Climate and monthly weather forecast
Martinique

Martinique has a predominantly tropical rainforest climate (Köppen climate classification Af), with hot and humid conditions throughout the year. Rainfall is heavy and frequent, and the climate tends to be equatorial. Martinique is a French overseas territory in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies in the eastern Caribbean Sea. The windward island lies directly between Dominica in the north and Saint Lucia in the south. Barbados lies in the southeast, and South America is in the southwest. The tropical latitudes, trade winds, and proximity to seas influence the climate. The proximity to the equator ensures an equal duration of day and night much of the year.

Martinique lies 14°N of the equator and is mostly volcanic and tropical. The volcanic island is 43 miles long and 19 miles wide and has a total of 436 square miles. The mountains and volcanoes of the Piton Conil, Mount Pelee, Morne Jacob, and Pitons du Carbet dominate the northern part of the island. Lush rainforests cover the mountainous terrain in many places. The windward coast consists of coastal cliffs, cays, and shallow reefs. The leeward coast is favorable to sea traffic with a steeply descending and deep sea bed. Corals and strong trade winds generally affect the windward side more than the leeward. The eastern coast has several small islands. The southern beaches of Les Salines are white and sandy in contrast to the grey and black northern sand beaches. Mount Pelee is the highest point at 1397 meters above sea level in Martinique.

Martinique is hot and humid, with little variations in temperatures across seasons. Summers and winters are not prominent. However, temperature variations between day and night are sometimes larger than the differences between the seasons. The temperatures are typically in the 22.2°C (72°F) to 31.1°C (88°F) range and rarely register below 20°C (68°F) or above 32.2°C (90°F). The average annual temperature is 26.7°C (80.1°F). June has the warmest average temperature of 27.8°C (82°F), while January is the coolest at 25°C (77°F). December to April is the brightest period of the year, with overcast skies only up to 36% of the time. May to November is cloudy, with dark skies up to 70% of the time. The atmosphere is generally muggy for 95% of the time. The average daily wind speeds are between 20.9km/h (13mph) and 29km/h (18mph). August to November is the calmest period, and December to July is the windiest period in Martinique.

The average annual rainfall in Martinique is ample between 1778mm (70") and 2540mm (100"). Rainfall occurs throughout the year, with no prominent wet or dry season. June to mid-December is wetter than mid-December to May. October is the wettest month with an average of 254mm (10") of rainfall, and February is the driest with 64mm (2.52"). The northern region receives abundant rainfall up to 4064mm (160"). The southern region registers 2007mm (79.02"), but the precipitation is a moderate 1194mm (47.01") to 1524mm (60") on the southern and eastern coasts. Martinique registers an average of 205 wet days in the year. The average seawater temperatures are in the warm range of 26.1°C (79°F) to 28.9°C (84°F) and suitable for swimming all year-round. Sunshine is abundant and registers between 2400 hours to 2800 hours annually. The daylight lasts from a little over 11 hours to 13 hours over the year.

The highest temperature on record for Fort-de-France, the capital, is 36.1°C (97°F), and the record for the lowest temperature is 15°C (59°F).

The best times to visit Martinique are mid-December to April. The conditions are relatively dry, especially in February and March. The seawaters are calm, and the coasts receive plenty of sunshine. The southern beaches offer ample sunshine and exotic white sands. The skies are at the clearest of the year, and the mugginess is at acceptable levels. The daylight lasts for more than 11 hours and increases steadily to register above 12 hours. Wind speeds are high and usher in cool breezes that keep the seashores pleasant. The end of the hurricane season brings comfortable conditions in Martinique.

The worst time to visit Martinique is from August to October in the hurricane season. The likelihood of tropical storms is the highest during the period. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and poor visibility make navigation difficult during tropical storms. Thunderstorms are likely in the afternoons. The windward coasts with generally rough seas have treacherous conditions. The cloudy skies and moderate wind speeds contribute to a rise in humidity levels and result in a high heat index. Intense rainfall lasts at least 20 days each month, and the atmosphere is wet, humid, and oppressive.

The concept of Spring in the traditional sense does not exist in Martinique due to its tropical rainforest climate. Nonetheless, the period from March to May is typically characterized by relatively lower rainfall compared to other periods. Average temperatures maintain a range from 25.6°C (78.1°F) to 30°C (86°F), providing comfortable conditions for exploring the island. The average daily wind speeds are between 20.9km/h (13mph) and 29km/h (18mph), and the daylight duration extends from 11 to 13 hours.

The summer period, from June to August, does not feature a distinct rise in temperature, as is common in temperate regions. The temperature stays between 26.7°C (80.1°F) and 31.1°C (88°F). However, these months mark the beginning of a wetter season, with rainfall more frequent. Despite the increased rainfall, the island enjoys substantial daylight, lasting between 11 to 13 hours, and the seawater temperatures remain warm, between 26.1°C (79°F) to 28.9°C (84°F), providing an ideal environment for water-based activities.

Autumn in Martinique, from September to November, is characterized by the highest rainfall levels of the year. Despite the downpours, the temperatures remain stable, from 26.1°C (79°F) to 30°C (86°F). During this time, the island experiences the calmest wind speeds of the year, contributing to a higher heat index due to increased humidity. Despite these conditions, the generous daylight duration and warm sea temperatures between 26.1°C (79°F) and 28.9°C (84°F) persist.

The winter months in Martinique, from December to February, are relatively dry and bright, with temperatures ranging between 24.1°C (75.4°F) and 29.4°C (84.9°F). Despite being the coolest months of the year, temperatures rarely drop below 20°C (68°F). The wind speed is at its highest during this period, bringing refreshing breezes that moderate the tropical heat. Rainfall is at its lowest, particularly in February, making it an ideal time to visit the island for those looking for sun-soaked holidays.

January marks the beginning of the calendar year in Martinique and is considered part of the island's winter season. It is one of the cooler months, with the average temperature standing at 25°C (77°F). The cooler weather is especially evident in Fort-de-France, the capital city, which is nestled between mountains and the Caribbean Sea, allowing the trade winds to moderate the temperatures further. Compared to December, January experiences slightly lower temperatures but similar weather patterns. Weather in January »

As Martinique transitions into February, the island witnesses the driest conditions of the year. With the average rainfall reaching its yearly minimum at 64mm (2.52"), February provides an excellent opportunity for outdoor activities and exploration without the worry of sudden tropical showers. Weather in February »

March in Martinique is characterized by a slight warming trend compared to the cooler temperatures of January and February. The average temperature begins to inch upwards, reaching around 26.1°C (79°F). The daily temperatures typically fluctuate from 22.2°C (72°F) to 29.4°C (84.9°F), demonstrating the consistency of the island's tropical climate. Weather in March »

April heralds the final stage of Martinique's drier season, with the weather growing gradually warmer. The average temperature reaches approximately 26.7°C (80.1°F), with daily fluctuations typically within the bounds of 22.2°C (72°F) to 30°C (86°F). Weather in April »

As the island of Martinique enters May, a clear shift towards warmer and wetter conditions marks the start of the tropical wet season. Average temperatures begin to climb noticeably, reaching around 27.2°C (81°F), with daily temperatures typically oscillating between 22.2°C (72°F) to 30.6°C (87.1°F). Weather in May »

June marks the progression of Martinique into the full swing of the wet season, with the island experiencing notably higher temperatures and increased rainfall. The average temperature during this month peaks at approximately 27.8°C (82°F), the warmest of the year. Weather in June »

July continues the trend of the wet season in Martinique, with warm temperatures and increasing rainfall. The average temperature during this month hovers around 27.8°C (82°F), mirroring June's warmth. Daily temperatures generally fluctuate between 22.2°C (72°F) to 31.1°C (88°F). Weather in July »

In August, Martinique remains firmly in the grip of the wet season, with warm temperatures and heavy rainfall characterising the island's weather. The average temperature during this month is around 27.5°C (81.5°F), with daily temperatures typically ranging between 22.2°C (72°F) and 31.1°C (88°F). Weather in August »

In September, Martinique navigates through the height of the wet season, characterized by persistent warmth and abundant rainfall. The average temperature during this month stays around 27.5°C (81.5°F), similar to August, with daily temperatures typically oscillating from 22.2°C (72°F) to 31.1°C (88°F). Weather in September »

As Martinique moves into October, the island remains within the wet season, marked by warm temperatures and substantial rainfall. The average temperature during this month stays close to 27.2°C (81°F), with daily temperatures typically fluctuating between 22.2°C (72°F) and 31.1°C (88°F). Weather in October »

November signals the tail-end of the wet season in Martinique, with the island continuing to experience warm temperatures and considerable rainfall. The average temperature during this month hovers around 26.8°C (80.2°F), with daily temperatures generally ranging from 22.2°C (72°F) to 31.1°C (88°F). Weather in November »

December in Martinique marks the transition from the wet to the dry season, bringing a reduction in rainfall and retaining the warm temperatures. The average temperature this month is around 26.5°C (79.7°F), similar to November, with daily temperatures usually oscillating from 22.2°C (72°F) to 31.1°C (88°F). Weather in December »