Last updated: January 18, 2025
Baja Verapaz, Guatemala, showcases a diverse climate characterized by the Köppen-Geiger classifications of Cwb (Temperate highland) and Aw (Tropical savanna). The region experiences a refreshing minimum temperature of 5°C (41°F) in January, rising to a comfortable average of 21°C (70°F) throughout the year. The warmth peaks in April, where maximum temperatures can soar to 36°C (97°F), highlighting the notable thermal range and seasonal variability. This climatic interplay facilitates a rich biodiversity and distinct seasonal patterns, making Baja Verapaz a unique ecological region in Central America.
In Baja Verapaz, Guatemala, temperature patterns exhibit marked seasonal trends throughout the year. The region begins the year with cooler temperatures in January, where minimums dip to 5°C (41°F) and average daytime highs reach 33°C (92°F). As February and March progress, a gradual warming occurs, with averages climbing to 21°C (69°F) by March, while maximums consistently hover around 34°C (94°F). April marks a significant shift, presenting warmer conditions with averages peaking at 23°C (73°F) and maximums soaring to 36°C (97°F). This warmth persists into May, although the nighttime lows begin to rise. By mid-year, from June to September, temperatures stabilize around 22°C (72°F) during the day, with maximums ranging from 32°C (91°F) to 33°C (92°F), indicating a mild season with minimal fluctuations. The cooling trend resumes in October and November, as average temperatures decline slightly, culminating in a return to cooler conditions by December, mirroring the onset of the year. Overall, the climate reflects a dynamic interplay between cooler dry months and warmer wet periods, enriching the region's ecological diversity.
Rabinal experiences a significant temperature range throughout the year, with December witnessing a minimum of 7°C (44°F) and April peaking at a maximum of 36°C (97°F). Travelers can check the details of these monthly temperatures in Rabinal at monthly temperatures in Rabinal.
Precipitation patterns in Baja Verapaz, Guatemala, reveal a clear seasonal cycle, with notably dry months transitioning to a pronounced wet season. January starts with relatively low rainfall at 23 mm (0.9 in) over 5 days, gradually decreasing to 14 mm (0.5 in) in February, where the number of rainy days drops to just 2. As the year progresses into March and April, precipitation increases, reaching 36 mm (1.4 in) by April, as the rainy season begins to approach. The month of May marks a significant shift, with precipitation surging to 141 mm (5.5 in) over 20 days, signaling the onset of the wet season.
The peak of rainfall is observed during the months of June through October, where Baja Verapaz experiences its highest precipitation totals. In June, rainfall reaches 191 mm (7.5 in) across 23 days, followed closely by 163 mm (6.4 in) in August and 199 mm (7.8 in) in October. This period sustains almost daily precipitation, especially in September with 171 mm (6.7 in) over 24 days. As the rainy season concludes, November sees a reduction to 81 mm (3.2 in) across 10 days, followed by a significant drop in December, which records 20 mm (0.8 in) over just 4 days. This pattern illustrates the region’s tropical climate dynamics, characterized by a distinct wet season that contributes to its vibrant ecosystems.
Baja Verapaz, Guatemala, experiences significant variations in sunshine duration throughout the year, highlighting a distinct seasonal trend. Starting from January with 219 hours of sunshine, the region witnesses a gradual increase as winter transitions to spring. February sees sunshine increase to 267 hours, and by March, the hours peak to 305, indicating the onset of longer days and clearer skies. This trend continues into April and May, where consistent levels of sunshine persist at 304 hours, providing ample daylight that supports the flourishing local flora and fauna.
As summer approaches, the amount of sunshine remains robust, with July reaching a remarkable 315 hours—the peak for the year—followed closely by 312 hours in August. Although June begins a slight dip at 277 hours, the overall summer months still enjoy magnificent sunshine. Following the summer peak, sunshine hours begin to taper off, with September dropping to 296 hours and October slightly lower at 280 hours. The year concludes with November and December seeing around 275 to 280 hours of sunlight, indicating a steady decline as the region enters its dry season. This cyclical pattern not only supports diverse ecosystems but also showcases the climatic nuances that define Baja Verapaz.
Baja Verapaz, Guatemala, demonstrates a consistently high UV Index throughout the year, underscoring the region's exposure to intense sunlight. Beginning in January, the UV Index registers at 11, categorized as extreme, which necessitates prompt precautions for outdoor activities, particularly since the burn time is a mere 10 minutes. As the year progresses, this extreme level intensifies, peaking in March at 15, where the sun's rays maximize their potential for skin damage. April mirrors this peak, maintaining a UV Index of 15, while May and June remain equally formidable at 14. This pattern emphasizes the pressing need for sun protection during the early months of the year.
Summer showcases similar UV intensity, with July also marking a UV Index of 15 before gradually declining in August and September to 14. In October, the UV Index decreases slightly to 13, but the threat remains significant. As the year comes to a close, November experiences a fall to 11, followed by December's 10, categorized as very high with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. This year-round extreme ultraviolet exposure is a critical consideration for residents and visitors alike, highlighting the importance of protective measures throughout all seasons to mitigate health risks associated with sun exposure.
UV Risk Categories
In Baja Verapaz, Guatemala, daylight duration exhibits a stable pattern throughout the year, primarily influenced by its tropical latitude. The year begins with approximately 11 hours of daylight in January and February, providing a steady but shorter light period as the region experiences its cooler months. As March arrives, daylight duration increases to 12 hours, marking the transition into spring. This increase remains consistent from March through September, demonstrating a consistent balance of light that supports agricultural activities and the diverse ecosystems that thrive in this vibrant region.
As the year progresses into October, daylight duration begins to taper off again, returning to 11 hours in both October and the following months of November and December. This cyclical pattern of daylight, consistent with many tropical regions, highlights Baja Verapaz's relatively stable photoperiods, which are crucial for maintaining ecological balance and supporting local flora and fauna. The consistent 12-hour daylight periods during the heart of the year allow for optimal conditions for crops and natural processes, making this region an essential area for biodiversity and agriculture within Guatemala.
Rabinal, Guatemala experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C (44°F) in January to a maximum of 36°C (97°F) in April and May, with averages hovering around 20-23°C (68-74°F) throughout the year. Rainfall peaks from May to October, with June recording the highest precipitation at 146 mm (5.8 in), while the driest months are February and December with only 8 mm (0.3 in) and 11 mm (0.5 in), respectively. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly between March and August, where hours of sun reach up to 314 hours in July. For more detailed climate information, visit Rabinal climate.
In summary, Baja Verapaz, Guatemala, presents a dynamic climate characterized by marked variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours throughout the year. The region transitions from cooler, drier months to a pronounced wet season, fostering a diverse ecosystem supported by robust sunlight and high UV exposure. This climatic rhythm not only defines the agricultural practices and biodiversity of the area but also underscores the necessity for protective measures against intense sun exposure during periods of high UV Index. The consistency in daylight duration emphasizes the reliability of natural light for both ecological processes and human activity, reinforcing Baja Verapaz as a region of unique climatic significance within Central America.