Aracatuba Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Brazil

Summer (December to February):

During summer in Aracatuba, temperatures soar to average highs of around 35°C (95°F), with very few days dropping below 25°C (77°F). The humidity levels are typically high, making the heat feel even more intense. As a result, the summer months tend to experience frequent and heavy thunderstorms, providing temporary relief from the oppressive heat.

Winter (June to August):

Winter brings a significant drop in temperatures, with average highs hovering around 25°C (77°F). Nighttime temperatures can dip below 15°C (59°F), requiring warmer clothing. The humidity levels remain elevated during this season, creating a chilly and damp atmosphere. Frost is a rare occurrence in Aracatuba, ensuring that winters are generally mild and pleasant.

Monthly Average Temperatures

Aracatuba, Brazil, experiences a tropical savanna climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The average monthly temperatures throughout the year remain relatively consistent, with only slight variations between the warmest and coolest months.

During the warmest months, typically from December to March, temperatures average around 27°C (81°F). The hottest month is January, with average temperatures hovering around 28°C (82°F). Conversely, the coolest months occur from June to August, when temperatures average around 22°C (72°F). The coldest month is July, with average temperatures dropping to approximately 21°C (70°F).

Seasonal Variations

The seasonal variations in temperature are primarily influenced by the movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). During the wet season, which typically lasts from October to March, the ITCZ shifts southward, bringing heavy rainfall and increased humidity. This results in slightly cooler temperatures, as the increased cloud cover reduces the amount of direct sunlight reaching the ground.

In contrast, during the dry season from April to September, the ITCZ shifts northward, leading to drier conditions and decreased humidity. The lack of cloud cover allows more sunlight to penetrate the atmosphere, resulting in warmer temperatures. Additionally, the reduced rainfall during this season contributes to lower relative humidity, creating a more comfortable climate.

Climate and Cloud Patterns

Aracatuba, located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by distinct seasons. During the summer months (October to March), temperatures are warm and humid, with frequent rainfall. The average temperature during this period ranges from 22 to 33 degrees Celsius (72 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit). The humidity often exceeds 80%, creating a sultry and uncomfortable atmosphere. Clouds are abundant during this time, with cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds being prevalent. Cumulonimbus clouds can lead to thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.

Seasonal Variability and Cloud Formation

In contrast, the winter months (April to September) in Aracatuba are milder and less humid. Temperatures typically range from 13 to 27 degrees Celsius (55 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit), and the humidity levels drop significantly. Clouds are less common during this time, although stratocumulus and cirrus clouds may appear. Stratocumulus clouds are flat and layered, while cirrus clouds are thin and wispy. The lack of cloud cover allows more sunlight to reach the surface, resulting in drier and milder conditions.

Seasonal Patterns of Precipitation

Aracatuba, Brazil, experiences pronounced seasonality in precipitation. The wet season typically extends from October to March, during which heavy rainfall is common. The average precipitation during these months can reach over 200 mm per month. In contrast, the dry season spans from April to September and is characterized by significantly reduced precipitation. Monthly rainfall during this period often falls below 50 mm. The wet season is associated with the arrival of moisture-laden air masses from the Atlantic Ocean, while the dry season occurs when these air masses are less active.

Long-Term Precipitation Trends

Long-term data indicate that Aracatuba’s precipitation has been decreasing over the past several decades. This trend is consistent with observations of climate change in the region. As global temperatures rise, the amount of moisture in the atmosphere increases, leading to more extreme rainfall events. However, these events are often accompanied by periods of prolonged drought. The decreasing precipitation in Aracatuba suggests that the region is becoming more vulnerable to both flooding and water scarcity. Scientists continue to monitor these trends and their potential impacts on the local environment and economy.

Rainfall Patterns

Aracatuba, Brazil, experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. During the wet season, from October to March, heavy rainfall is common, with an average monthly precipitation of over 200 millimeters. January is the wettest month, receiving an average of 270 millimeters of rainfall. The dry season, from April to September, is marked by much less precipitation, with an average monthly rainfall of less than 100 millimeters. August is the driest month, with an average of just 30 millimeters of rainfall.

Causes of Rainfall Variability

The rainfall patterns in Aracatuba are primarily influenced by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a belt of low pressure that encircles the globe near the equator. During the wet season, the ITCZ moves southward, bringing moist air from the Atlantic Ocean to Aracatuba, resulting in increased rainfall. In the dry season, the ITCZ moves northward, leading to drier conditions and less rainfall. Additionally, the topography of the region plays a role in rainfall distribution, with higher elevations receiving more precipitation than lower elevations.

History of Snowfall in Aracatuba, Brazil

Aracatuba, a city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, is located in a tropical region and has never experienced snowfall. However, there is one notable exception to this historical trend. On July 18, 1955, a rare and unexpected snowfall occurred in the city. The snow fell for approximately 30 minutes, covering the streets and buildings with a thin layer. This event is considered to be one of the most significant weather anomalies in Brazilian history.

Causes of the 1955 Snowfall

The snowfall in Aracatuba was caused by a combination of several unusual meteorological factors. A strong cold front from the South Pole collided with a warm and humid air mass from the Atlantic Ocean, creating an unstable atmosphere. This instability resulted in the formation of thunderstorms, which produced the snow. The snow likely formed at high altitudes in the atmosphere, where temperatures were cold enough to sustain its formation. As the snowflakes fell through the warmer air below, they gradually melted, resulting in the thin layer of snow that covered the city.

Sun in Aracatuba, Brazil

Aracatuba, Brazil, is a city located in the state of São Paulo and is known for its warm climate. The city experiences an average of approximately 2,800 hours of sunshine annually, making it one of the sunniest cities in Brazil. During the summer months (December to February), Aracatuba has extended periods of sunshine, with an average of 9-10 hours of sunlight per day. This abundant sunshine contributes to the city’s overall pleasant weather conditions.

The high levels of sunshine in Aracatuba are a significant factor in the city’s economy, particularly in agriculture. The region is known for its production of sugarcane, soybeans, and corn, all of which require ample sunlight for optimal growth. Additionally, Aracatuba has a growing tourism industry, with many visitors drawn to the city’s sunny beaches and natural attractions. The abundance of sunshine provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and water sports, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Moon Phases in Aracatuba

Aracatuba, a city in southeastern Brazil, experiences various moon phases throughout the year. The most notable phases are the full moon, new moon, first quarter, and third quarter. During the full moon, the entire face of the moon is illuminated by sunlight, creating a bright and round appearance. Conversely, during the new moon, the moon is not visible from Earth as it is positioned between the Sun and our planet, resulting in a dark night sky.

Moonrise and Moonset Times

The moonrise and moonset times in Aracatuba vary depending on the day of the year and the specific moon phase. Generally, the moon rises in the east and sets in the west. The exact times can be calculated using astronomical tables or online tools that take into account the observer’s location and the date. These times can be useful for planning activities such as moonlit walks or stargazing sessions.

Seasonal Humidity Variations

Aracatuba, Brazil, experiences significant humidity variations throughout the year. During the wet season, which typically lasts from October to March, humidity levels can reach an average of 80%. This is mainly due to the influence of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which brings warm, moist air from the Atlantic Ocean. The high humidity levels during this period can lead to uncomfortable and muggy conditions.

In contrast, the dry season, which runs from April to September, brings lower humidity levels. The average humidity during this time is around 60%. The drier conditions are influenced by the absence of the ITCZ and the dominance of drier air masses from the south. The lower humidity during the dry season can provide relief from the oppressive humidity of the wet season.

Wind Patterns in Aracatuba

Aracatuba, a city in southeastern Brazil, experiences a tropical climate characterized by hot, humid summers and warm, dry winters. The prevailing wind direction during the summer months (December to February) is from the northeast, bringing warm and moist air from the Atlantic Ocean. These winds contribute to the frequent thunderstorms and heavy rainfall associated with this season. During the winter months (June to August), the prevailing wind direction shifts to the south, bringing cooler and drier air from the interior of the country. These winds help to reduce humidity and create a more stable atmosphere, resulting in fewer showers and a more pleasant climate.

Wind Speeds and Impacts

Wind speeds in Aracatuba vary throughout the year, with the strongest winds occurring during the summer months. Average wind speeds during this period can reach up to 15-20 kilometers per hour (9-12 miles per hour). These winds can have a significant impact on outdoor activities, affecting visibility and creating wind chill factors that can make it feel colder than the actual temperature. During the winter months, wind speeds are typically lower, averaging around 10-15 kilometers per hour (6-9 miles per hour). These winds have a more moderate impact on outdoor activities and can provide a welcome breeze on warm days.

Optimal Season:

The optimal season to visit Aracatuba, Brazil, encompasses the months of April to June and September to October. During this period, the city enjoys moderate temperatures with average highs hovering around 27-29°C (81-84°F) and lows dipping to comfortable 18-20°C (64-68°F). The chances of precipitation are relatively low, allowing for ample opportunities to explore the city’s attractions without the hindrance of rain. This is also the time of year when Aracatuba hosts its renowned cultural festival, the Festa Junina, showcasing traditional music, food, and dance.

Year-Round Climate:

Aracatuba’s climate can be characterized as humid subtropical, with temperatures remaining warm throughout the year. The hottest months are January and February, with average highs climbing to 32-33°C (90-91°F). The coldest months are July and August, with average lows dropping to 16-17°C (61-63°F). Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, with slightly higher precipitation during the summer months (December to March). However, the city experiences occasional heavy downpours and thunderstorms, particularly during the summer season.

Solar Energy Potential

Aracatuba, located in the southeastern region of Brazil, boasts exceptional solar energy potential due to its strategic position within the São Paulo Solar Belt, known for its high levels of solar irradiance. The city receives an average of over 5 kWh/m2 of solar radiation per day, exceeding the national average of 4.5 kWh/m2. This abundant sunlight presents a significant opportunity for harnessing solar energy to meet the region’s electricity needs.

Solar Energy Development

In recent years, Aracatuba has witnessed a surge in solar energy development. The city houses several large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants, such as the Aracatuba Solar Park and the Ubarana Solar Park, with a combined capacity of over 1 GW. The government has also implemented various incentives to encourage the installation of solar PV systems on residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Consequently, rooftop solar systems have become increasingly popular in Aracatuba, contributing to a growing share of renewable energy in the city’s energy mix. Additionally, several research institutions and universities in Aracatuba are actively involved in solar energy research and development, fostering innovation and technological advancements in the field.

Topography of Aracatuba, Brazil

Aracatuba, located in the state of São Paulo in southeastern Brazil, is characterized by a generally flat topography. The city lies within the Paraná River Basin, occupying a plateau with an average elevation of around 450 meters (1,476 feet) above sea level. The terrain is predominantly composed of gently undulating plains, with occasional low hills and ridges. The Flat Aracatuba region, where the city is situated, is renowned for its flat landscape and fertile soils suitable for agriculture.

The topography of Aracatuba has been influenced by geological processes that shaped the region over millions of years. The area was once covered by a vast inland sea, which deposited sediments that eventually formed the underlying sedimentary rocks. Subsequent tectonic activity and erosion have shaped the current landscape, giving rise to the gently rolling hills and valleys that characterize the region. The Tietê River, one of the major rivers in São Paulo state, flows through the Aracatuba area and has played a role in shaping the topography, creating alluvial plains and terraces along its course.

Aracatuba Airport (ARU)

Aracatuba Airport (ARU), also known as Leite Lopes Airport, is the nearest airport serving the city of Aracatuba, Brazil. It is located approximately 7 kilometers (4 miles) from the city center. ARU is a small airport with one asphalt runway measuring 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) in length. It is primarily served by regional airlines, with scheduled flights to major cities such as São Paulo, Campinas, and Ribeirão Preto.

ARU has a single passenger terminal with basic amenities such as check-in counters, baggage claim, and a small waiting area. There are no restaurants or shops within the terminal, but there are a few food and beverage options available nearby. The airport is well-connected to the city center by public transportation, including buses and taxis. Passengers can also rent cars from several agencies located at the airport.

Geography and Climate

Aracatuba is a municipality located in the northwestern part of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. It encompasses an area of approximately 1,167 square kilometers. The city is part of the macro-region of Presidente Prudente and the micro-region of Araçatuba. Aracatuba’s terrain is primarily composed of flat plains, with a gently rolling topography towards the east. The region is characterized by a tropical climate, featuring distinct wet and dry seasons. The average temperature ranges from 18 to 32 degrees Celsius, with higher humidity during the summer months.

Demographics and Economy

As of 2021, Aracatuba had an estimated population of 206,526, making it one of the largest cities in the state of São Paulo. The city’s economy is primarily driven by agribusiness, particularly the production of soybeans, sugar, and corn. Aracatuba is also home to a significant industrial sector, with a focus on the manufacturing of agricultural machinery, textiles, and ceramics. The presence of two universities, UNESP and FADA, contributes to the city’s thriving educational landscape and research activities. Additionally, Aracatuba boasts a robust healthcare system, with several hospitals and clinics serving the population. The city’s strategic location at the intersection of major highways provides connectivity to other parts of Brazil and the state of São Paulo, further bolstering its economic growth and development.