The climate of Suriname
Suriname, positioned in the northern part of South America, sits on the Atlantic coast, bordering Brazil, Guyana, and French Guiana. Its terrain is a blend of coastal lowlands, rolling hills, and rainforests. The country boasts an "Af" Köppen climate classification, which implies a tropical rainforest climate. This classification indicates that Suriname experiences no temperature below 18°C (64.4°F) throughout the year. In addition, every month sees a significant level of rainfall, making Suriname one of the world's wettest countries. Generally, temperatures are consistently high, ranging between 26°C (78.8°F) and 32°C (89.6°F). The annual precipitation in Suriname averages between 2200mm (86.61") and 3000mm (118.11"), ensuring lush vegetation and rich biodiversity throughout the year.
The Best Time to Visit Suriname
The optimal time to visit
Suriname is during the short dry season, from
February to
April, or the long dry season, which stretches from
August to
November. During these periods, rainfall decreases significantly, making outdoor activities more manageable and enjoyable. Moreover, the reduced rainfall minimizes mosquito populations, creating a more comfortable environment for visitors. These dry seasons offer better opportunities to explore the country's stunning biodiversity, including its pristine rainforests and exotic wildlife.
The Worst Time to Visit Suriname
The heaviest rainfall occurs during the long rainy season, from
April to
August, and the short rainy season, from
December to
January. These periods can result in extensive flooding, particularly in coastal areas, and can disrupt travel plans. Moreover, the high humidity levels during these seasons can make the climate uncomfortable for visitors not accustomed to such conditions. Despite the appeal of lush green landscapes during the rainy seasons, these periods are generally considered less favorable for tourism.
Spring Weather in Suriname
The concept of spring, as known in temperate climates, does not apply to
Suriname due to its tropical rainforest climate. Instead, the year is divided into rainy and dry seasons. However, during the months typically associated with spring,
March to
May, Suriname enters its long rainy season. During this time, temperatures average around 28°C (82.4°F), with rainfall peaking in May, often reaching more than 300mm (11.81").
Summer Weather in Suriname
The period commonly referred to as summer (
June to
August) falls within
Suriname's long rainy season and the start of the long dry season. June continues with high levels of rainfall, with precipitation over 200mm (7.87"), but as August approaches, the rainfall decreases. Temperatures remain relatively stable, with averages around 28°C (82.4°F) to 30°C (86°F), and humidity levels remain high, particularly in the rainforest regions.
Autumn Weather in Suriname
The autumn months of
September to
November mark the long dry season in
Suriname. During this period, precipitation lessens significantly compared to the rainy seasons. However, the country still experiences occasional showers, particularly in the coastal regions. Temperatures remain high during this season, averaging 29°C (84.2°F) to 31°C (87.8°F). These months are typically marked by lower humidity levels, making them more comfortable for exploration and outdoor activities.
Winter Weather in Suriname
During the period typically known as winter (
December to
February),
Suriname experiences its short rainy and dry seasons. December and
January are the months of the short rainy season, where rainfall can reach over 150mm (5.91") per month. Temperatures remain relatively consistent, ranging from 26°C (78.8°F) to 32°C (89.6°F). However, February marks the beginning of the short dry season, where the rainfall declines, offering respite from the wet conditions of the previous months.
Weather in January
January falls within the short rainy season in
Suriname, a time when the country experiences higher rainfall compared to the upcoming months. During this month, the average precipitation is around 220mm (8.66"), which is substantial but not as high as the peak in the longer rainy season.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Suriname ushers in the short dry season, characterized by a decrease in rainfall and slight fluctuations in temperature. This month sees a considerable drop in precipitation compared to
January, with average rainfall levels falling to approximately 80mm (3.15").
Weather in February » Weather in March
March in
Suriname continues the trend established in
February, maintaining relatively dry conditions as the short dry season persists. Compared to February, the amount of rainfall remains approximately the same, with an average precipitation of 80mm (3.15").
Weather in March » Weather in April
April marks a significant shift in
Suriname's climate as the country transitions from the short dry season to the long rainy season. As such, rainfall begins to increase substantially during this month. On average, the precipitation in April is around 220mm (8.66"), representing a substantial jump from the 80mm (3.15") typically experienced in
March. Temperatures remain consistently warm, as expected in a tropical climate.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Suriname brings the peak of the long rainy season, characterized by the highest rainfall of the year. The average precipitation during this month is in excess of 300mm (11.81"), which is a notable increase from the already substantial rainfall witnessed in
April. Temperatures during May continue the trend seen throughout the year, maintaining the country's consistently warm climate.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In
June,
Suriname continues to experience the long rainy season, although rainfall decreases slightly compared to
May. The average precipitation during this month is around 280mm (11.02"), showing a marginal decrease from the peak in May, which receives the highest rainfall of the year. Temperature-wise, June in Suriname continues to reflect the warm and tropical climate typical of the country.
Weather in June »Weather in July
July represents a distinct shift in
Suriname's climate, as the country transitions from the long rainy season to the long dry season. Rainfall during this month decreases noticeably, with an average precipitation of 160mm (6.3").
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Suriname sees the continuation of the long dry season, with the country experiencing drier conditions than the preceding months. The average rainfall during this month is approximately 180mm (7.09"), showing a slight increase compared to
July but still considerably less than during the rainy season. Temperatures during August remain within the typical range for Suriname's tropical climate.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Suriname brings a gradual transition from the long dry season to the short rainy season. The average rainfall during this month increases to 200mm (7.87"), indicating a slight uptick compared to
August but remaining less than the precipitation levels during the peak rainy season. Temperature patterns in September continue to be consistent with the warm and tropical climate of Suriname.
Weather in September » Weather in October
October in
Suriname marks the full onset of the short rainy season. Rainfall during this month sees another increase, with the average precipitation reaching around 230mm (9.06"). This is a significant rise compared to
September, demonstrating the change from the drier conditions of the long dry season. Despite the increase in rainfall, October temperatures remain typical for Suriname's tropical climate.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Suriname signifies the tail end of the short rainy season. During this month, the average rainfall decreases slightly to about 210mm (8.27"), indicating a marginal reduction from
October, which is typically wetter. Temperatures during November continue to reflect Suriname's characteristic warm and tropical climate.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Suriname signifies the beginning of the short dry season. The average rainfall during this month decreases to 150mm (5.91"), marking a notable reduction from the rainy conditions experienced in
November. Despite the transition to the dry season, December temperatures remain consistent with Suriname's tropical climate.
Weather in December »