Last updated: January 18, 2025
Norte de Santander, Colombia, exhibits a diverse climatic landscape characterized by a blend of Koppen-Geiger climate classes, including Am (monsoonal), Af (tropical rainforest), Cfb (temperate oceanic), and Aw (tropical savanna). This region experiences a temperature spectrum that ranges from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) in January to a maximum of 40°C (104°F) in May, with an average annual temperature of 20°C (68°F). The interplay of these climatic elements supports a rich biodiversity and distinct seasonal variations, making Norte de Santander a unique area for studying the impacts of climate on ecological systems.
In Norte de Santander, Colombia, temperature patterns reveal distinct seasonal trends throughout the year. The region experiences cooler temperatures in the early months, with January and February recording minimums as low as 4°C (39°F) and average highs around 35-37°C (96-98°F). As the calendar progresses into March and April, a gradual warming occurs with maximum temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F) in May, marking the peak of the warm season. The subsequent months of June through October maintain relatively stable average temperatures around 20°C (68°F), with minimal fluctuations in both low and high extremes, suggesting a more temperate climate. The year concludes with December, which cools slightly but remains consistent with the previous months, reflecting a stable climatic pattern that supports diverse ecosystems across the region.
Cucuta experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with January registering a minimum of 17°C (63°F) and May peaking at a scorching 39°C (102°F). For a detailed view of the monthly temperatures in Cucuta, you can visit monthly temperatures in Cucuta.
Norte de Santander, Colombia, experiences a distinct precipitation pattern throughout the year, characterized by significant variations in monthly rainfall. The early months of January and February see relatively low averages, with precipitation measuring 45 mm (1.8 in) and 55 mm (2.2 in), respectively, and only 9 to 11 rainy days each month. However, this trend shifts dramatically as the region enters the wet season around March and April, where rainfall spikes to 126 mm (5.0 in) and 167 mm (6.6 in), leading to increased rainy days that peak at 19 days.
The peak of precipitation occurs in October, where the region records the highest monthly rainfall at 202 mm (7.9 in), accompanied by 21 rainy days. Following this high, November maintains substantial rainfall at 141 mm (5.5 in), while December sees a significant reduction, dropping to 42 mm (1.7 in) with only 9 rainy days. This seasonal cycle not only impacts the local climate but also plays a crucial role in supporting the region's diverse ecosystems and agricultural practices, highlighting the interplay between precipitation and environmental sustainability in Norte de Santander.
In Norte de Santander, Colombia, sunshine duration exhibits notable seasonal trends that reflect the region's climatic characteristics. The year begins with a solid portfolio of sunlight, as January records 259 hours, increasing steadily into February and March with 298 and 297 hours respectively. However, as the region transitions into the wet season around April and May, sunshine hours dip slightly to 253 and 245 hours. This trend indicates that the onset of wetter weather correlates with reduced sunshine, setting the stage for a distinctive transition between the dry and wet seasons.
In contrast, the latter half of the year presents an impressive recovery in sunlight, with sunshine duration peaking in December at an impressive 321 hours. The summer months, particularly July and August, also shine brightly with 294 and 299 hours of sunshine, highlighting them as peak sunshine months. Even during the generally cloudier periods in September and October, the region maintains approximately 282 and 274 hours of sunlight, indicating a resilient capacity for sunshine despite occasional rain. Overall, the seasonal variations in sunshine duration not only characterize Norte de Santander's climate but also significantly impact local activities and agricultural productivity throughout the year.
Norte de Santander, Colombia, experiences a consistently high UV Index throughout the year, marking it as an area of extreme sun exposure. From January to April, the UV Index reaches 15 to 18, categorized as extreme, indicating that even brief sun exposure can lead to skin burns in as little as 10 minutes. This trend persists across the months, with January kicking off the year at 15 and peaking in March and April at 18, prompting serious caution for outdoor activities without adequate sun protection.
As the year progresses, the UV Index shows minor fluctuations but remains firmly in the extreme category. From June to October, the index stabilizes around 15 to 16, still requiring vigilance for sun protection within the same 10-minute burn time. Notably, November and December see a slight decline in the UV Index to 13, yet caution is still advised. The consistent extremity of the UV Index underscores the importance of protective measures against UV radiation for residents and visitors alike, enhancing awareness for outdoor activities in Norte de Santander's sunny and vibrant environment.
UV Risk Categories
In Norte de Santander, Colombia, daylight duration exhibits a rhythm that reflects its equatorial position. The year begins with approximately 11 hours of daylight in January and February, creating a balanced light environment that remains consistent through the initial months. As spring arrives in March, daylight extends to 12 hours, maintaining this duration through the subsequent months of April, May, and all the way to August. This steady allotment of daylight during the mid-year not only supports agricultural activities but also encourages outdoor engagement among residents.
As the year winds down, daylight duration gradually returns to 11 hours in October and persists through November and December. This seasonal cycle of daylight highlights an inherent stability, typical of equatorial climates, where variations in daylight hours are relatively subtle. The uniformity in daylight throughout most months enhances daily life, fostering a sense of continuity while providing ample opportunity for both work and leisure activities in Norte de Santander's vibrant landscape.
Cúcuta, Colombia experiences a tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures throughout the year. Monthly average temperatures range from 26°C (79°F) to 28°C (82°F), with maximums peaking at 39°C (102°F) in May. Rainfall is heaviest from March to November, especially in April and November, which can receive over 130 mm (5.1 in) of precipitation. Sunny days are abundant, particularly in July and August, boasting over 300 hours of sunshine each month. For more detailed climate information, visit Cucuta climate.
In conclusion, Norte de Santander, Colombia, presents a multifaceted climate characterized by distinct temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight patterns. The region’s diverse weather conditions foster a rich biodiversity and vibrant agricultural landscape, while the consistently high UV Index highlights the importance of sun protection for residents and visitors alike. Furthermore, with significant variations in precipitation across the year and a stable daylight duration, the climatic features create a unique environment that supports both ecological sustainability and the cultural activities of the local population. Understanding these dynamics not only enriches our appreciation for Norte de Santander’s climate but also emphasizes the need for informed practices in preserving its natural beauty and resources.