Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Santa Fe, Argentina, is classified under the Cfa Köppen-Geiger system, indicating a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Throughout the year, temperatures experience significant variation, with a minimum of -6°C (22°F) recorded in July, representing the coldest month. Conversely, February brings the region's maximum temperature to a scorching 44°C (111°F), illustrating the intense summer heat. The average annual temperature hovers around 19°C (66°F), making Santa Fe a region of notable climatic extremes that shape its environmental and social dynamics.
Santa Fe, Argentina, experiences pronounced seasonal temperature fluctuations that reflect its humid subtropical climate. The summer months of January and February are characterized by high temperatures, with averages around 25°C (78°F) and 24°C (76°F), and maximums reaching a blistering 44°C (111°F) in February. As autumn approaches in March and April, temperatures gradually decline, averaging 22°C (72°F) and 20°C (67°F), while minimums drop to near freezing by May. Winter brings colder temperatures, with July marking the coldest month at an average of 12°C (53°F) and minimums plunging to -6°C (22°F). As spring arrives in August through October, temperatures slowly rebound, culminating in an average of 19°C (67°F) in October, signaling the transition back to warmer conditions. Overall, Santa Fe's climate is marked by significant temperature swings, illustrating the stark contrasts between its hot summers and cool winters.
In Santa Fe, temperatures range from a minimum of -2°C (29°F) in July to a maximum of 41°C (106°F) in January, while Rosario experiences slightly cooler extremes, with minimum temperatures dipping to -4°C (24°F) in July and reaching a maximum of 41°C (105°F) in January. For more detailed temperature information, visit monthly temperatures in Santa Fe and monthly temperatures in Rosario.
Precipitation patterns in Santa Fe, Argentina, reveal a distinct seasonal rhythm, primarily concentrated in the warmer months. January stands out as the wettest month, receiving 122 mm (4.8 in) of rainfall over approximately 8 days, while February follows with 75 mm (3.0 in). The trend of diminishing rainfall continues through March and April, where precipitation totals are 99 mm (3.9 in) and 111 mm (4.4 in), respectively. Notably, May also sees a substantial amount of precipitation at 89 mm (3.5 in), indicating that early autumn still holds moisture from the summer months.
As the region transitions into winter, the amount of rainfall significantly decreases, with June and July recording just 38 mm (1.5 in) and 31 mm (1.2 in), respectively. The dry conditions persist into August with 35 mm (1.4 in) of rainfall, though a slight uptick occurs in September at 62 mm (2.4 in). The later months of the year, particularly October through December, bring back increased precipitation, averaging around 86 mm (3.4 in) to 96 mm (3.8 in), with rainfall days fluctuating between 6 to 7 days per month. This seasonal variability showcases the region's dependency on summer rains, with a much drier winter contributing to a significant annual precipitation total.
In Santa Fe, Argentina, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, characterized by an increase in sunlight hours as the year progresses from winter to summer. January marks a robust start to the year with 290 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing to 320 hours in February and peaking at 375 hours in December. The average monthly sunshine remains high through the spring, with notable hours in November (344 hours) as the days grow longer and warmer. This trend reflects the region's transition into sunnier seasons, with a significant amount of sunlight available during these central months.
Conversely, the winter months of May and June experience a decline in sunshine, with May recording just 228 hours and June slightly lower at 222 hours. Although July sees a slight recovery at 234 hours, the overall pattern indicates shorter days and diminished sunlight during the coldest months. However, August sees an uptick in sunshine hours once again, with 284 hours reported, signaling a gradual return to more favorable conditions. This cyclical pattern of sunshine duration not only enhances the appeal of Santa Fe's summers but also sets the tone for the agricultural cycles and daily activities influenced by the abundance of sunlight throughout the year.
The UV Index in Santa Fe, Argentina, reflects significant variation throughout the year, indicating the potential for harm from unprotected sun exposure. During the summer months of January through March, the UV Index remains particularly high, peaking at 15 in January and December, which falls into the extreme exposure category with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. This extreme level persists into February with a UV Index of 14, slightly declining to 12 in March. These months demand strict sun protection measures, as the intensity of the UV radiation poses serious risks to skin health.
As autumn sets in, the UV Index begins to moderate but remains considerable. April sees a decline to 10, categorized as very high, with a burn time of 15 minutes. By May, the Index further decreases to 7, transitioning to the high exposure category with a burn time of 25 minutes. In winter, June and July exhibit lower values of 5 and 6, respectively, categorized as moderate and high. The UV Index begins to spike again in spring and early summer months, culminating in high values through October and November, signaling the return of intense sunlight. Awareness of the UV Index throughout the year is crucial for safe outdoor activities in Santa Fe.
UV Risk Categories
In Santa Fe, Argentina, daylight duration exhibits a distinct seasonal cycle that significantly influences daily life and activities. During the summer months of January and February, the city enjoys 13 hours of daylight, providing ample time for outdoor pursuits and social gatherings. As March arrives, daylight begins to taper off slightly to 12 hours, reflecting the transition towards autumn. April further diminishes this exposure to 11 hours, as the days grow shorter and the cooler weather approaches.
By May and into the winter months of June and July, daylight remains consistent at 10 hours, while August continues this trend, fostering a cozy atmosphere. As spring unfolds in September, daylight extends back to 11 hours, gradually climbing to 12 hours in October. Notably, November and December celebrate the longest days of the year, with daylight reaching 13 hours and culminating at 14 hours in December. This gradual increase in daylight duration not only heralds the return of warmth but also revitalizes the social and agricultural rhythm of Santa Fe as it embraces summer once again.
The climate in Rosario, Argentina, is characterized by hot summers and mild winters. January is the warmest month, with average temperatures reaching 25°C (77°F) and significant rainfall of 105 mm (4.1 in), while July brings cooler conditions, averaging 11°C (52°F) and minimal precipitation. Sunshine is abundant, especially in December, which boasts the highest hours at 378. The city experiences the most rainfall in April, totaling 131 mm (5.2 in), providing a contrast to the drier months of June and July with just 29 mm (1.1 in). For more details, visit Rosario climate.
Santa Fe, Argentina experiences a continental climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. January is the warmest month, with temperatures averaging 26°C (78°F) and reaching highs of 41°C (106°F), while July sees the coldest temperatures at a cool 12°C (53°F) on average. Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in January with 125 mm (4.9 in) and decreasing to around 27 mm (1.1 in) in August. The city is also known for its abundant sunshine, particularly in November and December, with over 347 hours of sunshine. For more details, visit Santa Fe climate.
In conclusion, the climate and sunlight dynamics of Santa Fe, Argentina, present a rich tapestry of seasonal contrasts that significantly shape the region's lifestyle and ecological patterns. The pronounced temperature variations, coupled with fluctuations in precipitation and sunshine duration, highlight the importance of understanding local meteorological trends. Additionally, the UV Index and daylight duration data further emphasize the necessity for residents and visitors to adapt their outdoor activities according to seasonal changes. As Santa Fe transitions through its distinct seasons, these climatic elements collectively foster a vibrant environment that influences cultural practices, agricultural cycles, and daily experiences, showcasing the intricate relationship between people and their climate.