Climate and monthly weather forecast
Puerto Rico, USA

Puerto Rico has a tropical rainforest type of climate (Köppen climate classification Af), with a mostly hot and humid atmosphere during the year. Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States, about 1000 miles southeast of the state of Florida. The archipelago lies in the northeastern Caribbean Sea between the US Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic. Easterly trade winds, tropical latitudes, mountainous landscapes, and engulfment by the sea are the primary factors that influence the climate.

Puerto Rico lies 18°north of the equator and comprises of the main island of Puerto Rico and many small islands and islets. The island consists of a central mountain range and has a mountainous topography, with the highest elevation of 1340 meters at Cerro de Punta. The Cordillera Central Mountain Range blocks trade winds and causes local variations in temperatures and rainfall. Large swathes of coasts lie in the north and south, as the main island spans 110 miles from east to west but only 40 miles from north to south. Puerto Rico has more than 50 rivers and 17 lakes and is home to the tropical El Yunque National Forest.

The best time to visit Puerto Rico is from January to April when the temperatures are relatively mild in the dry season. The tropical islands do not have a winter season, but the temperatures drop up to 6°F (-14.4°C) from the highs of August and September. The tourist season peaks between January to March, but people who prefer to avoid crowds like April and May. The dry season has comfortable weather and relatively lesser rainfall than the rest of the year. The windward sides of the mountains are rainier than the coast.

The worst time to visit Puerto Rico is from August to October in the wet season. The conditions are hot and humid, and the heat index peaks in August. Precipitation occurs regularly in this period and contributes a significant percentage of the annual rainfall. The hurricane season is at its peak, and the probability of tropical storms is at the highest of the year. The intensity of the tropical sun is at its peak and is unbearable for people from the temperate zones of the world.

Spring, which runs from March to May, brings a transition from the dry to the wet season. Temperatures in March range from 73°F (22.8°C) to 86°F (30°C), with the warmth intensifying as the months progress. April, being a part of both the dry and wet seasons, sees sporadic rainfall, while May witnesses more consistent precipitation. Winds, primarily easterly, remain prevalent, averaging speeds of 20mph (32.2km/h).

The summer months, June to August, are characterized by hot and humid conditions. June sees temperatures between 75°F (23.9°C) to 88°F (31.1°C), with similar conditions in July. August experiences the peak heat, with averages around 89°F (31.7°C). Rainfall is frequent and abundant, contributing significantly to the annual totals. The threat of tropical cyclones also increases during this period.

Autumn, spanning September to November, remains hot and rainy. September's temperatures vary from 75°F (23.9°C) to 88°F (31.1°C). Rainfall remains consistent, with November being the wettest month. The hurricane season is in full swing, and the region is susceptible to the impacts of tropical storms. Relative humidity levels hover between 70% and 80%.

Winter, from December to February, is Puerto Rico's dry season. December temperatures fluctuate between 73°F (22.8°C) and 85°F (29.4°C). The weather remains relatively dry with decreased humidity, making it the ideal time for outdoor activities and exploration. Even though it's the cooler period, the temperatures are still pleasant, especially in comparison to the summer highs. Coastal areas maintain their warmth, while the mountainous regions experience slightly cooler conditions.

January in Puerto Rico marks the heart of the dry season. During this month, the temperature typically varies between a comfortable 72°F (22.2°C) as the low and rises to a warmer 85°F (29.4°C) during the day. When compared to the sweltering highs of August, January sees a noticeable decrease of about 6°F (-14.4°C). The northern and central regions, such as San Juan and areas within the Cordillera Central Mountain Range, tend to be a few degrees cooler than the southern parts of the island. Weather in January »

February continues the trend set by January, providing favorable conditions in Puerto Rico's dry season. During this month, temperatures slightly fluctuate, starting at a mild 73°F (22.8°C) and reaching a maximum of 86°F (30°C). Weather in February »

March ushers in a transition phase for Puerto Rico, as the island gradually shifts from the dry to the onset of the wet season. The month experiences temperatures ranging from 73°F (22.8°C) on the cooler side to a slightly increased high of 86°F (30°C), consistent with the incremental warming trend observed from January. Cities like San Juan in the north, given their geographical location, tend to be marginally cooler. Weather in March »

As April unfolds, Puerto Rico witnesses the true transitional nature of this month, marking the latter stages of the dry season while welcoming the initial inklings of the wet season. Temperature-wise, the island sees a subtle rise with lows averaging 74°F (23.3°C) and highs touching 87°F (30.6°C). Weather in April »

May signifies a pivotal point in Puerto Rico's climatic timeline, as the island moves decisively into its wet season. Temperatures this month continue to climb, with lows hovering around 75°F (23.9°C) and highs reaching 88°F (31.1°C). Weather in May »

June in Puerto Rico brings the onset of summer, with the island firmly entrenched in its wet season. Temperatures continue their upward trajectory, starting from lows around 76°F (24.4°C) and soaring to highs of about 89°F (31.7°C). Weather in June »

July in Puerto Rico underscores the peak of summer, as the wet season remains in full effect. Temperatures oscillate between a minimum of about 77°F (25°C) and can reach a sweltering 90°F (32.2°C). This month's warmth, only marginally higher than June, is accentuated by the accompanying high humidity levels. As has been the trend, northern locales such as San Juan offer a slightly cooler climate compared to the more southern reaches of the island. Weather in July »

August in Puerto Rico stands as the zenith of the tropical summer. The island experiences temperatures that fluctuate between lows around 77°F (25°C) and can peak at an intense 91°F (32.8°C). This makes August one of the hottest months of the year, a slight but noticeable escalation from July's warmth, further intensified by heightened humidity levels. Regions in the northern sector, encompassing areas like San Juan, maintain a marginally cooler atmosphere compared to the southern parts, though the difference becomes less pronounced during these peak summer months. Weather in August »

September in Puerto Rico marks a critical phase in the meteorological calendar, as it's historically one of the most active months for hurricanes. Temperature-wise, the island retains its summer warmth with minimums around 77°F (25°C) and highs that can touch 90°F (32.2°C). Weather in September »

October in Puerto Rico brings a gradual transition as the island starts to inch away from the peak of its wet season. The month experiences temperatures that sway between lows of approximately 76°F (24.4°C) and highs that might climb up to 89°F (31.7°C). Weather in October »

Puerto Rico in November begins to experience a noticeable shift in its climate. The month is characterized by temperatures ranging from lows of 75°F (23.9°C) to highs that reach up to 87°F (30.6°C). This change is palpable when compared to the warmer months preceding it, and there's a palpable relief from the oppressive summer warmth. The typical temperature variations between northern regions like San Juan, Dorado, and Vega Baja, and the southern areas remain, but the overall temperature gradient across the island starts to narrow. Weather in November »

December in Puerto Rico signifies the onset of the dry season, marking a welcomed respite from the extended wet phase the island underwent. During this month, the temperature spectrum begins at lows near 74°F (23.3°C) and can escalate to highs around 85°F (29.4°C). Weather in December »