Last updated: April 14, 2025
The climate of French Guiana is characterized by its tropical conditions, showcasing a wide range of temperatures and precipitation patterns. With minimum temperatures dipping to a comfortable 19°C (66°F) in January and soaring to a sweltering 39°C (102°F) in September, the region experiences distinct variations throughout the year. Monthly precipitation also presents extremes, with a low of 65 mm (2.6 in) recorded in October and a staggering 497 mm (19.6 in) pouring down in May, marking it as the wettest month. Humidity levels further complement this tropical atmosphere, reaching an average low of 69% in September and peaking to a muggy 86% in June. These climatic characteristics create a vibrant and diverse ecosystem, making French Guiana a unique destination for nature enthusiasts.
French Guiana features a predominantly tropical rainforest climate, classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Af. This means the region enjoys high humidity and consistent rainfall throughout the year, creating a lush environment teeming with biodiversity. The warm temperatures, averaging around 25-30°C (77-86°F), coupled with significant precipitation, contribute to the thriving ecosystems that characterize this vibrant territory. As a result, visitors can expect a lush green landscape and a rich array of wildlife, making French Guiana an intriguing destination for nature enthusiasts.
| Climate Zone | Description |
|---|---|
| Af | Tropical rainforest climate with no dry season and high temperatures year-round. |
Throughout the year, the temperatures in French Guiana showcase a warm and tropical climate, characteristic of its equatorial location. January starts with a comfortable minimum of 19°C (66°F) and peaks at 33°C (92°F), gradually rising to 20°C (68°F) in February while maintaining similar highs. By March, the warmth intensifies, with maximum temperatures reaching 35°C (96°F). April and May remain consistently warm, with lows rising to 21°C (69°F) and 22°C (71°F) but not exceeding 34°C (93°F). As the months progress, August and September see remarkably high temperatures, with September hitting a scorching 39°C (102°F). While October and November maintain this heat, the year wraps up with a slight cool down in December, where the minimum dips back to 19°C (67°F). This subtle fluctuation presents a generally warm climate year-round, perfect for those seeking a tropical getaway.
In French Guiana, precipitation patterns reveal a striking variability throughout the year. October typically sees the lowest rainfall, with a mere 65 mm (2.6 in), while May experiences a dramatic surge, with an impressive 497 mm (19.6 in) of rain, making it the wettest month. This increase in precipitation is coupled with an uptick in rainy days, as May also records the highest frequency of rainfall, spanning 29 days. In contrast, September marks a relative lull with only 13 rainy days. This trend highlights a distinct wet season from late April to early June, showcasing the region's lush tropical climate and its profound influence on the local ecosystem.
Humidity in French Guiana exhibits a notable range throughout the year, with minimum levels dipping to 69% in September, signaling a relatively drier phase. In contrast, the peak of humidity is reached in June, soaring to an impressive 86%, highlighting the region's wet and tropical climate during this season. This stark contrast underscores the seasonal fluctuations in moisture, making French Guiana a place of significant humidity variations that influence both the landscape and daily life. Understanding these trends is crucial for anyone looking to experience or study the region's unique environment.
The UV Index (UVI) in French Guiana exhibits striking consistency, particularly during March, when the average daily maximum UVI reaches a notable 16. This steady high level of UV radiation underscores the importance of sun protection for residents and visitors alike. As the region continues to experience this elevated UVI, it serves as a reminder to remain vigilant against potential sun exposure, especially during peak sunlight hours. With such trends, understanding and adapting to the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding health in this vibrant tropical environment.
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In French Guiana, sunshine duration reveals an interesting seasonal pattern. January boasts 238 hours of bright rays, setting a solid baseline for the year. However, as August arrives, the sun intensifies, providing an impressive 342 hours of sunshine. This significant increase not only highlights the region's vibrant summer months but also underscores the time of year when outdoor activities can flourish under the abundant sunlight. The contrast between these two months exemplifies how the tropical climate of Guyane transitions from a relatively cooler start to a peak in sun-soaked days.
In French Guiana, the likelihood of sunny weather varies significantly throughout the year. For instance, September boasts a relatively high probability of sunny days at 42%, making it one of the brighter months to experience the region's vibrant culture and stunning landscapes. In stark contrast, December sees this figure drop dramatically to just 7%, indicating that the rainy season has taken hold. This clear trend underscores the importance of timing your visit to take advantage of the best weather conditions, with September being the ideal month for those seeking sunshine in Guyane.
In French Guiana, daylight hours exhibit a subtle yet noticeable shift throughout the year. In December, the region enjoys around 11 hours of daylight, while this increases to an average of 12 hours in June. This trend highlights the relatively consistent equatorial climate, where sunlight remains abundant and stable across seasons, allowing for ample opportunities to explore the vibrant landscapes and diverse ecosystems of the region. As the daylight lengthens in mid-year, visitors can fully embrace the rich cultural and natural attractions that French Guiana has to offer.
The climate in French Guiana is characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year, making it a tropical paradise. Average daily temperatures hover around 26°C (79°F), with highs peaking at 39°C (102°F) in September. The wettest months are typically from April to June, receiving substantial rainfall that can exceed 500 mm (19.6 in) in May. Despite the heavy rains, the vibrant landscape flourishes, creating a lush environment. To explore more about the weather phenomena in this stunning region, visit Guyane climate.
The climate of French Guiana is marked by its tropical characteristics, showcasing a dynamic range of temperatures and precipitation throughout the year. Temperatures can dip as low as 19°C (66°F) in January, ideal for those seeking mild weather, while soaring to a steamy 39°C (102°F) in September, reflecting the heat of the region. Rainfall varies significantly, with May standing out as the wettest month, receiving up to 497 mm (19.6 in), a stark contrast to the drier October, which sees just 65 mm (2.6 in). Humidity levels also fluctuate, peaking at an average of 86% in June, while September experiences a relative dip to 69%. Such trends paint a vivid picture of French Guiana's unique climate, where lush landscapes thrive amidst a blend of heat and heavy rains, shaping both the environment and lifestyle of its inhabitants.