The climate of Petite Soufriere
Renowned as a tropical paradise,
Petite Soufriere,
Dominica, is classified under the Köppen climate system as Af, which denotes a tropical rainforest climate. Here, consistent warmth and substantial rainfall dominate the year, yielding lush green landscapes that are a feast to the eyes. The geographical location of Petite Soufriere, close to the equator, contributes to minimal variations in temperature and high humidity levels all year round, adding to the rainforest profile.
On analysing the climatology data, one discovers the annual temperature in Petite Soufriere ranges from a minimum of 24.1°C (75.4°F) in
March to a maximum of 28.6°C (83.5°F) tilted towards
August,
September, and
October. Humidity, another defining weather parameter, showcases little fluctuation with relative values hovering around 75-78% each month. The place is known to receive considerable rainfall throughout the year, peaking at 78mm (3.07") in August. An interesting observation lies in the fact that the distribution of rainy days is not significantly influenced by the total amount of rainfall, leading to a rather evenly spread count of wet days.
A unique characteristic of Petite Soufriere's weather condition is that despite being in tropical zone, the place is blessed with a generous share of sunshine hours, exceeding 10 hours from
April to August. The UV index remains notably constant at 7, year-round, validating the tropical nature of the region. Even though cloudy periods and rain are common, the visibility here is excellent, standing at a stable 10km (6.2mi) each month.
The best time to visit Petite Soufriere
The splendid tropical weather in
Petite Soufriere means it's a great destination anytime, but the most opportune period might be
February and
March. The rainfall is relatively less during these months, with 20mm (0.79") and 22mm (0.87") respectively, accompanied by fewer rainy days (15.7 and 15.6 days). These two months also boast a more comfortable temperature ranging between 24.3°C (75.7°F) to 26.3°C (79.3°F), coupled with slightly lower humidity at 75%. Pleasant weather combined with ample sunshine marks this time as ideal for one to experience everything Petite Soufriere has to offer.
The worst time to visit Petite Soufriere
Visitors are recommended to reconsider their plans for a trip to
Petite Soufriere from
August to
October. It's the time when this tropical wonderland witnesses maximum average monthly temperatures hovering around 28.6°C (83.5°F) and high relative humidity of 78%. To add to the summer heat, these months receive the heaviest rainfall, averaging around 70mm (2.76")-78mm (-3.07"). Hence, the increased heat and expected rainy days might not allow one to fully bask in the splendors of Petite Soufriere.
Spring weather in Petite Soufriere
In
Petite Soufriere, spring unfolds in the months of
March,
April, and
May. With the mercury level ranging from a minimum of 24.1°C (75.4°F) in March to 25.6°C (78.1°F) in May, and with the temperature not surpassing 27.5°C (81.5°F), spring exhibits comfortable weather. The region sees substantial rainfall with an upward trend from 22mm (0.87") in March to 46mm (1.81") in May. Yet, the increase in rainy days does not go beyond 20.3 days on an average in May, providing plenty of opportunities to enjoy the tropical environment.
Summer weather in Petite Soufriere
From
June to
August,
Petite Soufriere experiences summer. The temperature gradually ascends from 26°C (78.8°F) to peak at 28.6°C (83.5°F) in August. This season also registers an increased level of humidity, reaching 78% at its maximum. Concurrently, rain becomes more frequent with August recording a maximum of 78mm (3.07") of rainfall. Despite the summer heat and increased rainfall, sunshine still people, providing around 10 hours daily.
Autumn weather in Petite Soufriere
Autumn in
Petite Soufriere, extending from
September to
November, continues its summer trend. With an average temperature reading between 27.1°C (80.8°F) and 27.8°C (82°F), the season remains warm. The rainfall starts to recede from a high of 70mm (2.76") in September to 67mm (2.64") by November, while the number of rainy days hits a high at 21.5 days in September before dropping to 19.5 days by November end.
Winter weather in Petite Soufriere
Winter, stretching from
December to
February, brings minimal respite from the tropical heat in
Petite Soufriere. With temperatures oscillating between 25.3°C (77.5°F) to 26.5°C (79.7°F), winter isn't significantly colder. The humidity, though, drops to its annual low of 75% by February. The rain showers are less intense during this period, with February registering the least rainfall of 20mm (0.79"). Still, there are ample sunshine hours for visitors to enjoy outdoor activities.
Weather in January
January marks the start of the year with temperatures fluctuating mildly from the preceding month. Daylight hours average at 11.3 hours, providing ample time for outdoor activities. Gusts of winds that can reach speeds of 38.5km/h (23.9mph) are common in January, bringing a refreshing chill to the coastlines of
Petite Soufriere.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Petite Soufriere experiences slight variances in
February's weather conditions compared to
January. The temperature in February remains relatively identical, however, rainfall decreases to 20mm (0.79"). The month enjoys a small increase in daylight hours, going up to 11.7 hours.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As
March rolls in, the weather conditions slightly differentiate from
February. The rainfall in
Petite Soufriere undergoes a nominal increase, contributing to a moist, subtropical climate. One might notice that the temperature slightly drops and daylight hours increase to accommodate sun worshippers more generously.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings change with distinct characteristics compared to its predecessor,
March. Notably, rainfall increases to 42mm (1.65"), signaling the onset of the wet season. The weather in
Petite Soufriere experiences a slight gain in temperature, daylight, and humidity, promoting a subtly warmer climate.
Weather in April » Weather in May
When
May arrives in
Petite Soufriere, it ushers in a transitional phase between the dry and wet seasons. Rainfall increases to the peak of the first half of the year at 46mm (1.81"), while the highest temperature of the year so far, 27.5°C (81.5°F), is recorded.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Transitioning from
May to
June,
Petite Soufriere undergoes subtle shifts in weather. As the year reaches its midpoint, the average temperature settles at a warm 28.1°C (82.6°F). June presents somewhat less rainfall than May, shifting towards a drier spell in Petite Soufriere during this month.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Petite Soufriere presents primarily consistent weather conditions compared to
June. The temperature still averages at 28.1°C (82.6°F) establishing July as one of the hottest months of the year. The rainfall takes a steep incline to reach 58mm (2.28"), making this the city's wettest month of the year.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August, the eighth month of the year, marks a renewed shift in
Petite Soufriere’s atmospheric conditions. Despite being well into the wet season, rainfall increases further, spiking to 78mm (3.07"), the highest throughout the year.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Petite Soufriere ushers in slight changes as it journeys from the peak of the wet season. Rainfall begins to decrease modestly, returning to 70mm (2.76"), yet averages remain high. Temperature maintains a steady pattern, bringing a sense of predictability for residents and visitors.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
Petite Soufriere,
October's weather conditions gently transition from those of
September. The rainfall lessens slightly to 67mm (2.64"), however, maintains the spirit of the wet season. The temperature starts to decrease, signalling the outset of cooler months.
Weather in October »Weather in November
Weather in December