Roatan Weather Patterns - Update 120508

Roatan Weather Patterns - Update 120508

There are three general weather season’s here:

1. The Spring/Summer - Dry Season
2. The Summer/early Fall - Tropical Storm Season
3. The late Fall/Winter - Rainy Season

Regardless of the season, the weather year round is mostly sunny and markedly temperate, when compared to northern climes. The seasonal differences in the tropics are much more subtle than in northern latitudes, but they do exist.

The dry season normally begins in March and continues into early June. The easterly trade winds are moderate and rainfall is negligible. The ocean water begins to warm and temperatures range from the high 70s °F to the low 80s °F.

June 1^st marks the start of the tropical storm season in the Western Hemisphere. Roatan is well off the common major hurricane tracks; experiencing about one major hurricane every 20 years. From June through mid-October, skies are mostly sunny with a chance of intermittent, early morning, late evening rain showers and thunderstorms. By mid-October, ocean water temperatures are in the low to mid- 80s °F and air temperatures are in the mid-80s °F to low 90s °F. Trade winds are the strongest during the month of July.

In the Western Caribbean Sea, ocean water temperatures reach their peak around the middle of October. This coincides with the beginning of winter in the northern hemisphere. The cold fronts which bring snow to Canada and the USA make their way south like giant snow birds. When this cool air mass collides with the warm tropical air, the result is rain.

Whether it is a wet year or a dry year, we get 50% to 55% of our annual rainfall between the middle of October and the middle of January. November is the rainiest month of the year.

During the fall and winter, when a cold front passes through, ambient air temperatures can fall into the high 60s °F and with the wind chill factor; it can feel cooler. Dive parkas, hoodies and hot chocolate are the order of the day. However, after a few days of overcast and rain, they give way to sunshine and higher temperatures.

To help you plan your dive vacation around the weather, go to:

http://english.wunderground.com/history/airport/MHRO/2012/05/07/PlannerHistory.html?dayend=&monthend=&yearend=&req_city=Roatan&req_state=&req_statename=Honduras&activity=Scuba&mode=calendar