Today's weather for St. Kitts, Federation of St Kitts & Nevis8th Sep 2008 13:00

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Weather Overview for St. Kitts

The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis is a federal two-island nation found in the West Indies in the south-eastern area of the Caribbean Sea. It’s located close to the west of Antigua and lies around 2000kms to the south-east of Florida.

There are two islands that make up the Federation – St.Kitts, the larger to the north, and Nevis. The capital, Basseterre, is found on St.Kitts and its large port makes it a popular stop-off for Caribbean cruise-liners.

The climate of St.Kitts is hot and tropical; average temperatures vary between 25C and 27C across the year, while rainfall is possible at any time but most likely between July and November.

There are no definitive seasons in St.Kitts, though you could class July to November the wet season and December to June the dry season. The climate is strongly influenced by the North East trade winds that bring welcome, cooling breezes that makes for the very agreeable temperatures enjoyed on the islands. The surrounding seas are warm year round.

The coolest time of year is December to March, with average temperature 25C. February and March are also the driest months making this arguably the best time to visit. The wettest period, between July and November, is also the hottest.

The main noteworthy event of the climatic year in St. Kitts is the hurricane season which can run from May to December, with its strongest period between August and October. Hurricanes can be devastating but in truth they are quite rare; in the last 65 years only 13 hurricanes have hit the island. Six of these have been strong (category 3 or more). In addition ten tropical storms have hit the island in this time – these are violent Pacific storms but not quite strong enough to be classed as hurricanes.

Obviously hurricane season is the least popular time for tourists, but this can make it more appealing to some as there are fewer crowds and cheaper prices. The number and strength of hurricanes varies a great deal year to year and many years the island is spared from any hurricanes. However, some stormy weather with heavy rain and strong winds is guaranteed during the rainy season.

Both islands that make up the federation are hilly in nature; the highest peak on St. Kitts is 1200metres. This can create different micro climates where one side of the island may be sunny while the other is wet. Also if you are in the hills temperatures tend to be a touch cooler and rainfall a little greater.

The cooling trade winds and the comfortable humidity level – around 70% - really do help to make St. Kitts’ climate one of the best in the world; sunshine is in abundance and temperatures are very warm without being uncomfortably hot. Although February to April is arguably the best time, there really isn’t a bad time to visit if you are willing to risk there being a bit of rainy weather.

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