Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, offers a unique climate that varies throughout the year.
The hottest month is January, with average temperatures ranging from 72°F to 86°F.
The city experiences a tropical climate with a distinct dry period from May to mid-August, when the weather is pleasantly warm and relatively dry.
Santa Cruz’s climate can be divided into two main seasons: the wet season and the dry season.
The wet season, starting in November and stretching through March, features heavy rainfall. January sees the most rainfall with about 14 days of rain.
On the contrary, the dry season sees lower rainfall and cooler temperatures, particularly from May to July. The coldest month is July, where temperatures can drop to around 60°F.
Situated near Viru Viru International Airport, Santa Cruz is at an altitude of 400 meters (1,300 feet).
The tropical nature of the city means that it maintains warm temperatures year-round, with annual averages around 73.7°F. Historical weather data shows a consistent pattern, making it easier for visitors and residents to anticipate weather conditions.
Average Temperature in Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Santa Cruz, Bolivia experiences a tropical climate throughout the year. The average temperatures vary greatly depending on the month.
January and February are the hottest months, with average high temperatures around 86°F and lows around 72°F.
In March and April, the temperatures slightly drop. Highs are near 83°F and lows around 70°F.
May, June, and July are part of the cooler period.
The average high temperature drops to around 77°F by July, the coldest month, with lows around 60°F.
August sees temperatures start to increase, with highs averaging 82°F and lows around 63°F.
September and October have warmer weather, with highs around 85°F and lows close to 68°F.
By November and December, temperatures rise further with highs around 86°F and lows near 70°F.
Monthly Average High and Low Temperatures
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 86 | 72 |
| February | 86 | 72 |
| March | 83 | 70 |
| April | 83 | 70 |
| May | 81 | 66 |
| June | 78 | 63 |
| July | 77 | 60 |
| August | 82 | 63 |
| September | 85 | 68 |
| October | 85 | 68 |
| November | 86 | 70 |
| December | 86 | 70 |
The temperature throughout the year remains fairly consistent with tropical weather patterns. Temperature details can provide further insights on seasonal shifts.
Average Precipitation in Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Santa Cruz, Bolivia experiences a warm, tropical climate with distinct wet and dry periods. Precipitation patterns impact various aspects of life, from agriculture to daily activities.
Average Rainfall in Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Rainfall is a key feature of Santa Cruz’s climate. The city has two main seasons: a dry season and a rainy season.
The rainy season runs from November to March. During this time, the city receives the most precipitation, primarily due to tropical rains. January is the wettest month, with nearly 14 days of rain on average.
Rainfall amounts can reach up to 6 inches during this peak period.
In contrast, May to mid-August is a dry period. The driest month is July, with less than an inch of rain on average. Similar conditions are present in June. The rainfall sharply decreases, making these months ideal for outdoor activities.
Monthly Rainfall Table:
| Month | Rainfall (inches) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6.0 | 14 |
| July | <1.0 | 3 |
Average Snow in Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Snowfall is virtually nonexistent in Santa Cruz due to its tropical climate and low elevation.
The city is located at an altitude of 400 meters (about 1,300 feet) and lies at 17 degrees south latitude, far from the cold temperatures needed for snow to form. Conditions favor rain and heavy downpours, but not snow.
While higher altitudes in Bolivia may experience snow and ice, Santa Cruz remains snow-free year-round. This makes the city distinct amongst regions known for firm cold weather. Hence, you won’t need to worry about snow disrupting your plans.
Average Sun in Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Santa Cruz, Bolivia enjoys a tropical climate with a good mix of sunshine and cloud cover throughout the year. Here’s a detailed look at the average daily solar energy in this region.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in Santa Cruz, Bolivia
The average daily shortwave solar energy in Santa Cruz varies slightly throughout the year.
Due to its tropical location, Santa Cruz experiences abundant sunshine hours and moderate cloud cover.
| Month | Average Sun Hours | Cloud Cover (%) | UV Index | Hours of Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8 hrs | 66% | 11 | 13 hrs 10 mins |
| February | 8 hrs | 64% | 12 | 12 hrs 59 mins |
| March | 8 hrs | 59% | 11 | 12 hrs 45 mins |
| April | 8 hrs | 54% | 10 | 11 hrs 55 mins |
| May | 7 hrs | 50% | 9 | 11 hrs 20 mins |
| June | 7 hrs | 49% | 8 | 11 hrs 0 mins |
| July | 7 hrs | 49% | 8 | 11 hrs 6 mins |
| August | 8 hrs | 50% | 9 | 11 hrs 25 mins |
| September | 8 hrs | 52% | 11 | 11 hrs 51 mins |
| October | 8 hrs | 57% | 11 | 12 hrs 18 mins |
| November | 8 hrs | 63% | 12 | 12 hrs 45 mins |
| December | 8 hrs | 65% | 11 | 13 hrs 00 mins |
In Santa Cruz, peak UV Index levels are highest from November to February, often reaching up to 12.
The city enjoys consistent sun hours averaging around 7-8 hours per day and total hours of daylight remaining fairly constant throughout the year. Cloud cover averages around 50-65%, varying month to month.
Average Humidity in Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Santa Cruz, Bolivia experiences varying levels of humidity throughout the year. This makes it important for travelers and residents to be aware of what to expect in each month.
Relative humidity is a key factor in understanding the comfort level of the weather. In Santa Cruz, the average annual relative humidity is around 74%.
Here is a breakdown of the average monthly relative humidity:
| Month | Relative Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| January | 79% |
| February | 77% |
| March | 76% |
| April | 74% |
| May | 70% |
| June | 67% |
| July | 65% |
| August | 64% |
| September | 64% |
| October | 67% |
| November | 72% |
| December | 76% |
January typically has the highest humidity, averaging 79%. On the other hand, September is the month with the lowest humidity at 64%.
The dew point also gives insight into how much moisture is in the air, which affects human comfort. Higher dew points mean air feels more humid.
In Santa Cruz, daily peaks in relative humidity usually occur during the morning hours when temperatures are lower. During the day, as temperatures rise, the relative humidity decreases.
Average Wind in Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Santa Cruz, Bolivia, experiences varying wind patterns throughout the year.
Wind Speed and Direction
The average wind speed typically ranges from 5 to 10 mph.
Winds in Santa Cruz usually blow from the southeast. Occasional winds from the northeast are also reported.
Here’s a table summarizing the average wind speed by month:
| Month | Avg. Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| January | 6 |
| February | 6 |
| March | 7 |
| April | 8 |
| May | 8 |
| June | 9 |
| July | 10 |
| August | 10 |
| September | 9 |
| October | 8 |
| November | 7 |
| December | 6 |
Windiest Month
July and August are the windiest months, with average speeds reaching up to 10 mph.
Effects of Wind
Strong winds can impact local weather, affecting temperatures and precipitation. These winds are crucial for determining the overall climate pattern.
Further articles on wind can provide more details on how wind affects different regions.
Understanding wind patterns is essential for those planning to visit or reside in Santa Cruz.
Knowing the typical direction and speed can help in making more informed decisions regarding travel and daily activities.
Stay aware of the winds to have a smooth and enjoyable experience when in Santa Cruz.
Average Air Quality in Santa Cruz, Bolivia
The air quality in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, varies throughout the year. Factors such as weather conditions, traffic, and industrial activities contribute to the fluctuations in air quality.
One key measure of air quality is the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI considers pollutants like PM2.5, which are fine particles in the air that can pose health issues.
Monthly Average PM2.5 Levels
| Month | PM2.5 (µg/m³) |
|---|---|
| January | 22 |
| February | 20 |
| March | 18 |
| April | 19 |
| May | 21 |
| June | 23 |
| July | 25 |
| August | 26 |
| September | 24 |
| October | 22 |
| November | 21 |
| December | 23 |
Visibility and Pressure
Visibility in Santa Cruz can be affected by the level of air pollution, especially during peak traffic hours. Reduced visibility can sometimes be observed due to higher concentrations of pollutants.
Pressure also influences air quality. Higher pressure can trap pollutants close to the ground, worsening air quality.
Key Influences on Air Quality
- Traffic: A major source of pollution due to the high number of vehicles.
- Industries: Factories and industrial activities contribute to PM2.5 levels.
- Weather: Calm weather conditions can lead to higher concentrations of pollutants.
For more detailed information, visit Santa Cruz Air Quality Index.
Topography of Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Santa Cruz de la Sierra is located in central Bolivia. The city sits at a latitude of 17 degrees south and a longitude of 63 degrees west. It’s positioned on the banks of the Piraà River.
The elevation of Santa Cruz de la Sierra is approximately 400 meters (1,312 feet) above sea level.
The landscape around Santa Cruz is largely flat, which contrasts with the high-altitude regions common in other parts of Bolivia.
Several surrounding lowland plains make the area suitable for agriculture. These plains extend towards the Amazon Basin, contributing to the city’s tropical climate.
Below is climate data for Santa Cruz de la Sierra:
| Month | High Temp (°F) | Low Temp (°F) | Precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 86 | 72 | 7.1 |
| February | 85 | 71 | 6.4 |
| March | 83 | 70 | 5.9 |
| April | 82 | 68 | 4.3 |
| May | 79 | 65 | 3.0 |
| June | 77 | 61 | 2.0 |
| July | 77 | 60 | 2.1 |
| August | 79 | 62 | 2.4 |
| September | 83 | 66 | 3.0 |
| October | 86 | 70 | 4.6 |
| November | 87 | 71 | 5.8 |
| December | 87 | 72 | 6.7 |
This table shows how temperatures and precipitation vary throughout the year. It illustrates the tropical nature of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, combined with its distinct wet and dry seasons. The land’s flatness and elevation make it more susceptible to changes in weather patterns.
Extreme Weather Events that Occur in Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Santa Cruz, Bolivia, experiences a variety of extreme weather events due to its location in a tropical wet and dry savanna climate.
Wildfires
The region often faces destructive wildfires. These are particularly severe during the dry season from May to October, when reduced rainfall makes conditions ideal for fires. Recently, wildfires have led to a state of emergency, causing significant disruptions.
Heavy Rainfall and Flooding
During the wet season, from November to April, Santa Cruz sees heavy rainfall. This can lead to severe flooding, impacting local communities and agriculture. Floods are common in low-lying areas, damaging homes and infrastructure.
| Month | Average Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|
| January | 8.1 |
| February | 7.6 |
| March | 7.2 |
| April | 4.0 |
| November | 4.1 |
| December | 6.5 |
Heat Waves
Santa Cruz also endures intense heat waves, with temperatures often soaring above 95°F (35°C). These heat waves can exacerbate drought conditions and increase the risk of wildfires.
Diesel Shortages
The extreme weather has often disrupted supply lines, causing diesel shortages. These shortages hinder firefighting efforts and affect daily life.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Santa Cruz, Bolivia experiences distinct weather patterns throughout the year, ranging from warm and dry winters to hot and rainy summers. The best time to visit often depends on personal preferences for climate and activities.
What is Santa Cruz, Bolivia Like in Spring
Spring in Santa Cruz spans from September to November.
Temperatures during this season begin to rise, with average highs around 85°F. Nighttime temperatures are comfortable, typically falling between 65°F and 70°F.
Spring can be one of the best times to explore the city’s parks and natural surroundings.
The weather is generally pleasant, making it suitable for walking tours and visiting local attractions. Rainfall starts to increase, but it’s usually not heavy enough to disrupt outdoor plans excessively.
What is Santa Cruz, Bolivia Like in Summer
Summer, from December to February, is the hottest season.
Daytime temperatures often reach up to 90.5°F, while nighttime temperatures hover around 72°F.
This season also sees the most rainfall, averaging about 7 inches per month.
Travelers might find the humid conditions a bit challenging, but it is a great time for those interested in experiencing the lush, green landscapes that come alive with the rain.
Packing light, breathable clothing and an umbrella is advisable for those visiting in summer.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 90.5 | 72 | 7 |
| January | 90.5 | 72 | 7 |
| February | 90.5 | 72 | 7 |
What is Santa Cruz, Bolivia Like in Fall
Fall in Santa Cruz runs from March to May.
During this season, the weather transitions from the hot and rainy summer to a more moderate and dry climate.
Average highs are around 80°F to 85°F, while nighttime temperatures range between 60°F and 70°F.
Rainfall decreases significantly, offering clearer skies and more opportunities for outdoor activities.
This period is ideal for cultural tourism, with several events and festivals often held in the city. It’s a great time for hiking and exploring the nearby rainforests.
What is Santa Cruz, Bolivia Like in Winter
Winter, spanning from June to August, represents the dry season. Daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm, averaging around 75°F to 80°F.
Nighttime temperatures can drop to between 55°F and 60°F.
The dry conditions make winter the best time to visit Santa Cruz for outdoor activities.
The mild temperatures and minimal rainfall are perfect for trekking, sightseeing, and visiting local markets.
The low humidity and cooler nights provide a respite from the otherwise tropical climate of the city.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | 75 | 55 | 1 |
| July | 75 | 55 | 1 |
| August | 78 | 58 | 1 |