The Climate in Venezuela

Although the country of Venezuela lies entirely within the tropics, its climate varies from tropical humid to alpine, depending on the elevation, topography, and the direction and intensity of prevailing winds. There are four climatic regions based mainly on altitude; tropical, from 760 in elevation; subtropical, from 760 to 1,830 m; temperate, from 1,830 to 2,740 m; and cold, above 2740 m. Most of the country has a distinct rainy season; the rainy period (May through November) is commonly referred to a winter and the remainder of the year as summer. The Ilanos and forest areas are swampy, green, and lush during the wet season. There is also the possibility of flooding in certain low-lying areas. Rainfall in mountainous areas varies considerably; sheltered valleys receive little rain. Average yearly rainfall amounts in the lowlands and plains range from a semiarid 430 mm in the western part of the Caribbean coastal areas to around 1,000 mm in the Orinoco Delta.

In the tropical region, including the cities of Maracaibo and Ciudad Bolivar, mean annual temperatures range form 24°C to 35°C. While in the subtropical region where Caracas is situated, the means range from 10°C to 25°C.