Last updated: January 18, 2025
Santa Cruz, Bolivia, experiences a diverse climate characterized by varied Köppen-Geiger classifications, including Aw, Cfb, and Cwa. This vibrant city showcases a temperature range that reflects its unique geographical setting: winter nights can drop to a chilling minimum of -2°C (28°F) in July, while average temperatures hover around 23°C (74°F) throughout the year. The warmest months see maximums soar to a blistering 42°C (108°F) in October, illustrating the region's climatic extremes and the impact of seasonal variations on local weather patterns.
In Santa Cruz, Bolivia, temperature patterns exhibit distinct seasonal trends that reveal a dynamic climate throughout the year. The year begins with warm temperatures in January and February, where average highs reach around 39°C (103°F). As March approaches, the onset of cooler weather commences, with nighttime lows dropping to 9°C (49°F). By April and May, temperatures decline further, averaging 21°C (70°F), with the coldest nights of the year occurring in June and July, when lows plummet to their minimums of -2°C (28°F). However, the arrival of August brings a brief resurgence of warmth, peaking at 40°C (104°F) in the daytime. The transition back to warmer averages occurs in September and October, marked by highs of 42°C (108°F), before settling into more temperate conditions in November and December as temperatures stabilize around 25°C (78°F). This fluctuation underscores the region's significant temperature variation, shaped by seasonal shifts and local climatic influences.
Vallegrande experiences a temperature range with a minimum of -2°C (28°F) in July and a maximum of 30°C (87°F) in January. Similarly, Samaipata has a minimum of -2°C (30°F) in July and reaches a maximum of 29°C (85°F) in January. In contrast, Santa Cruz de la Sierra is warmer, recording a minimum of 5°C (41°F) in July and soaring up to 39°C (102°F) in November. For more detailed information, you can check the monthly temperatures in Vallegrande, Samaipata, and Santa Cruz de la Sierra through the provided links: monthly temperatures in Vallegrande, monthly temperatures in Samaipata, and monthly temperatures in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
Precipitation in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, displays a clear seasonal pattern, heavily influenced by the local climate. The rainy season typically peaks between December and March, with January and February receiving the highest amounts at 163 mm (6.4 in) and 160 mm (6.3 in) respectively. This period is characterized not only by significant rainfall but also by frequent rain days, averaging around 16 to 17 days per month. As the season transitions into April, rainfall begins to taper off, decreasing to 89 mm (3.5 in), and the number of rainy days drops accordingly to 12.
The dry season, spanning from May to September, showcases a marked decline in precipitation, with July recording the least rainfall at merely 28 mm (1.1 in) across just 4 days. However, a slight uptick in rainfall occurs in August with 45 mm (1.8 in), signaling the gradual return to wet conditions. After a relatively stable September, the precipitation increases again in October and November, reaching 93 mm (3.7 in) and 157 mm (6.2 in), respectively. This dynamic rainfall pattern underscores Santa Cruz's distinct wet and dry seasons, profoundly affecting the region's agriculture and water resources.
In Santa Cruz, Bolivia, the duration of sunshine exhibits distinct seasonal trends, reflecting the region's varied climate. The year begins with a solid base of sunshine, with 250 hours in January and a remarkable increase in February to 266 hours. However, the real sunshine peak occurs in March, where residents enjoy a generous 300 hours of sunlight, marking this month as one of the brightest. As the wet season transitions to drier conditions, sunshine hours remain robust throughout April and May, averaging around 281 and 262 hours respectively, before tapering off slightly in June with 246 hours.
The months from July through December reveal a notable consistency in sunshine duration. July witnesses a resurgence to 283 hours, followed by a gradual increase through August and September, each exceeding 290 hours. The peak returns again in October and March, both clocking in at an impressive 300 hours. Interestingly, while the hours of sunshine decline slightly in the final months of the year, November and December still yield a solid 284 hours of sunlight each. This enduring availability of sunlight throughout the year highlights Santa Cruz's appeal for outdoor activities and agriculture, providing a bright contrast to the rainy season's increased cloud cover.
The UV Index in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, reflects significant variability throughout the year, with notably high levels indicative of the region's intense solar exposure. From January to April, the UV Index remains in the extreme category, peaking at 16 in both January and February, necessitating caution with a burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. As the wet season transitions into more moderate conditions, the index gradually declines but remains extreme, reaching 14 in April and 11 by May, where sun protection is still essential.
As the year progresses into the winter months, the UV Index slightly decreases, dropping to 9 in June—a very high category—allowing for a longer burn time of 15 minutes. This trend continues into July before climbing again in August, highlighting intense sun exposure at 11 in the extreme category. Notably, September sees a resurgence to 14, while October and November reach their peak at 16 and 17, respectively. This underscores the importance of sun protection year-round, especially in the latter months when UV exposure remains extreme for nearly the entire day, emphasizing the need for robust skin safety measures in Santa Cruz.
UV Risk Categories
In Santa Cruz, Bolivia, daylight duration exhibits seasonal variations that reflect the region's tropical location. January stands out with a robust 13 hours of daylight, offering ample opportunity for outdoor activities and exploration. As February progresses, daylight slightly decreases to 12 hours, a trend that continues into March. By April, the duration stabilizes at 11 hours and remains consistent through the winter months of May to August, highlighting a period of relatively shorter days that still allows for significant natural light.
As the year transitions from winter to spring, daylight hours begin to extend once again. Starting in October, Santa Cruz experiences an increase to 12 hours of daylight, maintaining this level in November before returning to 13 hours in December. This cyclical pattern of daylight duration plays a crucial role in shaping the region's climate and lifestyle, providing both residents and visitors opportunities to enjoy the diverse beauty and vibrancy of Santa Cruz throughout the year.
Samaipata, Bolivia, experiences a temperate climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2°C (30°F) in July to a maximum of 29°C (85°F) in January and December. The region sees its highest rainfall in January and February, with precipitation peaking at 181 mm (7.1 in) in February. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in March with 296 hours, contributing to the area's lush green landscapes. As the dry season approaches in May through July, temperatures drop, while rainfall decreases significantly. For more details, visit Samaipata climate.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The warmest months are November and December, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 39°C (102°F) and 36°C (97°F), respectively. Rainfall peaks during the wet season from December to March, with January receiving the highest precipitation at 139 mm (5.5 in). Despite the rain, the city enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in March with 302 hours. For more detailed information, visit Santa Cruz de la Sierra climate.
Vallegrande, Bolivia, experiences a diverse climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -2°C (28°F) in July to a warm maximum of 30°C (87°F) in January and December. The wet season, peaking from December to February, sees substantial rainfall, with January receiving 210 mm (8.3 in) and December 277 mm (10.9 in). Despite the rain, Vallegrande enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in March with 296 hours. For more detailed information, visit Vallegrande climate.
In summary, Santa Cruz, Bolivia, presents a dynamic climate characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The interplay of these climatic factors not only shapes the local environment but also influences lifestyle choices, agricultural practices, and outdoor activities. The city's warm days and ample sunshine invite exploration, while its impressive UV Index underscores the need for sun protection year-round. As residents and visitors navigate the shifting weather patterns—from the intense warmth and rainfall of the summer months to the more temperate and dry conditions of winter—they can appreciate the rich biodiversity and vibrant culture that flourish under the Bolivian sun.