Last updated: January 18, 2025
The North Side of the Cayman Islands is characterized by a Koppen-Geiger climate classification of Aw, indicative of a tropical savanna climate. Throughout the year, temperatures demonstrate a tropical consistency, with a minimum of 21°C (70°F) recorded in January and peaking at an average of 27°C (81°F). The warmest month, August, experiences a maximum temperature of 30°C (87°F), contributing to the region's appeal as a warm-weather destination. This climate profile supports a diverse ecosystem and a vibrant culture influenced by its warm, stable environment.
In the North Side of the Cayman Islands, temperature patterns exhibit a warm and consistent tropical climate throughout the year. The coolest months, January and February, feature minimum temperatures around 21°C (70-71°F) and average temperatures stable at 26°C (78-79°F). As spring approaches in March and April, temperatures gradually rise, with lows reaching 24°C (75°F) and highs climbing to 28°C (83°F). The peak of summer is felt in the months of July and August, where temperatures consistently hover around 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (87°F), accompanied by average temperatures of 29°C (84°F) in August. Moving into the fall, September and October maintain warm conditions with averages still around 28°C (83°F). This subtle progression from cooler winter months to the warmer summer reflects a stable tropical climate ideal for both residents and visitors alike.
In North Side, January experiences a minimum temperature of 21°C (70°F), while the peak temperature in August reaches a maximum of 30°C (87°F). For those interested in more detailed climatic information, visit monthly temperatures in North Side.
Precipitation in the North Side of the Cayman Islands follows a distinct seasonal pattern, with significant variability throughout the year. The early months of the year—from January to April—experience relatively low rainfall, ranging from 19 mm (0.8 in) in March to 41 mm (1.6 in) in January. This dry spell hints at the dry season, with only a handful of rainy days—averaging just 6 to 11 days per month—characterizing this period. However, as May approaches, the region transitions into its wetter season, with precipitation surging to a striking 130 mm (5.1 in), accompanied by 15 rainy days, signaling the onset of the more humid months.
The peak of rainfall occurs in the fall, particularly in October, which records a substantial 249 mm (9.8 in), complemented by 22 rainy days. This elevated precipitation extends into November with 174 mm (6.8 in) and continues to influence the region's weather dynamics. In contrast, months such as June, August, and September also see significant rainfall, with amounts ranging from 96 mm (3.8 in) in June to 105 mm (4.1 in) in August. Overall, this precipitation distribution underscores the North Side's tropical climate, balancing periods of dry and wet conditions throughout the year.
In the North Side of the Cayman Islands, sunshine duration exhibits a compelling seasonal trend, demonstrating a steady increase from the winter months to the peak of summer. January begins the year with a respectable 246 hours of sunshine, but as the months progress, February and March see a notable rise, reaching 299 hours and 338 hours, respectively. This upward trajectory continues into April, peaking at 342 hours of bright sunshine. May maintains this high exposure, boasting 339 hours, creating a significant warm-up leading into the summer season.
The summer months, particularly July, shine the brightest, recording an impressive 349 hours of sunshine, making it one of the sunniest months of the year. Following closely, August and September provide ample sunlight, with 335 hours and 322 hours, respectively. However, as the year transitions into autumn, sunshine hours gradually decline, particularly in October and November, where levels fall to 295 and 289 hours. Despite this decrease, December still provides a solid 302 hours of sunshine, emphasizing the region's overall warmth and brightness throughout the year. This enduring sunshine not only enhances the natural beauty of the landscape but also contributes to the vibrant outdoor lifestyle enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
The UV Index in the North Side of the Cayman Islands reflects a prominent seasonal pattern, with values consistently high throughout the year, indicating a significant potential for UV-related skin damage. Starting in January, the UV Index registers at 9, categorized as "very high," necessitating a burn time of merely 15 minutes for unprotected skin. However, as winter transitions into spring, the index escalates sharply, peaking at 13 during the late spring and summer months, specifically from April to August. This extreme level signifies that exposure times should be limited to just 10 minutes to prevent skin burns, underscoring the necessity for protective measures during these months.
As the year progresses toward its end, the UV Index begins to taper off. In September and October, the index remains in the extreme category at levels of 12 and 11, respectively, before slipping back to the "very high" classification of 9 in November and 8 in December, which allows for slightly longer burn times. This seasonal fluctuation invites visitors and locals alike to be vigilant about sun protection, especially during the peak months of April to August, when the harshest UV exposure occurs. Adopting adequate sun safety strategies, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, becomes crucial to enjoying the sun's rays while minimizing health risks.
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Daylight duration in the North Side of the Cayman Islands exhibits a gradual seasonal cycle, anchored by a relatively consistent range throughout the year. In the winter months of January and February, residents enjoy about 11 hours of daylight, providing ample light for outdoor activities despite the cooler temperatures. As spring approaches in March and April, daylight increases to 12 hours, suggesting a transition toward longer days. This trend continues into late spring and early summer, where May, June, and July each bask in 13 hours of daylight, ideal for maximizing enjoyment of the region's beautiful landscapes and vibrant marine life.
However, as summer fades into autumn, daylight hours begin to decrease once more. In August and September, the duration reverts to 12 hours, maintaining a pleasant balance of light and warmth. By October and November, daylight once again drops to 11 hours, similar to earlier months in the year. December marks the shortest daylight period, with only 10 hours of light. This cyclical pattern highlights the idyllic nature of the North Side’s climate while reminding residents and visitors that the region enjoys a generous amount of sunlight, promoting an outdoor lifestyle year-round.
The climate in North Side, Cayman Islands, features warm temperatures year-round, with averages ranging from 26°C (78°F) in cooler months to 29°C (84°F) in the summer. The region experiences the highest rainfall in October, accumulating about 249 mm (9.8 in), while months like February and March are much drier, receiving only around 25 mm (1.0 in) and 19 mm (0.8 in) respectively. Sunshine is abundant, peaking in July with 349 hours of sunshine, making it an ideal destination for sun-seekers. Overall, North Side enjoys a tropical maritime climate that appeals to visitors year-round. For more details, visit North Side climate.
In conclusion, the climate of the North Side of the Cayman Islands offers a captivating blend of warmth, brightness, and seasonal variability that supports both a vibrant ecosystem and an appealing environment for visitors and residents. With consistently high temperatures and substantial sunshine hours, the region is situated in a tropical paradise characterized by its high UV Index, especially during the peak months. Understanding the patterns of precipitation, sunshine duration, and daylight hours empowers individuals to make informed choices regarding outdoor activities and sun protection. Whether basking in the sun during long summer days or enjoying the gentle warmth of winter, the North Side enables a memorable experience shaped by its unique climatic features.