La Paz, Mexico Climate: Tropical with Extreme Daily Swings

La Paz, capital of Baja California Sur, has a tropical desert climate (BWh) with dramatic daily temperature variations due to its low elevation (0–50 m) and Gulf of California proximity.

Seasonal Breakdown

Summer (June–October) — Hot & Humid

• High: 35–38°C (95–100°F)
• Low: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
• Humidity: 60–80%
• Rain: 150–200 mm total (Aug–Sep peak)
• Hurricane risk: Aug–Oct (eastern Pacific season)

Winter (November–May) — Warm & Dry

• High: 28–32°C (82–90°F)
• Low: 13–18°C (55–64°F)
• Humidity: 40–60%
• Rain: <50 mm total
• Peak tourist season

Spring (March–May) & Fall (September–November)

• Transition periods, pleasant
• Spring: warming, dry
• Fall: cooling, residual humidity

Extreme Daily Range

Diurnal swing of 15–20°C (27–36°F) is common—e.g., 40°C afternoon → 18°C predawn. Caused by:

• Desert substrate (low heat capacity)
• Clear skies (radiational cooling)
• Gulf moisture moderating nights slightly

Annual Summary

• Avg annual temp: 24°C (75°F)
• Rainfall: ~200 mm (8 in) — arid
• Sunshine: 300+ days/year
• Water temp: 22–29°C (72–84°F) — year-round swimming

Climate Change Note

Increasing SSTs in Gulf of California → more intense hurricanes, higher humidity, warmer nights. Sea level rise threatens low-lying areas.