The climate of Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe, a tropical gem nestled in the Caribbean Sea, boasts a diverse geography that plays a pivotal role in its weather patterns. This region comprises two major islands - Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre - and numerous smaller ones, all of which sit atop a volcanic mountain range that stretches beneath the sea. The coastal plains are characterized by sandy beaches, while the interior region of Basse-Terre Island houses the La Grande Soufrière, an active volcano.
Throughout the year, Guadeloupe experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by consistently high temperatures and considerable amounts of precipitation. The average annual temperature is around 26°C (78.8°F), and there is minimal seasonal variation. Rainfall is, however, quite seasonal, with the rainy season spanning from
June to
November. The annual precipitation varies, with coastal areas receiving around 1500mm (59.06") and the mountainous regions receiving up to 6500mm (255.91"), particularly on the windward sides.
The best time to visit Guadeloupe
The period from
December to
May, often referred to as the dry season, is generally the best time to visit
Guadeloupe. During these months, the island experiences less rainfall, and the average temperature ranges from 23°C (73.4°F) to 30°C (86°F). This is also the time when the trade winds from the northeast bring pleasant breezes, which provide a refreshing contrast to the warm tropical temperatures. The sea temperature, staying around 26°C (78.8°F), is inviting for swimming, snorkeling, and other water-based activities.
The worst time to visit Guadeloupe
The months from
June to
November, which comprise the rainy season, can be a challenging time to visit
Guadeloupe. This period is also the Atlantic hurricane season, during which the region is susceptible to storms and cyclones. During these months, the average temperature remains around 27°C (80.6°F), but the humidity levels rise significantly. Furthermore, torrential rains can cause flash floods, especially in low-lying and mountainous areas, thereby affecting travel plans.
Spring weather in Guadeloupe
Spring in
Guadeloupe, which encompasses
March to
May, showcases pleasant weather with decreasing rainfall. The temperature during this season varies from 22°C (71.6°F) to 30°C (86°F).
April and May mark the end of the dry season, and there can be occasional showers. Nevertheless, the overall weather remains conducive to outdoor activities, and the sea temperature, which stays around 27°C (80.6°F), is ideal for water sports.
Summer weather in Guadeloupe
The summer months, from
June to
August, mark the onset of the rainy season in
Guadeloupe. The weather is characterized by high temperatures, with averages ranging from 24°C (75.2°F) to 31°C (87.8°F). Moreover, the region experiences high humidity levels and frequent rainfall, which increases as the season progresses. Despite this, the warm sea temperatures, averaging at 28°C (82.4°F), make summer a good time for underwater exploration.
Autumn weather in Guadeloupe
Autumn, spanning from
September to
November, brings the peak of the rainy season. During these months, the region can witness heavy showers, thunderstorms, and even hurricanes. The temperatures during this season fluctuate between 23°C (73.4°F) and 30°C (86°F). Due to the heavy rainfall, the humidity levels remain high, making the overall weather quite muggy.
Winter weather in Guadeloupe
Winter in
Guadeloupe, from
December to
February, brings a welcome respite from the heavy rains of the previous months. This period, known as the 'Caribbean Winter,' is characterized by cooler temperatures, ranging from 21°C (69.8°F) to 29°C (84.2°F). The rainfall during these months is considerably lower, and the northeast trade winds bring a comfortable breeze. The sea temperature, around 26°C (78.8°F), remains inviting for various water activities, making winter a popular time for tourists.
Weather in January
January marks the middle of the dry season in
Guadeloupe, offering pleasant weather that appeals to many visitors. The average temperature in this month typically ranges from 21°C (69.8°F) at night to 29°C (84.2°F) during the day, offering a comfortable climate that is neither too hot nor too cold. A notable city in Guadeloupe during January is Basse-Terre, the capital, located on the island of the same name.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Guadeloupe continues the trend of pleasant weather experienced in
January. This month is part of the dry season, with average temperatures typically ranging from 21°C (69.8°F) during the cooler night hours to 29°C (84.2°F) in the heat of the day. The capital city, Basse-Terre, continues to benefit from its position near the La Grande Soufrière volcano.
Weather in February » Weather in March
In
Guadeloupe,
March indicates the approaching end of the dry season. The average temperature in this month typically lies between 22°C (71.6°F) during cooler nights and 30°C (86°F) in the peak afternoon hours, reflecting a minor increase in warmth compared to the preceding months. In Basse-Terre, the capital city situated on the island of the same name, the influence of the nearby La Grande Soufrière volcano continues to be evident in its slightly cooler temperatures.
Weather in March »Weather in April
April in
Guadeloupe marks the transition from the dry season to the wetter months. During this month, average temperatures tend to fluctuate between 23°C (73.4°F) at night and 31°C (87.8°F) during the day, making it slightly warmer than the preceding months. Basse-Terre, the capital city, experiences marginally cooler temperatures due to the influence of the nearby La Grande Soufrière volcano.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Guadeloupe brings about a more definitive transition into the wet season. The temperatures during this month are consistent with the tropical climate, fluctuating between 24°C (75.2°F) at night and 31°C (87.8°F) during the day. The capital city, Basse-Terre, continues to enjoy slightly cooler temperatures due to the elevation provided by La Grande Soufrière volcano.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Guadeloupe ushers in the height of the wet season. During this month, temperatures typically range from 24°C (75.2°F) during the cooler evening hours to 31°C (87.8°F) in the afternoon. In the capital city of Basse-Terre, the effect of the nearby La Grande Soufrière volcano continues to provide slightly cooler temperatures.
Weather in June » Weather in July
July in
Guadeloupe is characterized by the continuation of the wet season, with both rainfall and temperatures staying relatively high. Average temperatures during this month typically oscillate between 24°C (75.2°F) during cooler nights and 31°C (87.8°F) at the peak of the day. The influence of the La Grande Soufrière volcano continues to provide the capital city of Basse-Terre with slightly cooler temperatures.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Guadeloupe brings continued heavy rainfall and steady temperatures, a trend indicative of the wet season's peak. The temperatures during this month are generally between 24°C (75.2°F) at night and 31°C (87.8°F) during the day. In Basse-Terre, the capital city, the proximity to the La Grande Soufrière volcano continues to cause slightly cooler temperatures.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Guadeloupe sees the continuation of the wet season, bringing with it increased rainfall and steady temperatures. The climate during this month generally fluctuates between 24°C (75.2°F) at night and 31°C (87.8°F) during the day. Basse-Terre, the capital city, continues to benefit from the cooling effects of the nearby La Grande Soufrière volcano.
Weather in September » Weather in October
In
October,
Guadeloupe begins to transition out of the wet season, though rainfall and temperatures remain relatively high. Average temperatures typically fluctuate between 23°C (73.4°F) at night and 30°C (86°F) during the day. The capital city, Basse-Terre, continues to benefit from the slightly cooler temperatures provided by the La Grande Soufrière volcano.
Weather in October »Weather in November
In
Guadeloupe,
November signifies the gradual transition from the wet season to the dry season. The average temperatures during this month generally range between 23°C (73.4°F) during the cooler evening hours and 29°C (84.2°F) at the peak of the day. The city of Basse-Terre, influenced by the nearby La Grande Soufrière volcano, continues to enjoy slightly cooler temperatures.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Guadeloupe marks the commencement of the dry season, characterized by reduced rainfall and consistent temperatures. During this month, average temperatures typically fluctuate between 22°C (71.6°F) at night and 29°C (84.2°F) during the day. In Basse-Terre, the influence of the nearby La Grande Soufrière volcano continues to provide slightly cooler temperatures.
Weather in December »