Weather in Maracaibo

Planning a trip or already enjoying your stay in Maracaibo? Here you will find up-to-date weather information and forecasts to help you plan your day.

Maracaibo, located in Venezuela, is distinguished by a hot tropical climate. Temperatures here remain high all year round, with average values around 28-30°C. Even night-time temperatures rarely drop below 24-26°C, while daytime highs consistently exceed 30-32°C, creating a sensation of endless summer.

Two main seasons can be identified in the climate of Maracaibo, although temperature fluctuations between them are minimal. The dry season typically falls between December and March, when rainfall is practically zero and sunny days are at their maximum. From April to November, the wet season sets in. During this time, the number of rainy days increases, peaking from May to October; however, the total amount of precipitation remains comparatively low, which suggests frequent but not overly intense or prolonged downpours.

Thus, travellers should expect hot weather in Maracaibo at any time of the year. The timing of your trip may depend on your preference regarding humidity and the likelihood of rain: the drier and sunnier months occur in winter and early spring, while from late spring through autumn, the probability of encountering rainy days is higher, although temperatures remain just as high.

Hot weather prevails in Maracaibo all year round, with minimal temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The average annual temperature holds at around 29°C. The hottest months are typically April, May, and July, when the average daytime temperature reaches 29.6-29.8°C, and maximum values can rise to 33.0-33.4°C. Even in the "coolest" months, which can be considered November and December, the average temperature is 27.9-28.4°C, which is still very warm. Minimum night-time temperatures in these months drop to an average of 24.9-25.1°C.

The annual temperature range in Maracaibo is quite narrow. Minimum night-time temperatures throughout the year fluctuate from 24.6°C (January, February) to 26.4°C (May), while maximum daytime temperatures range from 30.7°C (November) to 33.4°C (March). Thus, the concept of "winter" here is quite conditional and is expressed only by a slight decrease in temperatures, which remain comfortably high. "Summer," if one can use that term for a tropical climate, is characterized by consistently high temperatures, often exceeding 32-33°C during the day.

The difference between day and night temperatures in Maracaibo is quite noticeable, averaging 7-9°C. For example, in January, the average maximum is 32.5°C, and the average minimum is 24.6°C. In July, these figures are 33.2°C and 26.3°C respectively. This means that after a hot day, evenings and nights bring some, albeit relative, relief, although the temperature still remains high.

Maracaibo sees a fairly clear division of the year into dry and wet seasons, which is directly reflected in the nature and frequency of rainfall. The dry season predominantly lasts from January to March. In these months, rain is a great rarity: the average monthly rainfall is 0 mm, and the number of days with precipitation ranges from one to two. December can also be classified as a dry month, as only 1 mm of precipitation falls, and there are about four rainy days.

The rainy season in Maracaibo begins in April, when the number of rainy days noticeably increases (averaging 11 days), although the total volume of rainfall is still small (2 mm). The highest precipitation activity occurs from May to November. The wettest months in terms of rainfall amount are October and November, when 6 mm is recorded. October also stands out with the maximum frequency of rain – on average, 28 days in this month see precipitation. September is also characterized by frequent rains (5 mm and 27 rainy days). Considering that the total amount of rainfall remains low even in the wettest months despite a large number of rainy days, it can be assumed that Maracaibo is characterized by frequent, but likely short-lived, tropical showers.

Thus, when planning a trip to Maracaibo, it is worth considering these features. If you prefer to minimize the chance of rain, then January, February, and March will be the most suitable months. In the period from April to November, the probability of catching rain is significantly higher, especially in late autumn, but they are unlikely to be prolonged, allowing you to enjoy your trip with short breaks for refreshing showers.

When planning a trip to Maracaibo, it is worth considering its hot tropical climate. Throughout the year, you will need light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Do not forget headwear, sunglasses, and sunscreen with high SPF, as the sun here is very active. Comfortable walking shoes are a mandatory attribute, as you will surely want to explore the city. Evenings can be a bit fresher, especially after the daytime heat, so a light cardigan or wrap may be useful, particularly for visiting air-conditioned premises.

Although the temperature in Maracaibo is consistently high year-round, the nature of precipitation changes. The dry season lasts from December to March, when rain is a rarity. During this period, your wardrobe can consist mainly of summer items. However, from April to November comes the rainy season, with peak activity from May to October. In these months, despite the total rainfall being low, rains happen often, but they are usually short tropical showers. Therefore, during this period, be sure to take a light raincoat or compact umbrella with you. Clothes that dry quickly will also be an advantage.

Given the high humidity, especially in the rainy season, and the constant heat, give preference to loose-fitting light-coloured clothing. Insect repellent will also not go amiss, especially if you plan walks in the evening or visits to parks, as humid weather promotes mosquito activity. In general, the principle of layering here is not so much for warmth as for sun protection and an easy change of look if required after a sudden rain.