Last updated: January 18, 2025
Champasak, Laos, exhibits a tropical climate classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Aw and Am, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The region experiences a minimum temperature of 8°C (47°F) in January, while average yearly temperatures hover around a warm 26°C (79°F). Notably, April marks the peak of heat with maximum temperatures soaring to 40°C (104°F), underscoring the intense conditions during the dry season. This climatic profile significantly influences the local ecosystem, agriculture, and daily life in Champasak.
In Champasak, Laos, temperature patterns reveal a distinct seasonal progression characterized by a warm tropical climate. The year begins with cooler temperatures in January, with minimums dipping to 8°C (47°F) and averages around 24°C (76°F), gradually warming as February arrives. March and April see a significant uptick, highlighted by a peak maximum of 40°C (104°F) in April, indicative of the intense heat preceding the onset of the wet season. As May transitions in, temperatures stabilize, maintaining averages of 28°C (82°F) before dipping slightly during the rainy months of June through September, where the maximums relax around 35°C (95°F). By November, the temperatures cool again, culminating in another dip in December, mirroring the seasonal cycle that impacts both the landscape and lifestyle throughout the year.
Pakse experiences a temperature range from a minimum of 11°C (52°F) in January to a maximum of 39°C (103°F) in April, while nearby Muang Khong has slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 14°C (57°F) in January and a maximum of 40°C (104°F) in April. In contrast, Champasak offers cooler conditions with a minimum of 10°C (51°F) in January and a maximum of 37°C (99°F) in April. For more details, you can explore the monthly temperatures in Pakse, Muang Khong, and Champasak.
Champasak, Laos experiences a clear rainfall pattern throughout the year, with a pronounced wet season from May to October. Precipitation remains low in the early months, with January and February receiving only 10 mm (0.4 in) and 13 mm (0.5 in) respectively. However, as the season progresses into March, rainfall increases sharply to 53 mm (2.1 in), culminating in significant downpours by April, which brings 108 mm (4.3 in). The dramatic rise in rainfall continues into May, heralding the onset of the monsoon season with 183 mm (7.2 in) recorded.
The wettest months occur from June to September, where the region is drenched with monthly totals peaking at 446 mm (17.5 in) in July. This period is marked by the highest frequency of rainy days, peaking at 28 days in both July and August, significantly impacting local agriculture and water resources. October begins the transition back to drier conditions, dropping to 265 mm (10.4 in), followed by November and December where rainfall lessens to 72 mm (2.8 in) and 20 mm (0.8 in) respectively. This cyclical pattern reflects the tropical monsoon characteristics of the region, shaping both the climate and the livelihoods of its inhabitants.
In Champasak, Laos, sunshine duration presents a vibrant seasonal rhythm that correlates closely with the climate's wet and dry phases. Beginning in January, the region enjoys approximately 260 hours of sunshine, with daylight hours steadily increasing through February (296 hours) and peaking in March at 322 hours. This period of high sunlight is ideal for agriculture and outdoor activities, creating favorable conditions as the region transitions toward the hotter months. April and May maintain this bright trend, each providing 309 hours of sunshine, before the onset of the monsoon.
As the wet season approaches, from June to August, there’s a noticeable decline in sunshine hours, with July experiencing the least at just 257 hours, alongside increased rainfall. Following this dip, September and October see a slight recovery, with sunshine duration returning to 265 and 271 hours respectively, subtly indicating an easing of the rainy season. Throughout November, sunshine crescendos again to 294 hours, and by December, it reaches 312 hours, revitalizing the landscape after the rains. This cyclical pattern highlights Champasak's climate dynamics, influencing not only weather but also the cultural and agricultural practices attuned to the sun's rhythms.
The UV Index in Champasak, Laos, exhibits a notably high level of intensity throughout the year, categorizing most months as having extreme exposure levels. Beginning in January, the UV Index registers at 11, representing extreme conditions that persist surprisingly consistently, peaking at 15 from March through August. This remarkable uniformity underscores the region's intense solar radiation, with a burn time of just 10 minutes in these peak months, requiring residents and visitors alike to take significant precautions to protect their skin from potential UV damage.
As the year progresses, the UV levels slightly decline, particularly in November (11) and December (10), where the exposure is rated as extreme and very high, respectively. In December, the burn time extends to 15 minutes, a rare opportunity for slightly longer outdoor activities without immediate risk. Nonetheless, the consistently high UV Index throughout the majority of the year emphasizes the importance of sun protection measures in Champasak, promoting awareness around skin health and safety for both locals and tourists during their time in this sun-drenched region.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Champasak, Laos demonstrates a stable pattern throughout the year, predominantly maintaining around 11 to 12 hours of light per day. In the early months of January and February, the daylight lasts for 11 hours, reflecting the region's consistent equatorial proximity. As the calendar moves into March, the sunlight slowly increases to 12 hours, continuing this trend through April, May, and into the dry season, providing ample daylight for both agricultural pursuits and recreational activities.
From June to September, daylight remains steady at 12 hours, allowing the region to fully benefit from the lush vegetation during the wet season. However, as October arrives, daylight begins to decrease again, dropping back to 11 hours through November and December. This cyclical nature of daylight duration highlights the relatively minimal seasonal variation in Champasak, reinforcing the rhythm of daily life and cultural practices that thrive in a landscape defined by prolonged daylight and vibrant natural cycles.
Champasak, Laos experiences a tropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) in January to a maximum of 37°C (99°F) in April, with average temperatures hovering between 23°C (75°F) and 27°C (81°F). The rainy season peaks in July with 480 mm (18.9 in) of precipitation, while January and February are relatively dry. Sunshine is plentiful, especially in the earlier months, with February enjoying up to 296 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Champasak climate.
Muang Khong, Laos experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. January through March sees increasing warmth, with average temperatures peaking at around 30°C (86°F) in April, just before the onset of the rainy season in May. During the monsoon months of June to September, precipitation rises significantly, reaching up to 301 mm in September, accompanied by cooler temperatures averaging 28°C (82°F). Sunshine hours are plentiful, especially from February to April, contributing to a humid yet vibrant climate. For more information, visit Muang Khong climate.
Pakse, Laos experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and a distinct wet season. From January to March, temperatures rise from an average of 25°C to 29°C, with minimal rainfall, while April and May see increased humidity and rainfall, peaking at 131 mm in May. The monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rains, with July receiving the highest at 467 mm, while temperatures remain around 27°C. The dry season returns in October, leading to cooler months with average temperatures between 25°C and 27°C. For more details, visit Pakse climate.
The climate in Pakxong, Laos, is characterized by mild temperatures with a temperature range from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) in January to a maximum of 32°C (90°F) in March and April. The rainy season from May to September experiences substantial precipitation, peaking at 587 mm (23.1 in) in August. Despite the rainfall, sunshine hours remain relatively high, with March recording 320 hours, while the wettest months in July and August see 246 and 235 hours of sunshine, respectively. The dry season, contributing to cooler temperatures, occurs from December to February, making it an ideal time to visit. For more detailed weather information, please visit Pakxong climate.
Phonthong, Laos experiences a tropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures range from a minimum of 11°C (52°F) in January to a maximum of 39°C (103°F) in April and May, with averages around 27-29°C (81-85°F) during the warmer months. Rainfall peaks significantly from May to July, with July receiving the most precipitation at 467 mm (18.4 in), while January and February are the driest months. The region enjoys ample sunshine, with March featuring the highest at 323 hours. For more detailed information, visit Phonthong climate.
In conclusion, Champasak, Laos, emerges as a region characterized by a complex interplay of climate factors, including high temperatures, significant precipitation, intense UV radiation, and stable daylight duration. The distinct wet and dry seasons shape the local ecosystem and the lifestyle of its inhabitants, while the extreme UV Index during most of the year necessitates increased awareness and protective measures against solar exposure. With consistent daylight hours offering abundant opportunities for agriculture and outdoor activities, the climatic conditions of Champasak not only influence environmental patterns but also reflect the rich cultural practices entwined with the land. As climate dynamics continue to evolve, understanding these trends will be crucial for sustainable living and resource management in this vibrant and sun-drenched region.