Nariño Climate

Last updated: January 18, 2025

Nariño, Colombia presents a diverse climate characterized by the Köppen-Geiger classifications of As (Tropical Savanna), Af (Tropical Rainforest), Cfb, and Csb (Oceanic climates). This region experiences a striking temperature range, with a minimum of 2°C (36°F) recorded in January, fluctuating to an average temperature of 17°C (63°F) throughout the year, and peaking at 35°C (96°F) in August. The climatic variations reflect Nariño's unique geographical features, fostering a rich ecosystem and influencing the livelihoods of its inhabitants.

Nariño temperature by month

Nariño, Colombia exhibits a relatively stable temperature pattern throughout the year, characterized by mild averages and slight fluctuations in daily highs and lows. The winter months, particularly January and August, register the lowest minimum temperatures, dipping to 2°C (36°F), while the warmest period occurs from February to April, where maximum temperatures reach around 34°C (93°F) to 35°C (96°F). Notably, despite the variation in maximum temperatures, the average remains constant at 17°C (63°F) across all months. This consistency, alongside occasional peaks during the summer, reflects the region's moderate climate and contributes to its diverse ecological landscape.

Monthly Temperatures in Nariño, Colombia

The chart illustrates Nariño's temperature patterns throughout the year, with values aggregated from various locations across the region. It highlights seasonal variations and temperature changes across the months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec626363636363626363636363
Data source: Nariño temperature data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

Ospina experiences a temperature range from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) in January to a maximum of 21°C (71°F) in November, making it relatively cooler throughout the year. In contrast, Providencia has a minimum temperature of 6°C (43°F) in January and reaches a warmer maximum of 25°C (77°F) in October, providing a more temperate climate. Meanwhile, Pasto sees a minimum of 5°C (41°F) in January and a peak temperature of 24°C (75°F) in March, showcasing an appealing climate for various activities. For more detailed insights, you can explore the monthly temperatures in Ospina, Providencia, and Pasto through the provided links: monthly temperatures in Ospina, monthly temperatures in Providencia, and monthly temperatures in Pasto.

Precipitation Patterns in Nariño

Nariño, Colombia experiences pronounced seasonal variations in precipitation, with the wettest months typically occurring from March to May. During this period, rainfall peaks notably, with April recording a substantial 360 mm (14.2 in), closely followed by May at 357 mm (14.1 in). This increase in precipitation correlates with the number of rainy days, reaching up to 28 days in both April and May, creating a lush environment that supports the region's rich biodiversity. Conversely, the rainfall begins to taper off during the latter half of the year, with July and August exhibiting significantly lower totals of 215 mm (8.5 in) and 181 mm (7.1 in), respectively.

Despite a reduction in rainfall during the mid-year months, Nariño maintains a consistent pattern of precipitation throughout the year, contributing to its overall tropical climate. Notably, January and February also see considerable rains, with totals of 284 mm (11.2 in) and 288 mm (11.3 in), indicating a prolonged rainy season. The most variable months, September and October, witness moderate rainfall levels of 220 mm (8.7 in) and 318 mm (12.5 in), showcasing the region's unique climatic adaptability. Overall, Nariño’s precipitation patterns play a crucial role in sustaining its ecosystems and agricultural practices.

Monthly Average Precipitation in Nariño, Colombia

The average monthly precipitation in Nariño, providing insights into seasonal rainfall patterns and the region's precipitation trends throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec284288329360357283215181220318341351
Data source: Nariño precipitation data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.
Choose your preferred precipitation unit

Sunshine Duration in Nariño

In Nariño, Colombia, sunshine duration demonstrates a clear seasonal trend, with notable increases leading into the summer months. The year begins with January at 219 hours of sunshine, gradually rising through February (248 hours) and March (260 hours), culminating in a radiant July, where residents enjoy an impressive 276 hours of sunlight. This peak sunshine month, along with August and September, reflects a striking pattern that significantly enhances outdoor activities and agricultural productivity, making this period particularly favorable for crop growth and tourism.

As the summer transitions into the fall, sunshine hours begin to decline, yet they remain substantial compared to the earlier part of the year. The month of October records 258 hours, while November sees a dip to 226 hours. Despite this decrease, the overall sunshine duration remains relatively high throughout the year, with December bringing 265 hours, closing the year on a bright note. This consistent availability of sunlight underscores Nariño's potential for sustainable energy solutions and supports its vibrant ecosystems, contributing to the region's agriculture and natural beauty.

Monthly Sunshine in Nariño, Colombia

Monthly sunshine duration represents the total hours of direct sunlight Nariño receives each month, excluding periods when the sun is obscured by clouds or other obstructions.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec219h248h260h242h249h254h276h292h280h258h226h265h
Data source: Nariño sunshine duration data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.

Nariño UV Index Trends

In Nariño, Colombia, the UV Index consistently reflects an extreme exposure category throughout the year, posing a significant risk for sunburn with a burn time of only 10 minutes. The months of January through May see particularly high UV readings, peaking at 19 in March and April. This period represents the highest solar intensity, necessitating vigilant sun protection measures for outdoor enthusiasts and residents alike. The extreme levels during these months underscore the importance of using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to mitigate the risks of harmful UV radiation.

As the year progresses into the second half, the UV Index begins to slightly decline but remains high, with readings ranging from 14 to 17 from June to December. Notably, July, August, and November maintain a stable UV Index of 15, indicating that even during these months, precautions are essential. The persistent extreme UV exposure highlights the need for continuous awareness and protective strategies against the sun’s damaging effects, ensuring health and safety for all who inhabit this vibrant region.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Nariño, Colombia

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Nariño. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec171819191715151516171514
Data source: Nariño UV Index data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Daylight Hours in Nariño

In Nariño, Colombia, daylight duration remains remarkably consistent throughout the year, consistently averaging 12 hours each day. This uniformity can be attributed to the region's equatorial location, where the tilt of the Earth has minimal effect on the length of daylight experienced. Regardless of the season, residents enjoy a balanced amount of daylight, allowing for a stable rhythm in agricultural practices, daily routines, and outdoor activities.

The consistent 12-hour daylight pattern in Nariño fosters a sense of predictability in the local climate, enabling inhabitants to plan their day-to-day lives effectively. This regularity not only supports agriculture by providing a stable environment for crops but also enhances the region's appeal for tourists seeking reliable weather for exploration and leisure. Ultimately, the unwavering daylight duration contributes to the region's vibrant ecosystems and plays a crucial role in the lifestyle of its residents.

Average Monthly Daylight Hours in Nariño, Colombia

This chart shows the total daylight hours Nariño receives each month, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec721h723h725h727h729h731h730h728h725h723h722h721h
Data source: Nariño daylight hours, calculated based on aggregated data for various regional locations, determined by the times between sunrise and sunset.

Climate Highlights of Nariño's Popular Destinations

Cartago, Colombia experiences a mild climate with average temperatures around 15°C (60°F) throughout the year, and maximum temperatures varying from 23°C (74°F) to 25°C (77°F). January and February are some of the wettest months, while July and August receive significantly less rainfall. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in the middle of the year, with July and August seeing the highest hours of sunlight. For detailed climate data, visit Cartago climate.

The climate in El Peñol, Colombia, is characterized by mild temperatures throughout the year, with averages around 19°C (66°F) and highs reaching up to 28°C (82°F) in the warmer months. Rainfall is abundant, peaking in April with up to 500 mm (19.7 in) and remaining significant in other months, particularly October. The region enjoys a decent amount of sunshine, especially in July and August, with over 260 hours recorded. Visitors should prepare for both warm weather and consistent rainfall during their stay. For more details, visit El Penol climate.

Ipiales, Colombia, experiences a temperate climate characterized by mild temperatures throughout the year. Average monthly temperatures range from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) in January to a maximum of 20°C (67°F) in October, with average temperatures consistently around 11°C (52°F). The region receives substantial rainfall, particularly in March and November, with precipitation peaking at 319 mm (12.6 in) in November. Despite the frequent rain, particularly sunny months like August and September boast over 300 hours of sunshine, making Ipiales unique. For more details, visit Ipiales climate.

La Union, Colombia, experiences a tropical climate characterized by mild temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. Average monthly temperatures range from 18°C (65°F) to 19°C (66°F), with maximums peaking at 30°C (86°F) in August. The wettest months are from February to April, with precipitation exceeding 400 mm (15.7 in) in each of these months, while July and August are comparatively drier. Notably, sunshine hours peak in July and August, highlighting the contrast between rainfall and sunlight in this region. For further details, visit La Union climate.

The climate in Nariño, Colombia, is characterized by mild temperatures throughout the year, with averages around 14°C (58°F) and max temperatures varying between 22°C (72°F) and 24°C (75°F). January and February receive the highest sunshine hours, while the wettest months are March and November, with precipitation peaks of 273 mm (10.8 in) and 266 mm (10.5 in), respectively. The region experiences a dry season from July to August, which sees the lowest rainfall. Overall, Nariño offers a unique climate that balances moderate temperatures with significant rainfall. For more details, visit Narino climate.

Olaya Herrera, Colombia, experiences a temperate climate characterized by consistent average temperatures around 15°C (60°F) throughout the year, with maximums ranging from 22°C to 25°C (73°F to 77°F). January sees substantial rainfall, with 191 mm (7.5 in), peaking in November at 305 mm (12.0 in). Sunshine is abundant, particularly in the dry season from July to September, where it exceeds 280 hours per month. The overall weather pattern suggests a wet climate with moderate warmth, making it a unique location for diverse ecosystems and agricultural activities. For more details, visit Olaya Herrera climate.

Ospina, Colombia experiences a mild climate characterized by consistent temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) in January to a maximum of 21°C (69°F) in October and November. The region receives significant rainfall, peaking at 225 mm (8.9 in) in November, with the driest months being July and August averaging around 86 mm (3.4 in). Sunshine is abundant, particularly in August with 304 hours, while temperatures remain stable throughout the year, maintaining a cool average of around 12°C (54°F). For more detailed information, visit Ospina climate.

Pasto, Colombia, experiences a moderate climate characterized by mild temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) in January to a maximum of 24°C (75°F) in March and October. Rainfall peaks in March with 273 mm (10.8 in) and remains high until November, while the months of July and August see the least precipitation at 112 mm (4.4 in) and 85 mm (3.4 in), respectively. Despite the rain, sunshine hours are ample, especially in August, which enjoys 315 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit Pasto climate.

Providencia, Colombia experiences a temperate climate with mild temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) in January to a maximum of 25°C (77°F) in October. Rainfall is abundant, with March and November seeing the highest precipitation, at 283 mm (11.1 in) and 305 mm (12.0 in) respectively. Sunshine hours are notable, peaking in August with 299 hours, providing a balance between rain and light throughout the year. The climate is generally stable, making Providencia a unique destination for those who appreciate mild temperatures and lush landscapes. For detailed climate insights, visit Providencia climate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Nariño, Colombia, showcases a unique and dynamic climate characterized by its diverse temperature ranges, significant precipitation patterns, high UV index, and consistent daylight duration. The interplay of these climatic factors fosters a rich ecosystem and provides a stable environment for agriculture and outdoor activities. The region's extreme UV exposure, coupled with twelve hours of reliable daylight year-round, emphasizes the necessity for protective measures while enjoying the outdoors. As Nariño continues to attract both residents and visitors alike, understanding and adapting to its climatic nuances will be essential for sustaining its vibrant natural and cultural landscapes.

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