The climate of Grand Fond
Grand Fond,
Dominica, is characterized by a tropical rainforest climate, as per the Köppen climate classification. This Af climate characterizing Grand Fond ensures steady temperatures throughout the year, with high levels of humidity and abundant, year-round rainfall. The consistency of these conditions has to do with the geographical position of Grand Fond, settled in one of the most lushly vegetated parts of the Caribbean.
In Grand Fond, temperatures remain remarkably constant throughout the year, hovering between a low of 24.1°C (75.4°F) in
March and reaching a peak of 28.6°C (83.5°F) from
August to
October. There is only about a 4°C (39.2°F) disparity between the coldest month and the warmest months, indicating a negligible variation in temperatures over the year. Simultaneously, the relative humidity in Grand Fond stays above 75%, providing little relief from the heat, can perceive as less harsh due to average wind speeds ranging up from 20.2km/h (12.6mph) to 27.2km/h (16.9mph) and clouds covering up to 44% of the sky.
Rainfall in Grand Fond is substantial, following the archetypal pattern of a rainforest climate. The town experiences pronounced rainy periods, with a surge in rainfall from
June to
November, reaching a peak of 78mm (3.07") of rainfall in August. While rain is less frequent early in the year, every month sees significant rainfall, lowest being 20mm (0.79") in
February.
The best time to visit Grand Fond
Though weather conditions might appear relentless in
Grand Fond due to constant rain, a distinction can be drawn between months to determine the best visitation period.
March and
April bring lower rainfall levels, 22mm (0.87") and 42mm (1.65") respectively, and slightly lower temperatures than the rest of the year. Additionally, the town experiences longer daylight hours in March and April, offering 12.1 hours and 12.5 hours of daylight respectively. This combination of moderated rain, lower temperatures, and extended daylight hours makes March and April the ideal months to visit this lush tropical destination.
The worst time to visit Grand Fond
From
June to
November,
Grand Fond is subjected to rainfalls in excess of 58mm (2.28"), making it the wettest period of the year in this tropical region. Although some may find the heightened rainfall romantic, the storms associated with this period can cause transport challenges, making outdoor activities more difficult. Therefore, for individuals looking for sunny, dry tropical vacation, the months from June to November may not ensure the best experience in Grand Fond.
Spring weather in Grand Fond
Spring in
Grand Fond spans
March,
April, and
May. A slight dip in rainfall characterizes this period, with 22mm (0.87") in March, increasing to 42mm (1.65") in April and 46mm (1.81") in May. Temperatures are slightly cooler with lows of 24.1°C (75.4°F) in March up to a high of 27.5°C (81.5°F) in May. This period sees mildly cooling winds ranging from 25km/h (15.5mph) to 24.7km/h (15.3mph) and relative humidity averaging 76%. Spring is a relatively drier and cooler period when compared to the rest of the year.
Summer weather in Grand Fond
Summer, running from
June to
August, brings the peak of the rainy season in
Grand Fond. Rainfall in June starts at 34mm (1.34"), gradually increasing to reach its peak at 78mm (3.07") in August. Temperatures concurrently rise, from 28.1°C (82.6°F) in June and hitting a yearly high of 28.6°C (83.5°F) in August. Despite the increase in rainfall, humidity remains relatively constant at an average of 78%.
Autumn weather in Grand Fond
Autumn, a period stretching from
September to
November, is characterized by steady rainfall in
Grand Fond. With rainfall levels of 70mm (2.76") in September, 67mm (2.64") in
October, and as much as 67mm (2.64") in November, autumn ranks as a wet period. However, temperatures start to slightly lower in November, down to 27°C (80.6°F), offering a mild respite from the constant heat.
Winter weather in Grand Fond
The winter months in
Grand Fond -
December,
January, and
February - are slightly drier, yet continue to experience substantial levels of rainfall, lower than the rest of the year, which averages at 28mm (1.1") in December, and dips to 20mm (0.79") in February. In terms of temperature, winter months are cooler when compared to the rest of the year, with temperatures ranging from 26.5°C (79.7°F) in December, 26.3°C (79.3°F) in January, down to 26.3°C (79.3°F) in February. Winter in Grand Fond isn't associated with cold, rather it's a period with a slight reprieve from the constant rainfall and heat.
Weather in January
In
Grand Fond,
January sets the tone for the year with tropical temperatures averaging between 24.6°C (76.3°F) and 26.5°C (79.7°F). This period experiences rainfall, making it a season of freshness. The winds from the southeastern region are sometimes moderate to high, reaching up to 38.5km/h (23.9mph).
Weather in January »Weather in February
Compared to
January, the weather in
February in
Grand Fond presents a slight drop in rainfall, but the tropical climate maintains. The wind continues to paint the Grand Fond canvas with gentle strokes, easing from the last month's peak.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As the city transitions from
February's vibrant festivities,
March carries forward a further drop in rainfall intensity. However, the month records 25.5km/h (15.8mph) of wind, which is the lowest so far in the year. The daylight hours extend, inviting more tourism activities.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Grand Fond sees an increase in rainfall during
April with 42mm (1.65") over an average of 19.7 days. The season enhances the greenery, painting the landscape in vibrant hues. Hiking is a popular activity during this time, allowing visitors to explore the magnificent beauty of the city.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May witnesses the transition into the wetter months. The temperature remains geographically consistent, reflecting the city's tropical climate. But the city's beauty intensifies as May progresses, with rainfall cultivating the greenery.
Weather in May » Weather in June
With the peak summer yet to come,
June blends warmth and humidity perfectly. The daylight carries on longer, ensuring the city enjoys more daylight than any other time of the year. As wind speeds pick up to an average of 26.3km/h (16.3mph), the weather breathes life into the majestic landscapes.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Paralleling
June's weather aromas,
July matches the same temperature range of 26.2°C (79.2°F) to 28.3°C (82.9°F). However, this month brings the highest recorded rainfall of the year with 58mm (2.28"). As the city savors the summer peak, the rain offers a refreshing contrast to the warmth.
Weather in July »Weather in August
Despite
August getting the most rainfall, aspects of the weather nudge up, offering a twist in the climate tale. While maintaining a similar temperature range as
July, August sees slightly longer sunshine hours. The city manages to soak in ten hours of pure sunshine, illuminating life in
Grand Fond.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the transition from the summer to a cooler season in
Grand Fond. The city witnesses average temperatures between 27.1°C (80.8°F) and 28.6°C (83.5°F). The significant drop in wind speeds adds a calm touch to the climate.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As the year ventures towards its end,
October sees a consistent drop in daylight and sunshine from the previous month. The winds subtly regain their speed, keeping the tropical climate intact. The rainfall continues to bless the city, nourishing the vegetation.
Weather in October »Weather in November
Entering the penultimate month of the year,
November sees the city maintain a slightly reduced temperature spectrum. Standing out, the sunshine duration diminishes to six and a half hours a day, suggesting the arrival of shorter days.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Grand Fond concludes the year with a fitting end, gearing down towards cooler climes. The temperature range narrows further compared to the previous month. The wind matures and reaches a speed of 26.5km/h (16.5mph), confirming the arrival of winter.
Weather in December »