Last updated: January 18, 2025
La Paz, Bolivia, exhibits a diverse climate influenced by its elevation and geographic location. This city is characterized by several Köppen-Geiger climate classes, including Cfb, Aw, Cwc, BSk, Cfc, and Cwb, which highlight the variety of weather conditions throughout the year. With temperature fluctuations ranging from a chilly -11°C (12°F) in July to a warm 34°C (94°F) in November, La Paz experiences a unique blend of cold winters and mild summers. The overall average temperature hovers around 11°C (52°F), underscoring the complexities of La Paz's climate, shaped by altitudinal gradients and seasonal variations.
In La Paz, Bolivia, seasonal temperature patterns reveal a distinct variation throughout the year. The summer months of January to March showcase relatively mild averages ranging from 11°C (52°F) to 12°C (53°F), with maximum temperatures peaking at around 33°C (91°F) in January and decreasing slightly by March. As the city transitions into fall and winter, temperatures decline, reaching their lowest in July with minimums of -11°C (12°F) and averages of 9°C (48°F). This chilly trend persists through August, before the warmer days arrive in late spring and early summer, where November marks an increase in temperatures with averages of 13°C (55°F) and maximums rising to 34°C (94°F). This cyclical pattern illustrates the unique high-altitude climate of La Paz, characterized by significant temperature shifts between the cooler, drier months and the warmer, wetter season.
Tiahuanaco experiences a climate with a minimum temperature of -2°C (29°F) in July and a maximum of 21°C (70°F) in November, offering a cool to mild temperature range throughout the year monthly temperatures in Tiahuanaco. In contrast, Coroico enjoys a warmer environment, with minimum temperatures reaching 1°C (34°F) in August and a maximum of 24°C (76°F) in January, showcasing the region's more temperate conditions monthly temperatures in Coroico.
La Paz, Bolivia, experiences a pronounced precipitation pattern, with the wettest months occurring from December to March. January starts the rainy season with 195 mm (7.7 in) of rainfall followed closely by February, which peaks at 231 mm (9.1 in). During this period, the number of rainy days is noticeably high, particularly in March with 28 days of precipitation, highlighting the distinct wet, summer climate. As the rainy season progresses, March sees a slight decline in precipitation to 201 mm (7.9 in), but conditions remain relatively moist compared to the following months.
As spring approaches and the seasons transition, the precipitation levels begin to significantly decrease, reaching their lowest by July with just 39 mm (1.5 in), and the number of rainy days dwindles to merely 6. The months from May to August witness the driest conditions, with May averaging 63 mm (2.5 in) and June dropping to an even lower 46 mm (1.8 in). However, with the return of increased moisture in late spring and early summer, October and November see a resurgence in precipitation, with 107 mm (4.2 in) and 122 mm (4.8 in), respectively, indicating a shift back towards wetter weather as the cycle begins anew.
La Paz, Bolivia, showcases a captivating pattern of sunshine duration throughout the year, reflecting its unique high-altitude climate. Starting in January with 249 hours of sunshine, the city experiences a gradual increase as summer approaches. The period from March to May marks the peak sunshine months, with hours reaching a delightful 309 hours in April and peaking at 318 hours in May. This transition into late spring is characterized by nearly constant sunshine, allowing residents and visitors to fully enjoy the vibrant landscapes and cultural activities.
As La Paz shifts into winter, sunshine hours remain relatively stable, hovering around 301 to 320 hours from June to August, with July offering a notable 320 hours of sunlight. The trend then continues into early autumn, where September and October display impressive totals, reaching 330 hours and peaking at 337 hours, respectively. This extended period of sunshine not only highlights the favorable climate of La Paz but also serves as a reminder of the city's elevation, influencing its weather patterns. Despite shorter days in the winter months, the overall consistent sunshine provides a bright counterbalance to cooler temperatures, ensuring that La Paz remains a radiant destination year-round.
The UV Index in La Paz, Bolivia, exhibits consistently high levels throughout the year, reflecting the city's high altitude and proximity to the equator. January and February record a UV Index of 21, categorizing the exposure as extreme and signifying a burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. This trend of high UV values continues into March, with a slight decrease to 20, yet still indicative of severe sun exposure risks. As the months transition into spring, the UV Index remains predominantly in the extreme exposure category, peaking again in November and December at 20, emphasizing the necessity for protective measures year-round.
Interestingly, while the UV Index decreases slightly from mid-year levels, it remains dauntingly high, with values of 11 in June and escalating to 19 in October. Throughout this time, the burn time consistently remains at 10 minutes, further underscoring the urgent need for sun protection. Even during the months with marginally lower UV values, such as May and June, individuals are cautioned to take precautions against UV radiation. The persistence of high UV Index levels in La Paz serves as a critical reminder for residents and visitors alike to prioritize sun safety, regardless of the season.
UV Risk Categories
In La Paz, Bolivia, daylight duration displays a relatively consistent pattern throughout the year, characterized by approximately 12 hours of daylight during the summer months of January, February, and March. This balanced exposure to sunlight allows for ample opportunities to engage in outdoor activities and enjoy the city’s vibrant culture. As spring approaches in April, daylight begins to decrease slightly, settling at 11 hours for the remainder of the winter months, from May to September. This consistent daylight duration contributes to a stable climate, despite the varying temperatures and UV Index throughout the year.
As the year progresses toward summer, there is a notable increase in daylight duration, culminating in December, where La Paz enjoys about 13 hours of daylight. This extension not only enhances the quality of outdoor experiences but also reflects the geographical dynamics of the region. The slight fluctuations in daylight duration serve to remind residents and visitors of the unique equatorial positioning of La Paz, where days are generally long and well-suited for exploration. Overall, the regularity of daylight hours enriches the daily life in La Paz, facilitating a rhythm that harmonizes with the seasons.
Coroico, Bolivia, experiences a temperate climate with mild temperatures year-round. January and February see the warmest conditions, with maximums around 24°C (76°F) and significant rainfall of 329 mm (12.9 in) and 362 mm (14.2 in), respectively. The cooler months, from June to August, bring temperatures as low as 1°C (34°F) and reduced precipitation, but still maintain enjoyable sunshine hours. Overall, Coroico enjoys a pleasant balance of warmth and moisture, ideal for visitors and residents alike. For more details, visit Coroico climate.
The climate in Tiahuanaco, Bolivia, is characterized by cool temperatures year-round, with average highs ranging from 16°C (62°F) in March to 21°C (70°F) in November. Temperature lows can drop to -2°C (29°F) in July, while winter months see less precipitation, with June and July receiving only about 13 mm (0.5 in) each. The rainy season peaks from January to March, accumulating over 200 mm (7.9 in) of rain each month, especially in February with 277 mm (10.9 in). Despite this, Tiahuanaco enjoys significant sunshine, particularly in the dry season when July and August have over 330 hours of sun. For more detailed climate information, visit Tiahuanaco climate.
In conclusion, La Paz, Bolivia, presents a fascinating interplay of climate, temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours that collectively shape the city’s vibrant and dynamic environment. The consistently high UV Index and significant sunshine durations underscore the importance of sun safety, while the noticeable seasonal shifts in temperature and daylight highlight the unique high-altitude climate of this remarkable city. With a pronounced rainy season, coupled with extended periods of warmth and sunlight, La Paz offers a rich tapestry of experiences for both residents and visitors. Understanding these climatic elements not only enhances appreciation for the region's natural beauty but also informs practical approaches to enjoy all that La Paz has to offer throughout the year.