Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Ayacucho, Peru, is characterized by a diverse array of Köppen-Geiger climate classes, including Cfb (temperate oceanic), Aw (tropical savanna), and ET (tundra). The region experiences a wide range of temperatures, with a minimum of -12°C (10°F) recorded in August, while average yearly temperatures hover around a mild 9°C (49°F). Notably, October brings the warmest conditions, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 28°C (82°F). This climatic variability, shaped by its geographical features and altitude, contributes to Ayacucho's unique ecological and cultural richness, making it a fascinating area for climate studies.
The temperature patterns in Ayacucho, Peru, reveal distinct seasonal trends throughout the year. The coldest months typically occur from June to August, where minimum temperatures can drop to around -12°C (10°F), accompanied by average temperatures of approximately 8°C (46°F) to 9°C (48°F). As the year progresses into the spring and early summer months from September to November, temperatures gradually rise, with averages returning to around 10°C (50°F) and maximums reaching up to 28°C (82°F) in October. Interestingly, temperatures during the late summer months of January to March remain relatively mild, with averages around 10°C (50°F) and maximums fluctuating between 24°C (76°F) and 27°C (80°F). This seasonal climate dynamic showcases Ayacucho's unique ability to oscillate between cooler and warmer conditions, influenced by its geographical altitude and diverse landscapes.
Colca experiences a minimum temperature of -5°C (23°F) in June and reaches a maximum of 22°C (72°F) in November, showcasing a significant temperature range throughout the year. In comparison, Ayacucho has a slightly milder minimum of -4°C (25°F) in August, also peaking at 22°C (71°F) in November. For more detailed information, you can check the monthly temperatures in Colca here and in Ayacucho here.
Precipitation in Ayacucho, Peru, follows a distinct seasonal pattern, indicating a pronounced wet season from January to March. January experiences the highest rainfall, with 223 mm (8.8 in) over an average of 23 days, while February and March continue this trend with 241 mm (9.5 in) and 253 mm (10.0 in), respectively. This peak in rainfall significantly contributes to the region's lush landscapes and replenishes local water resources, making these months critical for the area’s agriculture and biodiversity.
As the year progresses into the dry months from May to August, precipitation diminishes markedly, with May recording just 51 mm (2.0 in) and June and July seeing even less, at 23 mm (0.9 in) each month. August experiences a slight uptick with 27 mm (1.1 in). The transition back to a wetter pattern resumes in September and October, where precipitation increases to 58 mm (2.3 in) and 99 mm (3.9 in), respectively. Notably, November marks a return to substantial rainfall, accumulating 119 mm (4.7 in), while December features 181 mm (7.1 in), reinstating the broader hydrological cycle that supports the region's diverse ecosystems.
In Ayacucho, Peru, sunshine duration displays a notable upward trend as the year transitions from winter to summer, peaking during the mid-year months of May to August. Beginning with 224 hours of sunshine in January, the region gradually experiences an increase in daylight hours throughout the first half of the year. March marks a significant jump to 275 hours, while April further escalates this trend with 292 hours. The arrival of May signals the onset of the sunniest period, where sunshine reaches a remarkable 321 hours. This peak continues into the subsequent months, culminating in the peak sunshine duration of 334 hours in August, underscoring the region's abundant sunlight during the dry season.
As summer transitions into fall, the amount of sunlight begins to taper off slightly, yet remains robust, with 323 hours recorded in September and 326 hours in October. Although November and December show a decrease to 295 hours and 286 hours, respectively, these figures still reflect a substantial amount of sunshine compared to the earlier months of the year. This consistent availability of sunlight, especially during the warmer months, plays a vital role in supporting Ayacucho's agricultural practices, promoting a diverse array of crops, and enhancing the overall livability of the region. Understanding these trends in sunshine duration can provide valuable insights into the area’s ecological dynamics and residents' daily lives.
The UV Index in Ayacucho, Peru, remains consistently high throughout the year, reflecting the region's geographical location and altitude. Starting with an extreme UV Index of 22 in January, the values remain elevated, peaking again at 22 in March. February also showcases a remarkable 20, with exposure categorized as extreme, indicating that adequate sun protection is essential during these months. As the year progresses toward the dry season, the UV Index begins to gradually decrease, but it continues to fall within the extreme category, with 14 in May, 12 in June, and 14 again in July.
Despite the slight declines observed in late spring and early summer, the UV Index maintains notable levels, increasing once again in the latter part of the year. For instance, values climb to 19 in October and reach 21 in December, emphasizing the importance of sun safety measures year-round. With a persistent burn time of only 10 minutes across all months, the data suggests that residents and visitors alike should remain vigilant in protecting their skin from UV exposure, making it crucial to adopt appropriate measures regardless of the season.
UV Risk Categories
In Ayacucho, Peru, daylight duration displays a remarkable consistency throughout the year, predominantly hovering around 12 hours per day in the first quarter. This stable pattern persists in January, February, and March, providing ample sunlight for daily activities and agricultural practices. However, as the seasons transition into April through August, daylight duration decreases slightly to 11 hours, signaling a change that signifies the onset of cooler months, yet still ensuring a substantial amount of light remains for daily life.
As the year progresses towards the end of the calendar, daylight duration reverts back to a steady 12 hours from September to December. This return to longer days serves to support local ecosystems and human activities alike, allowing people to take advantage of the more consistent sunshine. The cyclical nature of daylight in Ayacucho reflects the region's overall climatic stability, and its relatively equatorial position ensures that daylight hours remain fairly uniform across the seasons, illustrating the region's unique climatic behavior.
Ayacucho, Peru, experiences a distinct climate characterized by low temperatures and significant rainfall, particularly in the first half of the year. The average temperatures range from a minimum of -4°C (25°F) in August to a maximum of 22°C (71°F) in November, while precipitation peaks in February with 201 mm (7.9 in) and decreases to only 16 mm (0.6 in) in July. Sunshine hours are plentiful, especially from May to August, with July enjoying up to 321 hours of sun. Visitors can expect cool nights and mild days, making it crucial to plan accordingly. For more detailed information, visit Ayacucho climate.
Colca, Peru experiences a diverse climate characterized by cool temperatures and varied precipitation throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from a low of -5°C (23°F) in June and July to a high of 22°C (72°F) in November. Rainfall peaks in the first half of the year, particularly in March with 250 mm (9.8 in), while drier months occur from June to August with minimal precipitation. Despite the rain, sunshine is abundant, especially in July and August, with up to 328 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Colca climate.
In conclusion, Ayacucho, Peru, exhibits a distinctive climate characterized by its diverse temperature ranges, substantial precipitation, consistent sunshine duration, and high UV Index throughout the year. The seasonal variations highlight the interplay between warmer and cooler months, with notable peaks in rainfall during the wet season and extended periods of sunshine supporting the region’s agricultural vitality. Moreover, the elevated UV Index underscores the importance of sun protection for residents and visitors alike. Overall, understanding these climatic patterns is crucial for effectively managing local resources, promoting health and safety, and appreciating the unique ecological and cultural richness that Ayacucho has to offer.