Last updated: January 18, 2025
Copán, Honduras, exhibits a dynamic climate characterized by the Köppen-Geiger classifications of Aw (tropical savanna) and Am (tropical monsoon). Temperature fluctuations are notable, with minimum temperatures dropping to 8°C (47°F) in January, while average temperatures hover around a comfortable 22°C (72°F) year-round. The region can experience maximum temperatures soaring to 39°C (102°F) in May, highlighting the seasonal variability that influences both local ecosystems and agricultural practices. This climatic diversity contributes to Copán's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
The temperature patterns in Copán, Honduras, reveal a distinct seasonal variation throughout the year. Winter months from January to March witness a gradual increase in temperatures, with minimums rising from 8°C (47°F) in January to 10°C (50°F) by March, while average temperatures stabilize around 20-21°C (68-70°F). April marks the onset of warmer conditions, leading into the hot spring and summer months where maximum temperatures peak at 39°C (102°F) in May and subsequently moderate slightly through June and July. As the wet season progresses from June to September, temperature fluctuations become milder, maintaining averages around 23°C (74°F), while minimums remain relatively consistent. In contrast, autumn ushers in cooler conditions, as seen in November and December, where temperatures dip back to 11°C (52°F) and 9°C (49°F) for minimums, signaling a transition towards the cooler, drier months of the year. Overall, Copán experiences a warm climate with clear seasonal transitions, influenced by its location and elevation.
In Santa Rosa de Copan, temperatures range from a chilly 9°C (49°F) in January to a warm 36°C (98°F) in April, offering a diverse climate throughout the year. Similarly, Trinidad de Copan experiences a minimum of 10°C (50°F) in January with a peak temperature of 36°C (97°F) in April, providing a comparable climate. Meanwhile, Copan Ruinas records slightly milder temperatures, with a low of 11°C (51°F) in January and a maximum of 35°C (96°F) in April. For more details, you can explore the monthly temperatures in Santa Rosa de Copan, monthly temperatures in Trinidad de Copan, and monthly temperatures in Copan Ruinas.
Precipitation in Copán, Honduras, exhibits a pronounced seasonal pattern throughout the year. During the dry season from January to April, rainfall is relatively modest, with totals ranging from 66 mm (2.6 in) in February to 94 mm (3.7 in) in January, and the number of rainy days totals approximately 12 to 14 per month. However, this trend shifts dramatically in May, as the onset of the wet season brings a significant increase in rainfall, peaking at 208 mm (8.2 in), accompanied by a rise in the number of rainy days to 25. This transitional phase prepares the region for the more substantial rains ahead.
From June to October, Copán experiences its highest precipitation levels, with June alone accumulating an impressive 306 mm (12.1 in) of rainfall over 27 days. This period is characterized by frequent and intense rainfall, with September and October recording an average of 275 mm (10.8 in) and 288 mm (11.3 in), respectively. Precipitation begins to taper off in November, with 227 mm (8.9 in), while December sees a return to lower totals of 91 mm (3.6 in). Overall, the hydrological cycle in Copán underscores the stark contrast between the dry months and the torrential downpours of the rainy season, shaping the region's lush landscape and biodiversity.
In Copán, Honduras, sunshine duration reveals a compelling seasonal pattern, brightly illuminating the region from winter through summer. The year kicks off with 213 hours of sunshine in January, gradually increasing as the dry season unfolds. By March, the hours of sunshine reach 304, and this peak continues through April and May, maintaining an impressive 304 hours as well. This consistent brightness during the dry months fosters a lively environment, beneficial for agriculture and outdoor activities, allowing residents and visitors alike to fully enjoy the warm, sunny weather.
As the wet season approaches in June, sunshine duration slightly decreases to 269 hours, yet the summer months of July and August rebound with 295 and 296 hours of sunlight, respectively. This resilience in sunshine levels highlights the unique climate of Copán, where lush landscapes thrive despite occasional rain. The gradual decline in sunshine duration returns in the fall, with 288 hours in September and a further dip to 259 hours in November, before slightly rebounding to 275 hours in December. Overall, the sunshine data underscores a distinct trend, with Copán enjoying a pronounced summer sun that sustains its vibrant ecosystems and enhances the local quality of life.
Copán, Honduras, faces a notably high UV Index throughout the year, with levels primarily categorized as extreme. The year begins with a UV Index of 11 in January, escalating to 15 in both March and April, which not only indicates a potent risk for skin damage but also emphasizes the importance of sun protection. This extreme exposure suggests that residents and visitors alike should take precautions to minimize sun exposure, as the potential for skin burns can occur in as little as 10 minutes during these peak months. Consistently high UV levels linger into May and June, where the Index remains around 14, reinforcing the need for vigilance against ultraviolet radiation.
As the climate transitions into the later months, the UV Index gradually diminishes but remains formidable. By November and December, the Index settles at 10, categorized as very high, with a slightly extended burn time of 15 minutes. This seasonal variation highlights the need for public awareness regarding skin health. Although the UV Index is lower than in peak months, the risk of skin damage persists due to the region's latitude and elevation, necessitating protective measures in outdoor activities year-round. Overall, the consistently high UV Index underscores the importance of sun safety in Copán, reinforcing the need for appropriate clothing and sunscreen application.
UV Risk Categories
The daylight duration in Copán, Honduras, exhibits a relatively consistent pattern throughout the year, reflective of its tropical latitude. In the winter months of January and February, the region experiences about 11 hours of daylight, marking the shorter days typical of this season. As spring approaches in March, daylight extends to 12 hours, a trend that persists through the late spring and summer months, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities and fostering a vibrant natural environment.
As the year progresses toward the fall, daylight duration begins to taper off again, returning to 11 hours in October and maintaining this duration through November and December. This consistent pattern underscores the stability of Copán's climate, where the variations in daylight are minimal but noteworthy. Such steady exposure to daylight supports a diverse ecosystem and illustrates the advantages of living in a region where natural light is reliably abundant throughout most of the year.
Copan Ruinas, Honduras experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and a distinct wet season. The average temperatures range from 19°C (66°F) in January to 24°C (75°F) in April and May, with maximums reaching up to 35°C (95°F) in those months. Rainfall peaks dramatically in May through September, with June experiencing the highest precipitation at 313 mm (12.3 in). Despite the rainfall, the region enjoys considerable sunshine, particularly in March with 315 hours, making it a vibrant destination year-round. For detailed weather information, visit Copan Ruinas climate.
Santa Rita, Copan, Honduras, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall, particularly from May to October. Average temperatures range from a mild 10°C (50°F) in January to a warm 35°C (95°F) in April and May. The wettest months are June and September, with rainfall peaking at 295 mm (11.6 in) and 251 mm (9.9 in), respectively. Despite the heavy rains, the region enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, with March boasting the most hours at 315. For more detailed climate information, visit Santa Rita, Copan climate.
Santa Rosa de Copan, Honduras, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Average temperatures range from a low of 9°C (49°F) in January to a high of 36°C (98°F) in April and May, with consistent averages around 20-24°C (68-75°F) throughout the year. The wettest months are May through October, with rainfall peaking at 247 mm (9.7 in) in June, while the region enjoys ample sunshine, with March recording the highest at 317 hours. For more detailed climate information, visit Santa Rosa de Copan climate.
Trinidad de Copan, Honduras experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) in January to a maximum of 36°C (97°F) in April, with mild variations throughout the year. Rainfall peaks in the wet months of May through October, accumulating over 300 mm (11.8 in) in October alone. Despite the precipitation, the area enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly from March to May, boasting over 300 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Trinidad de Copan climate.
In conclusion, Copán, Honduras, offers a captivating climate characterized by high temperatures, significant seasonal rainfall, and abundant sunshine, making it a unique environment for both residents and visitors. The extreme UV Index year-round emphasizes the importance of sun safety, while the consistent daylight duration supports a vibrant ecosystem and agricultural productivity. These climatic factors not only shape the local biodiversity but also influence daily life and outdoor activities. Understanding the region's climate patterns enhances the appreciation for Copán's rich cultural landscape, inviting exploration and engagement with its natural beauty throughout the year.