Castanhal Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Brazil

Summer (January – March)

Summer in Castanhal is characterized by hot and humid weather. Temperatures average around 31°C (88°F) during the day, with high humidity levels making it feel even hotter. Rainfall is common during this season, with frequent thunderstorms and heavy downpours. The average rainfall for these months is around 800 mm (31 inches). While the weather can be oppressive at times, the summer is also a time of vibrant life, as the city’s parks and green spaces come alive with lush vegetation and blooming flowers.

Winter (June – September)

Winter in Castanhal is a milder season, with temperatures averaging around 25°C (77°F) during the day. Humidity levels are also lower than in the summer, making the weather more comfortable. Rainfall is less frequent during this season, with an average of only 300 mm (12 inches) falling over the three months. As a result, the landscape becomes drier, with some vegetation losing its leaves. Despite the lower temperatures, the nights can still be warm, with temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C (68°F).

Annual Average Temperature

Castanhal, Brazil, experiences a consistent annual average temperature of around 25.5°C (77.9°F). Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 21°C (69.8°F) in July to 29°C (84.2°F) in October. This relatively warm weather is attributed to the city’s tropical climate, characterized by high humidity and ample rainfall.

Seasonal Variations

Castanhal’s temperature varies slightly across the seasons, with the warmest months being September through November and the coolest months being June through August. During the wet season, which occurs from December to May, the city experiences more rainfall, which can lead to somewhat cooler temperatures. Conversely, the dry season, which lasts from June to November, brings less rain and generally warmer conditions.

Cloud Cover and Types in Castanhal, Brazil

Castanhal, Brazil witnesses varying cloud cover throughout the year, influenced by tropical weather patterns. During the wet season (December to May), cloudiness is prevalent due to frequent rainfall and convective activity. The predominant cloud type during this time is cumulonimbus, characterized by towering, anvil-shaped formations associated with thunderstorms. Altostratus clouds, which appear as smooth, gray sheets, are also common.

Conversely, the dry season (June to November) brings clearer skies with reduced cloud cover. Cirrus clouds, consisting of delicate, wispy strands, often dominate during this period. They form high in the atmosphere and typically indicate stable weather conditions. Additionally, during the transition seasons (May-June and November-December), cirrocumulus clouds, characterized by small, ripple-like patterns, are prevalent. These clouds signal the gradual increase or decrease in cloud activity as the weather shifts from wet to dry or vice versa.

Seasonal Variations:

Castanhal, Brazil, experiences significant seasonal variations in precipitation. The rainy season typically lasts from January to May, with the wettest months being March and April. During this period, the city receives an average of over 200 millimeters of rainfall per month. The dry season, on the other hand, spans from June to December, with rainfall often dropping below 50 millimeters per month.

Annual Precipitation:

On average, Castanhal receives approximately 2,000 millimeters of precipitation annually. However, the distribution of rainfall throughout the year can vary depending on factors such as climatic patterns and the occurrence of extreme weather events. During the wet season, heavy rainfall can lead to flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, while the dry season can bring prolonged periods of drought.

Annual Rainfall Patterns

Castanhal, located in the Brazilian state of Pará, experiences a tropical rainforest climate characterized by abundant rainfall throughout the year. The city receives an average annual precipitation of around 2,000 millimeters (79 inches), distributed fairly evenly across the 12 months. Rainfall is typically heaviest during the wet season, which runs from January to May, with peak precipitation occurring in March and April. During this period, rainfall totals can exceed 300 millimeters (12 inches) per month. The dry season, from June to December, is relatively less rainy, with monthly precipitation typically below 100 millimeters (4 inches).

Seasonal Variations

The seasonality of rainfall in Castanhal is influenced by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a low-pressure belt near the equator that shifts南北throughout the year. During the wet season, the ITCZ moves southward over Castanhal, bringing with it moisture-laden air from the Atlantic Ocean. This air condenses and forms rain clouds that produce heavy precipitation. As the ITCZ shifts northward during the dry season, Castanhal experiences drier conditions due to the reduced moisture availability. However, even during the dry season, rainfall can still occur intermittently as moist air from the Amazon rainforest region reaches the city.

History of Snowfall in Castanhal, Brazil

Snowfall is an extremely rare occurrence in Castanhal, Brazil, located in the northern region of the country near the equator. Historically, there have been no recorded instances of snowfall within the city limits or its immediate vicinity. The climate of Castanhal is characterized by high temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year, making snowfall a highly unlikely phenomenon.

Factors Inhibiting Snowfall

The absence of snowfall in Castanhal can be attributed to several factors related to the city’s geographical location and climate. Firstly, its proximity to the equator means that it experiences a strong solar radiation, resulting in consistently high temperatures. Secondly, the city is situated in a humid tropical rainforest climate zone, which is characterized by year-round rainfall and high humidity levels. These conditions create a warm and moist environment, further inhibiting the formation of snow. Additionally, the lack of significant elevation in the Castanhal region makes it less susceptible to cold air masses that could potentially bring snowfall.

Sunrise and Sunset Times

In Castanhal, Brazil, the time of sunrise and sunset varies throughout the year due to its location near the equator. However, the general pattern is that the sun rises around 6:00 AM and sets around 6:30 PM local time. The length of daylight also varies slightly, with the longest days occurring during the summer months (December to February) and the shortest days during the winter months (June to August).

Sunshine Hours

Castanhal receives an average of 2,700 hours of sunshine per year, making it one of the sunniest cities in Brazil. The sun shines for an average of 7-8 hours per day throughout the year, with the highest number of sunshine hours occurring during the dry season (May to October). During the rainy season (November to April), there can be more overcast days and less sunshine, but the sun still shines for a significant portion of the day.

Moon in Castanhal, Brazil: Phases and Visibility

The Moon’s phases and visibility in Castanhal, Brazil, vary throughout the month. The lunar cycle takes approximately 29.5 days to complete, progressing through different phases as the Moon orbits the Earth. During the New Moon phase, the Moon is not visible from Castanhal as it is positioned directly between the Earth and the Sun. As the Moon moves in its orbit, it becomes increasingly visible, transitioning through the Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, and Waning Crescent phases.

The Full Moon is the most prominent phase, when the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by sunlight and is visible all night. This occurs when the Moon is positioned opposite the Sun in the sky. The New Moon, on the other hand, is the least visible phase, when the Moon is not illuminated by sunlight and is not visible from Earth. During the промежуточные фазы phases, the Moon’s visibility and shape vary depending on its position relative to the Earth and the Sun.

Moonrise and Moonset in Castanhal, Brazil

The time of Moonrise and Moonset in Castanhal, Brazil, changes daily and depends on the Moon’s phase and the time of year. Moonrise is the time when the Moon becomes visible above the horizon at the eastern part of the sky. Moonset is the time when the Moon disappears below the horizon at the western part of the sky. The Moon’s position in the sky and its time of rising and setting can be influenced by factors such as the Moon’s phase, the Earth’s rotation, and the observer’s location on the globe.

Annual Humidity Levels in Castanhal, Brazil

Castanhal, Brazil experiences a tropical climate characterized by high humidity throughout the year. The average annual relative humidity is around 80%, with slight variations between wet and dry seasons. During the wet season, from January to May, humidity levels typically reach their peak, averaging between 85% and 90%. This high humidity is caused by the influx of warm, moist air from the Amazon rainforest and contributes to the oppressive and uncomfortable feeling during these months.

In contrast, during the dry season, from June to December, humidity levels drop slightly but remain high, averaging around 75% to 80%. This decrease in humidity is due to the reduction in rainfall and the influence of drier air masses. Despite the lower humidity, the high temperatures during this period often make it feel just as uncomfortable as the wet season.

Wind Patterns and Speed

Castanhal, Brazil experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by strong winds throughout the year. The prevailing wind direction is easterly, originating from the Atlantic Ocean. These winds bring warm, humid air to the region, creating a consistently pleasant climate. During the rainy season (October to April), wind speeds tend to be higher, often exceeding 20 km/h (12 mph). The dry season (May to September) experiences more moderate wind speeds, typically ranging between 10-15 km/h (6-9 mph).

Temporal Variations

The wind patterns in Castanhal exhibit seasonal variations. During the rainy season, the influence of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) intensifies the easterly winds. These winds often carry heavy rainfall and can occasionally reach gale-force gusts. In contrast, during the dry season, the ITCZ shifts southward, resulting in weaker easterly winds and more stable weather conditions. Additionally, local topography can influence wind patterns, creating localized wind currents and shelter from prevailing winds in certain areas.

Best Time to Visit for Pleasant Weather:

Castanhal, Brazil, boasts a tropical humid climate with consistent temperatures throughout the year. The dry season, which runs from June to November, offers the most agreeable weather for tourists. During this period, the humidity levels are lower, and rainfall is minimal. Average temperatures during this time hover around 27°C (81°F), with warm days and comfortably cool nights. The pleasant weather makes it ideal for outdoor activities, such as exploring the city’s parks, visiting local markets, or embarking on excursions to nearby natural attractions.

Best Time to Visit for Festivals and Events:

Castanhal is renowned for its vibrant festivals, which showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage. If you’re interested in experiencing the local spirit, consider planning your trip during one of these festivities. The Círio de Nazaré, held in October, is the city’s most important religious festival, attracting thousands of pilgrims and revelers. The streets come alive with colorful processions, traditional music, and festive activities. Other notable events include the Bloco Carnavalesco (Carnival), held in February or March, and the Festa do Círio da Conceição, held in December. These events offer an immersive opportunity to witness the city’s traditions and revel in the festive atmosphere.

Solar Energy Potential in Castanhal, Brazil

Castanhal, Brazil, boasts an abundance of solar energy due to its strategic location in the equatorial region. The city receives an average of over 2,400 sunshine hours annually, with minimal cloud cover, making it an ideal location for harnessing solar power. Moreover, the relatively low latitude and high altitude provide ideal conditions for maximizing solar radiation and minimizing energy losses. These factors combined create a highly favorable environment for the development of photovoltaic (PV) systems in Castanhal.

Development and Benefits of Solar Energy in Castanhal

Recognizing the vast potential, the municipality of Castanhal has actively promoted the adoption of solar energy. The city has implemented several initiatives to encourage investment and facilitate the use of renewable energy sources. These measures include tax incentives, streamlined permitting processes, and public education campaigns. As a result, Castanhal has witnessed a significant increase in the installation of solar PV systems, ranging from residential rooftop installations to utility-scale solar farms. The widespread adoption of solar energy has not only reduced the city’s reliance on fossil fuels but has also contributed to economic growth and job creation. Additionally, the transition to renewable energy has improved air quality, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and fostered a more sustainable environment in Castanhal.

General Topography

Castanhal, Brazil, is located within the Amazon Basin and is characterized by relatively flat topography. The city is predominantly situated on the Guamá River floodplain, which is part of the larger Amazon River delta. The elevation of Castanhal ranges from 10 to 50 meters above sea level, with the highest points being located along the southern and western boundaries of the city. The terrain is generally level and well-drained, without any significant hills or mountains.

Specific Features

Notable topographical features within Castanhal include the Guamá River, which flows through the city and provides a vital waterway for transportation and commerce. The riverbanks are lined with dense vegetation and offer scenic views. Additionally, there are several freshwater lakes and ponds located throughout the city, which serve as important habitats for local wildlife. Castanhal is also home to a number of agricultural plantations, including extensive sugarcane and cocoa fields that contribute to the city’s economy and lend a unique character to the landscape. These plantations often feature wide-open spaces and well-maintained drainage systems to support crop production.

Nearest Airport to Castanhal

The closest airport to Castanhal, Brazil is Val-de-Cans/Júlio Cezar Ribeiro International Airport (BEL), located approximately 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the city center. BEL is a major airport serving the state of Pará and offers a variety of domestic and international flights. Several airlines operate at BEL, including LATAM Brasil, Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes, and Azul Brazilian Airlines, providing connections to major cities such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília.

Alternative Airport Options

Although BEL is the nearest airport to Castanhal, there are alternative airports located within a reasonable distance. Eduardo Gomes International Airport (MAO) in Manaus, the capital of Amazonas state, is approximately 350 kilometers (220 miles) away and offers a wider range of domestic and international flights. However, the travel time to Castanhal from MAO is significantly longer than from BEL. Additionally, Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport (BEL) in Belém, the capital of Pará state, is approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Castanhal and offers a limited number of domestic flights.

History and Culture

Castanhal, a municipality in the state of Pará, Brazil, was founded in 1897. It owes its existence to the thriving chestnut industry during the late 19th century. The city’s rich history is reflected in its preserved architectural heritage and cultural traditions. Notable landmarks include the Senador Lemos Palace, the Igreja Matriz de Santo Antonio, and the Museu Histórico Municipal. Castanhal’s vibrant culture manifests in lively festivals, such as the traditional Círio de Nazaré procession, and the celebrated Boi-Bumbá dance.

Economic Profile

Castanhal’s economy has historically revolved around agriculture, specifically the production of chestnuts. However, in recent years, the city has diversified its economic base. Today, it is a regional hub for agricultural and agroindustrial activities. The city is home to processing facilities for soybeans, rice, and sugar cane, while also benefiting from the presence of a petrochemical complex on its outskirts. Additionally, Castanhal has a growing services sector, particularly in tourism and commerce. The city’s strategic location on the Belém-Brasília highway further contributes to its economic growth and prosperity.