Envigado Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Colombia

Seasons and Temperature:

Envigado, Colombia, experiences a tropical climate with only two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season spans from December to March, featuring warm and sunny days with average temperatures ranging from 22 to 26 degrees Celsius (72 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit). Conversely, the rainy season lasts from April to November, bringing increased precipitation and cooler temperatures. Average temperatures during this period range from 18 to 22 degrees Celsius (64 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit). However, due to its proximity to the equator, Envigado maintains a relatively stable temperature throughout the year.

Rainfall and Humidity:

Envigado receives substantial rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of around 1,800 mm (71 inches). The rainy season accounts for the majority of this precipitation, with heavy downpours common during the afternoon and evening. The driest months are January, February, and March, while the wettest months are May, September, and October. Humidity levels remain high year-round, typically ranging from 70 to 90%. The combination of high humidity and warm temperatures can create a humid and uncomfortable climate at times, especially during the rainy season.

Monthly Temperature Variation

Envigado, Colombia, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with consistent temperatures throughout the year. The average monthly temperature ranges from 22.7°C (72.8°F) in January, the coolest month, to 25.6°C (78.1°F) in March, the warmest month. The city enjoys a pleasant spring-like climate with minimal temperature fluctuations.

Humidity and Rainfall

Envigado’s high altitude contributes to its moderate humidity levels, which typically range between 60% and 80% throughout the year. The city experiences a wet and dry season, with the wet season lasting from April to October. During this period, heavy rainfall is common, particularly in the afternoons and evenings. The annual rainfall in Envigado averages around 2,000 millimeters (78 inches).

Types of Clouds in Envigado, Colombia

Envigado, Colombia, is located in the Aburrá Valley and experiences a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by high rainfall throughout the year. The city’s cloud cover varies depending on the season, with more frequent and persistent cloudiness during the rainy season (April to November) compared to the dry season (December to March).

The most common cloud type observed in Envigado is the cumulus cloud, which typically forms at low altitudes and appears as puffy or fluffy clouds with distinct edges. During the rainy season, cumulus clouds often develop into larger and more vertically developed clouds, such as cumulonimbus clouds, which can bring heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and occasional hail.

Other cloud types commonly seen in Envigado include stratus clouds, which form a uniform layer of gray or bluish-gray clouds covering the entire sky, and cirrus clouds, which are thin, wispy clouds composed of ice crystals and appearing at high altitudes. Stratus clouds often bring light rain or drizzle, while cirrus clouds typically indicate fair weather.

Annual Precipitation and Monthly Distribution

Envigado, Colombia, experiences a humid subtropical climate with significant precipitation throughout the year. The city receives an average of 1,600 millimeters (63 inches) of rain annually, distributed relatively evenly over the 12 months. January and February are the driest months, with an average of around 50 millimeters (2 inches) each, while September and November are the wettest, receiving over 200 millimeters (8 inches) on average.

Seasonal Variations in Precipitation

Seasonal variations in precipitation are largely influenced by the position of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a low-pressure area that brings heavy rainfall to the regions it passes over. During the Northern Hemisphere summer (April-September), the ITCZ moves northward towards Envigado, resulting in increased precipitation. Conversely, during the Northern Hemisphere winter (October-March), the ITCZ shifts southward, leading to drier conditions in the city. However, even during the drier months, Envigado can still experience sporadic showers and thunderstorms due to the presence of moisture from the surrounding Amazon rainforest and Caribbean Sea.

Rainfall Patterns

Envigado, Colombia experiences a tropical monsoon climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The annual average rainfall is around 1,400 mm (55 inches), significantly more than other parts of the Aburrá Valley. The wet season typically lasts from April to November, with heavy rain prevalent during May-June and September-October. During these months, rainfall often exceeds 100 mm (4 inches) per month, leading to frequent flash floods and landslides.

Climate Change Impacts

In recent years, Envigado has witnessed a shift in rainfall patterns due to climate change. The intensity and frequency of heavy rainfall events have increased, resulting in more severe weather conditions. Climate models predict that these trends will continue in the future, with longer and more intense wet seasons and reduced rainfall during the dry season. Such changes pose significant challenges for infrastructure management, water resource planning, and the overall ecosystem’s resilience.

Historical Snowfall Event

Envigado, Colombia, a subtropical city located near Medellín, experienced an extraordinary snowfall event in the early 1980s. It was a rare and unprecedented occurrence that captivated the attention of locals and scientists alike. The snowfall blanketed the city in a thick layer of white, transforming the tropical landscape into a winter wonderland. Residents marveled at the surreal sight of snow accumulating on their balconies, rooftops, and streets.

Environmental Impact and Scientific Significance

The snowfall in Envigado was not merely an aesthetic spectacle; it had significant environmental implications. The cold temperatures and precipitation disrupted the local ecosystem, affecting vegetation and wildlife. The event also sparked scientific curiosity, leading to investigations into atmospheric conditions that made the snowfall possible. Studies revealed that a unique combination of cold air, moisture, and altitude created the perfect conditions for snow to form in this tropical region. The event provided valuable insights into the complexities of weather patterns and climate change, highlighting the potential for unusual weather occurrences even in non-polar regions.

Weather Patterns

Envigado, Colombia, experiences a tropical rainforest climate characterized by abundant rainfall throughout the year. The sun’s intensity varies during different seasons. During the wet season (May to October), the sun is often obscured by thick clouds, resulting in frequent rainfall. During the dry season (November to April), the sun shines more brightly, although occasional showers can still occur.

Daylight Hours

The length of daylight in Envigado remains relatively constant throughout the year due to its proximity to the equator. The sun rises around 6:00 AM and sets around 6:00 PM, providing approximately 12 hours of daylight. During the summer solstice (June 21), daylight hours are slightly longer, while during the winter solstice (December 21), they are slightly shorter. The average temperature in Envigado ranges between 75°F (24°C) and 85°F (29°C) throughout the year.

Moonrise and Moonset Times

The moon’s position changes daily, influencing its rise and set times. In Envigado, Colombia, the moon rises and sets at different times depending on the day. For example, on May 1, 2023, the moon will rise at 6:06 AM and set at 7:09 PM. However, on June 1, 2023, the moon will rise at 9:22 AM and set at 9:25 PM. These times are approximate and may vary slightly depending on factors such as atmospheric conditions and the observer’s location.

Visibility and Phases

The visibility of the moon is directly related to its phase. As the moon orbits Earth, the portion illuminated by the sun varies, resulting in different phases. During a new moon, the moon is almost completely dark and invisible, as it is positioned between Earth and the sun. As the moon moves away from the sun, it enters the waxing crescent phase, gradually becoming more visible. The first quarter moon marks the halfway point between the new moon and full moon, with half of the moon illuminated. The full moon is the most visible phase, as the entire face is lit by the sun. After the full moon, the moon enters the waning gibbous phase, followed by the third quarter moon, and finally the waning crescent phase before becoming a new moon again.

Humidity Patterns in Envigado, Colombia

Envigado, Colombia, experiences significant humidity levels throughout the year, influenced by its location near the Andes Mountains and the Caribbean Sea. The city is characterized by a subtropical highland climate, with average temperatures ranging between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius (64-75 degrees Fahrenheit). During the day, humidity levels typically rise, reaching an average of 70-80% in the afternoons and evenings. At night, the humidity levels decrease slightly, hovering around 60-70%.

Seasonal Variations in Humidity

Envigado’s humidity levels exhibit seasonal variations, primarily driven by rainfall patterns. During the rainy season (April-May and October-November), humidity levels tend to be higher, with average levels exceeding 80% during the wettest months. These high humidity levels are a result of increased precipitation and cloud cover, which trap moisture in the air. Conversely, during the dry season (December-March and June-September), humidity levels decrease to an average of 60-70%. The drier conditions and reduced cloud cover allow for the evaporation of moisture from the air, resulting in lower humidity levels.

Wind Speed and Variability

Envigado, Colombia typically experiences moderate to strong wind speeds throughout the year. During the dry season (December to March), prevailing winds tend to be from the northeast and average speeds range from 12 to 15 kilometers per hour (7.5 to 9.3 miles per hour). During the wet season (May to November), winds shift to a more northerly direction and become slightly stronger, with average speeds reaching 15 to 18 kilometers per hour (9.3 to 11.2 miles per hour). The wind speed can vary significantly from day to day, and occasional gusts of up to 30 kilometers per hour (18.6 miles per hour) can occur during thunderstorms.

Wind Direction and Seasonality

The prevailing wind direction in Envigado is generally consistent throughout the year, with the exception of occasional shifts during the transition periods between the wet and dry seasons. During the dry season, winds predominantly blow from the northeast, bringing dry and warm air from the Caribbean Sea. During the wet season, winds shift to a more northerly direction, bringing moist and humid air from the Amazon rainforest. The direction of the wind can also be influenced by the topography of the surrounding area, with winds tending to channel through mountain passes and valleys. Overall, the wind in Envigado is characterized by its moderate to strong speeds and its consistent direction, making it a reliable source of energy for wind turbines and other renewable energy systems.

Best time to visit in Envigado, Colombia

The best time to visit Envigado, Colombia is during the dry season, which runs from December to March. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, with little to no chance of rain. The average temperature in Envigado during the dry season is around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit).

If you are planning to visit Envigado during the rainy season, which runs from April to November, be prepared for frequent showers. The average temperature during the rainy season is around 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit). However, even during the rainy season, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in Envigado. The rain typically falls in short, heavy bursts, so it is easy to find shelter until the storm passes.

Potential for Solar Energy

Envigado, Colombia enjoys abundant sunlight throughout the year, making it an ideal location for solar energy harnessing. The city’s favorable geographical position, with minimal cloud cover and high solar radiation, provides a significant competitive advantage for developing solar energy projects. The availability of open spaces and rooftops also offers ample opportunities for the installation of solar panels.

Current and Future Development

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in solar energy utilization in Envigado. Several initiatives have been undertaken to promote the adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The local government has implemented policies and incentives to encourage businesses and residents to invest in renewable energy technologies, including solar energy. As a result, a number of solar PV systems have been installed in the city, contributing to a gradual increase in solar energy production. Additionally, the city is exploring the development of larger-scale solar farms and grid-connected systems to further enhance its solar energy capacity.

General Topography

Envigado, Colombia is situated in the Aburrá Valley, a subregion of the Andes Mountains. The city’s topography is characterized by steep slopes, rugged terrain, and numerous streams and ravines. The average elevation is approximately 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) above sea level. The highest point in Envigado is Alto de las Palmas, with an elevation of 2,600 meters (8,500 feet). The lowest point is the Medellín River, which flows through the city’s western edge and has an elevation of approximately 1,400 meters (4,600 feet).

Urban Morphology

The steep slopes of Envigado have influenced the city’s urban morphology. Houses are often built on hillsides, with narrow streets and staircases connecting the different levels. The city center is located on a relatively flat area, surrounded by residential neighborhoods that climb up the slopes. The rugged terrain has also led to the development of numerous parks and green spaces, providing residents with recreational opportunities and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.

José María Córdova International Airport

The closest airport to Envigado, Colombia is José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), located approximately 63 kilometers (39 miles) east of the city center. The airport is a major transportation hub for the department of Antioquia and serves both domestic and international flights. It is the seventh busiest airport in Colombia and handles over 7 million passengers annually. MDE offers direct flights to several major cities in Colombia, including Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali, as well as international destinations in the United States, Mexico, Peru, and Ecuador. Several domestic and international airlines operate at MDE, including Avianca, LATAM Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and American Airlines. The airport has modern facilities and amenities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, currency exchange services, and free Wi-Fi. It is easily accessible by car, taxi, or bus from Envigado and other nearby areas.

Olaya Herrera Airport

Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH) is a smaller airport located within the city limits of Medellín, approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) northwest of Envigado. It primarily serves domestic flights within Colombia, including connections to Bogotá, Cali, and Montería. EOH is a popular choice for travelers who prefer a more convenient and time-efficient option as it is closer to Envigado than MDE. However, it is important to note that EOH does not offer international flights and has limited flight frequencies compared to MDE. It is mainly used by low-cost carriers and regional airlines. The airport has basic amenities such as a small food court, currency exchange, and free Wi-Fi. It is accessible by car, taxi, or bus from Envigado and Medellín.

History and Culture

Envigado, situated in the scenic Aburra Valley of Colombia, boasts a rich cultural heritage dating back to pre-Columbian times. The area was initially inhabited by the indigenous Tahamíes people. After the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, Envigado was established as a municipality in 1675. The town has since played a prominent role in the region’s history, serving as a trade and agricultural center. Envigado is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and traditional festivals. The annual Fiesta de la Loza, celebrated in January, showcases the town’s vibrant pottery and ceramics scene.

Nature and Recreation

Envigado’s natural surroundings provide ample opportunities for recreation and exploration. The town is nestled amidst verdant hills, creating a picturesque backdrop for hiking and biking trails. The nearby Las Palmas Forest Reserve offers a tranquil escape into lush vegetation and cascading waterfalls. Within the municipality, the Parque Lineal La Ayurá, a scenic riverfront park, invites visitors to stroll along the banks of the Ayurá River. The park features playgrounds, picnic areas, and a bike path, making it a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.