San Fernando Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Philippines
Temperature and Humidity
San Fernando experiences a tropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures all year round. The average annual temperature in the city is 27.5°C (81.5°F). The warmest months are April to May, with average temperatures ranging from 29°C to 30°C (84°F to 86°F). The coolest months are December to January, with average temperatures of 26°C (79°F). Humidity levels in San Fernando are generally high throughout the year, with an average humidity level of around 75%.
Rainfall and Sunshine
San Fernando has a relatively dry climate, with an average annual rainfall of 2,200 mm (87 inches). The wettest months are July to October, during which time the city receives the majority of its annual rainfall. The driest months are December to March, with average rainfall levels of less than 100 mm (4 inches) per month. Sunshine hours in San Fernando are abundant, with an average of 2,800 hours of sunshine per year. The sunniest months are January to April, with an average of 10 hours of sunshine per day.
Annual Average Temperature
San Fernando, the capital city of Pampanga province in the Philippines, experiences a relatively consistent temperature throughout the year. The annual average temperature hovers around 27.5°C (81.5°F), with only slight variations between the warmest and coolest months. During the summer months of March to May, temperatures can reach up to 32°C (89.6°F), while the cooler months of December to February see temperatures drop to around 23°C (73.4°F). The city’s proximity to Manila Bay and the Zambales Mountains help moderate these temperatures, ensuring a comfortable climate year-round.
Seasonal Variations
San Fernando’s temperature variations are primarily driven by the monsoon seasons affecting the Philippines. The southwest monsoon season, also known as the wet season, typically lasts from June to November and brings heavy rainfall and increased humidity. During this period, temperatures tend to be slightly cooler, with average lows around 24°C (75.2°F). The northeast monsoon season, or dry season, runs from December to May and is characterized by relatively drier conditions and warmer temperatures. Average highs during this time can climb to 31°C (87.8°F), particularly in the months of April and May. The city also experiences occasional tropical cyclones, which can bring strong winds and further temperature fluctuations.
Cloud Types and Characteristics
San Fernando, situated in the northern region of the Philippines, exhibits a diverse range of cloud types. During the dry season (December to May), clear skies with occasional cirrus clouds are predominant. Cirrus clouds are wispy and feathery, composed of ice crystals, and appear as delicate streaks in the upper atmosphere. Cumulus clouds, characterized by their puffy and rounded shapes, often develop in the late afternoon and early evening. These clouds can grow vertically and transform into towering cumulonimbus clouds, bringing heavy rainfall and occasional thunderstorms.
Seasonal Variations
The wet season (June to November) in San Fernando is marked by increased cloud cover and precipitation. The predominant cloud type during this period is nimbostratus, which appears as a thick, uniform layer covering the sky and producing steady and prolonged rainfall. Additionally, stratus clouds, characterized by their flat and featureless appearance, are common before and after rainfall events. During the transition periods between the dry and wet seasons, altostratus and altocumulus clouds are frequently observed. Altostratus clouds resemble a gray or blue veil covering the sky, while altocumulus clouds form as small, rounded masses with distinct edges.
Seasonal Precipitation Patterns
San Fernando, Philippines, experiences pronounced seasonal precipitation patterns. During the wet season, which lasts from May to November, the town receives heavy rainfall, with monthly averages exceeding 200 mm. This abundance of precipitation is primarily attributed to the southwest monsoon, which brings warm, humid air from the Indian Ocean. In contrast, the dry season, extending from December to April, brings relatively little rainfall, with monthly averages below 50 mm. This season is characterized by the dominance of the northeast monsoon, which originates from the cool, dry Siberian High.
Annual Precipitation Distribution
The annual precipitation in San Fernando varies significantly from year to year, influenced by factors such as El Niño and La Niña events. On average, the town receives around 2,000 mm of rainfall annually. However, during El Niño years, precipitation can drop significantly, leading to droughts. Conversely, La Niña events often bring increased rainfall, resulting in flooding and landslides. The distribution of rainfall throughout the year is relatively even, with a slight peak during the wet season. However, extreme rainfall events can occur during both the wet and dry seasons, causing localized flooding and infrastructure damage.
Historical Rainfall Data
San Fernando, Philippines, experiences abundant rainfall throughout the year. Historical data indicates that monthly precipitation typically exceeds 100 millimeters (mm), with the wettest months occurring during the southwest monsoon season from May to October. During this period, rainfall can reach over 250 mm in some months. The city’s annual rainfall averages around 2,000 mm, making it one of the wettest cities in the Philippines.
Seasonal Variations
Seasonal variations in rainfall are pronounced in San Fernando. The dry season, from November to April, receives significantly less rainfall, typically below 100 mm per month. However, even during the driest months, sporadic thunderstorms can occur, providing some precipitation. The wet season, from May to October, is characterized by heavy rainfall and frequent thunderstorms. During this time, the city experiences its highest rainfall totals and is prone to flooding.
Historical Absence of Snow
San Fernando, a city in the Philippines, has never experienced snowfall in its recorded history. The Philippines is located in the tropics, characterized by consistently warm temperatures and abundant rainfall. Its proximity to the equator precludes the formation of ice crystals and subsequent snowfall.
Geographic and Climatic Factors
The Philippines’ location within the tropics means it experiences high solar insolation throughout the year, resulting in average temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius (77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Additionally, the country’s maritime climate is influenced by the surrounding ocean, which moderates temperatures and prevents extreme cold conditions. The combination of warm temperatures and abundant moisture creates an environment that is unfavorable for the formation of snow.
Sunrise and Sunset Times:
The sunrise and sunset times in San Fernando, Philippines, vary throughout the year due to the Earth’s tilt and its orbit around the Sun. Generally, the sun rises between 5:30 and 6:00 AM and sets between 5:30 and 6:00 PM local time. During the summer months (May to September), the days are longer, with sunrise occurring around 5:30 AM and sunset around 6:00 PM. In contrast, during the winter months (November to February), the days are shorter, with sunrise occurring around 6:00 AM and sunset around 5:30 PM.
Sun Intensity and UV Index:
San Fernando experiences strong sunlight due to its proximity to the equator. The UV index, a measure of the intensity of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, is typically high throughout the year, ranging from moderate to extreme levels (5 or higher). The highest UV index values are recorded during the summer months, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. It is important to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing to minimize exposure to harmful UV radiation.
Humidity Patterns
San Fernando, Philippines, experiences high humidity throughout the year due to its tropical climate. The average relative humidity ranges between 75% and 90%, creating a humid and often sticky atmosphere. The humidity is especially high during the wet season, which lasts from May to November. During this period, the humidity levels can exceed 90%, making it uncomfortable and challenging to spend prolonged periods outdoors.
Causes of High Humidity
Several factors contribute to the high humidity in San Fernando. Firstly, the city’s location near the equator and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean results in high moisture content in the air. The trade winds, which blow from the ocean towards the land, bring moisture-laden air that further increases the humidity levels. Additionally, the presence of numerous rivers and lakes in and around the city contributes to the local humidity by releasing water vapor into the atmosphere.
Wind Patterns
San Fernando, Philippines, experiences distinct wind patterns throughout the year. During the summer months (March to May), the prevailing wind direction is from the southwest, with occasional gusts from the west. These winds are known as the “habagat” and bring with them warm, humid air from the tropics. As the monsoon season approaches (June to October), the wind direction shifts to the northeast, bringing cool, rainy weather from the Pacific Ocean. This wind pattern, known as the “amihan,” persists until the end of the rainy season.
Wind Speed and Variability
The wind speed in San Fernando is generally moderate, with an average of 15-20 kilometers per hour (9-12 miles per hour) throughout the year. However, during thunderstorms or typhoons, wind speeds can reach much higher magnitudes. Variability in wind speed is also influenced by the presence of nearby mountains and the coastline, which can create localized wind currents and eddies.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit San Fernando, Philippines is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this period, the weather is pleasant with average temperatures ranging from 26°C to 30°C. There is little to no rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the city’s many historical and cultural attractions.
Shoulder Season
If you’re looking for a less crowded and more affordable time to visit, consider traveling during the shoulder season, which falls in May and October. The weather is still generally good, with occasional showers. While it’s not as hot as during the dry season, the temperatures are still comfortable for enjoying outdoor activities. Plus, there are fewer tourists, which means shorter lines and lower prices for accommodations and tours.
Solar Potential
San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines enjoys abundant solar radiation, making it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. The city receives an average of 5.5 kWh/m2 of solar irradiance per day, with the peak sun hours occurring during the dry season (November to April). This high solar potential offers significant opportunities for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy.
Solar Initiatives and Deployment
Recognizing the potential of solar energy, the city of San Fernando has actively implemented solar initiatives. Several local government buildings, including the City Hall and the Public Market, have installed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to generate electricity from sunlight. Additionally, private businesses and homeowners have embraced solar technology, with many installing rooftop solar panels to meet their energy needs. These efforts have contributed to the city’s growing solar capacity and reduced carbon emissions.
Topography of San Fernando, Philippines
San Fernando, located in the province of Pampanga, Philippines, is characterized by a relatively flat topography, with an average elevation of approximately 5 meters above sea level. The city is situated within the Central Plain of Luzon, a vast lowland region that extends across much of the island. The terrain is generally flat and gently sloping, with a few isolated hills and ridges. The city is traversed by several rivers, including the Pampanga River, which forms the city’s western boundary, and the San Fernando River, which flows through the city center. The presence of these rivers has shaped the topography of the area, creating floodplains and alluvial terraces.
Drainage Network in San Fernando, Philippines
San Fernando’s drainage network is dominated by the Pampanga River, which flows along the city’s western boundary and serves as the main drainage outlet for the city. The San Fernando River, which flows through the city center, is a major tributary of the Pampanga River. The city’s drainage network also includes a number of smaller rivers and creeks, which flow into the Pampanga and San Fernando Rivers. These rivers and creeks help to drain the city’s lowlands and reduce the risk of flooding. The city’s drainage system is essential for mitigating the impact of heavy rainfall and flooding, which can occur during the monsoon season.
San Fernando Airport
San Fernando Airport (SFE) is a domestic airport located in the city of San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines. It is the main airport serving the province of Pampanga and is the nearest airport to the cities of Angeles and Clark. The airport has one runway, measuring 1,524 meters (5,000 feet) in length and 45 meters (148 feet) in width. It is capable of handling small to medium-sized aircraft, such as the ATR 72-500 and the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400.
Other Nearby Airports
In addition to San Fernando Airport, there are several other airports within a reasonable driving distance of San Fernando. These include:
- Clark International Airport (CRK): Located in the Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of San Fernando. It is the largest airport in the Central Luzon region and offers a wide range of domestic and international flights.
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL): Located in the city of Parañaque, Metro Manila, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of San Fernando. It is the main international gateway to the Philippines and offers a wide range of domestic and international flights.
History of San Fernando, Philippines
San Fernando, the provincial capital of Pampanga, is a city steeped in a rich and captivating history. Established in 1754 by Augustinian friars, it was initially named San Nicolas de Tolentino. Over the centuries, San Fernando witnessed pivotal events in Philippine history. It served as the headquarters of the Katipunan movement in Pampanga during the Philippine Revolution. Later, during World War II, the city became a strategic military hub for both Allied and Japanese forces. Its strategic location and historical importance have shaped San Fernando’s unique identity.
Culture and Heritage of San Fernando, Philippines
The city of San Fernando is renowned for its vibrant culture and diverse heritage. It is well-known as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines” due to its grand and elaborate lantern festivals, which attract visitors from all over the country. The San Fernando Giant Lantern Festival is a spectacular showcase of artistry and innovation, where giant lanterns of intricate designs illuminate the night sky. Furthermore, the city boasts numerous historical landmarks, including the San Fernando Cathedral, the City Hall, and the Archdiocesan Museum. San Fernando is also celebrated for its culinary delights, including traditional Kapampangan dishes such as sisig, tocino, and adobo. With its rich history and vibrant cultural expressions, San Fernando continues to captivate and inspire visitors and locals alike.