Last updated: January 18, 2025
Saint Joseph, Dominica, boasts a tropical rainforest climate characterized by its Koppen-Geiger classification of Af. This region experiences relatively moderate temperatures throughout the year, with a minimum of 22°C (72°F) recorded in February, rising to an average of 26°C (79°F) and peaking at 29°C (84°F) in September. The consistent warmth and humidity contribute to the lush biodiversity and vibrant ecosystems that thrive in this Caribbean locale.
Saint Joseph, Dominica, exhibits a fairly stable tropical climate throughout the year, with only slight variations in temperature. The year commences with mild conditions in January, where temperatures range from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a maximum of 27°C (80°F). As winter transitions to early spring, February and March maintain similar averages, holding steady around 25°C (77°F). The warmth begins to gently rise in May, peaking in the summer months of August and September, where maximum temperatures reach 29°C (84°F). Despite these higher values, the overall trend reflects a consistent comfort, with average monthly temperatures predominantly hovering around 26°C to 27°C (79°F to 81°F), creating an inviting climate year-round.
Saint Joseph and Salisbury share similar temperature ranges, with a minimum of 22°C (72°F) in February and a maximum of 29°C (84°F) in September. For more detailed climate information, you can visit the links: monthly temperatures in Saint Joseph and monthly temperatures in Salisbury.
Saint Joseph, Dominica, experiences a distinct seasonal precipitation pattern, characterized by relatively consistent rainfall during the earlier months of the year. From January to April, monthly precipitation remains low, averaging around 33 to 35 mm (1.3 to 1.4 in), with about 12 to 14 rainy days each month. This gradual shift set the stage for a notable increase as the region enters the summer months. May sees a slight uptick in rainfall to 38 mm (1.5 in), but it is during June that precipitation levels begin to rise significantly.
The heart of the wet season strikes in July through October, where Saint Joseph accrued its highest monthly precipitation totals. July receives 91 mm (3.6 in), while August and September witness even greater totals of 112 mm (4.4 in) and 118 mm (4.6 in), respectively. October peaks with 122 mm (4.8 in), coupled with 20 rainy days, demonstrating that this period is marked by frequent and heavy showers. Even as the year wraps up in November and December, notable rainfall persists with totals of 99 mm (3.9 in) and 56 mm (2.2 in), ensuring that Saint Joseph remains lush and vibrant throughout the year.
In Saint Joseph, Dominica, sunshine duration displays a notable seasonal rhythm, exhibiting a steady increase from winter to summer. The year begins with a solid 267 hours of sunshine in January, gradually escalating as the days lengthen. February marks a shift with 306 hours, followed by a significant peak in March at 347 hours. April and May continue this upward trend, reaching their maximums with 340 and 359 hours, respectively. This sunny spell sets the stage for a vibrant summer filled with abundant sunshine, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploration.
As the summer months progress, sunshine hours remain robust, with July and August enjoying 355 and 350 hours respectively, before dipping slightly in September to 318 hours. The transition into autumn and winter seasons brings a gradual decline in sunlight, but the totals remain fairly consistent, ranging between 312 and 329 hours from November to December. Overall, while Saint Joseph experiences its peak sunshine in late spring, it maintains a relatively sunny disposition throughout the entire year, allowing residents and visitors alike to bask in its inviting tropical climate.
In Saint Joseph, Dominica, the UV Index remains consistently high throughout the year, reflecting the region's tropical climate and proximity to the equator. January starts with a notable UV Index of 10, categorized as very high, requiring only 15 minutes of sun exposure before skin can begin to burn. As the year progresses into February, the UV Index elevates to 11, indicating an extreme exposure category with a reduced burn time of just 10 minutes. March continues this trend with an even more intense UV Index of 13, reaching its peak during April and May at 14, where the risk for sunburn becomes significant.
This extreme UV Index persists into the summer months, with values ranging between 13 and 14 from June to August, emphasizing the necessity for protective measures against sun exposure. As autumn approaches, the UV Index begins to decline, dipping to 12 in October before declining further to 10 in November and 9 in December, when sunburn risk remains considerable. Despite some reduction in UV intensity towards the year's end, residents and visitors are encouraged to stay vigilant and practice sun safety throughout all seasons in Saint Joseph.
UV Risk Categories
In Saint Joseph, Dominica, daylight duration remains relatively stable throughout the year, providing a consistent amount of sunlight to the region. Beginning with 11 hours of daylight in January and February, the days gradually lengthen as the year progresses into spring. March marks the transition to longer days, with daylight extending to 12 hours, a duration that remains constant through April and May. This period of increased sunlight fosters a vibrant environment, conducive to outdoor activities and the flourishing of local flora.
As summer approaches in June, daylight peaks at 13 hours, offering the longest days of the year. However, this increase is short-lived, as July and August see a return to 12 hours, reflecting the gradual shift back towards shorter daylight hours. The decline continues into the fall and winter months, with daylight returning to 11 hours in October and remaining consistent through November and December. This cyclical pattern of daylight in Saint Joseph enhances the region’s tropical climate, allowing for a rich diversity of day-to-day experiences.
Saint Joseph, Dominica, enjoys a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 22°C (72°F) in February to a maximum of 29°C (84°F) in the summer months of August through October. The region experiences a distinct wet season, with August and October receiving the highest precipitation at 112 mm (4.4 in) and 122 mm (4.8 in), respectively. Sunshine hours are abundant, peaking in May with 359 hours, offering plenty of bright days throughout the year. For more detailed information, visit Saint Joseph climate.
Salisbury, Dominica, enjoys a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round, with average highs ranging from 25°C (78°F) in January to 27°C (81°F) in September. Rainfall is most frequent from June to October, peaking in October with 122 mm (4.8 in), while the dry season sees less than 40 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation per month. The area boasts abundant sunshine, especially from March to May, with an impressive 359 hours in May alone. For more detailed information on the weather patterns, visit Salisbury climate.
In conclusion, Saint Joseph, Dominica, exhibits a rich and dynamic climate characterized by consistent warmth, ample sunshine, and significant seasonal variations in precipitation and UV exposure. With temperatures averaging around 26°C (79°F) throughout the year and a distinct wet season peaking from June to October, the region provides a lively atmosphere for both residents and visitors. The high UV Index values highlight the importance of sun safety, particularly during the extreme months from February to May. Furthermore, the stable daylight duration, ranging from 11 to 13 hours, complements the tropical environment, ensuring that Saint Joseph remains a vibrant and inviting destination year-round. As such, understanding these climatic patterns is essential for enjoying the natural beauty and outdoor activities that this enchanting locale has to offer.