What Type Of Climate Does Uruguay Have?

Uruguay is a country in southeast South America. It borders two countries: Brazil and Argentina. Occupying a land area of 68,000 square miles, Uruguay is the 2nd smallest country in South America. Generally, the climate of Uruguay is fairly uniform throughout the country due to its location within a temperate zone. Extreme temperatures are rare. The country has a warm temperate climate, also known as the humid sub-tropical climate.

Uruguay enjoys a mild climate. It never experiences freezing temperatures due to its location within a temperate zone of the Tropic of Capricorn. Notable substantial shifts exist between temperatures from one day to another due to lack of mountain ranges to stabilize the weather. Uruguay’s climate is favorable for growing local foods which include peaches, rice, soybeans, sunflower seed, potatoes, grapes, melons, oranges, and tangerine. Uruguay’s climate is also perfect for tourists who may visit any month of the year because it is never too hot or too cold.

Warm Summers (December-February)

The mid-summer month is usually January. Although the mean temperatures in summer are typically from 79˚F-72˚F, temperatures may go up to 93.2˚F. Uruguay’s summers are hot and sunny with the afternoons characterized by thunderstorms. During summer, there are also heat waves which take place within temperatures of 100˚F-104˚F. The summer heat is often tempered by the sea breezes.

Crisp Winters (June-August)

The average temperature in winter is 54˚F-48˚F. However, most days in winter hit 60˚F. Uruguay’s mid-winter month is July. The winter season experiences outbreaks of cold air resulting from the influence of the Pampero Wind. The country also experiences rains during winter. At night, it is normal to experience slight frosts.

Rainfall in Uruguay

Rain is fairly distributed throughout the year with the northwest receiving more rains than the southeast parts of the country. On average, Montevideo receives 37.4 inches of rain. This capital city of Uruguay receives a considerable amount of rainfall even when it is very dry. Another town in Uruguay called Artigas receives an average rainfall of 48.6 inches. Nonetheless, its annual rainfall amounts to 40-43 inches with the center and north of the town experiencing up to 47 inches of rain every year. The north receives slightly more rain than the other parts of the town. Its annual rainfall goes as high as 60 inches. Rainfall in Uruguay is caused by cold fronts in winter. On the other hand, the rains that pour during summers are a result of the thunderstorms.

Temperatures

In Montevideo, temperatures range from 50-73˚F from July to January. Its maximum temperatures range from 61-82˚F while the min temperatures range from 45-64˚F. The northern parts of Uruguay are warmer than the south. For instance in Artigas, average temperatures do not fall below 55.5˚F from June to July. In January, the temperatures get to a high of 78.5˚F. Minimum temperatures in Artigas range between 50˚F and 66˚F. Its maximum temperatures range from 64-90˚F.

The climate of Uruguay is uniquely even throughout the country. It is a humid sub-tropical climate which attracts most tourists to the country due to lack of harsh weather patterns.