The climate of Basseterre
Basseterre, the capital of
Saint Kitts and Nevis, lies within a Köppen climate zone referred to as Tropical Wet and Dry or Savanna (Aw). Indicative of this climate classification, rainfall patterns deviate significantly over the course of the year with noticeable periods of increased precipitation.
Oceanic influences stabilize Basseterre's temperatures to a moderate but consistent fluctuation between 24.9°C to 28.7°C all year round, making it appealing to those who fancy a consistently warm climate. Relative humidity generally remains constant, oscillating from 75% to 78%. While residents and visitors might perceive a slight variation in humidity as insignificant, these slight fluctuations can be notably felt during the highest and lowest temperature months.
Rainfall in Basseterre varies substantially throughout the year. The scenario ranges from a low 15mm in
February to a peak of 51mm in
October. Coinciding with this, the number of rainfall days varies from 12.6 days in February to 19.3 days in
May. It is noteworthy that the months with the highest rainfall also record the highest numbers of rainy days. In terms of wind, Basseterre sees wind speeds fluctuating from 19.6km/h to 26.3km/h annually, indicating a windy, breezy climate.
The best time to visit Basseterre
The ideal time to appreciate
Basseterre’s distinctive weather conditions largely depends on one’s preference. Individuals who enjoy basking in sunshine should consider
February and
March, when sunshine hours reach a peak of 10.1 hours a day. Despite these months experiencing 12.6 and 15.6 days of rainfall respectively, they record the least amount of rainfall at 15mm and 19mm respectively. During these months, temperatures hover between 24.9°C to 26.3°C, making them the most comfortable months temperature-wise.
The worst time to visit Basseterre
For those looking to avoid excess rainfall,
October and
November might be unfavorable due to the increased frequency and amount of rainfall these months attract. October experiences the highest rainfall at 51mm coupled with a significantly high 18.8 days of rainfall. Despite the high sunshine hours of 10.1 a day, the rainfall occurrence might disrupt several outdoor activities. Similarly, November also records high rainfall at 48mm spread through about 18.3 days.
Spring weather in Basseterre
Spring, namely the months of
March,
April, and
May signal progressively increasing temperatures in
Basseterre, ranging from 25.8°C in March to 28.1°C in May. Sunshine hours during this period peak at 10.4 hours in May. However, the onset of spring is also marked by a progressive increase in rainfall from 19mm in March to 43mm in May. Winds remain relatively mild, within a range of 23.5km/h to 25km/h, providing a pleasant contrast to the warming temperatures.
Summer weather in Basseterre
Summer, encompassing
June,
July, and
August, experiences high temperatures from 28.2°C to 28.7°C. The relatively high humidity, ranging from 78%, make these months feel hotter than the actual temperatures suggest. Rainfall during this period increases and peaks at 43mm in August while wind speeds also peak at 26.3km/h in June, further emphasizing the tropical climate character of
Basseterre during summers.
Autumn weather in Basseterre
Autumn, from
September to
November, witnesses a nominal cooling of temperatures, moving from 28.5°C in September to 27.1°C in November. However, these months are characterized by high rainfall, peaking at 51mm in
October and relatively high humidity of 77% in September and 76% in November. Despite the high rainfall, sunshine hours remain fairly constant at around 10.1 hours a day.
Winter weather in Basseterre
Winter weather in
Basseterre, during
December,
January, and
February, experiences a downshift in temperatures, descending to 24.9°C in February, the lowest of the year. Correspondingly, rainfall decreases to 15mm in February as well, the least rainy month of the year. Coupled with the relatively mild wind speeds ranging from 24.6km/h to 25.4km/h, the lower temperatures make for comfortable living conditions during the winter months.
Weather in January
Weather in February
February brings a distinctive calm in weather conditions compared to the previous month with a somewhat drier atmosphere signalling the approaching dry season. The trade winds continue to blow but in a more subdued manner, with average wind speed slightly down to 25.2km/h.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Basseterre,
Saint Kitts and Nevis in
March epitomizes a true dry season with a considerable fall in rainfall compared to its earlier months. A slight decrease in wind speed to 23.7km/h results in really warm days and generally calm weather throughout the month.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The weather in
Basseterre,
Saint Kitts and Nevis during
April is all about amplification. The warming trend continues with humidity levels rising, indicating the start of wet months ahead. The average rainfall steps up as well with 19mm showers throughout the day.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May in
Basseterre marks the commencement of the rainy season, with the maximum recorded rainfall of 43mm. The days are peppered with sudden, albeit short-lived, rainfall causing the city to sparkle and glisten. The increased humidity in the atmosphere adds a hint of zest to the otherwise warm weather.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Indicating the peak of the rainy season,
June in
Basseterre,
Saint Kitts and Nevis exudes vibrancy as both flora and fauna bloom in delightful colors. The temperature reaches its zenith with the sea offering respite from the incessant warmth.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Weather in August
August in
Basseterre sees the rainfall intensity hitting a high note once again, matching up to the levels experienced in
May. The average temperatures hover around similar values, adding continuity to the weather elements of the previous month.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September remains consistent with the preceding month's weather; however, the rainfall accumulates to a high record of 50mm. Also, the winds seem to compose down from the boisterous energy of the prior months, registering a speed of 20.4km/h on average.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The month of
October acquaints
Basseterre,
Saint Kitts and Nevis with a tranquil weather transition from monsoon to lesser rainfall. Sunshine days take precedence, gently edging the average rainfall days. As temperatures begin to recede, the
November winds start to whip up, though initially at a relatively lower speed of 19.6km/h.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November distinctly showcases the notable shift from the rainy to the dry season in
Basseterre,
Saint Kitts and Nevis. The winds make a comeback, bursting at an increased average pace of 20.9km/h. The rainclouds recess, paving way for radiant sunshine that beautifully lights up each corner of the city.
Weather in November » Weather in December
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