Freezing La Paz: The Coldest Months In Bolivia

La Paz, Bolivia, has a cool and mostly cloudy climate, with average annual temperatures ranging from 28°F to 60°F. The coldest month in La Paz varies depending on the source, with some reporting it as June, with an average temperature of 41°F, and others reporting it as July, with an average temperature of 40.5°F. These months also have the highest number of sunshine hours, with July being the sunniest month overall.

June is the coldest month

La Paz, Bolivia, is characterised by a cool and mostly cloudy climate. The temperature varies little throughout the year, rarely exceeding 65°F. The coldest month is June, with an average monthly temperature of 41°F (5°C). June is also the driest month, with an average of 0.25" (32mm) or 0.6 inches of precipitation.

June in La Paz sees an average minimum temperature of 40.5°F (4.7°C) and a maximum of 41°F (5°C). The month experiences the lowest relative humidity of the year, at an approximate rate of 60.75%. The days are short, with only 11 hours of daylight on June 20, the shortest day of the year.

The temperature variation in La Paz is minimal, so the distinction between hot and cold seasons is not significant. However, June stands out as the coldest month, with the lowest average temperatures and the least rainfall.

If you are planning a trip to La Paz and want to avoid the cold, it is best to visit outside of June. The best times for warm-weather activities are from late April to late May and mid-August to late November.

November is the warmest month

La Paz, Bolivia, is known for its cool and mostly cloudy climate, with little variation in temperature throughout the year. However, November stands out as the warmest month, offering a brief respite from the usual chill. Here's why November is the toastiest time in this high-altitude city:

A Touch of Spring

November is a transitional month in La Paz, marking the end of spring before the wet season sets in. The city experiences an increase in rainfall, with showers becoming a common occurrence. This added moisture contributes to the lush surroundings that La Paz is known for. The sun also takes a bit of a break during this month, with fewer hours of sunshine compared to other times of the year. So, while the temperature may be relatively higher, the overall weather could be described as moderately chilly, with a gentle breeze.

Temperature Swing

The average high temperature in November reaches 17°C (62.6°F), which is quite a bit higher than the typical daily highs in the city. On the flip side, the average low can dip to 2.1°C (35.8°F), so it's not all balmy days and warm nights. This variation in temperature is something that locals and visitors alike need to be prepared for. It's not uncommon to experience a mix of weather conditions in a single day, from a crisp morning to a pleasant afternoon and a chilly evening.

Fashion Choices

The unpredictable nature of November weather in La Paz has a direct impact on the fashion choices of its residents and visitors. It's common to see people sporting sweaters, raincoats, and rain boots during this month. The increase in rainfall and humidity calls for protective clothing, while the occasional warm spell may have people reaching for lighter attire. It's all about layering up and being prepared for whatever the day brings.

UV Concerns

Despite the cooler temperatures, November in La Paz still packs a punch when it comes to UV radiation. The UV index can reach 12, which is considered an extreme health hazard. This means that even on overcast days, it's crucial to take precautions such as seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day, donning sunglasses, and wearing a wide-brimmed hat to prevent UV rays from causing harm.

Planning Your Visit

If you're considering a trip to La Paz and want to take advantage of the warmer weather, November is an excellent time to go. You'll be treated to a unique blend of cultural experiences and natural beauty, all framed by the city's vibrant spring atmosphere. Just be sure to keep an eye on the ever-changing weather forecast so you can make the most of your time in this captivating Bolivian city.

January is the wettest month

La Paz, Bolivia, has a cool and mostly cloudy climate. The temperature varies little throughout the year, so there aren't distinct hot and cold seasons. However, January stands out as the wettest month.

January is the month with the highest amount of precipitation in La Paz. On average, it sees 14.8 days with at least 0.04 inches of rain, adding up to around 3.5 inches (86 mm) or 5.6 inches (142 mm) throughout the month. This rainfall typically occurs on 20 days, and there's a 50% chance of rain on January 9th. With so many rainy days, it's no surprise that January is also the cloudiest month in La Paz, with the sky being overcast or mostly cloudy for 86% of the time.

The weather in January is a stark contrast to the drier season, which lasts for 8.5 months from March 25th to December 8th. During this drier period, the month with the least rain is July, with just 0.9 days of rainfall on average.

The temperature in La Paz during January aligns with its cool climate. Daytime maximum temperatures average 13°C (55°F), while at night, temperatures typically drop to 2°C (35°F).

Overall, January in La Paz is characterised by abundant rainfall and cool temperatures, making it a notably wet month in the city's annual weather cycle.

July is the sunniest month

La Paz, Bolivia, is known for its cool climate and cloudy skies. However, in July, the city experiences its sunniest month of the year. On average, the sky is clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy for 61% of the time in July, making it the clearest month in La Paz.

July stands out as the sunniest month due to several factors. Firstly, it has one of the lowest chances of overcast or mostly cloudy conditions, with a 36% chance on July 21, the clearest day of the month. Secondly, the length of daylight in July is relatively constant, ranging from 11 hours and 10 minutes at the start of the month to 11 hours and 23 minutes by the end. This provides a consistent amount of sunshine throughout the month.

The average high temperatures in July are around 56°F, with daily low temperatures around 28°F. These temperatures rarely fall below 23°F or exceed 33°F for low temperatures and 61°F for high temperatures. The month also has a low probability of precipitation, with a constant 3% chance of a wet day throughout. These factors contribute to making July the sunniest month in La Paz.

In addition to being the sunniest, July is also considered the coldest month in La Paz, with an average maximum temperature of 14°C (56°F). This combination of sunny skies and cool temperatures makes July a unique month in the city's climate.

Overall, July offers a balance of sunshine and cool weather in La Paz, Bolivia, making it a distinct month in the city's annual weather cycle.

February is the most humid month

La Paz, Bolivia, has a relatively constant climate all year round, with cool temperatures and high humidity. The city experiences a Tropical and Subtropical Highland climate, often identified as Tundra.

The high humidity in February is a result of the interplay between the consistent rainfall and the stable, cool temperatures. The cool air cannot hold as much moisture as warmer air, so the humidity rises. This can make the atmosphere feel damp and muggy, and the perception of the temperature may be lower than it is. The high humidity can also make the air feel heavier and more oppressive, especially when compared to the drier months of May, June, and July, which have much lower humidity levels, averaging 48%, 42%, and 43% respectively.

The combination of cool temperatures and high humidity in February may be uncomfortable for some, and it is quite a contrast to the drier, clearer days of late spring and summer. However, for those who enjoy milder temperatures and don't mind the rain, February can be a pleasant time to visit La Paz. The stable climate means that, despite the high humidity, the weather is relatively predictable, and the city's lush surrounds benefit from the winter rainfall.

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