Macapa Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Brazil

Average Temperatures

Macapa experiences a tropical rainforest climate with year-round high temperatures and abundant rainfall. The average temperature throughout the year ranges from a low of 25°C (77°F) in June and July to a high of 28°C (82°F) in September and October. The humidity is consistently high, typically ranging from 75% to 90%.

Rainfall and Sunshine Hours

Macapa is characterized by heavy rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of over 2,500 mm (98 inches). The wet season lasts from December to May, with the peak rainfall occurring in February and March. During this period, the city experiences daily showers and thunderstorms. The dry season, from June to November, sees less frequent rainfall but still receives significant precipitation. Macapa enjoys an average of 2,000 sunshine hours per year, the majority of which occurs during the dry season.

Average High and Low Temperatures

Macapa, Brazil, experiences a tropical climate with high humidity throughout the year. The average high temperatures generally range from 30°C (86°F) to 33°C (91°F), while the average low temperatures fluctuate between 23°C (73°F) and 25°C (77°F). The warmest period typically extends from September to April, with average high temperatures reaching 32°C (90°F) or above. On the other hand, the cooler period lasts from May to August, with average high temperatures dipping to around 29°C (84°F).

Monthly Temperature Patterns

Monthly temperature patterns in Macapa exhibit consistency throughout the year. January is generally the warmest month, with average high temperatures approaching 33°C (91°F) and average low temperatures hovering around 25°C (77°F). Conversely, July is typically the coolest month, with average high temperatures dropping to 29°C (84°F) and average low temperatures stabilizing at approximately 23°C (73°F). These monthly temperature variations are primarily influenced by the position of the sun and the resulting changes in solar radiation received by the city.

Cumulus and Stratus Clouds:

Macapa, Brazil, experiences a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the wet season and the dry season. During the wet season, which lasts from December to May, the skies above Macapa are often adorned with cumulus clouds. These clouds are characterized by their puffy, cotton-like appearance and their flat bases. They typically form at low altitudes and are associated with fair weather. In contrast, during the dry season, from June to November, stratus clouds are more common. These clouds are thin, uniform, and cover a large area of the sky. They often result in overcast conditions and can sometimes bring drizzle or light rain.

Cirrus and Altostratus Clouds:

Cirrus clouds are thin, wispy clouds that are composed of ice crystals. They are often seen high in the atmosphere and are not associated with precipitation. Altostratus clouds are similar to stratus clouds but are found at higher altitudes. They are thin, sheet-like clouds that can cover the entire sky and can sometimes produce light rain or drizzle. These clouds are less common in Macapa but can occasionally be observed during the transition periods between the wet and dry seasons. Overall, the cloud formations in Macapa contribute to the city’s tropical climate and provide a dynamic and ever-changing canvas in the sky.

Annual Precipitation

Macapa, the capital of the state of Amapa in northern Brazil, experiences a substantial amount of precipitation throughout the year, averaging around 2,400 millimeters (94 inches) annually. The city’s tropical rainforest climate features two distinct seasons: a wet season and a dry season. The wet season typically spans from December to May, bringing heavy rainfall and occasional thunderstorms. Conversely, the dry season, which lasts from June to November, is characterized by significantly less precipitation.

Seasonal Precipitation Patterns

During the wet season, Macapa receives the majority of its annual precipitation. December is the wettest month, with an average rainfall of 400 millimeters (16 inches). January, February, and April also experience high levels of precipitation, ranging from 300 to 350 millimeters (12 to 14 inches) per month. The dry season, on the other hand, is noticeably drier, with monthly precipitation typically below 100 millimeters (4 inches). September and October are the driest months, averaging around 50 millimeters (2 inches) of rainfall each.

Rainfall Patterns

Macapa, Brazil experiences a tropical climate characterized by abundant rainfall throughout the year. The city belongs to the Amazon rainforest region, known for its high humidity and frequent precipitation. The annual average rainfall in Macapa exceeds 2,500 millimeters, with significant variations between wet and dry seasons. The wet season typically spans from January to May, when heavy rains occur frequently, often leading to flooding in low-lying areas. During these months, the city receives over 100 millimeters of rain per month on average.

Seasonal Variations

The dry season in Macapa occurs from June to December, with a noticeable decrease in rainfall compared to the wet season. However, even during these months, the city still receives substantial precipitation, averaging around 100 millimeters per month. The driest months are August and September, when the frequency and intensity of rainfall diminish. The seasonal variations in rainfall are influenced by the movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a low-pressure system that brings heavy rainfall to the equatorial regions. As the ITCZ shifts northward during the wet season, Macapa experiences increased rainfall, while it moves southward during the dry season, resulting in drier conditions.

Historical Occurrence

Snowfall in Macapá, Brazil, is an exceedingly rare phenomenon that has only occurred twice in recorded history. The first snowfall, observed on July 5, 1952, lasted for approximately 30 minutes and covered the city in a thin layer of snow. The second occurrence, on July 11, 1973, was more substantial, with snowfall continuing for several hours. This snowfall left Macapá blanketed in a thick layer of snow that persisted for several days, causing widespread astonishment and excitement.

Meteorological Causes

The snowfall in Macapá was a result of an unusual weather pattern that brought cold air from Antarctica to the city. The cold air caused the temperature to drop significantly, creating conditions conducive to snowfall. Additionally, the presence of moisture in the atmosphere provided the necessary water vapor for snow formation. These factors combined to create the rare and unforgettable snowfall events in Macapá.

Sunrise and Sunset Times

The sun rises and sets at varying times throughout the year in Macapa, Brazil. The earliest sunrise occurs around December 22nd, when the sun rises at approximately 5:30 AM local time. The latest sunrise occurs around June 21st, when the sun rises at approximately 6:30 AM local time. The earliest sunset occurs around December 22nd, when the sun sets at approximately 5:30 PM local time. The latest sunset occurs around June 21st, when the sun sets at approximately 6:30 PM local time.

Duration of Daylight

The duration of daylight in Macapa, Brazil varies throughout the year. The longest day of the year is around December 22nd, when there are approximately 12 hours and 30 minutes of daylight. The shortest day of the year is around June 21st, when there are approximately 11 hours and 30 minutes of daylight. On average, Macapa receives approximately 12 hours of daylight per day throughout the year.

Moon Phases in Macapá, Brazil

The Moon’s phases in Macapá, Brazil, vary throughout the month, as they do everywhere else on Earth. The cycle begins with the New Moon, when the Moon is not visible from Earth. As the Moon orbits the Earth, it gradually becomes more illuminated by the Sun. This leads to the Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, and Full Moon phases. During the Full Moon, the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun.

Moon Rise and Set Times in Macapá, Brazil

The Moon’s rise and set times in Macapá, Brazil, also vary throughout the month. The Moon rises and sets earlier in the evening during the New Moon phase and later in the evening during the Full Moon phase. The exact times of the Moon’s rise and set can be found in local weather reports or on astronomical websites.

Humidity Patterns in Macapá

Macapa, the capital of the state of Amapa, Brazil, experiences consistent high humidity throughout the year. The city lies in a tropical rainforest climate zone, characterized by warm temperatures and abundant rainfall. During the rainy season, which typically lasts from December to May, humidity levels can reach 90% or higher. Even during the drier months, humidity rarely falls below 70%. The high humidity in Macapá can make it feel uncomfortable and oppressive, particularly for those unaccustomed to it.

Causes of High Humidity

The high humidity in Macapá is primarily attributed to the city’s geographical location. Situated near the Amazon Basin, Macapá is exposed to warm, moist air from the rainforest. Additionally, the city’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean further contributes to humidity levels. The prevailing winds blow from the east, bringing moisture-laden air from the ocean over the city. The combination of these factors creates a humid environment that persists throughout the year.

Wind Patterns

Macapa, Brazil experiences a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: the rainy season (December to May) and the dry season (June to November). During the rainy season, winds are predominantly easterly and northeasterly, bringing warm and moist air from the Atlantic Ocean. These winds are often accompanied by heavy rainfall and occasionally thunderstorms. During the dry season, winds shift to the southeast and southwest, bringing cooler and drier air from the interior of the continent. These winds are generally weaker and less frequent than those during the rainy season.

Wind Speeds

Wind speeds in Macapa are generally moderate, with average speeds ranging from 12 to 18 kilometers per hour (7 to 11 miles per hour). However, during the rainy season, wind speeds can occasionally exceed 30 kilometers per hour (19 miles per hour) during periods of strong storms. The highest wind speed ever recorded in Macapa was 74 kilometers per hour (46 miles per hour) during a particularly severe storm in 2010. The lowest wind speeds occur during the dry season, when winds can sometimes drop below 10 kilometers per hour (6 miles per hour).

Best Time to Visit Macapá, Brazil

The Amazonian city of Macapá, in northern Brazil, experiences a tropical rainforest climate characterized by heavy rainfall throughout the year. The city’s average annual rainfall is approximately 3,000 millimeters, with the wettest months typically occurring between March and July. During this time, the city experiences frequent heavy downpours, which can make it challenging to navigate the city’s streets and participate in outdoor activities.

On the other hand, the months between August and February are generally drier, with less frequent and less intense rainfall. These months offer a more favorable climate for exploring the city and its surroundings, including the nearby Amazon rainforest. Additionally, the warmer temperatures during this time make it more comfortable for swimming, kayaking, and other water activities in the city’s many rivers and beaches.

Potential and Challenges

Macapa, located near the equator in northern Brazil, boasts exceptional solar potential. With an average daily solar radiation of over 5 kWh/m², the city is well-suited for large-scale solar energy projects. The high solar insolation and relatively flat terrain in the region make it ideal for solar farms and rooftop installations. However, the city also faces challenges in developing solar energy infrastructure. The humid tropical climate can lead to corrosion on solar panels, requiring specialized materials and maintenance practices. Additionally, the city’s distance from major population centers and inadequate grid infrastructure pose logistical and technical challenges.

Current Developments and Future Outlook

Despite the challenges, Macapa has made significant strides in harnessing solar energy. The city has set ambitious goals to increase its renewable energy capacity, and several solar projects are currently underway. The 12 MW Macapa Solar Power Plant, commissioned in 2016, became the first utility-scale solar project in the Amazon region. The 60 MW Assis Brasil Solar Park is expected to come online in 2023, further expanding the city’s solar capacity. These projects are contributing to the city’s efforts to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and transition to a more sustainable energy mix. With continued investment and technological advancements, solar energy is poised to play a vital role in powering Macapa’s future and contributing to the decarbonization of Brazil’s energy sector.

Topography of Macapá, Brazil

Macapa, the capital of the state of Amapa, Brazil, exhibits a relatively flat topography characterized by low-lying areas and a gentle slope towards the coast. The city is situated at the confluence of the Amazon River and the Jari River and is home to numerous islands and channels. The Amazon River has a significant influence on the topography of Macapa, contributing to the formation of extensive floodplains and wetlands.

The highest point in Macapa is Morro do Macapaba, a small hill with an elevation of approximately 100 meters. It offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. The city center is located at a lower elevation, with the elevation gradually decreasing towards the coast. Macapa’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean also influences its topography, resulting in the formation of sandy beaches along the coastline. These beaches are popular tourist destinations and contribute to the city’s overall attractiveness.

Macapa International Airport (MCP)

Macapa International Airport, also known as Alberto Alcolumbre International Airport, is the main airport serving Macapa, the capital city of the Amapa state in Brazil. It is located approximately 4.3 kilometers (2.7 miles) from the city center and serves as a vital gateway for domestic and international flights. The airport features a single asphalt runway, 2,200 meters (7,218 feet) in length, capable of accommodating various aircraft types.

Airport Facilities and Services

Macapa International Airport offers a range of facilities and services to enhance the passenger experience. These include a comfortable passenger terminal with check-in counters, baggage claim areas, and departure gates. The airport also boasts a duty-free shop, restaurants, cafes, and other retail outlets. For convenience, there are currency exchange facilities, ATMs, and free Wi-Fi internet access. Additionally, the airport provides ample parking spaces for both short-term and long-term parking.

History and Culture of Macapá

Macapa, the capital of northern Brazil’s Amapa state, boasts a rich blend of indigenous, Portuguese, and French influences that have shaped its unique history and culture. Founded in 1697 by Portuguese explorers, the city served as a strategic naval base for the empire. In the 18th century, the area was briefly occupied by the French, who left an enduring imprint on the local cuisine and architecture. Today, Macapa is a vibrant cultural hub, showcasing its heritage through its cuisine, music, and traditional festivals.

Tourism in Macapa

Macapa offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors to explore. The maritime heritage of the city can be experienced at the Fortaleza de São José de Macapá, a 17th-century fort that guards the mouth of the Amazon River. The Museu do Estado do Amapá showcases the region’s history and indigenous culture. Nature enthusiasts can embark on excursions to the nearby Amazon rainforest, where they can witness exotic flora and fauna in their natural habitat. The city’s beaches, such as Macapá Velho and Araxá, provide opportunities for relaxation and aquatic activities.