Temperatures throughout the region are usually predictably throughout the year, but the amount of rain is not thanks to the hurricane season.
On average, about 12 to 15 storms pass through the Caribbean each year. They typically start in the east Atlantic Ocean and make their way west, which makes Caribbean weather forecasts fairly easy to predict. That's an important fact to know because it allows travellers to predict when a storm may reach their area.
All hurricanes begin and end as tropical storms, but not every tropical storm becomes a hurricane. They are defined under five categories:
- Category 1: winds of 74 to 95 miles per hour
- Category 2: winds of 96 to 110 mph
- Category 3: winds 111-130 mph
- Category 4: winds 131-155 mph
- Category 5: 155+
Over the course of time, about six storms become hurricanes each year. In 2013, there were 14 tropical storms, but only two become hurricanes and neither one was considered to be a major hurricane.
Weather by Month
January and February are not surprisingly the coolest months of the year. Although temperatures can reach the 80s in many destinations, water may be uncomfortable for swimming. April is one of the most popular months of the year, while May has a brief rainy season for some islands. Then the Caribbean hurricane season officially begins on June 1.June is usually the calmest month of the hurricane season with an average of one storm and no hurricanes.
July and August each average three tropical storms with two becoming hurricanes.
September and October have four tropical storms apiece on average, with two of them becoming hurricanes in September and none in October. Both September and October have the highest amounts of total rainfall for most Caribbean destinations.
November usually is the quietest month of the season with an average of less than one tropical storm and no hurricanes.
Despite the region's reputation for warm weather, water temperatures at time can be uncomfortable in certain destinations, especially during the winter and early morning.
Some of the more northerly destinations also may have stronger trade winds during the winter, which adds to a wind chill factor.
Water Temperatures
The Caribbean is famous for its white sand beaches and beautiful aqua-colored waters. Because of daytime temperatures that usually average in the 80s Fahrenheit, swimming is a popular activity.Despite the region's reputation for warm weather, water temperatures at time can be uncomfortable in certain destinations, especially during the winter and early morning.
Some of the more northerly destinations also may have stronger trade winds during the winter, which adds to a wind chill factor.
No comments:
Post a Comment