West Bay Climate

Last updated: January 18, 2025

West Bay, located in the picturesque Cayman Islands, is characterized by a tropical savanna climate as per the Köppen-Geiger climate classification (Aw). The region experiences a temperate range, with minimum temperatures averaging 21°C (70°F) during the cooler month of January. Throughout the year, average temperatures hover around 27°C (81°F), while peak summer months, especially August, witness maximum temperatures reaching 30°C (86°F). This warm climate, coupled with stunning natural beauty, makes West Bay an inviting destination year-round.

West Bay temperature by month

In West Bay, Cayman Islands, temperature patterns reveal a subtle yet discernible seasonal trend marked by mild variations throughout the year. The coolest months, January and February, feature minimum temperatures around 21°C (70°F), with averages hovering between 26°C (78°F) and 27°C (81°F). As spring approaches in March and April, there is a gradual warming, with minimums rising to 24°C (75°F) and peak averages reaching 28°C (84°F) in April. The summer months of June through August experience the warmest conditions, consistently showcasing minimums of around 25°C (77°F) and maximums peaking at 30°C (86°F). By autumn, temperatures stabilize, with September and October maintaining similar warm averages before gradually cooling again in late fall, as seen in November and December. Overall, West Bay enjoys a pleasant tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, inviting visitors to embrace its natural allure.

Monthly Temperatures in West Bay, Cayman Islands

The chart illustrates West Bay's temperature patterns throughout the year, with values aggregated from various locations across the region. It highlights seasonal variations and temperature changes across the months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec787978808182838383828179
Data source: West Bay temperature data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

West Bay experiences a pleasant climate throughout the year, with January temperatures dipping to a minimum of 21°C (70°F) and peaking at a warm 30°C (86°F) in August. For more detailed information on the monthly temperature variations, visit monthly temperatures in West Bay.

Precipitation Patterns in West Bay

West Bay, Cayman Islands, experiences a distinctive precipitation pattern throughout the year, which is characterized by two notable peaks. The early months of the year, such as January through March, see relatively lower rainfall totals, with January receiving approximately 39 mm (1.5 in), tapering off to 19 mm (0.8 in) by March. This drier period is accompanied by fewer rainy days, with January averaging 11 rainy days and March reaching only 6 days. However, as spring transitions into summer, there is a notable increase in precipitation, with May experiencing a dramatic rise to 130 mm (5.1 in), indicating the onset of the wetter season.

The summer months bring further fluctuations in rainfall, peaking in October with an impressive total of 254 mm (10.0 in) spread across 23 days of rain, making it the wettest month. Notably, September and August also record significant rainfall, at 102 mm (4.0 in) and 105 mm (4.1 in), respectively. The latter half of the year generally sees heavier downpours and increased rainy days, culminating in an overall pattern that characterizes West Bay's climate as a tropical paradise, where moisture is abundant, especially during the peak hurricane season from late summer to early autumn.

Monthly Average Precipitation in West Bay, Cayman Islands

The average monthly precipitation in West Bay, providing insights into seasonal rainfall patterns and the region's precipitation trends throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec39242025130875510510225517546
Data source: West Bay precipitation data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.
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Sunshine Duration in West Bay

West Bay, Cayman Islands, enjoys a favorable sunshine profile, particularly as the year progresses from winter to summer. Starting with 247 hours of sunshine in January, the destination gradually experiences an increase, reaching 341 hours in April. March marks a notable transition, with 337 hours of sunshine, showcasing a clear upward trend as spring unfolds. May continues this positive trajectory, peaking at 342 hours, just before the onset of the summer months. This steady rise not only enhances the region's vibrant atmosphere but also provides an attractive climate for outdoor activities and tourism.

The summer months further bolster this sunny disposition, with July achieving the highest total of 348 hours of sunshine, creating ideal conditions for beachgoers and sun-seekers. Though August and September also maintain impressive totals of 335 hours and 322 hours, respectively, there is a slight decrease as clouds may accompany tropical weather patterns. Autumn begins with a gradual decline in sunshine, bringing October down to 294 hours before stabilizing in November with 290 hours. Despite this decrease, West Bay remains relatively sunny, ensuring that visitors can always find moments of warmth and light throughout the year.

Monthly Sunshine in West Bay, Cayman Islands

Monthly sunshine duration represents the total hours of direct sunlight West Bay receives each month, excluding periods when the sun is obscured by clouds or other obstructions.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec247h299h337h341h342h321h348h335h322h294h290h303h
Data source: West Bay sunshine duration data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.

West Bay UV Index Trends

In West Bay, Cayman Islands, the UV Index reveals a notable seasonal pattern, with values indicating the potential for skin damage from sun exposure. Beginning in January with a UV Index of 9, categorized as very high, residents and visitors are reminded to be cautious, as burn time can occur within just 15 minutes. The intensity rises sharply from February to April, peaking at UV Index levels of 13, classified as extreme, signaling that sun protection strategies should be prioritized, with a burn time reduced to 10 minutes during these months.

Throughout the summer, the UV Index remains elevated, stabilizing at 12 or 13 from May to October. Even in late summer months like August and September, the UV Index stays at 12, prompting ongoing vigilance for sun exposure. As autumn approaches, the index gradually declines, landing at 11 in October, then dropping to 9 in November and 8 in December. Despite this seasonal dip, the UV Index remains consistently high, reinforcing the need for protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and seeking shade to safeguard against potential sunburn and long-term skin damage throughout the year in this sun-soaked paradise.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for West Bay, Cayman Islands

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in West Bay. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec910121313131212121198
Data source: West Bay UV Index data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Daylight Hours in West Bay

In West Bay, Cayman Islands, daylight duration exhibits a predictable seasonal rhythm, offering a consistent balance between light and darkness throughout the year. During the initial months of January and February, residents experience approximately 11 hours of daylight, providing ample time for outdoor activities and beach enjoyment. As spring unfolds in March and April, daylight begins to extend, reaching 12 hours, which hints at the longer days ahead as summer approaches.

The peak daylight period occurs during the summer months of May through July, where residents bask in about 13 hours of daylight each day, allowing for extended exploration of the island's stunning landscapes. As autumn rolls in, daylight hours begin to taper off, dropping back to 12 hours in August and September before settling to 11 hours in October and November. By December, daylight lasts for only 10 hours, marking the shortest days of the year. This evolving pattern of daylight not only influences daily life in West Bay but also enhances the experience of its tropical charm.

Average Monthly Daylight Hours in West Bay, Cayman Islands

This chart shows the total daylight hours West Bay receives each month, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec665h690h722h755h782h796h788h764h732h700h672h658h
Data source: West Bay daylight hours, calculated based on aggregated data for various regional locations, determined by the times between sunrise and sunset.

Climate Highlights of West Bay's Popular Destinations

West Bay, Cayman Islands enjoys a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round, with average highs ranging from 26°C (79°F) in winter to 30°C (86°F) in summer. Precipitation varies significantly, peaking in October with 254 mm (10.0 in), while drier months like March see only 19 mm (0.8 in). The region benefits from abundant sunshine, especially from April to July, where it averages over 340 hours per month. This ideal climate makes West Bay a popular destination for sun-seekers and beach enthusiasts. For more detailed insights, visit West Bay climate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, West Bay, Cayman Islands, offers a tropical oasis characterized by its inviting climate, abundant sunshine, and high UV Index, making it a popular destination year-round. With a consistent trend of increasing daytime hours leading into summer and varying precipitation levels throughout the year, visitors can anticipate an enjoyable mix of vibrant outdoor experiences and lush natural landscapes. As the UV Index remains high across most months, it is crucial for residents and tourists alike to practice sun safety. Overall, the unique interplay of temperature, sunshine duration, and seasonal shifts enhances the charm and allure of West Bay, allowing for unforgettable adventures in this picturesque locale.

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