Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Arica y Parinacota, Chile, is characterized by distinct Köppen-Geiger climate classes, namely BWk (cold desert) and BWh (hot desert). Temperature fluctuations reveal a fascinating range, with minimum recorded temperatures plummeting to –13°C (9°F) in August, while the region enjoys an average of 14°C (57°F) throughout the year. The warmest month, March, showcases peak temperatures reaching 29°C (84°F), illustrating the region's unique climatic conditions. This combination of temperature extremes and arid climate underscores Arica y Parinacota's distinctive environmental profile.
Temperature patterns in Arica y Parinacota, Chile, demonstrate a marked seasonal variation defined by cool winters and warm summers. Starting from December to March, the region experiences its warmest months, with average temperatures consistently around 16°C (61°F), peaking in February and March when maximum temperatures reach up to 29°C (84°F). However, as the seasons shift towards winter from June to August, temperatures decline significantly, with August recording a minimum of –13°C (9°F) and average lows hovering around 12°C (53°F). This winter chill contrasts sharply with the summer highs, creating a dynamic climate characterized by a blend of arid deserts and notable temperature contrasts throughout the year.
In Putre, temperatures range significantly, with a minimum of -13°C (9°F) in August and a maximum of 18°C (65°F) in September monthly temperatures in Putre. Cuya experiences milder conditions, with temperatures fluctuating from a minimum of 11°C (51°F) in July to a maximum of 24°C (75°F) in March monthly temperatures in Cuya. Meanwhile, Arica enjoys warmer weather, with a minimum of 11°C (52°F) in July and reaching up to 29°C (84°F) in March monthly temperatures in Arica.
Precipitation in Arica y Parinacota, Chile, exhibits a seasonal pattern that aligns closely with the temperate conditions typical of desert climates. The region experiences its highest rainfall during the summer months of January through March, accumulating 73 mm (2.9 in) in January and 72 mm (2.8 in) in February. This period, marked by 9 days of rainfall each month, contributes significantly to the area's overall annual precipitation, as the watersheds capitalize on these summer showers. The wettest month is January, heralding a season marked by sporadic but substantial downpours.
As the summer subsides, precipitation begins to taper off, with late spring and early summer months recording notably lower rainfall. For instance, by April, precipitation drops to just 22 mm (0.9 in) over only 4 days of rain, and monthly totals remain relatively low throughout the fall and winter months, only occasionally peaking at around 29 mm (1.1 in) in June and 27 mm (1.1 in) in July. This shift highlights a dry period characteristic of the cold desert climate, where rainfall is less frequent and often interspersed with longer dry spells, cumulatively contributing to the arid landscape that defines this unique region.
Sunshine duration in Arica y Parinacota, Chile, showcases a remarkable seasonal trend marked by a steady increase in sunlight hours as the region transitions from winter to summer. Beginning in January with 275 hours of sunshine, the duration steadily climbs, peaking in October with an impressive 369 hours. As the summer months of December to March unfold, sunshine hours remain robust, indicating an ideal climate for outdoor activities and agricultural practices. March stands out as a particularly sun-soaked month, recording 335 hours, affirming its role in the transition into the warmer season.
As the year progresses into late spring and early summer, sunshine hours consistently hover above 300 hours each month, with the period from August to October experiencing the most prolonged sunshine, hinting at an arid yet inviting environment. The slight dip in sunshine during the winter months—most notably in January at 275 hours—serves as a contrast to the abundant light in October, which could be attributed to the region's geographical elevation and climatic conditions. This consistent exposure to sunlight throughout the year not only shapes Arica y Parinacota's climate but also fosters a vibrant ecosystem, attracting visitors and promoting local agriculture.
The UV Index in Arica y Parinacota, Chile, exhibits strikingly high values throughout the year, signifying a notable risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. During the summer months of January, February, and March, the UV Index reaches an alarming 18, categorizing it as extreme and indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. This consistent exposure necessitates vigilance and appropriate sun protection measures for residents and visitors alike. Even as the seasons transition into autumn, the Index remains significantly elevated, dropping only to 15 in April and 12 in May, underscoring the region's persistent risk of UV radiation.
As winter approaches, the UV Index slightly decreases, recording 9 in June—still classified as very high—increasing to 11 in July. However, it rebounds to extreme levels again toward the end of the year, with values returning to 18 from October through December. This highlights the consistent intensity of sunlight in Arica y Parinacota, making it imperative for individuals to engage in protective practices year-round. The data signals not just the importance of sunscreen application but also wearing protective clothing and sunglasses, especially during peak exposure times.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Arica y Parinacota, Chile, follows a discernible pattern that reflects the region's subtropical highland climate. During the peak of summer in January, residents enjoy approximately 13 hours of daylight, which gradually decreases to 12 hours in February and maintains a similar duration through March. As the seasons transition into autumn, daylight hours further decline to 11 hours from April to September, creating a consistent yet noticeably shorter exposure to sunlight during the cooler months.
However, as the year progresses toward summer once again, daylight begins to increase, returning to 12 hours in both October and November, before finally reaching 13 hours once more in December. This cyclical pattern of daylight duration not only influences daily activities and lifestyle choices in Arica y Parinacota but also has significant implications for agriculture, tourism, and energy consumption, with longer days often correlating to increased outdoor activities and a vibrant local atmosphere.
Arica, Chile, enjoys a warm desert climate characterized by mild temperatures year-round. January sees average highs of 22°C (72°F) with minimal rainfall, while summer months maintain average temperatures around 23-29°C (73-84°F). The winter months from June to August are cooler, with average temperatures dropping to 16-17°C (61-63°F) and moderate precipitation peaking in June at 49 mm (1.9 in). Despite some rainfall, Arica is blessed with abundant sunshine, reaching up to 369 hours in December. For more detailed climate information, visit Arica climate.
Cuya, Chile experiences a temperate climate characterized by mild temperatures throughout the year. January sees average temperatures around 19°C (67°F) with minimal precipitation (8 mm), while July is the coolest month with averages of 14°C (58°F) and 30 mm of rain. The area enjoys substantial sunshine, peaking in October with 369 hours, contributing to its pleasant weather. Despite some rainfall in winter months, Cuya remains a favorable destination for outdoor activities. For more details, visit Cuya climate.
The climate in Putre, Chile, is characterized by cold temperatures and significant seasonal variation. In winter months (June to August), temperatures can drop as low as -13°C (9°F), while summer months (December to February) see average highs around 14-15°C (57-59°F). Precipitation is concentrated in the summer, with January and February receiving around 190 mm (7.4 in), tapering to just a few millimeters in winter. Despite the rain, sunshine is abundant, particularly in the spring and autumn months, with October boasting the most sun hours at 370. For more details, visit Putre climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Arica y Parinacota, Chile, is defined by its unique temperature patterns, high UV Index, and notable daylight duration, all of which significantly influence the region's ecology and human activities. With its warm summers and cool winters, coupled with extreme UV exposure, residents and visitors must remain vigilant in protecting themselves from the sun's harmful effects. The consistent daylight hours throughout the year facilitate robust outdoor activities and agricultural practices, highlighting the region's favorable conditions. Understanding these climatic elements is crucial for optimizing health, safety, and productivity in this distinctive Chilean landscape.