The climate of Bethel
Positioned in the warm, tropical surroundings of the Caribbean,
Bethel,
Montserrat is in the Am or Tropical Monsoon climate zone according to the Köppen climate classification. This classification signifies that the town experiences a distinct wet and dry season with a very small change in temperatures throughout the year.
Bethel records tropical temperatures, oscillating marginally from a high of 26.1°C (79°F) to a peak of 28.9°C (84°F). In contrast, the low temperatures fall within a narrow range of 25.3°C (77.5°F) and 27.8°C (82°F) indicating a warmer, tropical ambiance. Relative humidity stays relatively constant throughout the year, ranging from 75 to 78%. It makes the air in Bethel warm and saturated.
Rainfall, an important determinant of the tropical monsoon climate, displays significant variation with quantities varying from 27mm (1.06") to 101mm (3.98") of precipitation occurring over 18.7 to 24.4 days. The daylight hours fluctuate slightly from 11.1 to 13.1 hours which affects the quantity and intensity of sunshine received. The sunshine hours also exhibit a degree of annual fluctuation, with 6.7 hours being the least in
December and a peak of 10.9 hours in
August.
Wind direction and speed in Bethel add to its distinct climatic personality. The town experiences a more-or-less constant breeze with speeds varying from 19.8km/h (12.3mph) and peaking at 27km/h (16.8mph). Pressure measurements range from 1012.4mb to 1016mb, with little difference across the months to significantly influence the weather conditions.
The best time to visit Bethel
Taking into account overall weather convenience, including temperature, rainfall, and sunshine, the ideal period to visit
Bethel would be at the commencement of the dry season, namely from late
February to
May. This stretch is characterized by significant sunshine hours of 10.3 to 10.6 hours and relatively lower humidity levels. Simultaneously, visitor comfort is maximized as rainfall is considerably less during this time, with precipitation volumes ranging only from 27mm (1.06") to 43mm (1.69"), falling over 18.7 to 21.9 days.
The worst time to visit Bethel
Contrary to the dry season, the period from
September to
November presents the least comfortable conditions to visit
Bethel. The region experiences the heaviest rainfall with volumes ranging from 87mm (3.43") to 101mm (3.98") spread over 23.2 to 24 days. While this appeals to admirers of tropical monsoon climates, for many the increased rainfall coupled with decreased sunshine hours - from 7 hours to 6.7 hours - considerably lessens the overall enjoyment of outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Bethel
With temperatures ranging from an average high of 26.8°C (80.2°F) to 27.4°C (81.3°F) and lows from 25.8°C (78.4°F) to 26.4°C (79.5°F), springtime in
Bethel is an agreeable blend of warmth and humidity. This season witnesses moderate rainfall levels from 43mm (1.69") to 74mm (2.91") spread over 21.9 to 23.3 days. Increasing daylight and sunshine hours rising up to 12.9 hours add a warm touch to the spring atmosphere, encouraging outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Bethel
Summer in
Bethel embraces the highest temperatures of the year, rising from 28.2°C (82.8°F) in
June to a peak of 28.9°C (84°F) in
August. Corresponding low temperatures are between 26.9°C (80.4°F) and 27.8°C (82°F). This period is also the monsoon season, invoking higher rainfall which varies from 48mm (1.89") to 87mm (3.43") falling over 19.1 to 23.3 days. Higher humidity levels of 77 to 78% accompany the warmer temperatures and heavier rainfall.
Autumn weather in Bethel
As autumn commences, temperatures begin to exhibit a slight decline, with the highs dropping from 28.6°C (83.5°F) in
September to 28°C (82.4°F) in
November and lows from 27.6°C (81.7°F) to 26.7°C (80.1°F). Nonetheless, this period also experiences increased rainfall with values ranging from 101mm (3.98") to 88mm (3.46") falling over 24 to 23.9 days. Sunshine hours, however, display a decline as autumn progresses, dropping from 10.8 hours to 6.7 hours by November.
Winter weather in Bethel
During the winter months, temperatures in
Bethel remain comfortably warm with average highs between 27.1°C (80.8°F) and 26.3°C (79.3°F) and corresponding lows falling from 25.9°C (78.6°F) to 25.3°C (77.5°F). Winter witnesses a reduction in rainfall with the levels falling from 56mm (2.2") in
December to 35mm (1.38") in
February over 24.4 to 22.8 days. The region experiences the shortest daylight hours, between 11.4 hours to 11.3 hours, and lower sunshine hours dropping to 6.7 hours in December and February.
Weather in January
In
January, conditions remain stable in
Bethel,
Montserrat, with continued warmth. The most pronounced characteristic of January's weather includes heavy gusts, reaching as high as 37km/h (23mph). This month's weather stands similar to
December's but registers a slightly increased average high temperature.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Bethel,
Montserrat enters
February with a slightly noticeable dip in the high temperature from
January. Apart from the peaks and troughs in temperature, February also witnesses a slight decrease in average wind speed when compared to the previous month.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Although
March hails the eminence of spring season, its weather patterns starkly contrast the typically expected weather. The weather continues its trend with setbacks, as seen with a minor temperature dip from 26.3°C (79.3°F) down to 26.1°C (79°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Bethel,
Montserrat experiences a gracious warmth rising from 26.1°C (79°F) high averaging in
March to 26.8°C (80.2°F) in
April. While the city witnesses increased temperature, the pressure too follows suit, increasing marginally from March.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings along a surge in temperature, rising to an average high of 27.4°C (81.3°F), promoting a warmer climate in
Bethel,
Montserrat. An escalation in temperature does not compromise the humidity, which staggers around the same percentage as previous months.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June meets with an uptick in mercury, marching towards hotter months in
Bethel,
Montserrat. The average temperature again heads upwards, projecting the climatic shift of seasons from spring to summer. However, the month surprises itself with a surprising decrease in rainfall compared to the previous month.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Bethel,
Montserrat experiences the zenith of summer during
July, where temperatures peak with an average high of 28.3°C (82.9°F). The rising temperature augments the cooling effect of occasional wind gusts, averaging at 38km/h (23.6mph).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August follows its predecessor with consistent warmth but produces more amounts of rainfall, increasing from 60mm (2.36") in
July to 78mm (3.07"). With warmer temperatures soaring, the tab for accumulated rainfall marks an increase in
Bethel,
Montserrat.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September winds down the summer's zenith, with a modest dip in the high temperature from the preceding month. With temperature receding, the highest average rainfall is noticed in September, recorded at 87mm (3.43"). Despite being a month of rainfall, it does not substantially affect outdoor activities.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October emerges with a rather significant drop in duration of sunlight hours, signaling the approaching winter in
Bethel,
Montserrat. The temperature dips slightly, while rainfall recedes from its
September peak. As the temperature drops, so does the amount of rain, marking a relative decrease compared to prior months.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November welcomes the cooler months, with the average temperature plateauing before dipping even further in
Bethel,
Montserrat. Despite the moderate temperature, winds blow at an average speed of 21.3km/h (13.2mph), contributing to a slight nip in the air.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December rings in the chill, marking the start of winter season in
Bethel,
Montserrat. Although the temperature drops to the yearly low, the overall weather scenario remains comfortable and inviting. The wind speed surges to an average of 24.9km/h (15.5mph), higher than in
November.
Weather in December »