Climate and monthly weather forecast
Cat Island, The Bahamas

Cat Island, located in The Bahamas, is classified under the Köppen climate system as an Aw climate, or Tropical wet and dry, due to contrasting wet and dry seasons throughout the year. The parameters dictating the island's climate are the high temperatures throughout the year with a slight variation, changes in rainfall distribution and sea temperature, length of daylight hours and hours of sunshine, coupled with the UV index level.

Common features of this climatic zone resonate in the island's weather as warmth pervades all year round. The range of high temperatures shifts from 25°C (77°F) at the beginning of the year to reach an apex at 31°C (87.8°F) from July to September and recedes to 26°C (78.8°F) again by December. The low temperatures follow the similar pattern starting from 18°C (64.4°F), rising to 25°C (77°F) in the middle of the year and dipping back to 19°C (66.2°F). These conditions provide a consistently tropical climate, easing into more heated months in the July-September period.

Rainfall distribution shows fluctuations across the year. Annually, maximum rainfall is recorded in October with 184mm (7.24") spread over 20 days with the rain becoming less pronounced in drought months from February to April, bottoming out at 25mm (0.98") in March. This varying rainfall together with sunshine hours, which span from 6 to 8 hours daily, generate an intriguing rhythm in weather dynamics.

Additionally, sunshine on Cat Island ranges from 6 to 8 hours daily. Sea temperature sustains a warm profile from 24°C (75.2°F) to 29°C (84.2°F) annually. This warmth is emphasised by UV indexes that span from 6 to 12, indicating a high level of solar radiation. This trend identifies periods of intensified sunshine and heat, particularly from June to August.

Factoring in parameters such as temperature, sunshine hours, sea temperature, and the least rainfall, the prime time to visit Cat Island would be from February to April. During this span, rainfall is at its lowest, peaking at 39mm (1.54") in April, resulting in fewer rainy days. As expected with a tropical climate, the days are warm with high temperatures from 26°C (78.8°F) to 27°C (80.6°F), and night temperatures between 19°C (66.2°F) and 20°C (68°F). Sunshine hours climb to 8 hours, illuminating the island with pleasant sunlight. The sea temperature maintains a steady warmth at 24°C (75.2°F) to 25°C (77°F), making this window ideal for beach and water-related activities.

Based on weather conditions, the least inviting time to visit Cat Island falls between September and October. During these months, the island experiences its highest rainfall of 118mm (4.65") to 184mm (7.24") respectively, increasing the number of rainy days to 20. Night temperatures can go as high as 24°C (75.2°F) to 25°C (77°F), making for uncomfortable sleeping conditions. Although the sea temperature reaches a peak of 29°C (84.2°F) in this period offering warm sea baths, the heavy rainfall can deter outdoor activities.

Spring ushers in the drier and less humid half of the year on Cat Island. In this season, stretching from March to May, rainfall is fairly limited. The rain increases from a low of 25mm (0.98") in March to 39mm (1.54") in April, and then surges to 101mm (3.98") in May. Corresponding to this, the number of rainy days jumps from 9 to 14. The high temperatures in spring linger around 26°C (78.8°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), whereas the low temperatures gradually rise from 19°C (66.2°F) to 22°C (71.6°F). The warming sea temperatures from 24°C (75.2°F) to 26°C (78.8°F) provide ideal conditions for water activities.

Summer in Cat Island, comprising June to August, has higher temperatures and increased rainfall. High temperatures sit between 30°C (86°F) and 31°C (87.8°F) and low temperatures oscillate between 24°C (75.2°F) and 25°C (77°F). Rainfall ranges from 63mm (2.48") to 102mm (4.02"), and the number of rainy days hikes up to 19-20. Despite these scaled-up rain levels, the sunshine hours hold steady at 8, and the sea temperature peaks at 29°C (84.2°F), making this a viable period for beach visits.

Autumn, from September to November, is marked by the highest rainfall and lower temperatures. Rainfall peaks in October at 184mm (7.24"), resulting in 20 rainy days. The region also sees less daylight, around 11 to 12 hours daily. High temperatures ease from 29°C (84.2°F) to 27°C (80.6°F), and low temperatures scale down from 23°C (73.4°F) to 21°C (69.8°F). Sea temperature remains warm at 29°C (84.2°F) to 27°C (80.6°F), making it suitable for those who love warm water.

Winter season from December to February in Cat Island manifests mild temperatures and reduced rainfall. The high temperatures hover between 25°C (77°F) and 26°C (78.8°F), whereas low temperatures range from 18°C (64.4°F) to 19°C (66.2°F). Rainfall is at its lowest for the year during this season, bottoming out to 37mm (1.46") in February. Correspondingly, the number of rainy days involves 9 to 11 days. While the sea temperature dips to 24°C (75.2°F) to 25°C (77°F), swimming is still a viable option for holidaymakers who can handle slightly chillier waters.

Weather trends at the beginning of the year in Cat Island, The Bahamas highlight the region's tropical climate. Warm temperatures prevail, with the daily highs and lows registering at a quite consistent 25°C (77°F) and 18°C (64.4°F) respectively. Weather in January »

February in Cat Island sees a continuation of the temperate weather patterns observed in January. Sunshine hours remain constant at 7 hours per day, as UV index gradually rises to 8. Coastal activities become more favorable with the sea temperature also on a subtle rise. Weather in February »

Transitioning into March, the weather patterns on Cat Island slowly shift towards the warmer spectrum. While the daily high remains unchanged at 25°C (77°F), the daily low increases by one notch to 19°C (66.2°F). As the tropics greet the spring, rainfall shows a decrease, registering at 25mm (0.98") throughout the month. Weather in March »

April ushers in a slightly more active weather scene in Cat Island. Daily high temperatures see an increase to 27°C (80.6°F), while the lows remain persistently warm, like in the previous months. Sea temperature also assumes an upward trend, making water activities more enticing. Weather in April »

May marks the beginning of a more active period on Cat Island with increased rainfall and longer daylight hours. While rainfall doubles from the previous month to reach 101mm (3.98"), warmer temperatures ensure a comfortable environment. Weather in May »

As summer begins in June, Cat Island experiences its warmest weather with temperatures peaking at 30°C (86°F). The month welcomes the most extensive period of daylight, spanning 13.6 hours per day. Due to the increase in humidity, the number of rainy days also increases, providing brief respite from the heat. Weather in June »

July replicates June's weather pattern, as high temperatures continue to dominate Cat Island. Daily temperatures soar to 31°C (87.8°F) while the sea shares similar warmth. Rainfall reduces somewhat to 63mm (2.48") but is spread over more days than in previous months. Weather in July »

August brings in subtle changes to Cat Island, maintaining its warm, tropical climate. The increase in the number of rainy days is offset by a light rise in rainfall levels to 102mm (4.02"). Long daylight hours remain relatively unchanged to provide an extended time for outdoor engagements. Weather in August »

September ushers a slight drop in daily high temperatures to 31°C (87.8°F), offering mild relief from the warm summer months in Cat Island. Precipitation increases to a notable 118mm (4.65"), remaining distributed equally across 20 days. Weather in September »

October in Cat Island introduces a significant change with the highest rainfall of 184mm (7.24"), marking the arrival of the wet season. The frequency of rainy days remains consistent at 20 spanning the month. As daylight shortens slightly, sun exposure reduces to 7 hours per day, and the UV index finally drops to 9. Weather in October »

Weather patterns in November feature a reduction in rainfall to 70mm (2.76") as Cat Island transitions from the wet to the cooler season. A dip in daily high temperatures to 27°C (80.6°F) brings about an early sense of winter's approach. Weather in November »

December signals the onset of winter in Cat Island, with average high temperatures dipping to 26°C (78.8°F). This change accompanies the shortest daylight span of the year, counting 10.7 hours. Appreciable rainfall of 47mm (1.85") is spread across 11 days, maintaining the tropical appeal of the island. Weather in December »