La Paz, B.C.S.
Marine Weather & Tidal Data
Live atmospheric telemetry, temperature trends, and regional weather conditions for the Bay of La Paz and the southern Sea of Cortez. Track real-time surface data below alongside tactical considerations for local sea breezes, desert heat gradients, and seasonal weather patterns.
Thermal Diurnal Cycle: Summer air temperatures frequently push past 35 degrees celsius inland, driving a strong afternoon thermal drawdown toward the sea. Monitor evening wind drops and sudden humidity shifts when transitioning from bay anchorages to open-water runs.
Winter Northers & Visibility: Cold fronts from November to March bring sharp barometric drops and dry, sustained northerly winds. While atmospheric visibility remains exceptionally clear, sea surface conditions inside the outer bay can degrade rapidly.
La Paz Forecast
General meteorological conditions in La Paz are driven by the surrounding desert-marine interface and distinct seasonal transitions:
Summer Thermals & Localized Squalls (Chubascos): From July through October, air temperatures routinely exceed 35°C with high humidity. Intense thermal heating over the interior desert can trigger sudden, short-lived squalls (chubascos) during late afternoon or evening, bringing rapid wind shifts, heavy rain, and localized lightning.
Winter Microclimates & High Solar Radiation: Winter months deliver clear, stable weather with daytime averages around 22°–25°C (72°–77°F). However, the extreme solar radiation and low atmospheric humidity increase ambient vessel temperatures rapidly, making effective ventilation and refrigeration management critical for anchored vessels.
La Paz Tidal Data
Tidal ranges inside the Bay of La Paz are generally moderate (~3–4 ft max), but local hydrology requires attention during transit:
Canal de San Lorenzo: Strong tidal flow runs through the channel between Espiritu Santo Island and the mainland. Wind-against-tide conditions can rapidly build steep, short chop.
La Paz Lagoon Channel: Maximize under-keel clearance when entering or exiting the inner bay channel near low water, especially during spring tides with deeper draft vessels.
La Paz Wind Dynamics
Wind dynamics in the Bay of La Paz are heavily influenced by local topography and seasonal thermal patterns:
Northerly Winter Winds (Vientos del Norte): Strong northerlies blow unobstructed down the Sea of Cortez. When combined with an ebbing tide leaving the Bay of La Paz or Canal de San Lorenzo, wave steepness increases significantly.
The Coromuel Wind: During warmer months, a localized evening offshore breeze (Coromuel) frequently blows from the south/southwest across the bay. While generally manageable, it can turn exposed northern anchorages into uncomfortable lee shores overnight.