Last updated: January 18, 2025
Cauca, Colombia exhibits a diverse range of climate conditions, characterized by Koppen-Geiger climate classes such as Af, Cfb, As, and Am. The region experiences a striking temperature range, with minimums dipping to 4°C (39°F) in January and soaring to maximums of 36°C (97°F) in February. The average temperature throughout the year stabilizes around 19°C (66°F), reflecting the area’s tropical and subtropical characteristics. This climatic variability supports a rich biodiversity and influences the livelihoods of local communities.
In Cauca, Colombia, temperature patterns display a distinct seasonal trend marked by relatively stable averages and notable maxima. January welcomes the year with cooler nights, where temperatures can drop to 4°C (39°F), while daytime highs reach up to 35°C (95°F). As February and March progress, minimum temperatures gradually rise to 5°C (42°F), with maximums peaking at 36°C (97°F) and 35°C (95°F), respectively. Throughout the remainder of the year, temperatures stabilize with an average of 19°C (66°F), while maximums remain consistent, hovering between 32°C (90°F) and 35°C (96°F). Notably, the coolest months occur from November to January, while summer peaks typically occur in February and March. The climatic consistency underscores the region's tropical character, fostering diverse ecosystems and agricultural practices.
In Caique, Bolivar experiences a temperature range of 9°C (48°F) in January to 31°C (89°F) in October, making it generally warmer compared to Popayan, which has a minimum of 6°C (42°F) in January and a maximum of 25°C (78°F) in October. Sucre showcases a minimum temperature of 9°C (49°F) in January and peaks at 34°C (93°F) in October, indicating a hotter climate in the latter month than both Bolivar and Popayan. For more detailed monthly temperatures, visit monthly temperatures in Bolivar, monthly temperatures in Popayan, and monthly temperatures in Sucre.
Cauca, Colombia experiences significant precipitation throughout the year, with a pronounced wet season that peaks during the early months. January begins the year with 295 mm (11.6 in) of rain over approximately 21 days, while February sees a slight increase to 321 mm (12.6 in) over 24 days. March marks a substantial rise in rainfall, recording 415 mm (16.4 in) across 28 days, which sets the stage for the region's wettest month, April, where 464 mm (18.3 in) falls over 27 days. This trend continues into May, with totals reaching 503 mm (19.8 in), underscoring the critical role of these months in the local hydrological cycle.
As the wet season transitions into mid-year, precipitation levels begin to fluctuate. June brings a decrease to 409 mm (16.1 in) with 26 days of rain, while July shows a significant drop to 328 mm (12.9 in) over 23 days. Despite this, August, typical of its dry nature, still contributes 278 mm (10.9 in) over 21 days. The onset of September returns to more substantial rain, yielding 336 mm (13.2 in) over 23 days. As the year concludes, October and November exhibit robust rainfall, recording 424 mm (16.7 in) and 435 mm (17.1 in) respectively, before tapering to 401 mm (15.8 in) in December. This annual precipitation pattern not only influences local ecosystems and agriculture but also plays a crucial role in the region’s climate dynamics.
In Cauca, Colombia, sunshine duration experiences distinct seasonal fluctuations, reflecting a steady rise in hours as the region transitions from the early months of the year into the summer. Starting with 234 hours of sunshine in January, the amount gradually increases, peaking in March with 266 hours of brilliant sunlight. February also contributes to this upward trend, capturing 259 hours of sun. However, April sees a slight decline to 243 hours, indicating the region’s complex weather patterns as cloud cover can play a significant role. As the months progress toward mid-year, sunshine resumes its upward trajectory, reaching 289 hours in July, with August recording the highest at 302 hours, marking it as the sunniest month of the year.
Following the summer peak in August, the sunshine duration begins to gradually taper off as fall approaches. September still sees a healthy 285 hours, but by November, this figure drops significantly to 226 hours, showcasing the waning daylight hours as rainy conditions prevail. October offers a milder 254 hours, hinting at the transition towards shorter days. December experiences a rebound with 270 hours, suggesting a return to sunnier conditions. This seasonal variability in sunshine not only shapes the region's agriculture and biodiversity but also plays a key role in the lifestyle of local communities, who often adapt their activities according to the sunshine availability.
In Cauca, Colombia, the UV Index consistently remains at hazardous levels throughout the year, reflecting the region's proximity to the equator and its intense sunlight exposure. The reflective data indicates that January sets the tone with a UV Index of 16, categorized as extreme, prompting a burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. As the months progress, a peak is observed in March and April, where the UV Index climbs to 19, maintaining the extreme exposure category. Even in the latter part of spring, May remains significantly high at 17, showcasing the persistent threat of UV radiation during this season.
Although there's a slight decrease in the UV Index during the mid-year months, numbers remain alarming. Both June and July record 15, still categorized as extreme with the same critical burn time of 10 minutes. This trend continues into August and September, where values return to 16. As the year concludes, there is a gradual decline, with October and November registering 17 and 15, respectively, and December dipping to 13, though still within the extreme category. This relentless UV exposure underscores the importance of protective measures to safeguard against skin damage, illustrating the need for heightened awareness in outdoor activities year-round in Cauca.
UV Risk Categories
In Cauca, Colombia, daylight duration reflects the region's equatorial positioning, resulting in consistent sunlight throughout the year. January begins with 11 hours of daylight, marking the shorter days of the year. However, as February arrives, daylight increases to 12 hours, a duration that remains constant for the next several months. This maintained daylight period from February through October allows for ample opportunities for outdoor activities and agricultural practices, benefiting both the local ecosystem and the communities dependent on natural light.
As the year progresses, daylight duration begins to wind down again, signaling the transition into the end of the year. November sees a reduction back to 11 hours, echoing the shorter days witnessed in January. December also maintains this pattern, further reinforcing the cyclical nature of daylight in the region. The relative stability in daylight hours throughout most of the year allows residents of Cauca to adapt their routines to the predictable rhythms of sunlight, enhancing their connection to the environment while managing their daily activities more effectively.
Bolivar, Colombia experiences a temperate climate characterized by mild temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. Average monthly temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) in January to a maximum of 31°C (88°F) in September. The region sees heavy precipitation, particularly from March to May, with May recording the highest average rainfall of 791 mm (31.1 in). Sunshine is abundant, especially from July to August, when it averages around 298 hours. For more details on climate patterns, visit Bolivar climate.
Popayán, Colombia, features a temperate climate with average temperatures ranging from 15°C (60°F) year-round, peaking at around 25°C (77°F) during the warmer months. Precipitation is significant, particularly from March to November, with November being the wettest month at 351 mm (13.8 in). Conversely, the driest period occurs in July, with just 70 mm (2.8 in) of rainfall. The city enjoys ample sunshine, especially in July and August, with over 300 hours of sun each month. For more detailed information, visit Popayan climate.
Sucre, Colombia, exhibits a temperate climate with average temperatures ranging from 21°C (70°F) throughout the year, while daytime highs can reach up to 34°C (93°F) in October. The region experiences considerable rainfall, peaking in May with 612 mm (24.1 in), and sees the lightest precipitation in July with 191 mm (7.5 in). Sunshine hours are abundant, particularly from July to August, where it averages around 284 to 292 hours. This unique combination of warmth and precipitation supports lush vegetation and a vibrant ecosystem. For more details, visit Sucre climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Cauca, Colombia, characterized by its varied temperature ranges, significant precipitation, formidable UV Index, and consistent daylight duration, presents a unique blend of environmental conditions that shape the region's ecosystems and lifestyles. With average temperatures and extreme UV exposure dominating the landscape, coupled with pronounced wet and dry seasons, the local communities must navigate these elements while maintaining their agricultural practices and daily activities. The abundance of sunlight throughout the year, paired with seasonal variations, not only fosters a vibrant biodiversity but also challenges residents to adapt to the relentless nature of their climate. Understanding these dynamics is essential for promoting sustainable development and fostering resilience in the face of climate variability.