The climate of Tobago
Perched in the southern Caribbean,
Tobago,
Trinidad and Tobago falls under a tropical monsoon climate, as classified by the Köppen climate system. This corresponds to the Am code. Being positioned near the equator introduces a stable temperature range to the island, with the mercury rarely fluctuating out of the band from 21°C (69.8°F) to 31°C (87.8°F).
The weather in Tobago follows the established pattern of a tropical monsoon climate. As such, the island experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon, with much drier conditions during other times of the year.
January through
April record the lowest averages of precipitation, while the period from the end of
May till
November marks the peak rainfall months, with figures regularly exceeding 160mm (6.3"). A typical year sees rainfall distributed across an average of 14 to 23 days per month.
Not surprisingly, sunshine persists for approximately 7 to 8 hours per day throughout the year. Meanwhile, daylight hours show a little variation, oscillating from a minimum of 11.5 hours in
December to a maximum of 12.8 hours in
June. Sea temperatures remain relatively unchanging across the year, ranging between 27°C (80.6°F) and 29°C (84.2°F), giving the perfect conditions for water-related activities all year round.
The best time to visit Tobago
A visit to
Tobago would arguably be most pleasant from
January to
April. During this timeframe, the island witnesses the least amount of rainfall with averages falling between 49mm (1.93") to 58mm (2.28") per month. The temperature too makes for a perfect tropical escape, with highs oscillating between 29°C (84.2°F) and 30°C (86°F) and lows hovering at a comfortable 21°C (69.8°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). Furthermore, visitors can expect around 8 hours of sunshine per day, providing ample time to explore the island’s natural beauty under clear skies.
The worst time to visit Tobago
On the flip side, the period from
May to
November may not be the most suitable to visit
Tobago. This part of the year is synonymous with heavy rainfall, with monthly averages soaring to between 163mm (6.42") and 230mm (9.06"), increasing rainfall days ranging from 19 to 23 days a month. Particularly, the latter half of the year bears the brunt of the monsoon, making outdoor activities quite challenging.
Spring weather in Tobago
In
Tobago, spring stretches from
March to
May. During this season, temperatures peak at 30°C (86°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), while the lowest temperatures hover between 22°C (71.6°F) and 24°C (75.2°F). Rainfall begins to pick up again around the end of spring, with May recording an average precipitation of 78mm (3.07") on 17 days of the month.
Summer weather in Tobago
Summer, defined as
June through
August in
Tobago, is characterized by the onset of torrential rains and soaring humidity. Average daily high temperatures are quite uncanny for summer months, maintained at around 30°C (86°F) and lows sticking around 23°C (73.4°F). The rainfall reaches its apex, particularly in
July and August, averaging between 163mm (6.42") to 201mm (7.91").
Autumn weather in Tobago
Autumn in
Tobago runs from
September to
November. Similar to the summer months, rainfall continues to dictate the climate during this season, with monthly averages reaching beyond 180mm (7.09"). However, temperatures remain rather steady, circling around highs and lows of 30°C (86°F) and 23°C (73.4°F) respectively.
Winter weather in Tobago
Winter descends over
Tobago from
December to
February. The climate during these months is much drier and warmer compared to the preceding months. Temperatures range between 21°C (69.8°F) and 29°C (84.2°F), while the rainfall recedes substantially, averaging between 54mm (2.13") in February to 168mm (6.61") in December. It marks the return of fair weather and clearer skies, making it an enjoyable season for a visit to the island.
Weather in January
Despite
Tobago's reputation for constant warm weather, the month of
January experiences slight variations. On the lower side, temperatures descend to 22°C (71.6°F) while, on the higher side, they rise to 29°C (84.2°F). It's common to experience bright and sunny mornings that usher in the 58mm (2.28") of rainfall this month has to offer.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Weather conditions in
Tobago change minutely from
January to
February. The high temperatures persist, while the low temperatures reduce by one degree, going from 22°C (71.6°F) to 21°C (69.8°F). Evidently, February receives less rainfall than the preceding month, with an accumulation of 54mm (2.13") throughout the month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Tobago notes an increase in high and low temperatures, 30°C (86°F) and 22°C (71.6°F) respectively, compared to the
February weather. March month receives marginally less rainfall than February, with a total accumulation of 49mm (1.93").
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April,
Tobago's weather continues to warm, with an increase in minimum temperature to 23°C (73.4°F). While rainfall increases slightly to 55mm (2.17"), it divides evenly over just seven days in the month. This gain in temperature is noticeable but does not substantially affect outdoor activities.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May is a significant month, weather-wise, for
Tobago, primarily because of a notable increase in rainfall to 78mm (3.07"). Besides, the temperature range remains between 24°C (75.2°F) and 31°C (87.8°F), making for mostly warm days.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June, despite experiencing similar temperatures as
May, witnesses a remarkable uptick in precipitation to 163mm (6.42"). June signals
Tobago's transition into its rainy season, with the number of rainy days increasing. The season’s hallmark is not constant, torrential rain, but frequent short showers interrupted by sunny breaks.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As
Tobago moves further into the rainy season,
July registers the highest precipitation of the year at 201mm (7.91"). Barbados cherry and avocado season in full swing, nature's munificence is on full display in July. While the showers revitalize the flora and fauna, at sea, conditions remain perfect for water activities.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August weather in
Tobago mirrors that of
July, with the similarly high precipitation of 180mm (7.09"). Temperatures hit a stable plateau, maintaining the same range of 23°C (73.4°F) to 30°C (86°F). The additional volume of rainfall in August, compared to July, does not deter visitors who revel in the island’s flourishing greenery.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Tobago's weather in
September remains largely unchanged from
August, with a monumental 181mm (7.13") rainfall. The tropical island enjoys bountiful rain showers that layer the island with lush greenery. The rains of September begin to retreat slowly, hinting at a nearing end to the rainy season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
By
October,
Tobago is amidst heavy rain showers that accumulate to about 230mm (9.06"). October witnesses the peak of the rainy season and is synonymous with green landscapes and constant warmth. After months of continuous rain, the prospect of decreased rains instills a sense of anticipation among the locals.
Weather in October »Weather in November
Shifts become apparent in
November as
Tobago moves from intense rain to less frequent showers, reaching 218mm (8.58") of rainfall. The year’s highest rainfall month,
October, gives way to November’s milder weather. Even though bright sunny patches become visibly more frequent, rains continue to pour, keeping the landscape vibrant.
Weather in November »Weather in December
As the year comes to a close,
December in
Tobago sees a significant reduction in rainfall to 168mm (6.61"). The transition from
November to December is marked by a visible decrease in the amount of daily rainfall. The reduced rainfall levels mark the onset of the dry season, making this month a preferable time for travel and exploration.
Weather in December »