Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of the Coquimbo Region in Chile is characterized by a diverse range of conditions, classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as BWk (desert), BSk (semi-arid), and Csb (temperate oceanic). This intricate climate framework showcases a minimum temperature plummeting to -9°C (15°F) in June, while reaching a notable maximum of 34°C (94°F) in October. The average temperature throughout the year hovers around a mild 15°C (60°F), highlighting the region's unique blend of seasonal extremes and temperate conditions, making it a fascinating area for climate study and ecological research.
The temperature patterns in the Coquimbo Region, Chile, exhibit a clear seasonal transition, with distinct warm and cool periods throughout the year. Summer months, from January to March, showcase warm averages peaking at 20°C (68°F) in January and gradually declining to 18°C (65°F) by March, along with maximum temperatures consistently reaching the low 30s°C (in the 80s°F). Conversely, the transition into autumn and winter sees a significant drop in temperatures, with April marking a further decline and May and June experiencing the lowest averages, plummeting to 10°C (51°F) and minimums hitting -9°C (15°F). The coldest month, June, is followed by a gradual increase as temperatures start to rise again toward spring, with September and October witnessing a resurgence in warmth, particularly notable with maximums soaring to 34°C (93°F) and 34°C (94°F), alongside cooler average and minimum temperatures. This trend illustrates the Coquimbo Region's marked seasonal variability, influenced by its unique climatic conditions.
La Serena and Coquimbo experience similar temperature ranges, with a minimum of 4°C (40°F) in July and a maximum of 30°C (85°F) in August. For more detailed climate information, you can visit monthly temperatures in La Serena and monthly temperatures in Coquimbo.
Precipitation in the Coquimbo Region of Chile follows a distinct seasonal pattern, characterized by minimal rainfall during the summer months and a marked increase in the winter. For the first three months of the year, January through March, the region records an average of just 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain per month, with no rainy days reported. However, as autumn transitions into winter, May sees a substantial spike in precipitation, with 45 mm (1.8 in) occurring over three rainy days, followed closely by June, which receives 51 mm (2.0 in) over four rainy days, marking the wettest period of the year.
The latter half of the year continues to show variability, with July experiencing a decrease to 16 mm (0.6 in) and August further declining to 13 mm (0.5 in). September and October see lower amounts of rainfall, at 9 mm (0.4 in) and 7 mm (0.3 in), respectively. By late spring and early summer, precipitation once again drops dramatically, with November and December reporting only 2 mm (0.1 in) and 1 mm (0.1 in) of rain, respectively, and no rainy days occurring in these months. This pattern underscores the region's semi-arid climate, characterized by prolonged dry spells punctuated by brief, intense periods of rainfall.
The Coquimbo Region of Chile experiences a notable variation in sunshine duration throughout the year, with a clear trend of increasing sunlight as summer approaches. January starts strong with 323 hours of sunshine, but February takes the lead with an impressive 348 hours. March reaches its peak at 363 hours, marking it as the sunniest month of the year. As autumn arrives, sunshine hours begin to decline, highlighted by a drop in April to 317 hours, and continuing downward to 287 hours in May and a seasonal low of 266 hours in June, reflecting the shorter days of winter.
However, the trend reverses as winter cedes to spring, bringing more sun to the region. July enjoys a moderate increase with 294 hours, while August recovers further with 316 hours. The sunshine duration then steadily climbs into the late months of the year: September boasts 331 hours, October rises to 369 hours, and both November and December show impressive totals of 388 hours and 408 hours, respectively. This comprehensive seasonal pattern underscores the Coquimbo Region’s sunny disposition, making it an attractive destination for sun-seekers and highlighting the importance of sunlight in shaping its climatic character.
The UV Index in the Coquimbo Region of Chile demonstrates significant seasonal variation, peaking during the summer months when solar exposure is at its highest. January leads with an extreme UV Index of 16, requiring minimal exposure time of just 10 minutes to avoid skin damage, closely followed by February at 14 and March at 13. During these months, sun safety is paramount, as prolonged exposure can lead to severe skin burns. As autumn approaches in April, the index decreases slightly to 10, categorized as very high, allowing for a burn time of 15 minutes, signifying a shift towards a slightly lower but still critical level of UV radiation.
As winter sets in, the UV Index continues to trend downward. In May, it registers a moderate level of 7, with recommended exposure times lengthening to 25 minutes. This pattern persists into June and July, where the index drops to 5 and 6, respectively. As spring arrives in September, the UV Index climbs back to 10 and rises to 12 in October before hitting extremes again in November and December at 15 and 16, respectively. This cyclical pattern serves as a reminder for residents and visitors to stay vigilant about sun exposure year-round, particularly during the peak months, ensuring effective sun protection measures are in place.
UV Risk Categories
In the Coquimbo Region of Chile, daylight duration exhibits a distinctive seasonal rhythm, reflective of the Southern Hemisphere's shifting light patterns. The year begins with January and February enjoying approximately 13 hours of daylight each day, providing ample time for outdoor activities under the sun. As autumn approaches, daylight gradually diminishes, dropping to 12 hours in March and further declining to 11 hours in April. This reduction continues into May and June, where daylight settles at 10 hours, signaling the onset of winter and prompting longer nights.
As winter recedes, daylight hours begin to extend once again, marking the transition into spring and early summer. In July, the daylight remains at 10 hours, but as August and September arrive, it ticks back up to 11 hours, heralding longer days. The cycle continues, with daylight reaching back to 12 hours in October, then lengthening further in November to 13 hours. By December, the Coquimbo Region experiences its longest day of the year at 14 hours, allowing residents and visitors to fully embrace the summer season. This pattern of daylight duration highlights the region’s climatic evolution and the natural shifts that govern life and activities throughout the year.
Coquimbo, Chile, enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The warmest months are January and February, with average temperatures around 19°C (66°F) and maximums reaching 27°C (81°F), while July is the coolest month, averaging 12°C (54°F). Rainfall is scarce, with May typically being the wettest month at 35 mm (1.4 in), contrasted by dry months like January and November, which receive virtually no precipitation. Sunshine is abundant, especially in the summer, with an impressive 407 hours recorded in December. For more details, visit Coquimbo climate.
La Serena, Chile, experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. January and February are the warmest months, with average temperatures around 19°C (66°F) and minimal precipitation. During the winter months of June to August, temperatures drop, averaging between 12°C (54°F) and 13°C (55°F), accompanied by moderate rainfall. The city enjoys abundant sunshine year-round, particularly in December with up to 407 hours of sunlight. For more information on the specific climate details, visit La Serena climate.
In summary, the Coquimbo Region of Chile showcases a diverse and dynamic climatic profile characterized by its temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight patterns. The region experiences marked seasonal transitions, with hot summers yielding to cooler winters, and variations in sunlight and UV exposure that necessitate careful consideration for both residents and visitors. The abundance of sunshine during the peak months enhances outdoor experiences, while the UV Index serves as a crucial reminder of the need for sun protection. Ultimately, understanding these climatic trends provides valuable insights into the ecological and social fabric of the region, emphasizing the significance of adapting to seasonal changes for sustainable living and enjoyment of its unique natural beauty.