Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Central and South American Climate Overview Central and South American Climate Overview
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 Jan 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 63
Central and South American Climate Overview
I’m starting more serious route planning for my upcoming trip to South America. I’d always heard that October is a good time to leave the US for Mexico but I started wondering if the weather would allow me to head out earlier. I started doing a little weather research and ending up putting together a Central and South American Climate Overview. Based on this information it looks like October is indeed a good time to head south with the other opportunity being in the March timeframe.
Has anyone ridding through Central America during the raining season (May – October)? Does it rain all the time or only in the afternoons/evenings?
-Jeff
__________________
Moto Treks
Last edited by jeff916; 1 Feb 2009 at 03:25.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 Jan 2009
sanderd's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: the netherlands
Posts: 162
hi Jeff,

i don't have anything to contribute, but thanks for your effort to put the data together. i am in san cristobal de las casas now and was sort of contemplating the rest of the trip.

i didn't do any planning except to start in alaska june 1st. and follow the birds south. So far this worked out pretty well ;-) Entered Mexico early october. So far i got a few showers in Creel and a couple of days ago near Tuxla. (pretty windy here too....)

Although it seems that Colombia will get a bit nasty, 3 months from now.

please feel free to ask any questions about routes, roads etc.

cheers
Sander
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 30 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: California
Posts: 142
I'm looking at leaving in March as well.
My departure has been delayed so I'm looking at the possibility of leving the USA for South America in March as well. I'll follow you post since it looks like we are both interested in the same trip around the same time.

I most interested in knowing if the mountain passes in Peru and Bolivia can be driven during this time period.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 Jan 2009
PocketHead's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Sucre, Bolivia
Posts: 535
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Steam Turbine View Post
My departure has been delayed so I'm looking at the possibility of leving the USA for South America in March as well. I'll follow you post since it looks like we are both interested in the same trip around the same time.

I most interested in knowing if the mountain passes in Peru and Bolivia can be driven during this time period.
I rode from Calama chile to Uyuni Bolivia a couple of weeks ago, it was fine
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 30 Jan 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Alma, AR
Posts: 22
February until mid-March is rainy season in Bolivia. You will get a few windows of good weather, but will be a hit & miss type thing. However, reportedly this year the area is getting a lower rain fall than usual, a drought in South western Bolivia and northern Argentina along with high temperatures affecting cattle and other animals.

Last year about the same period of time I was riding to Toro-Toro (in the province of Potosi) and we encountered lots of water and mud. Had a hard time on those river bed roads. I hope this helps.

Have fun and ride safe!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 31 Jan 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 63
Thanks for all the feedback.

Sander, your trip looks good so far. I’ll mark for blog and start following it. I understand the no planning thing. I rarely do it for the rides I do in the US. Typically I just head out with some destination in mind.

Quote:
Originally Posted by cnagel6 View Post
February until mid-March is rainy season in Bolivia.
Good to see that the data I used seems correct. Thanks.

I read one trip report of a guy in Central America that was there during the rainy season. Seems like for that area, you can ride until around noon and then the rain will start.
__________________
Moto Treks
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 1 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: California
Posts: 142
Departing in March but arriving later
I'm following this thread with grat interest and thank those who have replied. If I leave the USA in March I'm thinking I will not reach Peru and Bolivia until June and I'm very concerned that the mountain passes will be blocked with snow. Of course, I'm also concerned with the rain and mud in Central America as well.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated since I've never done something like this before. I've bought the bike, saved the money, and I'm ready to go!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 1 Feb 2009
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Have fun .... planning is the best part!

Patrick
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 24 Mar 2009 at 22:07.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 2 Feb 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Alma, AR
Posts: 22
After mid-march to June, from Southern Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Northern Chile, you down have to worry much about rain, specially going East, crossing the Andes. From June to early July the winter snows start falling, specially up in higher elevations, the passes. The more south you go, the early the winter season starts.

Bolivia is reporting a draught for this year. Rain fall is very low compared to other years.

I'm in USA, but if anyone requires a helping hand in Bolivia, specially in Cochabamba, please PM.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 2 Feb 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 63
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post

Most times if you start early you can make a 150 to 200 miles before the rain starts up.
Patrick, Thats good to know. One of my thoughts about leaving earlier is to be able to slow down and travel slower. Stopping for a day or so to avoid a downpour would be OK with me.

For some reason, as I get older, I don’t mind getting that early start either


-Jeff
__________________
Moto Treks
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 4 Feb 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 63
Quote:
Originally Posted by cnagel6 View Post
From June to early July the winter snows start falling, specially up in higher elevations, the passes.

Is it impossible to get cross the Andes in the winter?
__________________
Moto Treks
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 5 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: California
Posts: 142
Quote:
Originally Posted by jeff916 View Post
Is it impossible to get cross the Andes in the winter?
I'm going to be trying to cross the Andes during this time frame as well. Please share any information you get with me. Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 10 Feb 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 63
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Steam Turbine View Post
I'm going to be trying to cross the Andes during this time frame as well. Please share any information you get with me. Thanks
I’m not planning to cross the Andes in the winter on my trip. If I leave earlier than October I would just travel slower and see more on the way south. I guess if there was too much snow or ice on the passes the one could always load the bike on a truck. I'm still investigating so I'll let you know what I find.
__________________
Moto Treks
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 3 Mar 2009
Jammin's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Riding Southern Africa
Posts: 128
Jeff, thank you for that very useful data chart. Exactly what I was looking for in terms of long-range planning. I'm also planning an extended trip through LatAm and beyond.

So, regarding Latin America, to me it seems like the four factors dictating favorable riding weather are
1) Avoid the rainy season in Central Am, May-Oct
2) Avoid riding the Andes' passes in winter, Jun-Jul
3) Avoid the Amazon's rainy season, Feb-May
4) Try to do Ushuaia from Nov-Jan

So, how does this sound:
Depart the US around September, get to Colombia by Jan, head down to Bolivia by April, cross into Brazil, get to Buenos Aires by Aug, slowly work down to TDF by Nov/Dec and end back in BA to ship out by Jan (onwards to Europe and Africa).

Things I'd like to time appropriately: seeing the salt falts not under water, not riding Amazon in rainy season, spending good time in Andes high altitude, favorable TDF trip.

I've adopted the mentality that 'the slower you go, the cheaper it gets'
__________________
J A Y | Riding a 98 Suzuki DR650
Current ride thru Latin Am and Africa > Jammin thru the Global South
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 4 Mar 2009
Jammin's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Riding Southern Africa
Posts: 128
Jeff, thanx to you, I spent a productive day at work pouring over climate data
and wanted to share with everyone:

Taking Jeff's idea, I made a Latin America Climate Overview Google Docs Spreadsheet with a few more cities and in a route that I'm contemplating. Enjoy:

>>http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pxDmUzzidN7yywBl85zQ4CA
__________________
J A Y | Riding a 98 Suzuki DR650
Current ride thru Latin Am and Africa > Jammin thru the Global South
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Central and South American Vaccinations? cruthas Staying Healthy on the Road 20 16 Mar 2021 20:39
Which Central/South American countries are selling the new Tenere? MeCasa South America 10 20 Jul 2008 21:01
Central American Pass? jdsmithaz Trip Paperwork 5 9 Jan 2007 00:36
Central + South American Carnet Needs mattpope Trip Paperwork 9 25 Jan 2004 06:30
Central American Mileage wvalerio South America 5 22 Jan 2002 06:55

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 16:12.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top