Last updated: January 18, 2025
Saint Thomas, Barbados, presents a delightful tropical climate classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Am, characterized by a distinct wet and dry season. The monthly temperatures exhibit a comfortable range, with minimum values dipping to approximately 23°C (74°F) in February, while average temperatures hover around 27°C (80°F) throughout the year. The warmest month, September, sees maximum temperatures reaching 29°C (85°F), creating an inviting atmosphere for both residents and visitors. This climate not only fosters lush vegetation but also invites a variety of outdoor activities, making Saint Thomas a unique destination throughout the year.
Temperature patterns in Saint Thomas, Barbados, reveal a consistent warm climate throughout the year, characterized by only slight variations. The cool season begins in January and February, with minimum temperatures around 23°C (74°F) and average highs reaching 27°C (81°F). As spring approaches, March and April see a gentle increase in temperatures, culminating in averages of 26°C (79°F) in April. May marks the transition into summer, with temperatures gradually rising to average around 27°C (80°F) and maximums peaking at 28°C (83°F). The summer months of July and August experience the highest temperatures, where maximums consistently hit 29°C (84°F), slightly cooling down in September with averages stabilizing around 28°C (82°F). As the year wraps up in October through December, temperatures remain pleasantly warm, oscillating between 24°C (75°F) and 28°C (83°F), ensuring that Saint Thomas remains an inviting tropical haven year-round.
Welchman Hall experiences a range of warm temperatures throughout the year, with February's minimum reaching 23°C (74°F) and September's maximum climbing to 29°C (85°F). For more detailed insights into the climate, visit monthly temperatures in Welchman Hall.
The precipitation patterns in Saint Thomas, Barbados, exhibit a clear seasonality, with a distinct shift from drier to wetter months. January through April typically experience lighter rainfall, ranging from 24 mm (1.0 in) in April to 40 mm (1.6 in) in January, with fewer rainy days, averaging around 9 to 13 days. However, from May onwards, rainfall increases significantly, with May receiving 41 mm (1.6 in) and the onset of the rainy season leading to a marked rise in precipitation during the summer months. June sees 76 mm (3.0 in) and July reaches its peak with a staggering 126 mm (5.0 in).
The peak of the wet season is typically seen in August and October, where precipitation can exceed 150 mm (nearly 6.0 in), peaking in October at 177 mm (7.0 in). This period is characterized by increased rainfall days, with August recording up to 24 days of precipitation. As the year transitions back into the drier months, November and December bring about a reduction in rainfall, concluding the annual cycle with 123 mm (4.8 in) in November and 50 mm (2.0 in) in December. This overall distribution underscores the tropical nature of the climate in Saint Thomas, creating vibrant ecosystems supported by seasonal rainfall.
Sunshine duration in Saint Thomas, Barbados, displays a clear seasonal trend, with hours of sunlight gradually increasing as the year progresses. Starting from January, where the island experiences 268 hours of sunshine, there is a notable rise each month leading up to March, which records 345 hours. This early peak marks the transition from winter to spring, revealing how the sun's intensity increases in anticipation of the summer months. Notably, April and May maintain high sunshine hours, with 336 and 349 hours respectively, establishing this period as one of the sunniest times of the year.
The peak sunshine months further extend into the summer, with July achieving 350 hours. This consistency continues through August and September, though slightly lower at 343 and 322 hours respectively. As autumn takes hold, sunshine hours remain robust, with October at 318 hours and November at 313 hours, showcasing the island’s enduring exposure to sunlight even as temperatures begin to cool. In contrast, January's shorter days serve as a reminder of the season’s transitional nature, highlighting the significant increase in solar exposure that characterizes Saint Thomas' climate throughout the year.
The UV Index in Saint Thomas, Barbados, remains consistently extreme throughout most of the year, reflecting the region's tropical climate and proximity to the equator. In the first half of the year, the UV Index reaches its highest levels in April and May, peaking at 14. This trend indicates the need for significant sun protection, as the recommended burn time is a brief 10 minutes. During this period, visitors and residents alike should exercise caution and take measures to prevent skin exposure, as prolonged sun exposure can lead to adverse health effects.
As the year progresses into November and December, the UV Index decreases slightly to 10, transitioning into the very high exposure category with a longer burn time of 15 minutes. While this represents a slight reduction, it still signifies a necessity for sun safety practices, especially during outdoor activities. Overall, the UV Index in Saint Thomas underscores the importance of sun protection year-round, with heightened vigilance required during the months of March through September, when the sun's intensity is at its peak.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Saint Thomas, Barbados, exhibits a consistent pattern throughout the year, reflecting the island’s equatorial positioning. In the first two months of the year, January and February, daylight spans approximately 11 hours, providing a stable amount of light for daily activities. As spring approaches, daylight begins to extend slightly, reaching 12 hours in March and remaining consistent through June. This period of increased daylight is particularly enjoyable, offering ample time for outdoor pursuits and beach activities that attract both residents and visitors.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight duration returns to 11 hours in October and remains constant through December. Despite the decrease in daylight towards the end of the year, the overall variation is minimal, creating a reliable framework for planning activities across seasons. This consistency ensures that Saint Thomas enjoys a warm and vibrant atmosphere year-round, allowing for a continuous engagement with the island’s natural beauty, regardless of the month.
The climate in Welchman Hall, Barbados, features warm temperatures year-round, with averages hovering between 25°C (78°F) and 28°C (82°F). The region experiences its warmest months from June to October, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 29°C (84°F). Rainfall is most pronounced from June to October, peaking in August with 164 mm (6.4 in) of precipitation. Despite the higher rainfall, the area enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in March and May, with over 340 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit Welchman Hall climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Saint Thomas, Barbados, offers a captivating blend of warm temperatures, ample sunshine, and consistent daylight, making it an appealing destination year-round. With a tropical Köppen-Geiger classification of Am, the island experiences a steady rise in temperatures and an abundance of sunlight, particularly during the summer months. Residents and visitors alike must remain attentive to the high UV Index, particularly from March through September, as well as the distinct wet and dry seasons that shape precipitation patterns. Ultimately, the harmonious interplay of these climatic factors fosters a vibrant environment that supports a variety of outdoor activities, ensuring that Saint Thomas remains a cherished locale for relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty.