Last updated: January 18, 2025
Chimaltenango, Guatemala, is characterized by a Cwb Köppen-Geiger climate classification, indicating a distinct temperate highland environment. With a minimum temperature dipping to 6°C (43°F) in December, the region experiences a mild average of 19°C (66°F) throughout the year. The climate reaches its peak in April, showcasing maximum temperatures of 31°C (88°F), making it an ideal location for those who appreciate a balanced climate with a mix of cooler and warmer periods.
In Chimaltenango, Guatemala, temperature patterns reveal a mild climate with distinct seasonal variations. The year begins with cooler temperatures in January, where minimums reach 6°C (43°F), gradually warming through February and March as averages rise to 18°C (65°F) and 19°C (66°F), respectively. April marks the warmest month, maintaining a steady maximum of 31°C (88°F) while averages hover around 20°C (67°F). As the rainy season approaches in May and June, nights become slightly cooler, with minimum temperatures between 13°C (55°F) and 12°C (54°F), while daytime highs remain in the upper 20s. The latter half of the year sees stable temperatures, as averages consistently settle around 19°C (66°F) and maximums generally peak at 29°C (85°F). December returns to cooler conditions, mirroring January with its minimum of 6°C (43°F), showcasing the region's overall temperate and pleasant climate.
In Acatenango, temperatures can vary significantly throughout the year, with a minimum of 12°C (54°F) in January and a maximum of 31°C (88°F) in February. This range indicates a moderate climate that can be ideal for outdoor activities. For more detailed information on the monthly temperatures in Acatenango, visit monthly temperatures in Acatenango.
Chimaltenango, Guatemala, exhibits a characteristic wet season, particularly from April through September, correlating with its distinct rainfall patterns. In January, February, and March, the region experiences relatively dry months, with precipitation levels ranging from 13 mm (0.5 in) to 20 mm (0.8 in), often accompanied by only a few rainy days each month. However, with the onset of April, rainfall significantly increases to 88 mm (3.5 in), as the region transitions into its wetter season, with precipitation continuing to escalate in May and June, logging 264 mm (10.4 in) and 351 mm (13.8 in), respectively.
During the peak rainy season from June to September, Chimaltenango receives substantial precipitation, with August and September recording 226 mm (8.9 in) and 295 mm (11.6 in), respectively. Rainfall is frequent during these months, often exceeding 20 days each, leading to lush vegetation and vibrant landscapes. The wet season concludes in October and November, where rainfall remains significant but gradually decreases, dropping to 265 mm (10.5 in) and 65 mm (2.5 in), respectively. By December, precipitation levels return to lower values, with only 16 mm (0.6 in) recorded, concluding the annual cycle of moisture in this verdant region.
Chimaltenango, Guatemala, showcases a dynamic pattern of sunshine duration throughout the year, with a notable increase as it transitions from winter to summer. January begins the year with 252 hours of sunshine, gradually climbing to 284 hours in February and peaking to 321 hours in March. This upward trend signifies a welcoming arrival of longer days and brighter skies, which continue into the dry month of April, where residents enjoy 312 hours of sunlight. The pattern stabilizes in May, with slightly fewer hours at 303, but maintains high sunshine levels as the dry season begins to transition toward the wetter months.
As the rainy season arrives in June, the sunshine hours dip to 275, reflecting the increased cloud coverage typical of this period. However, this does not significantly detract from the overall sunlight exposure, with July rebounding to 314 hours and moderate hours persisting through August and September, totaling 306 and 287 hours, respectively. The year rounds out with a slight decline in sunshine hours toward the end of the rainy season, but November and December maintain 296 and 312 hours, respectively. This trend illustrates how Chimaltenango experiences a blend of ample sunshine, particularly in the dry season, while still enjoying considerable bright hours during the wet months, contributing to its vibrant, lush environment.
Chimaltenango, Guatemala, experiences consistently high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation throughout the year, categorized predominantly as "extreme." Starting in January, the UV Index registers at 11, escalating to 13 in February, and peaking at 16 in April before stabilizing around 15 for the months of May through July. This trend indicates that sun exposure during these months is extraordinarily intense, necessitating vigilant sun protection. The burn time—a mere 10 minutes—highlights the urgency for individuals to take precautions against skin damage, particularly during the peak months.
As the year progresses, the UV Index sees a slight decline; by August, it remains high at 14, continuing through September and October. November and December mark a notable decrease in UV levels, where the Index drops to 11 and 10, respectively, although still classified as "very high" in December. The extension of burn time to 15 minutes in the last month of the year offers a brief reprieve, yet suggests that even in the cooler months, sun safety remains crucial. Residents and visitors must remain aware of UV exposure dynamics, aiming to enjoy the sun responsibly to mitigate potential health risks.
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Chimaltenango, Guatemala, enjoys a relatively consistent pattern of daylight duration throughout the year, emphasizing the region's tropical latitude. January and February each provide about 11 hours of daylight, fostering shorter days during the early months. As spring unfolds in March, the daylight gradually increases to 12 hours, a trend that persists through April, May, and into the heart of summer in June, July, and August. This stable exposure to light not only enriches the local flora but also supports various outdoor activities during these extended daylight months.
As the year progresses towards fall, daylight duration experiences a subtle decline, returning to 11 hours in October, November, and December. This slight reduction marks the transition into the dry season, with shorter daylight hours similar to the onset of the year. Despite these fluctuations, the overall consistency in daylight duration provides Chimaltenango with an optimal environment for cultivating a range of crops and enjoying outdoor life year-round. The relatively equal distribution of daylight throughout the seasons is a defining characteristic of the region’s climate, contributing to its vibrant ecosystems and lively community interactions.
Acatenango, Guatemala experiences a mild climate with average temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 22°C (71°F) throughout the year. The warmest months are February through April, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 31°C (88°F). However, from May to October, the region sees a significant increase in rainfall, particularly in May and September, averaging over 370 mm (14.6 in) and 406 mm (16.0 in) respectively. Despite this, Acatenango enjoys ample sunshine year-round, peaking in March with 322 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Acatenango climate.
In conclusion, Chimaltenango, Guatemala, presents a unique climate characterized by its Cwb classification, marked by mild temperatures and substantial seasonal variations in both precipitation and sunlight. The region enjoys significant sunshine throughout the year, particularly from March to July, while also experiencing extreme UV levels necessitating careful sun protection. Daylight duration remains relatively consistent, averaging around 12 hours during the summer months, which, coupled with ample rainfall during the wet season, fosters lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems. These climatic conditions not only enrich the natural beauty of Chimaltenango but also enhance agricultural productivity, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a vibrant and sustainable environment.