Weather in La Paz

The climate of La Paz has several sub-climates depending on the altitude of each zone. While the centre of town is 3,650 m above sea level, the Aranjuez zone is at 3,300 m. El Alto, the north-eastern suburb of La Paz, is situated at a height of 4,082 m and houses the international airport. The average summer temperature in La Paz is 22 °C (72 °F) with a lot of afternoon rainfall. Winter days are cool with clear and sunny skies. The average winter temperature is 15 °C (59 °F).

Since La Paz is situated at a high altitude, warm clothes are needed throughout the year, especially in the evenings. Summer lasts from November to April and the weather is stormy with rainy afternoons. The canyon is often foggy with clouds and the steep town streets turn into waterfalls of runoff. The winter season from May to October has cooler days although the sunlight is strong with harsh UV rays. Daytime temperatures may reach the high 60’s (°F) but night time temperatures often fall below freezing.

An interesting fact about La Paz is that its geography, especially its altitude, is closely connected with the social strata of the population. The weather in the lower levels of the city is pleasant with more oxygen in the air. And it is in these lower altitudes that the richest people live, southwest of the Prado, which is the main street downtown. There are several high-rise condominiums owned by middle-class pacẽnos or locals in the central altitudes. As you look up from the central zone, you will see makeshift houses built of bricks clinging to the hills at the higher altitudes. The struggling owners of these homes harbour the aim of one day reaching the bottom of the canyon.