling case study of how diverse climatic factors intertwine to shape both the natural world and human activity in this vibrant Argentine region.