The climate of West Bay
West Bay's climate primarily belongs to the Köppen climate classification's "Aw" category, characterized as tropical wet and dry or savanna. This criterion indicates significant variations in rainfall during the year with exceedingly warm temperatures. As West Bay nestles on the western part of the
Cayman Islands, it benefits from the influences of the Caribbean sea, providing it with a mild coastal climate.
The climatic calendar of West Bay distributes heat and light generously throughout the entire year. Sea temperatures range from 26.6°C (79.9°F) to 29.9°C (85.8°F), while daylight hours stay surprisingly consistent, varying from 11 to 13.3 hours daily on average. This region, therefore, is bathed year-round in warm sea waters and enjoys generous sunlight.
Monitoring the climate reveals cyclical patterns of sea temperature, with
June through
October marking a period of a moderately warmer sea—from 28.8°C (83.8°F) to 29.9°C (85.8°F). Conversely,
December through
April offers relatively cooler sea temperatures between 26.6°C (79.9°F) and 27.7°C (81.9°F). Daylight hours, following their course, peak from
May to
July at 13.1 to 13.3 hours, then steadily decline to 11 hours in December.
The combination of these parameters results in weather that fairly divides the year into two distinct periods according to rainfall and temperatures. Thus, weather patterns in West Bay have their unique characteristics that differentiate them from climates in other regions.
The best time to visit West Bay
Given the tropical savanna climate, travelers aiming for the warmest sea temperatures and longest daylight hours should consider visiting between
June and
October. During this period, they can expect sea temperatures to oscillate between 28.8°C (83.8°F) and 29.9°C (85.8°F), while sunlight extends beyond 13 hours daily. This period perfectly accommodates water enthusiasts and sunseekers alike, providing an ally to those hoping to make the most of the beaches and warm Caribbean waters.
The worst time to visit West Bay
While
West Bay offers enjoyable conditions throughout the year, those less adaptable to high humidity and relatively cooler sea temperatures might find
December through
April less inviting. During these months, sea temperatures can drop to a lower limit of 26.6°C (79.9°F), and daylight hours decrease to an average of 11 to 11.5 hours. Although these might still be favorable conditions for many, those seeking the intense Caribbean sun and extremely warm waters might be slightly disappointed.
Spring weather in West Bay
Spring in
West Bay is a transition time where the climate, moving from the cooler to warmer period of the year, sees a gradual rise in sea temperatures, from 27.7°C (81.9°F) in
March to 28.3°C (82.9°F) in
May. Coupled with an increase in daylight hours from 12 to 13.1 hours, this period signals the onset of the prolonged warm summer season.
Summer weather in West Bay
Summer is the time when
West Bay journeys through its warmest months. With sea temperatures reaching their annual peak, from 28.8°C (83.8°F) in
June to 29.9°C (85.8°F) in
August, and maintaining the generous average of 13 hours of daylight daily, the island upholds its reputation as a desirable summer destination.
Autumn weather in West Bay
Autumn in
West Bay is characteristically warm, though it experiences a gradual lowering of sea temperatures from 29.9°C (85.8°F) in
September to a comfortable 28.6°C (83.5°F) by
November. Concurrently, daylight hours decrease from 12.2 to 11.2 hours, reflecting a subtle transition into the relatively cooler winter season.
Winter weather in West Bay
Winter, from
December through
February, though milder, does not stray far from the all-year warmth of
West Bay. Average sea temperatures range from 26.6°C (79.9°F) to 27.7°C (81.9°F), while daylight hours hover around the 11-hour mark. This period might signify a cooler period in relative terms but remains inviting to outsider visitors.
Weather in January
West Bay, in
January, experiences the unspoiled charm of Cayman Island weather. Compared to
December, the weather sees a slight inclination in terms of sea temperature, ensuring a comfortable environment at 26.6°C (79.9°F) for sea activities.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February's atmosphere is a palpable shift from the
January climate in
West Bay. The sea temperature remains consistent from the previous month at 26.6°C (79.9°F), offering a warm embrace. A transition month, February gears up for the upcoming brighter and longer daylight hours of
March.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March marks the arrival of spring and prepares for the impending spotlight of increased daylight hours. The sea's temperature does climb slightly from
February's homogeneity, settling at 26.8°C (80.2°F). Beaches of
West Bay start witnessing a surge of water-sport activities with this warmer climate.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
West Bay presents the much-awaited leap from the coolness of
March. With sea temperature reaching a warm 27.7°C (81.9°F), the jump is noticeable. Tropical vibes are in full swing with the upswing in weather conditions. As we move closer to the zenith of summertime, West Bay weather no longer clings to the remnants of spring.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May rings in the onset of peak summer in
West Bay, a transition from the balmy
April weather. The sea temperature steadily climbs, clocking in at 28.3°C (82.9°F), inviting for beachgoers. The bright and intense sunlight transforms the shoreline into a panorama of tropical merriment.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June embraces the full-blown summer weather, advancing from the groundwork created in
May. A noticeable increase in sea temperature can be seen with it reaching up to 28.8°C (83.8°F). The period teems with endless summer activities on the warmly lit beaches.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July embodies peak summer weather in
West Bay. The sea temperature is at its maximum, recorded at 29.3°C (84.7°F), consequently attracting enthusiastic divers and swimmers. As July bids goodbye, the prospect of a dip in temperature looms with the approach of
August.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August takes on the weather baton from
July, maintaining the high summer temperatures. Witness the sea sway at 29.9°C (85.8°F), the upper limit on the thermometer for the entire year. Despite showcasing the highest temperature, August beautifully balances the Island's warm weather attributes.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Being a crossover month,
September will mildly oscillate between the summer heat of
August and the upcoming year-end coolness. Despite the sea temperature being at the annual maximum of 29.9°C (85.8°F), cooler days are coming on the horizon.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October carries the post-
September transeasonal weather. As the sea temperature drops to 29.3°C (84.7°F), a decline from its September state, the relief is significant. With fall in full bloom, the weather mellows down, bringing a much-awaited breather after radiant, summer-drenched months.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November’s weather sets into motion the onset of winter in the
West Bay. A drop in sea temperature, down to 28.6°C (83.5°F), marks this change and promises cooler times ahead. The horizon offers a glimpse of the much-anticipated winter season.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in the breathtaking
West Bay presents the perfect mild winter weather. The sea temperature experiences another drop, settling at 27.9°C (82.2°F), paving the way for the coming year. The transition from
November to December sets the stage for the holiday season.
Weather in December » [Resources]