Climate Insights for Popayán
Cauca, Colombia
Climate Overview
The climate in Popayán is temperate. The average annual temperature is 16°C and approximately 2,673 mm of precipitation falls per year. Popayán receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Popayán sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.The climate in Popayán is temperate. The average annual temperature is 60°F and approximately 105.2 in of precipitation falls per year. Popayán receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Popayán sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.
Temperature
Popayán has relatively stable temperatures year-round, staying within a 10°C range. September is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 22°C with a mean of 16°C. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 12°C and an average of 15°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 8°C between highs and lows.Popayán has relatively stable temperatures year-round, staying within a 18°F range. September is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 71°F with a mean of 61°F. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 53°F and an average of 60°F. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 15°F between overnight lows and afternoon highs.
Precipitation
Popayán is a very wet location, receiving approximately 2,673 mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 223 mm per month. The wettest month is March, averaging 358 mm of rainfall. April and November also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is July, with just 73 mm. That's 286 mm less than March, the wettest month. Precipitation varies noticeably between seasons, with the first half (January to June) of the year generally seeing more rainfall.Popayán is a very wet location, receiving approximately 105.2 in of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 8.8 in per month. The wettest month is March, averaging 14.1 in of rainfall. April and November also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is July, with just 2.9 in. That's 11.3 in less than March, the wettest month. Precipitation varies noticeably between seasons, with the first half (January to June) of the year generally seeing more rainfall.
Wind
Popayán is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 5km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is July, averaging 7km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in November, with average winds dropping to 4km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 3km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to pick up during the summer months. The seasonal averages are 4km/h in winter, 4km/h in spring, 7km/h in summer, 5km/h in autumn.Popayán is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 3mph. For context, sustained winds below 7mph are generally light, while anything above 16mph is considered strong. The windiest month is July, averaging 4mph, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in November, with average winds dropping to 3mph, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 1mph gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to pick up during the summer months. The seasonal averages are 3mph in winter, 3mph in spring, 4mph in summer, 3mph in autumn.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Popayán is during July and August, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 16°C with modest rainfall averaging 75 mm per month. By contrast, September can be uncomfortably hot with highs reaching 22°C, while January is the coldest period with lows dropping to 12°C. Despite being the best months overall, some rain is still likely. Pack a waterproof layer and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.The best time to visit Popayán is during July and August, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 60°F with modest rainfall averaging 3 in per month. By contrast, September can be uncomfortably hot with highs reaching 71°F, while January is the coldest period with lows dropping to 53°F. Despite being the best months overall, some rain is still likely. Pack a waterproof layer and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Popayán based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.The table below shows monthly climate averages for Popayán based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in miles per hour (mph). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.