The climate of Maripasoula
Being classified under the Köppen climate classification as Af,
Maripasoula,
French Guiana features a tropical rainforest climate. This climate type denotes an environment with high temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year. Geographically, Maripasoula is nestled in the South American region, contributing to its tropical weather conditions.
Across the calendar year, average high temperatures fluctuate mildly from 29.3°C (84.7°F) to 34.9°C (94.8°F), while the average low temperatures show a narrow range of 20.5°C (68.9°F) to 21.9°C (71.4°F). This signifies a warm climate year-round without extreme variations in temperature. Humidity levels, with percentages ranging from 72% to 90%, reinforce the perception of heat, particularly during peak summer.
Rainfall in Maripasoula varies significantly from month to month, with the heaviest downpours observed in
May, reaching up to 192mm (7.56"). In contrast,
October sees the least rainfall of only 21mm (0.83"). However, the number of rainfall days reflects a different pattern, with the highest number of 26.8 days in both
January and
March, and the lowest, 10.4 days, occurring in October. This suggests frequent but not necessarily heavy rainfall in most months.
Daylight hours stay relatively constant all year round, at around 12 hours, contributing to the tropical feel of the area. Sunshine duration also varies throughout the year, with the longest sunshine hours recorded in October at 8.8 hours, and the shortest in
February at 4 hours. This indicates that despite the rain, Maripasoula enjoys a good amount of sunshine, especially in the latter part of the year.
The best time to visit Maripasoula
Consider visiting
Maripasoula between
August and
October. During this period, the town experiences the least rainfall, with levels ranging from 36mm (1.42") to 21mm (0.83"). Sunshine hours are at their peak during these months, reaching up to 8.8 hours per day, and daylight extends to approximately 12.2 hours. The UV index, rated at 7, suggests ample opportunities for sunbathing. Relative humidity drops to less than 80%, contributing to more comfortable conditions.
The worst time to visit Maripasoula
The rainy season, particularly between
April and
May, can dampen travel experiences in
Maripasoula. Rainfall soars to its annual high of 192mm (7.56") in May. Moreover, high humidity levels, reaching 90% during the spring months, result in sticky, uncomfortable conditions, and a spike in mosquito activity.
Spring weather in Maripasoula
March through
May in
Maripasoula sees increasing rainfall, with precipitation peaking at 192mm (7.56") in May. The number of rainfall days increases slightly from 26.8 in March to 26.3 in
April, but then declines to 25.9 in May. Mean temperatures range from 30.1°C (86.2°F) to 31.1°C (88°F), indicative of a humid and warm season. Despite the ramped-up precipitation, sunshine hours progressively increase across these spring months, enhancing the overall warmth and creating spikes in relative humidity—approximately 89% in April.
Summer weather in Maripasoula
The summer months from
June to
August in
Maripasoula are characterized by a decline in rainfall from 123mm (4.84") to 76mm (2.99"), while the average temperatures remain consistent around 32°C (89.6°F). Days are long with about 12.3 hours of daylight and up to 8.6 hours of sunshine in August. The relative humidity also shows a decreasing trend - from 88% in June to 79% in August, making conditions slightly less muggy.
Autumn weather in Maripasoula
September to
November is a relatively drier period in
Maripasoula. Rainfall drops drastically from 76mm (2.99") in
August to just 21mm (0.83") by
October. The dip in precipitation is followed by a subsequent rise in November at 43mm (1.69"). Daily sunshine averages to 8.6 hours, and daylight hovers around 12 hours daily. With this moderate climate, temperatures range from 30.8°C (87.4°F) in November to 34.9°C (94.8°F) in October.
Winter weather in Maripasoula
Winter in
Maripasoula, occurring from
December to
February, does not bring the chilly temperatures commonly associated with this season. The temperatures during these months range from 29.3°C (84.7°F) to 29.7°C (85.5°F), suggesting mild and warm days typical of a tropical region. Rainfall rises to 112mm (4.41") in December then reduces to 81mm (3.19") by February—relatively lower compared to the rest of the year.
January brings the highest number of rainy days (26.8) annually, while daylight and sunshine hours hover around 12 and 5 hours, respectively.
Weather in January
Weather in February
February closely follows
January in weather patterns, with slightly increased temperature lows going up to 21.2°C (70.2°F). Rainfall is a constant, though slightly lower, at 81mm (3.19"), hinting at the onset of the dry months ahead.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Venturing into
March, one notices the initial signs of the impending dry season. The monthly average temperature hits a high of 30.1°C (86.2°F), the first leap into the early 30s°C. Comparatively less cloud cover and reduced rainfall contribute to an overall brighter weather picture.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April resembles
March with a minimal rise in temperature highs and lows. Distinguishing this month is the noticeable spike in rainfall, which peaks to 129mm (5.08"), making April the year's rainiest month. Accordingly, cloud cover increases, albeit not drastically.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May ramps up the warmth with high temperatures maintaining in the range of 29.8°C (85.6°F). A defining characteristic of May is its inflated rainfall, amounting to 192mm (7.56"), dominating weather discussions around
Maripasoula.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June harmonizes the onset of summer with
Maripasoula's tropical climate. Sunshine adorns the city for longer hours, up to 6.6 hours on average. Heat levels continue as in
May, but the rainfall takes a backseat dropping to 123mm (4.84").
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As the year shifts towards its second half,
July makes its presence felt with continued warmth. The marked reduction in rainfall to 97mm (3.82") signifies the arrival of drier periods. Interestingly, the skies clear up even further to reveal more of the sun.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August continues the slowdown of rainfall, falling further to 76mm (2.99"). Simultaneously, the temperature reaches a new high of 32.8°C (91°F), setting the tone for peak summer in
Maripasoula. The rising trend in sunlight hours reflects the receding monsoon.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The city of
Maripasoula meets the peak of the dry season in
September. Rainfall makes its lowest dive to 36mm (1.42") for the year, making way for an extended duration of warm, sunny days. However, the high temperature continues to raise degrees, reaching 34.1°C (93.4°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
October rolls in, indications of the approaching wet season start to appear. Even as the highest temperature of the year is registered at 34.9°C (94.8°F), extended sunshine persists. Rainfall remains marginally low at 21mm (0.83"), creating the last stretch of the dry period.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November witnesses a retreat in temperature highs, rolling back to 34°C (93.2°F), indicating the onset of cooler months. Rainfall climbs to 43mm (1.69"), laying the groundwork for the return of the wet season. Even the UV index tones down, standing at 7.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Maripasoula wraps up the year under the spell of an increased cloud cover of 72% and a revival of the wet season, with rainfall touching 112mm (4.41") again. Temperature highs fall further down to 30.8°C (87.4°F), easing off the summer’s heat.
Weather in December » [Resources]