The climate of Barthélemy
Combining subtropical heat with high humidity, the climate of
Barthélemy,
French Guiana firmly falls under the Köppen classification Af, also known as a tropical rainforest climate. Positioned in the northern hemisphere, near the equator, Barthélemy experiences little variation in temperature throughout the year, however there are notable changes in rainfall levels and daylight hours during the year.
Taking a close look at the annual weather trends, temperatures vary marginally, reaching their peak between
August and
October with highs of 31.5°C (88.7°F) to 31.6°C (88.9°F) and lows of around 24.5°C (76.1°F) to 24.8°C (76.6°F). The coldest period is from
January to
February, but with temperatures still averaging between 24°C (75.2°F) and 28°C (82.4°F) even in these months. Barthélemy is truly a place of eternal summer. Observing rainfall patterns, the wettest period is from
April to
June where rainfall varies from 208mm (8.19") to 293mm (11.54"). By comparison, relegating itself to the role of 'drier season'
September through
November sees reduced rainfall, ranging from 23mm (0.91") to 73mm (2.87").
Assessing the daylight hours and sunshine duration further enhances understanding of Barthélemy's climate. Daylight hours are quite consistent throughout the year, staying between 11.9 hours and 12.4 hours. The sunniest months are from August to October, with 8.8 hours to 9.2 hours of sunshine. Interestingly, these months also coincide with the highest temperatures recorded in the region.
The best time to visit Barthélemy
When planning a visit to
Barthélemy, the months from
August to
November prove to be the most desirable. During these months, rainfall significantly subsides to its lowest levels of 23mm (0.91") to 73mm (2.87") and the sunshine hours peak from 8.8 hours to 9.2 hours. This period also sees temperatures at their warmest - around 30.8°C (87.4°F) to 31.6°C (88.9°F) - ideal for outdoor activities and exploration. Though temperatures are consistently high throughout the year, experiencing Barthélemy with reduced rainfall and extended sunshine durations offers a more comforatable exploration of the tropical rainforest climate.
The worst time to visit Barthélemy
The least ideal time to visit Bartélemy falls between the months of
April and
June. During this time,
Barthélemy experiences its highest levels of rainfall, reaching an apex of 293mm (11.54") in
May. Even though temperatures remain alluring and warm, consistently high rainfall may present inconveniences to outdoor activities and tourism in general.
Spring weather in Barthélemy
In the months of
March,
April, and
May,
Barthélemy encounters high humidity levels upwards of 84%, and rain peaks in May with 293mm (11.54"). Daylight hours slowly increase starting from 12.1 hours in March to 12.3 hours May. While temperatures remain high, ranging from 28.3°C (82.9°F) to 28.6°C (83.5°F), it is the profuse rainfall that defines Barthélemy's spring season.
Summer weather in Barthélemy
Summer in
Barthélemy,
June through
August, sees a reduction in rainfall and an increase in sunshine hours. Rainfall retreats from 234mm (9.21") in June to 68mm (2.68") by August and this period marks the longest sunshine duration, peaking at 8.8 hours in August. The temperature also sees a slight rise, with highs of 29.8°C (85.6°F) in June to 30.9°C (87.6°F) in August, making it a hot and relatively drier summer.
Autumn weather in Barthélemy
September signals the onset of autumn in
Barthélemy and it features the least rainfall across the whole year, falling to a mere 23mm (0.91"). The months continue to remain quite sunny with around 8.7 hours to 9.2 hours of sunshine per day. In terms of temperature, autumn is the warmest season with temperatures soaring from 31.5°C (88.7°F) to 31.6°C (88.9°F) and then easing back to 30.8°C (87.4°F) in
November.
Winter weather in Barthélemy
Winter months of
December,
January and
February in
Barthélemy are characterized by slightly lower temperatures with highs ranging from 28°C (82.4°F) to 28.8°C (83.8°F) and lows from 24°C (75.2°F) to 24.5°C (76.1°F). Rainfall records an increase during these months, peaking at 204mm (8.03") in December and then slowly receding to 154mm (6.06") by February. However, despite these variations, Barthélemy’s winters are far from cold, maintaining a tropical allure with the abundance of warmth and moisture.
Weather in January
Barthélemy in
January is often moist due to frequent rains with rainfall reaching 154mm (6.06"). The city experiences a gradual change in weather from the previous year as temperatures range from 24°C (75.2°F) as the minimum to a maximum of 28°C (82.4°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
As
Barthélemy transitions from
January to
February, an increase in humidity from 84% to 85% characterizes the prevailing weather conditions. Coinciding with this, February sees a surge in rainfall, reaching a peak at 163mm (6.42") over an average of 26.3 days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Barthélemy in
March ushers in a subtle decline in rainfall, down to 128mm (5.04"), a contrast from
February’s 163mm (6.42"). Yet, March continues the trend of a tropical climate with a combination of high humidity and significant rainfall.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
An interesting shift takes place in
Barthélemy's weather in
April, with rainfall shooting up to 208mm (8.19"), a sharp increase from the previous month's 128mm (5.04"). Simultaneously, the lower temperature limit rises to 24.7°C (76.5°F), the highest so far in the year.
Weather in April »Weather in May
High rainfall marks the weather in
Barthélemy in
May, soaring to an annual high of 293mm (11.54"), up from
April's already high 208mm (8.19"). This month still ensures a pronounced tropical climate, defined by increased precipitation, warmth, and humidity.
Weather in May »Weather in June
A pleasant reprieve characterizes the weather in
June in
Barthélemy with a significant drop in rainfall from the previous month's peak, decreasing to 234mm (9.21"). While the city remains warm and humid, the rainfall's easing signals the onset of a slightly dryer period.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Barthélemy witnesses a further decrease in rainfall, stepping down to 133mm (5.24"), continuing the downward trend from
June. Despite this decline in precipitation, the tropical climate persists unhindered because of the warm temperature range and high humidity.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Barthélemy features even lower rainfall levels, dropping to 68mm (2.68"), a significant decrease from
July. Simultaneously, the city catches a break from the intense humidity with the relative humidity descending to 78%.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Barthélemy witnesses the least amount of rainfall in the year, down to a mere 23mm (0.91"). The drastic reduction in precipitation signifies the peak of the dry spell that began in
June. Despite this, Barthélemy continues to be characterized by a warm tropical climate as temperatures, humidity, and daylight hours remain high.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October presents a reversal in the weather in
Barthélemy with a slight increase in rainfall to 26mm (1.02"), breaking the dry spell observed from
June to
September. As the rainfall picks up, temperatures also take an upward turn, creating the perfect tropical setting as we approach the year's end.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Westher in
Barthélemy in
November sees rainfall increasing further to 73mm (2.87"), continuing
October's upward trend. The tropical climate intensifies with the return of significant rainfall, accompanied by the usual warmth and humidity.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December marks the end of the transitional phase with rainfall rising to 204mm (8.03"), placing it amongst the months with the heaviest downpours.
Barthélemy in December stays true to its tropical climate with relatively high temperatures and high humidity.
Weather in December »