Climate
(see also Cyclones and Weather and Sea)

Temperature
The archipelago falls wholly within the tropics. It follows that temperatures are high (25°C–30°C), with little seasonal variation. Temperature differences, which can be of the order of 10°C or more, are due mainly either to variation between night and day or to changes in altitude.

The trades The whole zone lies within the zone of the trade winds. The seasonal movements of the trade wind belt also regulate the climate as a whole.

The seasons The seasons vary between the dry season December–April (Lent) and the wet season May–November (Winter). The latter is typified by more frequent and heavy rain (especially in squalls). The former is typified by established trade winds, characterized by less frequent rain and slightly lower air and sea temperatures.

Rain and the cyclone season The intensity and amount of rain is a function of each island’s relief, which generates cloud buildup. Showers are more common on the windward coasts. The hurricane risk is greatest in the winter, June–November (see Cyclones below).

Sea temperature Given the high and steady air temperature, the sea water temperature stays between 25°C and 28°C and never falls below 20°C even during the winter