Last updated: January 18, 2025
San José, Uruguay, experiences a humid subtropical climate classified as Cfa under the Köppen-Geiger system. Characterized by temperature extremes, the region sees averages around 17°C (63°F), with summer highs soaring to 41°C (106°F) in January. Conversely, the winter months can be quite chilly, with minimum temperatures dropping to -1°C (30°F) in August. These climatic conditions contribute to a diverse ecosystem and influence local agriculture and lifestyle throughout the year.
San José, Uruguay, showcases distinct seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year, marked by warm summers and cooler winters. January kicks off the year with average temperatures peaking at 24°C (75°F) and maximums reaching as high as 41°C (106°F), establishing it as the hottest month. As summer transitions into autumn, February and March experience a gradual decline in both minimum and maximum temperatures, settling around 36°C (97°F) and 34°C (94°F), respectively. By April, the climate cools significantly, with averages dropping to 18°C (66°F). The winter months of June and July bring the coldest temperatures, with lows plunging to -1°C (31°F) and 0°C (32°F). The arrival of spring in September signals a return to milder conditions, with a steady increase in average temperatures, and by December, the year concludes with pleasant averages of 22°C (72°F) alongside maximums nearing 36°C (98°F), illustrating a climate that balances warm summers with cooler winters.
Delta del Tigre experiences a wide temperature range throughout the year, with a minimum of 1°C (34°F) recorded in August and a maximum soaring to 39°C (103°F) in January. For a detailed breakdown of monthly temperatures, refer to monthly temperatures in Delta del Tigre.
San José, Uruguay, experiences a relatively consistent precipitation pattern throughout the year, characterized by a noticeable wet season during the summer months. January leads the charge with 73 mm (2.9 in) of rainfall, followed closely by February, which sees an increase to 92 mm (3.6 in). As the seasons transition into autumn, precipitation remains significant, with March recording 87 mm (3.4 in). The rainfall during this period is often complemented by an increased number of rainy days, peaking in July with 9 days of precipitation.
As winter approaches, the trend shifts slightly with May experiencing the highest rainfall at 106 mm (4.2 in), while June and July maintain substantial precipitation levels of 86 mm (3.4 in) and 94 mm (3.7 in), respectively. The latter half of the year sees a gradual decline in rainfall, with November and December presenting the least precipitation, at 64 mm (2.5 in) and 60 mm (2.4 in), respectively. The overall annual distribution illustrates San José's wettest months coinciding with late spring and early summer, creating a lush environment that supports the region's diverse ecosystems.
In San José, Uruguay, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend with a significant increase as the year progresses from winter to summer. January kicks off with a robust 302 hours of sunshine, but this escalates through February and March, peaking at 316 hours in March, making it one of the sunniest periods of the year. This upward trajectory illustrates the region's transition into summer when daylight hours are more abundant, providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities and agriculture. Conversely, the winter months—particularly June and July—witness a dip in sunshine, each offering only 209 hours of bright skies, reflecting the colder and shorter days typical of that season.
As spring approaches, sunshine duration begins to rebound, with August seeing 246 hours and continuing a steady increase into the latter part of the year. Notably, November shines as the month with the highest sunshine, boasting 338 hours, while December breaks records with an impressive 382 hours of daylight before the new year. This seasonal variation not only enhances the region's appeal for tourists but also supports local ecosystems and agricultural cycles. Overall, the trend of rising sunshine hours from winter through summer underscores the vibrant climate of San José, making it a key feature of life in this Uruguayan city.
San José, Uruguay, experiences notable fluctuations in its UV Index throughout the year, reflecting the intensity of solar radiation. The summer months, particularly January to March, register extremely high UV levels, with indexes peaking at 14 in both January and December, necessitating caution as only 10 minutes of exposure can lead to skin burns. February follows closely with an index of 13, while March, despite a slight decline to 11, still maintains an extreme exposure category. These months highlight the importance of sun protection for residents and visitors alike, as the risk of harm from UV radiation is significantly elevated.
As autumn transitions into winter, the UV Index gradually decreases. By April, levels drop to 7, marking a shift to a high exposure category with a burn time of 25 minutes. In May and June, the index maintains a moderate range between 4 and 5, allowing for safer outdoor activities, yet vigilance is still advised. The latter part of the year sees a return to higher indices, with September registering a 8 (very high) and October rising back to 11. Notably, November's UV index again hits 13, underscoring the cyclical nature of UV exposure in this region. As such, understanding these seasonal shifts is crucial for effective sun safety strategies throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
San José, Uruguay, showcases a distinct pattern of daylight duration throughout the year, characterized by longer days in the summer and shorter days in the winter. January stands out with the maximum daylight of 14 hours, allowing ample time for outdoor activities and community gatherings during the warmest month. As February follows, daylight begins to slightly decrease to 13 hours, and by March, it settles at 12 hours. This gradual reduction heralds the transition into autumn, with April and May recording 11 hours and 10 hours of daylight, respectively, reflective of the shorter days typical of this season.
Entering winter, daylight reaches its minimum in June at 9 hours, prompting a shift in daily routines and outdoor schedules. However, as the year progresses into July and August, daylight duration stabilizes at 10 hours, providing a slight respite from the mid-winter gloom. The onset of spring in September brings an increase back to 11 hours, followed by a return to 12 hours in October. The final months of the year, November and December, echo the summer months' patterns with 13 hours and 14 hours of daylight, respectively. This cyclical dance of daylight hours not only influences the lifestyle and activities in San José but also contributes significantly to the region’s agricultural practices and ecological rhythms.
The climate in Delta del Tigre, Uruguay, is characterized by warm summers and mild winters. January and February experience the highest temperatures, averaging around 24°C (75°F) and 23°C (73°F) respectively, with maximums reaching 39°C (103°F) in January. Precipitation is most pronounced in May with 112 mm (4.4 in), while December enjoys the most sunshine, totaling 385 hours. Overall, the region sees a mix of warm days and ample rain throughout the year, making it a dynamic climate. For more detailed information, visit Delta del Tigre climate.
In summary, San José, Uruguay, experiences a dynamic climate characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, UV index, and daylight duration. The region's humid subtropical climate ensures warm summers with abundant sunshine, particularly from December to March, which is complemented by high UV indices that necessitate sun protection. Meanwhile, winter months bring cooler temperatures, reduced daylight, and varying degrees of precipitation that support local ecosystems. Understanding these climatic patterns not only enhances residents' and visitors' outdoor experiences but also guides agriculture and environmental management in this vibrant Uruguayan city. As climate change continues to pose challenges globally, recognizing and adapting to these local climate conditions will be crucial for sustainable living in San José.