The climate of Jolly Harbour
Situated in the tropical zone of
Antigua and Barbuda,
Jolly Harbour is dominated by an Af tropical climate, as classified by Köppen. The tropical rainforest biozone promises consistently high temperatures and frequent bouts of rainfall.
Throughout the year, the climate in Jolly Harbour remains fairly stable with minor fluctuations. Average high temperatures range from 28°C (82.4°F) to a peak of 31°C (87.8°F), while lows hover from 22°C (71.6°F) to 25°C (77°F). With warm coastal waters, sea temperatures vary from 26°C (78.8°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), inviting for swimming and water sports.
Rainfall varies markedly over the year, with the wettest month registering 140mm (5.51") compared to milder months with 37mm (1.46"). The number of rainy days rises from 11 to 17 each month, indicating a distinctly wet climate. Solar insolation follows a consistent path, with daylight hours varying from 11.1 to 13.1 hours per day and sunshine from 7 hours to 8 hours daily. The UV index is high to extreme throughout the year, from 8 at its lowest to a peak of 12.
The most significant weather events are the enhanced precipitation patterns from
August through
November, when rainfall exceeds 100mm (3.94") per month. This period also marks the peak rainy days, coinciding with the region's tropical monsoon pattern.
The best time to visit Jolly Harbour
Favourable weather conditions for visiting
Jolly Harbour occur between
December and
April. During this period, the region experiences temperatures from 28°C (82.4°F) to 30°C (86°F) and reduced rainfall, with an average of 35mm (1.38") to 67mm (2.64"). The sea temperature stays around a comfortable 26°C (78.8°F) to 27°C (80.6°F), ideal for numerous water activities. Daylight averages 11.2 to 12.5 hours, permitting long days of exploration and activity, while the sun shines for about 8 hours per day.
The worst time to visit Jolly Harbour
Jolly Harbour experiences its most challenging weather conditions from
August to
November. During this time, rainfall can reach up to 140mm (5.51") with average rainfall days hitting 17. High temperatures, although not extremely high, ranging between 30°C (86°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), combined with high humidity resulting from the heavy rainfall, can make this period less appealing for tourists.
Spring weather in Jolly Harbour
The spring months of
March through
May bring rising temperatures to
Jolly Harbour. Expect temperatures from 28°C (82.4°F) to 30°C (86°F) during these months. Rainfall begins to increase from March's 40mm (1.57") to May's 91mm (3.58"), while daylight extends from 12.1 hours to 12.9 hours. The UV index also starts to rise, reaching 12 in May, indicating a need for sun protection while outdoors during this period.
Summer weather in Jolly Harbour
Summertime in
Jolly Harbour, from
June through
August, is characteristically wet and hot. Temperatures can reach as high as 31°C (87.8°F) with the sea temperatures also peaking at a warm 28°C (82.4°F). Rainfall intensifies during this period, increasing from 70mm (2.76") in June to 124mm (4.88") in August. The number of rainy days also escalates from 14 in June to 16 in August. Despite the rain, sunlight endures for approximately 8 hours a day, beneath a UV index of 12.
Autumn weather in Jolly Harbour
Autumn in
Jolly Harbour spans from
September to
November, and conditions remain relatively summer-like. With temperatures fluctuating between 30°C (86°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), sea temperatures stand at a warm 29°C (84.2°F) in September and drop slightly to 28°C (82.4°F) by November. Rainfall reaches its peak in September and
October, averaging at 140mm (5.51") and 134mm (5.28"), respectively. Sunshine hours start to reduce to 7 hours per day in September, despite the daylight remaining above 11 hours throughout the season.
Winter weather in Jolly Harbour
Wintertime, from
December through
February, is a quieter period in terms of rainfall for
Jolly Harbour. Temperatures range from 28°C (82.4°F) in December and February to 29°C (84.2°F) in
January. The sea temperature remains a comfortable 26°C (78.8°F) to 27°C (80.6°F) during this period. Rainfall lessens to 67mm (2.64") in December and reaches its lowest at 37mm (1.46") in February. With daylight hours between 11.1 and 11.6, and sunshine hours at 7 to 8 per day, winter in Jolly Harbour is warm, dry and pleasantly sunny.
Weather in January
Weather in February
February carries forward the warmth of
January in
Jolly Harbour, with balmy breezes adding to its charm. A tropical Valentine's day is very much on the cards as the romantic walks can extend into the night thanks to the warm temperatures.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As
March arrives, the weather conditions in
Jolly Harbour undergo subtle changes. While the average temperatures slightly escalate, the days grow fairly longer. It marks the transition to a lighter and brighter season in the tropical paradise.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The weather in
April in
Jolly Harbour ascends into a more typical tropical ambiance. Along with increased daylight hours, the sea temperature continues to urge residents and tourists to hit the beach. Some minor changes in the seasonality of weather patterns occur, with April representing the midway point in terms of transitioning from the drier to wetter months.
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
May,
Jolly Harbour welcomes summer with open arms. The daylight hours reach their peak, creating longer days to soak up the Caribbean sun. The enhanced warmth of the weather extends into the evenings, with nights remaining pleasantly warm.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Weather in
June takes a typical tropical turn in
Jolly Harbour. Longer sunny days, coupled with slightly increased rainfall, characterize the month. The beach-side fun continues with sea temperatures reaching their annual height. Even with an increase in rainfall, the prevalence of sunshine creates a unique blend of weather conditions typical of the tropical climate.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, in
Jolly Harbour, presents the essence of tropical summer. The month marks the arrival of peak tourist season with warm temperature, clear skies and ample daylight hours. At the beach, the warm sea temperature invites both locals and visitors for a dip.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The full swing of summer continues in
Jolly Harbour throughout
August. The month provides similar warm temperatures as the previous month while the day length starts to slightly contract. The marked increase in precipitation identifies August as one of the wettest months of the year.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September continues the pattern of Antigua's typical tropical weather, slightly reducing the length of daylight. Despite the transition into the latter part of the year, the sea temperature remains high promoting beach activities.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October sees a shift in
Jolly Harbour's weather, as daylight hours gradually decline, indicating the onset of shorter days. Temperatures remain favourable for outdoor activities while a dip in sea temperature marks a slight change in the aquatic landscape.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November witnesses a decrease in temperature, rainfall, and daylight in
Jolly Harbour. Even so, the weather remains warm in comparison to several other regions witnessing winter season. The drop in sea temperature continues the cooling trend in the marine environment.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Jolly Harbour brings with it a festive spirit along with a mild weather pattern. It retains enough daylight to enjoy the outdoors while the evenings become slightly cooler. The end of the year offers a blend of pleasantly warm afternoons and cooler nights.
Weather in December »