Climate Overview
Copán is defined by a tropical savanna climate (Köppen classification: Aw), characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons and consistently warm temperatures. Located in the western highlands of Honduras, the region’s topography creates a unique blend of tropical humidity and mountain-influenced cooling that sets it apart from the sweltering Caribbean lowlands.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
The Dry Season (Verano): November to April
This is the most popular time for visitors, marked by clear skies and significantly lower rainfall.
- Morning and Night: Temperatures can drop to a crisp 60°F (15°C) or 62°F (17°C). Locals often wear light layers during these hours as the mountain air feels surprisingly cool.
- Daytime: January and February are the mildest months, with daily highs around 77°F (25°C). By March and April, temperatures climb into the 80s and low 90s (28°C–32°C). April is typically the hottest month of the year.
- Experience: The air is much drier, and the landscape gradually transitions from lush green to a dusty, golden hue. This is the sunniest period, with March and April offering the highest daily sunshine hours.
The Wet Season (Invierno): May to October
The arrival of May brings increased humidity and the start of the rains, which reach their peak in June and again in September/October.
- Daily Rhythm: Rain typically follows a predictable tropical pattern—mornings are often sunny or partly cloudy, with heavy thunderstorms developing in the mid-to-late afternoon or evening. These rains are intense but often short-lived.
- Temperature and Humidity: Daytime highs hover around 82°F–86°F (28°C–30°C). However, the high relative humidity—often exceeding 80%—makes it feel much hotter and more "muggy" than the thermometer suggests. August is historically one of the most humid months.
- Landscape: The hillsides return to a vibrant, deep emerald green. The ruins of Copán are often shrouded in mist during the early mornings, creating a mystical atmosphere.
Microclimates and Regional Variations
Copán Ruinas is situated at an elevation of approximately 600 meters (2,000 feet). This elevation provides a "temperate tropical" feel compared to the nearby Sula Valley or the coast. While San Pedro Sula can be oppressively hot, Copán benefits from valley breezes and cooler nighttime temperatures.
Traveling just outside the main town into the surrounding mountains can lead to rapid weather changes. Higher elevations in the Copán Department experience more frequent cloud cover and fog, often referred to as the "cloud forest" effect, where temperatures are consistently 5°F to 10°F cooler than in the valley floor.
Weather Phenomena and Historical Context
- El Niño and La Niña: Copán is highly sensitive to these cycles. El Niño often leads to prolonged droughts and higher-than-average temperatures in the spring, while La Niña can intensify the wet season, increasing the risk of landslides in the mountainous terrain.
- Hurricanes: While Copán is inland, it is not immune to the remnants of Atlantic hurricanes. Systems like Hurricane Mitch (1998) or Eta and Iota (2020) brought catastrophic rainfall to the region, causing the Copán River to flood and impacting the archaeological site.
- Dust and Haze: In late April and early May, just before the rains begin,