The climate of Cayenne
Cayenne, the capital of
French Guiana, experiences a Tropical rainforest climate according to the Köppen climate classification (Af). The monthly averages reveal a remarkable consistency in climatic conditions throughout the year, with very little fluctuation in vital parameters.
Temperatures in Cayenne display a narrow band of variation, with the highest average monthly readings oscillating from 29.1°C (84.4°F) to 32.2°C (90°F). In contrast, the lowest average monthly temperatures range narrowly from 22.2°C (72°F) to 23.7°C (74.7°F). Rainfall paints a more variable picture with measurement varying from 56mm (2.2") to a robust 579mm (22.8") monthly average, emphasizing the tropical nature of the region.
Sunny hours vary considerably throughout the year, with impressive 8.5 hours in
September, dwindling to a mere 3 hours in
January. These weather patterns coincide with an average UV index that often reaches 12, an extreme level, underscoring the need for sun protection in Cayenne.
The best time to visit Cayenne
Careful consideration of weather conditions is vital to ascertain the best time to visit
Cayenne. Given the tropical climate and extreme UV levels, periods of lower rainfall and ample sunshine hours could provide the best conditions for a visit. Taking these factors into account, the months from
August to
October emerge as potentially favourable. During this time, rainfall diminishes considerably to between 56mm (2.2") and 144mm (5.67"), while sunshine increases to between 7.4 hours and 8.5 hours per day.
The worst time to visit Cayenne
The worst time to visit
Cayenne would be when climatic conditions are least favourable for outdoor activities. This would be during the months experiencing the most rainfall and lowest amounts of sunshine. Considering these parameters,
May stands out, being the wettest month, receiving on an average 579mm (22.8") of rainfall coupled with only 3.8 hours of sunshine.
Spring weather in Cayenne
In
Cayenne, observing a traditional spring season as known in temperate regions becomes challenging due to its tropical rainforest climate. However, the months from
March to
May can be classified as a spring period. During this time, average high temperatures range from 29.6°C (85.3°F) to 29.9°C (85.8°F) and low temperatures between 22.4°C (72.3°F) and 23.7°C (74.7°F). Rainfall takes an upward trend towards May, culminating in an average of 579mm (22.8"), with an accompanying increase in rainy days.
Summer weather in Cayenne
The summer months from
June to
August in
Cayenne signal the advent of slightly warmer temperatures and varied rainfall. Average high temperatures climb gradually to reach between 30.2°C (86.4°F) to 31.6°C (88.9°F). Simultaneously, low temperatures range from 22.4°C (72.3°F) to 22.9°C (73.2°F). Interestingly, despite the increase in temperatures, rainfall appears to diminish over these months, falling from 411mm (16.18") in June to 144mm (5.67") in August.
Autumn weather in Cayenne
September to
November is considered the autumn period for
Cayenne. During this phase, the region experiences its highest average temperatures, peaking between 31.6°C (88.9°F) and 32.2°C (90°F). Accompanying this rise, rainfall remains on the lower end of the spectrum from 56mm (2.2") to 133mm (5.24"). Hours of daylight start to reduce gradually from an average of 12.1 hours in September to 11.9 hours in November.
Winter weather in Cayenne
Unlike the winter season in colder climates,
Cayenne's winter season from
December to
February is characterized by consistently high temperatures and elevated rainfall. Average high temperatures fluctuate from 30.1°C (86.2°F) to 29.2°C (84.6°F), while average lows oscillate between 22.3°C (72.1°F) to 23.4°C (74.1°F). Alongside these temperatures, rainfall increases from 341mm (13.43") in December to reach 451mm (17.76") in February.
Weather in January
Following the virtue of being the initial month of the year,
January in
Cayenne,
French Guiana, manifests the onset of the wet season. Precipitation rates are high as the atmosphere fills with thunderstorms and steady showers. However, the weather avoids remaining monotonously rainy as the sun reveals itself for some hours per day.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
Cayenne,
French Guiana, the weather in
February reveals slight shifts in the climate. Hot and rainfall-laden trends from
January persist, yet tropical thunderstorms lessen in frequency. The rainfall does not significantly disrupt the sea's temperature, continuing to invite individuals for a warm, relaxing swim.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The weather in
March sustains the city’s tropical atmosphere with minimal temperature shifts from
February. Although thunderstorms are common, conditions gradually transition away from the earlier high rainfall of the year. Sunbathing becomes more pleasurable as daylight duration expands and the sea’s warm temperature remains steady.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Sense the transition in
Cayenne,
French Guiana, as
April brings some alterations. The sky remains frequently murky, yet the sunlight breaks through often, offering hours of brightness. The sea maintains its warm allure for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Sheltering under an umbrella becomes a common sight as
May clocks the highest rainfall for the year in
Cayenne,
French Guiana. It brings the wet season to its peak with intense rainy spells, although the temperature remains uniformly warm.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Cayenne,
French Guiana, sees a decline in
June's total rainfall as the wet season gradually recedes. Temperatures stay fairly constant, both on land and in the sea. The atmosphere showcases an intricate dance between thunderstorms and daylight hours.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July utters the first whispers of the dry season in
Cayenne,
French Guiana. The weather context subtly changes with slightly cooler nights and lengthening daylight hours. Even though episodes of rain persist, their frequency decreases compared to previous months.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August,
Cayenne,
French Guiana, steps further into the realm of the dry season. The usually rainfall-rich climate observes exceptional changes. Clear skies, reduced thunderstorms, and increased sunshine hours bring more cheerful outdoors experiences.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Cayenne,
French Guiana, is synonymous with the driest month. Though temperatures remain consistent, the reduced rainfall significantly changes the city's vibes. People enjoy more outdoor activities as sunshine hours peak and rainfall drops to its annual minimum.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
September’s spell fades,
October in
Cayenne,
French Guiana, ushers in more moisture. Even though increased rainfall graces the city, the heavy downpours from the start of the year remain absent. The periodic showers bring fresher hues to the city's green landscapes.
Weather in October »Weather in November
Come
November, frequent showers start to recall the forgotten wet season in
Cayenne,
French Guiana. The return of rainy days commences a change in seasonal patterns. While daylight starts to decrease slightly, the landscape benefits from a balanced combination of rain and sunshine.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Closing the year,
December in
Cayenne,
French Guiana, revitalizes the city with a tropical festive mood. Wet season blues reoccur with increased rainfall, enveloping the atmosphere with moisture and maintaining fertile ground.
Weather in December »