The climate of Philipsburg
Situated in the northeastern Caribbean island of
Sint Maarten,
Philipsburg is characterized by a Tropical wet and dry climate, or savanna classification according to the Köppen climate classification. This climate zone features two significant seasons - a wet season and a dry season.
Analyzing Philipsburg's climate parameters, it's clear that temperatures throughout the year remain consistently high. The average monthly high temperatures fluctuate from 29°C (84.2°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), with the warmest months typically being from
May to
October. The average monthly low temperatures also display a limited range, from 23°C (73.4°F) during
January,
February, and
March to 25°C (77°F) from
June to October.
Rainfall in Philipsburg varies considerably throughout the year, with the wet season spanning from May to
December. The highest average rainfall occurs in
September at 129mm (5.08"), with subsequent high rainfall months being
November and October. Interestingly, the number of rainy days is consistent throughout the year, with an average ranging between 12 to 21 days per month.
Sea temperatures in Philipsburg see a slight increase in the warmer months, fluctuating from 26°C (78.8°F) at the beginning and end of the year to 29°C (84.2°F) from
August to October. This slight variation in sea temperatures aligns with the increase in both air temperature and daylight hours during this period.
The best time to visit Philipsburg
Keeping in mind both the weather conditions and the tourist demands, the best time to visit
Philipsburg is between
February and
April. During these months, visitors can enjoy a pleasant average temperature between 29°C (84.2°F) and 30°C (86°F) during the day and a cooler 23°C (73.4°F) to 24°C (75.2°F) at night. In addition to the favorable temperatures, these months also have relatively low rainfall, averaging 43mm (1.69") per month, which helps create an ideal environment for outdoor activities and exploration.
The worst time to visit Philipsburg
Philipsburg experiences its heaviest rainfall from
August up to and including
November, with an average rainfall measuring between 100mm (3.94") to 129mm (5.08"). Combined with the highest monthly average low temperatures of 25°C (77°F) and the strong ultraviolet index of 12, this period tends to be the least favorable for visitors. Heavy rainfall may disrupt travel plans, particularly outdoor activities and sightseeing excursions.
Spring weather in Philipsburg
Spring in
Philipsburg, running from
March to
May, sees a gradual increase in both temperature and rainfall. Daily average temperatures rise from 29°C (84.2°F) in March to 30°C (86°F) in May. Nightly lows also increase slightly, from 23°C (73.4°F) to 24°C (75.2°F). Rainfall starts to pick up during this period, with May recording significantly high rainfall of 95mm (3.74") as compared to 43mm (1.69") in March and
April.
Summer weather in Philipsburg
Summers in
Philipsburg are exceptionally warm and humid, running from
June through
August. With daily highs of 31°C (87.8°F) and nightly lows of 25°C (77°F), it provides a tropical summer experience. The high UV index of 12 in June and
July requires appropriate skin protection against sunburn. Moreover, an increase in rainfall occurs during these months, especially in August which receives up to 100mm (3.94") of rain.
Autumn weather in Philipsburg
Autumn months in
Philipsburg, spanning from
September to
November, are characterized by the highest rainfall of the year, with September and November registering 129mm (5.08") and 126mm (4.96") respectively. The average high temperature remains mostly constant at 31°C (87.8°F), while the nightly low temperature stays put at 25°C (77°F). Additionally, these months also record the highest sea temperatures, reaching up to 29°C (84.2°F) in September and
October.
Winter weather in Philipsburg
Winter sets in
Philipsburg from
December through
February. Though not typically associated with colder climates, winter months here see the lowest temperatures of the year, as daily highs drop to 29°C (84.2°F) and nightly lows reach 23°C (73.4°F). Rainfall during this period is moderate but decreases steadily from 89mm (3.5") in December to 43mm (1.69") in February. December and
January feature the shortest daylight hours of the year, averaging 11.1 and 11.2 hours respectively.
Weather in January
January in
Philipsburg,
Sint Maarten, brings warm weather that lays the foundation for the year. The first noticeable climate feature of the region is the high average temperature, which starts at 29°C (84.2°F). One can expect short daylight hours when compared to the later months, making the days slightly more refreshing.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Moving into
February, the weather remains fairly consistent with subtle changes from the previous month. Although it is the second successive month with an average high temperature of 29°C (84.2°F), it is deemed to be slightly drier with rainfall averaging out at 43mm (1.69").
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
March rolls in, the weather continues displaying its tropical characteristics similar to
February. The average temperature fluctuations remain marginal; however, it is the UV index which starts by marking its annual peak of 12.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The pleasant and consistent weather in
Philipsburg continues into
April. The city starts to warm up a little bit more with the average temperatures touching 30°C (86°F). Corresponding to the temperature increase, the daylight hours elevate, hinting at slightly longer days ahead.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Reaching
May,
Philipsburg embraces the warmth of summer fully. The sea temperature embraces the heat as well, settling comfortably at 27°C (80.6°F). This escalates the island’s allure for water activities and beach-going. The days extend even further, welcoming more sunshine hours as we move further into the year.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June indicates the continuation of the rainy season in
Philipsburg. The weather conditions remain relatively constant, following the trend established back in
May. One noticeable distinction arises in the sea temperature, hitting a pleasant average of 28°C (82.4°F).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is characterized by high average temperatures, peaking at 31°C (87.8°F). Standing as the hottest month of the year, it demands attention especially from those not too fond of soaring temperatures. Sunshine hours remain solid, with extended daylight, accommodating the tourist influx during the summer season.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As the year progresses,
August in
Philipsburg maintains the summer spell. The city preserves the peak average temperature from
July, with equally long and sunny days. However, it captures attention by recording the highest monthly rainfall, reaching up to 100mm (3.94").
Weather in August »Weather in September
September signals the transition towards the later part of the year in
Philipsburg. Despite the temperature dip to 31°C (87.8°F), it holds a reputation for the highest rainfall of the year, amassing an average of 129mm (5.08").
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Philipsburg is characterized by consistent rainfall, following the trend from
September. The temperatures remain steady, offering still warm yet slightly cooler days. The sea temperature agrees with this pattern, lingering at the agreeable average of 29°C (84.2°F) that is ideal for various sea adventures.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The weather in
Philipsburg in
November might be slightly cooler; however, the rainfall measures up to a hefty 126mm (4.96"). The declining trend in temperature continues while rainfall remains a significant feature of this month's climate.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Wrapping up the year,
December weather in
Philipsburg is reminiscent of the pleasant days of the beginning of the year. The gradually decreasing average temperature drops down to 29°C (84.2°F). Despite the noticeable reduction in daylight, December experiences a healthy amount of sunshine hours.
Weather in December »