The climate of Aruba
Aruba experiences a hot semi-arid type of climate (Köppen climate classification BSh). The climate is tropical and remains hot throughout the year. Aruba is a tropical island and a constituent country of the Netherlands in the South Caribbean Sea. The Dutch Caribbean Island is just 18 miles north of Venezuela and 620 miles west from the main Lesser Antilles region. Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao constitute the ABC Islands that lie outside the Hurricane Alley of the Caribbean. Northeast trade winds prevail for 9 months of the year to reduce the effect of the tropical sun. The proximity to the equator, trade winds, and the vast waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean influence the climate.
Aruba is a flat, small island, which lies just 12°N of the equator. The land area measures 180 square meters, with a diagonal length of 20 miles from the northwest to the southeast and maximum width of 6 miles. The landscape is arid and cactus-strewn, unlike the rest of the Caribbean. The vegetation is short, and there are no rivers, natural lakes, or streams on the island. The hinterland has few rolling hills, such as Hooiberg, with an altitude of 165 meters. The shore areas are mainly of limestone, rocky cliffs, and coral reefs. White sandy beaches dot the western and southern coasts in the protection of calm waters. Coral reefs and clear waters make the southern beaches a popular tourist destination. The northern and eastern coasts face rough seas due to strong ocean currents. Swimming is risky on the northern shores due to rocky coasts and strong currents. Mount Jamanota is the highest point in Aruba at 188 meters above sea level.
The best time to visit Aruba
The best time to visit
Aruba is from late
December to mid-
March in the dry season. The third week of
January has the most comfortable conditions, with temperatures between 24.4°C (75.9°F) to 30°C (86°F). The daily sunshine is for 8 hours, and the daylight lasts for 12 hours. The moderate wind speeds between 24.1km/h (15mph) to 25.7km/h (16mph) delight the surfers and sailing enthusiasts. Tropical storms and cyclones are few, as the tropical island with white sandy beaches and tranquil waters delights the visitors. December to March is the brightest part of the year, with clear skies up to 54% of the time.
The worst time to visit Aruba
The worst time to visit
Aruba is during the hot and sultry summer from
June to
September. The intense sunshine lasts for a daily average of 9 hours during the hot season, with a peak of 10 hours in
July. Temperatures touch the 33.3°C (91.9°F) mark during the day, and the heat is oppressive. The humidity increases the heat index in the latter half of the summer, and the days are uncomfortable. The skies remain cloudy up to 82% of the time. The interior is hotter than the coast, which receives relief from the trade winds. The tropical storm season brings uncertain weather to the island and the surrounding seas.
Spring weather in Aruba
During the spring months,
Aruba remains predominantly warm and dry. The transition from the cooler winter months leads to gradually increasing temperatures. However, the island does not witness drastic temperature shifts and maintains a comfortable range. Winds remain consistent, ensuring moderate temperatures. This season is also marked by abundant sunlight, making it favorable for outdoor activities and beach visits.
Summer weather in Aruba
Summer in
Aruba is characterized by soaring temperatures, often reaching up to 33.3°C (91.9°F). Coupled with increased humidity, the heat can feel quite intense. This season experiences the longest daylight hours, with sunlight prevailing for an average of 9 to 10 hours daily. While the coastal regions benefit from trade winds, the interiors experience stifling heat. The latter part of summer also witnesses the onset of the tropical storm season, introducing weather unpredictability.
Autumn weather in Aruba
The autumn months mark the beginning of
Aruba's short wet season, which spans from
October to
December. This period sees a spike in humidity and is prone to sporadic heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and the rare hurricane. Despite the rain, temperatures remain relatively high, with the sea being warmest in October, lying between 26.1°C (79°F) to 28.9°C (84°F). Tourists should be cautious of rough seas and strong currents during this period.
Winter weather in Aruba
Winter in
Aruba is pleasantly warm and sunny. With the average low temperature resting at 24.4°C (75.9°F) in
January, it offers a respite from the intense summer heat. The easterly winds, prevalent during this season, further moderate the temperatures. Despite being the coldest month, January still boasts temperatures ranging from 24.4°C (75.9°F) to 30°C (86°F). With generous sunlight and moderate wind speeds, winter becomes an ideal time for various water sports and beach relaxation.
Weather in January
January in
Aruba is characterized by its position as one of the cooler months, though the term "cool" is relative given the tropical nature of the island. In January, temperatures typically maintain a comfortable range, with lows around 26.7°C (80.1°F) and peaks that don't stray far beyond this mark.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Aruba continues the dry season trend established in
January. The island starts experiencing a gradual rise in temperature during this month. The average lows remain in the vicinity of 26.7°C (80.1°F) but the highs start to venture slightly warmer than in January, signaling the approach of the warmer months ahead. While Oranjestad remains a relevant point of reference for Aruba's weather, it's worth noting that the island's topography and geographic size prevent significant variances in weather patterns among its regions.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March in
Aruba signifies a distinct shift towards the warmer spectrum of the year. This month witnesses a more pronounced rise in temperatures compared to
February. While the lows continue to hover around the range of 26.7°C (80.1°F), the highs start to tilt more towards the warmer end, indicative of the approaching summer months. As with the previous months, Oranjestad's climate remains a suitable representation for the entire island, given Aruba's relatively uniform climatic conditions.
Weather in March » Weather in April
April marks the advent of heightened warmth in
Aruba, leading the island closer to its summer peak. The temperatures in this month exhibit a clear uptick compared to
March. While maintaining lows close to 26.7°C (80.1°F), the highs begin to push further, offering a taste of the forthcoming summer months. Given Aruba's consistent climatic conditions, Oranjestad remains a fitting benchmark for the general weather patterns across the island.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Aruba symbolizes the full embrace of the summer season. There's a notable surge in temperatures, distinguishing this month from its predecessors. With lows still lingering around 26.7°C (80.1°F), the highs progressively climb, reflecting the intensifying warmth of the approaching peak summer. Taking into account the island's uniform climate, Oranjestad remains a reliable indicator of weather patterns for the entirety of Aruba.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June ushers in the height of summer in
Aruba, characterized by pronounced warmth and an elevated humidity level. The month witnesses a significant rise in temperatures compared to
May. Lows remain steady around 26.7°C (80.1°F), but it's the highs that soar, making daytime particularly warm, especially in the interior regions of the island. Using Oranjestad as a consistent reference point, one can gauge the general weather conditions across Aruba.
Weather in June » Weather in July
July stands out as one of
Aruba's most sun-soaked months, showcasing the zenith of summer's embrace. The warmth becomes markedly pronounced in July, making it paramount for visitors and locals to adapt to the intensified conditions.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the intense summer saga in
Aruba, closely mirroring the temperatures and conditions of
July. While the thermometer rarely descends below 26.7°C (80.1°F) even during the cooler night hours, the day is dominated by warmth.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Aruba sees a further evolution in the weather narrative, subtly transitioning from the sweltering summer days towards the impending wet season. The month typically experiences mean temperatures peaking at 29.4°C (84.9°F), making it the warmest month of the year, further emphasizing the necessity of adaptability to the island's robust warmth. The coastal city of Oranjestad remains a helpful gauge for understanding the prevailing climatic conditions across the island.
Weather in September » Weather in October
October in
Aruba ushers in a palpable shift in the climatic spectrum, firmly establishing itself within the wet season's ambit. The temperatures, while still portraying a tropical warmth, hover within a range, with averages often situated between 26.7°C (80.1°F) during the cooler nocturnal hours to a sultry 29.4°C (84.9°F) under the midday sun. Oranjestad, a representative city for the island's general climate, continues to be a locus of activity, revealing subtle variances between the coastal regions and the interiors.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
Aruba,
November begins to steer away from the pronounced wet tendencies of
October, albeit the island still remains under the umbrella of the rainy season. The temperatures during this month maintain their tropical nature, typically oscillating between the night-time lows of 26.7°C (80.1°F) and reaching up to 29.4°C (84.9°F) during the daytime. Oranjestad, emblematic of Aruba's broader climatic tendencies, exhibits slight variances that distinguish the coastal areas from the island's interiors.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Aruba carries the promise of a new beginning, marking the twilight of the wet season and the gradual onset of the dry months. With temperatures staying predominantly in the tropical realm, the month generally experiences lows around 26.7°C (80.1°F) during the cooler nighttime and can elevate up to 29.4°C (84.9°F) amidst the warmth of day. Oranjestad, echoing the broader climatic character of Aruba, showcases nuanced differences in temperature and humidity between its coastal stretches and the interior landscapes.
Weather in December »