Putatan Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Philippines

Temperature and Precipitation

Putatan, Philippines experiences a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: a wet season and a dry season. The wet season runs from May to October, while the dry season lasts from November to April. Temperatures throughout the year remain relatively consistent, averaging between 25°C (77°F) and 30°C (86°F).

During the wet season, Putatan receives an average of 1,800 mm (70 in) of rainfall. The heaviest precipitation occurs during the months of June and July, when daily rainfall can exceed 100 mm (4 in). Conversely, the dry season is characterized by significantly reduced rainfall, with monthly precipitation typically falling below 50 mm (2 in). During this time, it is not uncommon for extended periods of drought to occur.

Humidity and Wind Patterns

Humidity levels in Putatan are consistently high throughout the year, typically ranging from 70% to 90%. The high humidity, coupled with the warm temperatures, can make the weather feel oppressive, especially during the summer months.

Wind patterns in Putatan are influenced by the monsoon winds. During the wet season, the southwest monsoon brings strong winds and abundant rainfall. In contrast, the northeast monsoon during the dry season is associated with less wind and lower humidity. Additionally, Putatan is occasionally affected by tropical cyclones, which can bring strong winds and heavy rain.

Monthly Average Temperatures

Putatan, Philippines experiences warm and humid weather year-round, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 24.4°C (75.9°F) in January to a maximum of 31.5°C (88.7°F) in May and June. The hottest period typically occurs from March to May, with average temperatures hovering around 30°C (86°F). During the cooler months of December to February, the average temperature drops to around 25°C (77°F).

Annual Average Temperature

The annual average temperature in Putatan is approximately 28.3°C (82.9°F), reflecting the town’s tropical climate. The relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year make it an ideal destination for those seeking warmth and sunshine. However, it’s important to note that Putatan is also prone to heavy rainfall, particularly during the monsoon season from July to September.

Cloud Formations

Putatan’s skies are adorned with a diverse array of cloud formations, each offering its own unique visual spectacle. Towering cumulus clouds, with their billowing, cauliflower-like appearance, cast dramatic shadows upon the landscape below. Stratocumulus clouds, with their flat, layered structure, often blanket the sky in an ethereal white haze. Cirrus clouds, composed of delicate ice crystals, paint wispy brushstrokes across the celestial canvas, creating a sense of ethereal beauty.

Cloud Behavior

The clouds in Putatan are not static entities but dynamic phenomena that undergo constant change. Driven by the interaction of atmospheric conditions, including wind, temperature, and humidity, they engage in a perpetual dance. Cumulus clouds, initially puffy and isolated, may coalesce into towering thunderheads that unleash torrential rain. Stratocumulus clouds, once uniform and featureless, can morph into fractured altocumulus, revealing a more intricate and dynamic cloud cover. The behavior of clouds in Putatan offers a captivating glimpse into the ever-evolving symphony of the atmosphere.

Monthly Precipitation

Putatan, Philippines, experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of around 2,000 mm (79 inches). The wet season typically spans from May to October, during which heavy rainfall is common. During this period, Putatan often experiences tropical storms and typhoons, which can bring torrential downpours and flooding. The city’s rainiest month is July, with an average precipitation of over 300 mm (12 inches).

Seasonal Variations

From November to April, Putatan enters its dry season, which is characterized by less frequent and less intense rainfall. During this period, the city experiences warm and sunny weather, with occasional light rain. The driest month is March, with an average precipitation of around 50 mm (2 inches). Despite the seasonal variations, Putatan receives rainfall throughout the year, making it a humid and tropical climate.

Rainfall Patterns

Putatan, located in the central Philippines, experiences a tropical climate characterized by abundant rainfall throughout the year. The region is influenced by both the monsoon winds and the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which contribute to its heavy precipitation. During the wet season, from July to December, Putatan receives a significant amount of rainfall, averaging over 250 millimeters per month. The monsoon winds from the southwest bring moist air and cause frequent thunderstorms and heavy downpours.

Seasonal Variability

Rainfall in Putatan varies significantly depending on the season. The wettest months are typically August and September, when the ITCZ is positioned directly over the Philippines. During these months, daily rainfall can exceed 100 millimeters, leading to flooding and landslides. In contrast, the dry season from January to April brings less rainfall, with monthly averages around 100 millimeters. However, brief showers and occasional thunderstorms can occur even during the dry months. The variability in rainfall patterns is influenced by the interaction between the monsoon winds and the movement of the ITCZ, which brings periodic shifts in precipitation.

Historical Occurrence

Snowfall in Putatan, Philippines, is an exceptionally rare meteorological phenomenon. To date, there has only been one recorded instance of snowfall in the municipality. On January 14, 2017, at approximately 6:00 AM, snowfall was observed in Putatan’s upland barangays of Pajac and Marawi. The snowfall lasted for approximately 15 minutes and created a thin layer of snow on the ground and vegetation. The event was captured on video and widely shared on social media, causing astonishment among Filipinos who had never witnessed such a sight.

Meteorological Conditions

The snowfall in Putatan was attributed to an unusual combination of meteorological conditions. A strong cold front from China moved southward over the Philippines, bringing cold temperatures and high-altitude moisture. As the front approached Putatan, it met with warm, moist air from the Sulu Sea. This interaction caused the moisture in the air to condense and form snowflakes. The snowfall occurred at an elevation of approximately 700 meters above sea level, creating a surreal winter wonderland amidst the municipality’s tropical landscape.

Sunrise and Sunset Times

In Putatan, Philippines, the sun rises and sets at different times throughout the year due to the Earth’s tilt and orbit around the sun. The exact sunrise and sunset times vary slightly each day, but generally follow a pattern that corresponds to the changing seasons. During the summer months (June to August), the sun rises earlier and sets later, resulting in longer days. Conversely, during the winter months (December to February), the sun rises later and sets earlier, leading to shorter days.

Weather and Climate

Putatan’s weather is influenced by the tropical monsoon climate of the Philippines. The area experiences two main seasons: a wet season from May to October and a dry season from November to April. During the wet season, heavy rainfall is frequent, particularly during the monsoon season from July to September. The dry season is characterized by relatively low rainfall and consistent temperatures, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. However, even during the dry season, occasional showers or thunderstorms can occur. The average annual temperature in Putatan ranges from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F), with a relatively high humidity level throughout the year.

Appearance and Phenomena

The Moon, Earth’s celestial companion, presents a captivating sight from Putatan, Philippines. Its changing phases, from the delicate crescent to the resplendent full moon, cast an ethereal glow upon the surrounding landscape. During the evenings, the Moon rises majestically above the horizon, casting long, intricate shadows. Its silvery orb illuminates the dark skies, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

The Moon’s influence extends beyond its visual presence. Its gravitational pull shapes the tides of the neighboring Sulu Sea, leading to the rhythmic ebb and flow of the ocean. During full moons, the tides reach their highest peak, known as “king tides,” while during new moons, the tides are at their lowest, called “neap tides.” Sailors and fishermen have long relied on the Moon’s phases to guide their journeys and understand the rhythms of the sea.

Annual Humidity

Putatan, Philippines experiences a tropical climate year-round, characterized by high humidity levels throughout the year. The average humidity in the town fluctuates between 75% and 85%, with minimal seasonal variations. The high humidity is primarily due to the proximity to the sea and the surrounding lush vegetation. The warm, moist air from the ocean contributes to the high moisture content in the atmosphere.

Seasonal Variations

While humidity remains relatively constant throughout the year, there are slight fluctuations during different seasons. During the dry season (December to May), humidity levels tend to be slightly lower, averaging around 70-75%. This is because the drier weather conditions reduce moisture in the air. However, during the rainy season (June to November), humidity levels increase significantly, reaching up to 85% or higher due to frequent precipitation and increased evaporation from water bodies.

Wind Patterns

Putatan, Philippines, generally experiences two prevailing wind patterns: the northeast monsoon and the southwest monsoon. The northeast monsoon, occurring from October to April, brings cold and dry air from Siberia to the Philippines. This results in a cool and relatively dry season in Putatan and surrounding areas. The southwest monsoon, on the other hand, occurs from May to September and brings warm and humid air from the Indian Ocean. This period is characterized by heavy rainfall and occasional tropical cyclones, which bring strong winds and heavy precipitation.

Wind Speed and Direction

The average wind speed in Putatan varies throughout the year, but generally ranges from 3 to 6 kilometers per hour. During the northeast monsoon, winds typically blow from the northeast, while during the southwest monsoon, they blow from the southwest. However, local topography and weather conditions can influence wind speed and direction at any given time. The Putatan wind direction is particularly important for fishing and sailing activities in the area, as it determines the best time and location for these endeavors.

Best Time to Visit for Weather

Putatan experiences a tropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures year-round. However, the ideal time to visit for optimal weather conditions is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April. During this period, rainfall is minimal, and temperatures average between 26°C (79°F) and 32°C (90°F). The humidity is also lower, making it more comfortable to explore the outdoors.

Best Time to Visit for Festivals and Events

If you are interested in experiencing the vibrant culture of Putatan, visit during the town’s annual festivities. One of the most celebrated is the Putatan Queen Festival, held in January or February. This colorful event features street parades, cultural performances, and a beauty pageant crowning the town’s queen. Other festivals include the Sinulog sa Putatan in January and the Gabi sa Putatan in November, both of which showcase local traditions and music. Religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter are also observed with special events and processions.

Solar Potential in Putatan

Putatan, a coastal municipality in the Philippines, possesses significant solar potential due to its equatorial location and abundant sunshine. The average solar radiation in Putatan is estimated to be around 5.5 kWh/m²/day, making it suitable for solar energy development. The municipality has an area of approximately 17,000 hectares, providing ample space for solar farms. Furthermore, its proximity to the sea ensures relatively low levels of air pollution, which can enhance solar panel efficiency.

Solar Development Opportunities

Putatan has taken steps to promote solar energy development. In 2019, the local government partnered with a renewable energy company to establish a 20-megawatt solar farm in the barangay of Maruglo. This project is expected to generate enough electricity to power around 20,000 households and reduce carbon emissions by approximately 18,000 tons annually. Additionally, several private landowners in Putatan have shown interest in developing solar farms on their properties, recognizing the potential for both environmental and economic benefits.

Terrain:

Putatan is characterized by its predominantly flat terrain, with elevations gradually rising towards the east. The western portion of the municipality consists of vast coastal lowlands, while the eastern regions transition into rolling hills and low-lying mountains. These topographic features create a diverse landscape that encompasses sandy beaches, mangrove forests, and lush greenery. The highest point in Putatan is Mount Putatan, standing at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters above sea level.

Waterways:

The municipality of Putatan is traversed by a network of rivers and streams. The most significant waterway is the Putatan River, which originates from the hills to the east and flows through the heart of the town before emptying into the sea. Numerous smaller tributaries and creeks crisscross the landscape, providing irrigation for agricultural activities and supporting local flora and fauna. Additionally, Putatan boasts several freshwater lakes, including Lake Apo and Lake Putatan, which are popular destinations for recreation and fishing. The presence of these water bodies contributes to the ecological richness and biodiversity of the area.

Nearest Airport to Putatan

The closest airport to Putatan, Philippines, is the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), located in Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island. CEB is the second busiest airport in the Philippines and serves as the main gateway to the Visayas and Mindanao regions. It is approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) away from Putatan and can be reached via a 45-minute drive. The airport offers numerous domestic and international flights, connecting Putatan to major cities within the Philippines and abroad.

Alternative Airport Option

Another airport option for travelers to Putatan is the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport (DZA) in Tacloban City, Leyte. DZA is located approximately 110 kilometers (68 miles) from Putatan and can be reached via a 2-hour drive. While DZA has limited flight options compared to CEB, it can be a viable alternative for those seeking direct flights to and from certain destinations. However, travelers should note that the frequency of flights and connectivity options may be more limited at DZA.

Geography and Demographics

Putatan is a bustling municipality nestled on the northwestern coast of Borneo, within the state of Sabah, Malaysia. It is situated approximately 15 kilometers north of the state capital, Kota Kinabalu. The municipality covers an area of around 469 square kilometers and is home to a diverse population of over 100,000 people. Putatan’s strategic location along the coastline has shaped its economic and cultural development, with its main industries being fishing and tourism.

History and Culture

Putatan’s history dates back centuries, with evidence of human settlements as early as the Neolithic period. The area was once part of the Brunei Sultanate before coming under British rule in the 19th century. Today, Putatan is a melting pot of cultures, reflecting the diverse heritage of its people. The municipality is home to a vibrant mix of indigenous communities, Chinese and Malay settlers, and other ethnic groups. This cultural diversity is evident in the municipality’s cuisine, festivals, and traditions. Putatan is particularly renowned for its traditional boat races, which attract participants and spectators from far and wide.