Caracas Weather Guide: Year-Round Spring at 1,000 Meters

Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, is often described as the city of "Eternal Spring." Situated in a narrow valley at approximately 900 to 1,000 meters (3,000 feet) above sea level, its climate is a unique tropical highland hybrid. Protected by the massive El Ávila mountain range to the north, the city escapes the sweltering humidity of the Caribbean coast while maintaining a consistent warmth that rarely feels oppressive.

Seasonal Rhythm: Dry vs. Rainy

Caracas does not have traditional four seasons. Instead, the year is divided by rainfall patterns:

• The Dry Season (Verano): Running from December to April, this is the most popular time for visitors. Highs hover around 24°C–27°C (75°F–80°F). Humidity is lower, the skies are predominantly clear, and a persistent breeze often sweeps through the valley.
• The Rainy Season (Invierno): From May to November, the city becomes lush and green. Unlike monsoon regions, rain in Caracas typically follows a predictable "afternoon ritual." Mornings start sunny and clear; by 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM, heavy tropical downpours or thunderstorms roll in, often lasting an hour or two before leaving the evening air crisp and fresh. August and October are historically the wettest months.

Daily Evolution and Microclimates

The city’s weather is highly topographical. Throughout a single day, you will experience significant shifts:

• Dawn: Temperatures can be brisk, dipping to 15°C–18°C (59°F–64°F), especially in neighborhoods closer to the mountains like Altamira or Los Palos Grandes.
• Midday: The sun is strong at this altitude. Even on cooler days, direct sunlight can make it feel much hotter than the mercury suggests.
• Nightfall: As soon as the sun sets, the heat dissipates rapidly. The valley floor traps cooler air, making evening strolls comfortably cool.

Microclimates: The altitude varies significantly within the city. Low-lying areas in the south and west are noticeably warmer and more humid, while the northern districts bordering El Ávila National Park (reaching up to 1,400m in some residential zones) are several degrees cooler and often shrouded in morning mist.

Local Phenomena: "Pacheco" and the Caribbean Influence

Locals have a special relationship with the year-end weather. The arrival of "Pacheco"—a legendary personification of the cold—marks the dip in temperature starting in late November. This phenomenon is caused by cold fronts from the north reaching the valley. During December and January, morning fog is common, and residents joyfully embrace the "frio" (cold) as temperatures drop to 12°C–15°C (54°F–59°F).

While Caracas is inland, it is susceptible to the tail-ends of Caribbean hurricanes from August to October. While direct hits are rare, these storms can cause "colitas de huracán" (hurricane tails), resulting in several days of continuous overcast skies and drizzle, a departure from the usual sun-rain-sun daily cycle.

What the Weather "Feels Like"

In Caracas, humidity is the main driver of physical comfort. During the dry season, the air has a "crisp" quality similar to Mediterranean springs. During the rainy season, the pre-storm hours can feel "pesado" (heavy or muggy), but the post-rain air is famously sweet and reinvigorating. Because of the altitude, the air is thinner than at sea level; you may feel the heat of the sun more intensely on your skin even if the air temperature remains moderate.