The weather in Catamarca varies by area!

Located in Argentina’s semi-arid Region, Catamarca has such a privileged weather that this province is perfect to visit at any time of the year! Its temperatures are not defined by the seasons, but by their geographical extent and variety of relief, giving us two types of weather: warm and arid. However, the climate in Catamaran territory is divided into three, according to the area. Let’s take a look!

WARM OR TROPICAL SERRANO CLIMATE

You can find it in the northeast of the province (El Alto, Paclín and Ambato) and in the north (Santa Rosa); characterized by abundant rains and high temperatures. From warm summers and mild winters with significant humidity, it allows the growth of grazing fields and an important forest area.

It is caused by the presence of mountain ranges oriented from North to South (sense of meridians) that, when crossed with the winds laden with moisture that come from the Atlantic Ocean, producing condensations and rainfalls that favor the appearance of microclimates. Tourists can visit these cities all year round.

ARID CLIMATE OF SIERRAS AND BOLSONES

On the other hand we have the arid climate of Sierras y Bolsones that encompasses the southeast of Santa Rosa department, east-central of El Alto, center-east-south of La Paz department, the Central Region and the West Region. As you can see, this climate encompasses most of the Catamaran province and, as far as tourism is concerned, this region includes, for example, the cities of Bethlehem, Shincal and Tinogasta.

We have a weather with warm, dry summers and mild-intense winters, depending on the area. In regions with this type of climate, you can see several temperatures throughout the day, according to the season and also rainfall. The higher the sea level we are, the more it tends to be cold, but there are also variations depending on whether we are located in the mountains or baggs, whether it’s dry or wet and other conditions.

Precipitation and temperature values (maximum and minimum), both in summer and winter, ranging with same said values. It is usual: the cold and dry winter; the mild summer with active wet season, but relatively dry (compared to, as an example, the regions of the Tropical Serrano climate), although some microclimates may appear to us.

The average annual rainfall is between 300 and 600 mm. However, in some sectors there are exceptions where rainfall is around 1000mm. In short, the weather is good for most activities, so the visit to these areas can be organized for any time of the year.

WHAT IS THE WARM ANDEAN PUNEÑO

Finally, we will find the warm Andean Puneño climate comprising the Puna Region and the Arid Andes, from the province of Catamarca to Mendoza (Region of Cuyo). It offers a landscape with features of accentuated aridity, where rainfall is very scarce since they do not exceed 200 millimeters per year. Temperatures, both in summer and winter, suffer large thermal amplitudes in the same day.

The average temperature in summer is 28°C and 8°C in winter with regards to thermal amplitude, so there’s a general idea of how much the climate can change on a day. As an example, in the month of January, there are marks of 30°C during the day and 0°C at night. The air is dry, there is little relative humidity and frosts are very common. That’s why visits to destinations that have this type of weather are recommended for summer or from September to March/April.

Also in this type of weather we will encounter strong winds, such as the “white wind”, which produces violent storms that drag sand and dust. The most touristic sites that we can find in this region are Antofagasta de la Sierra, Fiambalá and the Route of the Seismiles. Take a look at our article what clothes to bring to Catamarca

Undoubtedly, the weather in Catamarca varies by area! There are places whose temperatures make it perfect to visit every year and others that we recommend not to visit in winter. In fact, some of these fantastic areas are closed during this season due to difficulties caused by the winter in the access routes. For this reason, it is convenient that you contact our travel specialists, they will give you all the guidance you need to arm the best travel itinerary.