Maracaibo Weather, When to Go and Climate Information

(Maracaibo, Zulia, Venezuela)

Maracaibo has a so-called semiarid climate and is one of the hottest places in Venezuela. Although hot, the large Lake Maracaibo tempers the weather and temperatures somewhat, and the city sees an average of around 29°C / 84°F year-round. This is a high average and there are highs of 40-plus (°C) and lows of less than 20°C / 68°F. As well as the dry heat, it can also get very humid in the summer months.

The best time to travel, as with elsewhere in the region, is during the winter dry season, between December and late March. It is hot, yet crisp and fresh during the day, while nights are a pleasant affair. The worst time to travel to Maracaibo is around August, in the height of the summer, since it is both humid and rainy at this time.

Seasonal Climate Variations / When to Go

The city has some of the hottest temperatures in Venezuela, owing to its northerly locale and low altitude. It sits on the shore of Lake Maracaibo, which provides the occasional breeze during the day and keeps night-time temperatures in the winter pleasant, although the lake also contributes to the wet weather. Temperatures are generally hot year-round, with a high overall average and quite high humidity. Most will find that it is best to avoid midday heat.

Zulia's climate is typically seasonal, with a wet and a dry season, together with regional variations. Most tourists head out here sometime between December and April, with January and February having the best weather - warm days and pleasant nights with little chance of rain. The summer isn't a particularly nice time to be on holiday here, as it rains heavily from June to September and can often be rather 'muggy'.

Maracaibo Weather and Climate Chart (Averages)

	Maximum	Minimum
January	32°C / 90°F	23°C / 73°F
February	32°C / 90°F	23°C / 73°F
March	33°C / 91°F	24°C / 75°F
April	33°C / 91°F	25°C / 77°F
May	33°C / 91°F	25°C / 77°F
June	33°C / 91°F	25°C / 77°F
July	33°C / 91°F	25°C / 77°F
August	34°C / 93°F	25°C / 77°F
September	33°C / 91°F	25°C / 77°F
October	32°C / 90°F	24°C / 75°F
November	32°C / 90°F	24°C / 75°F
December	32°C / 90°F	23°C / 73°F