Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Morona-Santiago, Ecuador, is characterized by a tropical rainforest (Af) and temperate oceanic (Cfb) classification, highlighting its diverse weather patterns. Throughout the year, temperatures exhibit a significant range, with a minimum of 8°C (46°F) recorded in September and a peak of 36°C (96°F) in January. The annual average temperature rests comfortably at 21°C (69°F), illustrating the region's warmth and seasonal variations that contribute to its rich biodiversity and vibrant ecosystems.
Morona-Santiago, Ecuador, exhibits distinct temperature patterns throughout the year, marked by a warm and stable climate. January and February kick off the year with minimum temperatures consistently around 12°C (55°F) and maximums peaking at 36°C (96°F), indicating the hotter months. As the year progresses into March and April, the climate remains warm but slightly cooler at night, with minimums dropping to 14°C (57°F) and maintaining maximums around 35°C (95°F). The transition to May and June sees a small decline in both daytime maximums and nighttime minimums, settling at 34°C (94°F) and 11°C (52°F), respectively. The mid-year months of July and August bring the coolest temperatures, with nighttime lows dropping to 8°C (46°F), while daytime highs hover around 32°C (90°F). Entering September, the temperatures warm slightly, and this trend continues into October and November, where minimums rise again to 12°C (53°F) and maximums reach back to 35°C (95°F). The year concludes in December with temperatures stabilizing around 13°C (56°F) at night, reinforcing the region's characteristic warmth and steady averages throughout the seasons.
In Sucua, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) in July to a maximum of 27°C (80°F) in February, making it relatively mild throughout the year. Conversely, Macas experiences a minimum of 12°C (53°F) in August and peaks at 29°C (84°F) in October, while Palora features similar minimums at 12°C (54°F) in August but reaches a higher maximum of 30°C (87°F) in January. For more detailed information, you can check the monthly temperatures in Sucua, Macas, and Palora via the provided links: monthly temperatures in Sucua, monthly temperatures in Macas, and monthly temperatures in Palora.
Morona-Santiago, Ecuador, experiences a pronounced wet season, with substantial rainfall predominantly occurring from January through May. This period is characterized by heavy precipitation, peaking in May with 401 mm (15.8 in) of rainfall over an average of 28 days. The precipitation remains consistently high throughout January and February, with each month receiving over 300 mm (12.1 in), creating a humid environment that fosters lush vegetation. As the season progresses into March and April, rainfall intensifies, reaching 357 mm (14.1 in) and 366 mm (14.4 in), respectively.
Following the peak during the wet months, a gradual decline in precipitation occurs from June to September, where rainfall diminishes significantly, particularly in August, with only 178 mm (7.0 in) recorded over 20 days. This drier spell indicates a shift in climatic conditions, allowing for more intermittent rainfall. Nonetheless, October and November witness a resurgence in precipitation, with 239 mm (9.4 in) and 270 mm (10.6 in) respectively, leading into December's return to heavier rainfall at 313 mm (12.3 in). Overall, Morona-Santiago's precipitation patterns illustrate a clear seasonal cycle, essential for the region's ecosystems and agriculture.
In Morona-Santiago, Ecuador, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with the dry season presenting the most sun-soaked months. January starts the year with 228 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing into the subsequent months, reaching a peak in August with an impressive 317 hours. The months from May to September shine particularly bright, showcasing an escalation in daylight hours that supports outdoor activities and agricultural productivity. This period not only highlights the region's favorable climate but also sets a vibrant backdrop for the lush landscapes characteristic of this tropical setting.
On the other hand, the rainy season sees a decrease in sunshine, though still rich in light compared to many temperate climates. Months like April and November, while part of this wetter cycle, maintain a respectable 255 and 263 hours of sunshine, respectively. Interestingly, even during the traditionally cloudier months of January and February, the region remains pleasantly illuminated with 255 and 228 hours of sun, respectively. Overall, Morona-Santiago's sunshine patterns underscore a delightful interplay between ample sunlight during the dry period and substantial light even amid the rainy months, contributing to its unique ecological diversity and the vibrancy of daily life.
The UV Index in Morona-Santiago, Ecuador, remains consistently high throughout the year, reflecting the region's geographic proximity to the equator. From January to May, the UV Index peaks at 18 during March and April, categorizing exposure as extreme with a burn time of just 10 minutes. This extreme UV radiation necessitates increased caution for outdoor activities, emphasizing the need for protective measures like sunscreen, hats, and clothing to mitigate skin damage. Even in the warmer months, such as February, the index remains elevated at 17, indicating a persistent intensity of sunlight that can lead to swift skin burns.
As the year progresses into the mid-year months of June and July, the UV Index experiences a slight decline, dropping to 13 and 14 respectively. Despite this reduction, the UV levels remain within the extreme category, continuing to pose a risk with a short 10-minute burn time. A notable resurgence occurs in September, where the index rises back to 17, before tapering to 15 in December. This consistent pattern underscores the importance of year-round UV awareness in Morona-Santiago, as residents and visitors must remain vigilant against the health risks associated with intense solar exposure.
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In Morona-Santiago, Ecuador, daylight duration remains remarkably consistent throughout the year, generally fluctuating around 12 hours per day. From January to April, residents enjoy an almost uniform distribution of daylight, with each month providing a solid 12 hours of light. This consistent daylight can be attributed to the region's equatorial location, allowing for minimal seasonal variation in the length of day and night. The regularity of daylight during these months supports a constant rhythm for both daily life and agricultural activities.
As the year progresses into May through July, daylight duration slightly decreases to approximately 11 hours per day. This minor reduction signifies a subtle shift in the seasonal cycle but does not drastically impact the amount of sunlight available. By August, the duration of daylight rebounds to 12 hours, reinstating the familiar pattern seen earlier in the year. The months from August to December once again maintain this average, creating a predictable and stable light environment that facilitates a wide range of ecological and human activities throughout Morona-Santiago.
Gualaquiza, Ecuador experiences a tropical climate characterized by mild temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from 18°C (65°F) in the cooler months of July and August to a steady 20°C (68°F) in other months, with maximums reaching up to 30°C (86°F) in January. Rainfall is abundant, particularly from January to April, with January receiving the highest precipitation at 267 mm (10.5 in), while the drier months are August and September, with 136 mm (5.4 in) and 122 mm (4.8 in), respectively. Sunshine hours are plentiful, particularly in August and September, which enjoy over 300 hours of sun. For more details, visit Gualaquiza climate.
Macas, Ecuador experiences a tropical rainforest climate characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 19°C (66°F) to 21°C (69°F), with a maximum of around 29°C (84°F) during the warmest months. Rainfall is prominent, especially from May to April, with monthly precipitation often exceeding 400 mm, peaking at 600 mm (23.6 in) in May. However, there is a slight reduction in rain during the drier months of August and September, recording 308 mm (12.1 in) and 277 mm (10.9 in) respectively. For more detailed information, visit Macas climate.
Palora, Ecuador experiences a tropical climate with relatively stable temperatures throughout the year, ranging from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) in August to a maximum of 30°C (87°F) in January, February, and September. The area receives significant rainfall, peaking at 509 mm (20.1 in) in May, while the driest months, August and September, see only about 175 mm (6.9 in) and 159 mm (6.3 in) respectively. Sunlight is abundant, especially from June to August, with up to 321 hours of sunshine in August. Overall, visitors can expect warm temperatures and high humidity along with a notable rainy season. For more information, visit Palora climate.
Sucua, Ecuador, experiences a mostly temperate climate with average temperatures ranging between 17°C (63°F) in July and 19°C (66°F) year-round. The region receives significant rainfall, peaking in March with 335 mm (13.2 in), and experiences its driest months in August and September, receiving only 97 mm (3.8 in) and 72 mm (2.8 in), respectively. Sunshine hours are abundant, especially in the dry season, with July and August offering over 300 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information, visit Sucua climate.
Taisha, Ecuador, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 24°C (75°F) in cooler months to a maximum of 36°C (96°F) in January and February. The wettest months are March and April, with precipitation peaking at 387 mm (15.2 in), while July and August are relatively drier. Despite heavy rainfall, sunshine is abundant, especially in the dry season, with over 300 hours in August and September. For more detailed climate information, visit Taisha climate.
In conclusion, Morona-Santiago, Ecuador, offers a unique climatic experience characterized by a consistent and warm temperature, substantial rainfall, ample sunshine, high UV Index levels, and stable daylight duration throughout the year. The region's tropical rainforest and temperate oceanic climate contribute to its vibrant ecosystems and rich biodiversity, while the pronounced wet and dry seasons influence day-to-day life and agricultural practices. With UV Index levels reaching extreme categories, awareness and protective measures are essential for those engaging in outdoor activities. Overall, Morona-Santiago's climatic features cultivate a distinct environment that highlights the interplay between natural beauty and the necessity for careful interaction with its diverse elements.