Climate of Chimor
The climate of Chimor is heavily influenced by the Humboldt Current, a cold ocean current that flows from the Antarctic waters to the North. The Humboldt Current has a strong moderating influence on the climate of Chimor that, given its location, should be tropical. Actually, Chimor’s climate is rather subtropical than tropical due to this moderating infuence. The archipelago has a a spring-like climate without extremes.
Chimor is located in different climatic zones (according to the classification of Köppen). Isla Seca has a desert climate (BWn). With an annual rainfall of only 50 mm, the island is extremely arid. Of all Chimorese islands, Isla Seca receives the strongest effect of the Humboldt Current. Temperature is heavily tempered by the current. In winter (January-July) a dense fog is common, known as garúa. This garúa can sometimes persist for weeks, and the weather is gray, cold and damp. On the other hand, it provides enough moisture for some vegetation to survive on this island. The average temperature is 16° C in winter and 23° C in summer.
The northern part of Escondida also has a desert climate (BWh), with a little more rain (280 mm per year). The average temperature is 17° C in winter and 23° C in summer. Like Isla Seca, it is often foggy due to the garúa. Above 300 meters the fog dissolves and it is mostly clear.
The centre of Escondida has a semi-arid climate (BShw). The annual rainfall is about 600 mm and the average temperature is 19° C in winter and 24° C in summer. This part of Chimor is largely beyond the reach of the Humboldt Current, and there is hardly any garúa.
The southern parts of Isla Escondida, as well as Isla Soledad and all the smaller islands have a humid subtropical climate (Caw), with a rainy season from February to May. The climate is tempered by ocean breezes, especially along the coast. The average temperature fluctuates between 17° C in winter and 24° C in summer. Sheltered inland areas can be significantly warmer. The annual rainfall is 1200 mm.
Except the Humboldt Current, there is a phenomenon that has much more influence on the climate Chimor, but only occasionally: El Niño. Especially the El Niño of 1998 caused heavy floodings on the islands Seca and Escondida.