The climate of Georgetown
Surrounded by the vast waters of the South Atlantic Ocean,
Georgetown, the capital of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha, bears the Am monsoonal variant of a tropical rainforest climate, according to the Köppen climate classification. This climate remains relatively constant throughout the year, providing warm and humid conditions.
A closer look at the data reveals that temperatures fluctuate slightly over the months, offering a pleasant warmth all year round. High temperatures remain nestled within a narrow range, from 23.5°C (74.3°F) to 27.3°C (81.1°F), while the lows show a similar trend, oscillating from 23°C (73.4°F) to 26.2°C (79.2°F). Humidity percentages dip to 75% during the middle of the year, but stay near the 80% mark throughout the rest of the months, illustrating a generally high level of humidity.
One prime weather feature in Georgetown is its consistent rainfall distribution. Rainfall in millimeters ranges from 8mm (0.31") to 20mm (0.79"), demonstrating a relative spread across the months. The influence of this can be seen in the number of rainfall days, which peak at 19.8 during
August and dip as low as 7.4 in
February.
On the subject of sunshine, the figures reveal a decrease during the middle half of the year, from 5.2 hours in
September to 6.9 hours in
July, resurging back to 7.4 hours by
December. The trend is echoed in sun-filled days which bottom out at 1.8 in August and ascend to 11.3 in
March.
Georgetown's dominant weather characteristic is its year-round consistency, but the impressive wind speeds stand as another notable feature. With wind speeds varying from 21.7km/h (13.5mph) to 28.1km/h (17.5mph), Georgetown experiences brisk wind conditions, peaking in July.
The best time to visit Georgetown
Considering the overall climatic conditions, the best time to visit
Georgetown is arguably during the period from
March to
May. This window offers a balance between high temperatures, which linger around 27°C (80.6°F), and relatively lower humidity levels, centered around 78%. These months also carry fewer rainfall days, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities.
Additionally, March exhibits the highest amount of average daily sunshine, reaching 11.3 hours, adding to the allure of this time frame. The steady wind speeds of around 22km/h (13.7mph) to 24.8km/h (15.4mph) during these months also contribute to the overall pleasant weather.
The worst time to visit Georgetown
Contrary to the earlier-mentioned period, the months from
July to
September may pose some challenges for visitors. In these months,
Georgetown experiences lower temperatures, with the low touching 23°C (73.4°F) in September, higher humidity values ranging from 75 to 80%, and increased rainfall.
August records the highest rain days at 19.8 and the least sunlit days at 1.8.
Additionally, wind speeds peak during this time, particularly in July, hitting a high of 28.1km/h (17.5mph) with gusts reaching up to 38.5km/h (23.9mph). Combined with cloud cover percentage scaling 60 to 68%, the weather becomes less conducive for outdoor activities or sightseeing.
Spring weather in Georgetown
Georgetown's spring months -
March,
April, and
May - are marked by welcoming conditions. March stands out with highest sunlit days, 11.3 on average, while April and May see a progressive increase in humidity, from 78% to 77%, respectively. Rainfall is consistent across this period, fluctuating mildly from 14mm (0.55") to 19mm (0.75"), while wind speeds display a gradual increment, reaching 24.8km/h (15.4mph) in May.
Summer weather in Georgetown
Summer, extending from
June through
August, ushers in substantial cloud cover, reaching peak values of 60% in August. Though the high temperatures linger at comfortable mid-20s°C, wind speeds escalate during these months, particularly in
July and August, hitting highs of 28.1km/h (17.5mph) and 27.8km/h (17.3mph) respectively. Rainfall also marks a slight increase with July reaching a peak at 20mm (0.79").
Autumn weather in Georgetown
The autumn months -
September,
October, and
November - experience cooler temperatures, with lows descending to 23°C (73.4°F). While the cloud percentage continues to be high, the hours of sunshine show an increase, particularly in November, reaching up to 5.5 hours. The period also observes a decrease in wind speeds, dropping to 25.6km/h (15.9mph) by November.
Winter weather in Georgetown
In the winter period from
December to
February,
Georgetown showcases a uniquely tropical feel. The high temperature in this period ranges from 24.4°C (75.9°F) to 26.5°C (79.7°F), with the low maintaining the 23-25°C (-13°F) range. Moreover, the sunshine hours progressively increase from December's 5.9 hours, reaching 8 hours by February. While December experiences a moderate level of rainfall days at 12.1, February shows a significant decrease, measuring only 7.4 days. Winter also tends to be less windy, with wind speeds reducing to 22km/h (13.7mph) by February.
Weather in January
Weather in February
February maintains the trend of warm, summertime temperatures from
January to February. A marked decrease in rainfall from 9.1 days to 7.4 days of precipitation is noticeable, accompanied by an increase in daily sunshine hours.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Weather in April
Weather in May
Weather in June
Weather in July
Weather in August
Weather in September
Weather in October
Weather in November
Weather in December
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