Dominica Hurricanes, Climate and Average Weather

Purple Turtle Beach; © Discover Dominica Authority

By Scott Bateman
Dominica has a lush and beautiful landscape filled with waterfalls and rainforest hikes.

But it got that way because it is one of the rainiest islands in the Caribbean.

Dominica weather is wet year round. As a result, the island is one of the best eco tourism destinations in the region.

It is not a place to go to lay out on the beach every day. But it is a popular eastern Caribbean cruise stop because of the many natural attractions the island has to offer.

Average Rainfall

The Caribbean hurricane season hits Dominica just as much if not more than other islands in the region.

Hurricane season officially starts June 1 and ends Nov. 30, but it reaches the peak months in September, October and sometimes November.

For many islands, getting four to five inches of rain in a single month is above average. For Dominica, that level is well below average.

The island receives an average of more than eight inches of rain a month. It exceeds 10 inches a month from August through November with November exceeding more than 14 inches.

That makes November the worst time of year to go followed by October and September. But at least the hotel and resort prices will be lower for anyone willing to take a risk.

Dominica weather in February and April have the lowest levels of rain at a little more than four inches each.

March has somewhat higher rainfall at about five inches total.

Temperatures

Unlike the rain, temperatures are highly predictable.

The average high temperatures range from the low 80s Fahrenheit in winter months to the mid 80s from spring through the fall.

The average low temperatures, which take place mainly at night, are comfortable as well.

They range from the low 70s in the winter to the mid 70s for the remainder of the year.

Best Months to Go

Dominica is more popular as a cruise stop than a place to go for a week or more.

Because of the hurricane season, few cruise ships visit the island during the fall months.

Anyone planning a cruise trip will find that February through April are the best times to go for a combination of low rainfall and warm temperatures.

Dominica weather in April is ideal for anyone wanting to visit for a full week or more to enjoy the waterfalls, rainforests and other eco tourism attractions along with warmer temperatures.