Last updated: January 18, 2025
Izabal, Guatemala experiences a tropical monsoon climate, classified under the Koppen-Geiger system as Am. The region showcases a diverse temperature range, with a minimum of 13°C (56°F) in January, a comfortable average of 25°C (78°F), and soaring maximums reaching up to 39°C (103°F) in May. This temperature variability, coupled with significant rainfall during the wet season, significantly influences the local ecosystems and agricultural practices, making Izabal a unique case study in tropical climate dynamics.
The temperature patterns in Izabal, Guatemala, demonstrate a clear seasonal progression, characterized by mild winters and increasingly warmer summers. Beginning in January, the region experiences cooler nights with minimum temperatures around 13°C (56°F) and averages of 23°C (73°F). As the months advance toward the peak of summer, there is a notable increase in both average and maximum temperatures; April and May see averages climbing to 27°C (80°F) and 28°C (82°F) respectively, with maximums peaking at 39°C (102°F) and 39°C (103°F), indicating a distinct dry season. The onset of the wet season in June brings a slight dip in maximum temperatures, yet the overall trend remains warm with averages sitting around 27°C (81°F). As the year progresses into the more temperate months of October through December, the temperatures moderate again, cooling down to averages of 24°C (76°F) and maximums returning to the low 30s°C, illustrating the region's characteristic climatic rhythm between drought and rain.
Puerto Barrios experiences temperatures ranging from a minimum of 18°C (65°F) in January to a maximum of 34°C (93°F) in June, making it a warm coastal destination (monthly temperatures in Puerto Barrios). In contrast, Livingston has a cooler minimum of 15°C (60°F) in February, while peaking at an impressive 39°C (103°F) in May (monthly temperatures in Livingston). Similarly, El Estor's climate features a minimum of 16°C (62°F) in January and also reaches 39°C (103°F) in May (monthly temperatures in El Estor).
Precipitation in Izabal, Guatemala exhibits a pronounced seasonal pattern, with distinct wet and dry periods throughout the year. The early months of the year, from January to April, experience moderate rainfall, with January averaging 155 mm (6.1 in) on approximately 16 days. As April approaches, precipitation decreases to 77 mm (3.0 in) over 12 days, signaling the onset of the dry season. However, this brief reprieve is quickly followed by a significant uptick in rainfall during the transition to summer, particularly in May, when precipitation surges to 172 mm (6.8 in) across 24 days.
The rainy season peaks from June to November, characterized by substantial monthly rainfall figures. June records the highest precipitation, averaging 321 mm (12.6 in) over 28 days, followed closely by July and August, with 277 mm (10.9 in) and 279 mm (11.0 in) respectively. September and October continue this trend with 257 mm (10.1 in) and 306 mm (12.1 in), while November also remains wet with 318 mm (12.5 in). As the year concludes, precipitation begins to wane, culminating in December with 146 mm (5.8 in) over 19 days, underscoring Izabal's characteristic climate of intense wet-season rainfall followed by drier months.
In Izabal, Guatemala, sunshine duration exhibits a clear and uplifting seasonal pattern, reflecting the region’s transition from cooler months to the vibrant warmth of summer. Starting with 201 hours of sunshine in January, the hours steadily increase as the year progresses, peaking in May with an impressive 313 hours. This rise culminates during the dry season, particularly in March and April, when residents enjoy 300 hours and 307 hours of sunshine, respectively. These months mark the period of maximum sunlight availability, providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities and agricultural productivity.
As the rainy season approaches in June, there is a slight dip in sunshine hours to 278 hours, yet the sun continues to shine throughout the summer months, with July and August yielding 298 and 302 hours respectively. The gradual decline resumes in the latter part of the year, with sunshine hours decreasing to 274 hours in October, before tapering off further to 254 hours in November. December brings back a modest increase to 261 hours. Overall, the sunshine duration in Izabal reflects a vibrant cycle, favoring long, sunlit days during the dry season while still providing ample sunshine throughout the wetter months.
The UV Index in Izabal, Guatemala, illustrates significant variations throughout the year, revealing periods of intense solar radiation that require careful sun protection. Beginning in January, the UV Index starts at 10, indicating very high levels of UV exposure, with a burn time of just 15 minutes. However, as the calendar progresses into February, the index escalates sharply to 12, transitioning into the extreme exposure category. This trend continues into March and April, where the Ultraviolet Index reaches its peak at 14, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and sun safety measures in these months.
As the summer months unfold, the UV Index remains consistently high, fluctuating between 13 and 14 from June to August, all categorized as extreme, with a mere 10 minutes of safe exposure time. The values begin to taper off slightly in the fall, with October registering a UV Index of 12 before decreasing to 10 in November and 9 in December, where the risk is still classified as very high. This data highlights the importance of sun protection for residents and visitors, particularly during the intense UV season from February to August, where proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of harmful UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Izabal, Guatemala, reveals a stable pattern throughout the year, reflecting its equatorial location. From January to February, the region enjoys approximately 11 hours of daylight, maintaining this consistent length during the cooler months. This stability transitions into longer days as spring approaches, with March bringing an increase to 12 hours of daylight, a duration sustained through April and May. This period allows for ample daylight activities, particularly as the weather begins to warm.
As the summer solstice approaches in June, daylight reaches its peak at 13 hours, providing residents and visitors with an abundance of sunlight. However, this prolonged daylight begins to taper off in July and August, returning to 12 hours as the months draw closer to fall. The latter part of the year sees a reduction back to 11 hours in October, November, and December, indicating a return to shorter days. Overall, the consistent daylight duration in Izabal highlights a moderate seasonal cycle, enabling various opportunities for both leisure and daily activities throughout the year.
El Estor, Guatemala experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Average temperatures range from 23°C (73°F) in January to 28°C (82°F) in May, peaking at a maximum of 39°C (103°F) in April. The rainy season spans from May to October, with June being the wettest month at 306 mm (12.1 in) of precipitation. Despite the rainfall, the region enjoys considerable sunshine, particularly in March and April, with over 300 hours of sun each month. For more detailed information, visit El Estor climate.
The climate in Livingston, Guatemala is characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 23°C (74°F) in January to 28°C (83°F) in May, with maximums reaching up to 39°C (102°F) in April and May. The wettest months are June and July, with over 300 mm (11.8 in) of precipitation, while December tends to be drier with around 131 mm (5.2 in). Sunshine is abundant, especially from March to May, where monthly hours exceed 300. For more details, visit Livingston climate.
Los Amates, Guatemala, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Average temperatures range from 21°C (71°F) in January to 27°C (80°F) in May, peaking with maximums of up to 39°C (102°F) during the months of April and May. Rainfall is significant, especially from May to October, with June recording the highest precipitation at 357 mm (14.0 in). The area enjoys abundant sunshine, most notably in March and May, which see over 300 hours of sunshine. For more detailed climate information, visit Los Amates climate.
Morales, Guatemala experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Monthly average temperatures range from 22°C (73°F) in January to 27°C (82°F) in May. Rainfall peaks in the rainy season, particularly in June through November, with June recording 347 mm (13.7 in). Despite the higher precipitation, sunshine hours remain substantial, reaching up to 314 hours in May. For more detailed information, visit Morales climate.
Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 18°C (65°F) in January to a maximum of 34°C (93°F) in June. The region sees significant rainfall, particularly from June to November, with November being the wettest month at 477 mm (18.8 in). Sunshine hours are abundant, peaking in May with 319 hours, offering plenty of bright days despite the rainy season. For more detailed climate information, visit Puerto Barrios climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Izabal, Guatemala, showcases a complex interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight that shapes the region's environment and lifestyle. The clear seasonal trends, marked by distinct wet and dry periods, highlight the importance of sun protection during peak UV levels, especially from February to August. The consistent daylight hours provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the year, enhancing both agricultural productivity and the quality of life for residents. Understanding these climatic patterns is crucial for effective planning and adaptation, ensuring that the natural beauty and resources of Izabal are preserved while effectively responding to the challenges posed by its tropical monsoon climate.