Bonaire Weather Guide: Climate, Seasons & Trade Winds

Bonaire is defined by its arid, tropical savanna climate. Located just 12 degrees north of the equator and outside the primary hurricane belt, the island offers a consistency that few other Caribbean destinations can match. For travelers, this translates to a landscape of cacti and shrubs rather than lush jungles, and weather that is reliably predictable.

The Role of the Trade Winds

The most critical component of Bonaire’s climate is the constant easterly trade winds. These winds blow at an average of 15–22 knots for much of the year, acting as a natural air conditioner. Beyond just cooling the skin, these winds dictate the island's geography: the eastern (windward) coast is characterized by dramatic, crashing waves and rugged limestone, while the western (leeward) coast remains calm and clear, creating the world-renowned conditions for shore diving.

Daily Weather Rhythm

In Bonaire, the weather behaves with remarkable precision throughout the day.

• Morning: The day typically starts with clear skies and a gentle build-up of fair-weather cumulus clouds. Humidity peaks around daybreak at roughly 85% but drops quickly as the sun rises.
• Midday: Temperatures peak between 85°F and 90°F (29°C–32°C). The sun is exceptionally intense due to the island’s equatorial proximity; locals often retreat to the shade or the water during the peak hours of 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
• Evening: After sunset, the air cools marginally to around 76°F–78°F (24°C–26°C). The trade winds usually persist into the night, keeping the evening air fresh and movement-filled.

Seasonal Trends

While Bonaire remains warm year-round, there are subtle shifts in wind and water temperature that define its seasons.

The Dry Season (February – August)

This is the peak of the trade winds. February and March are often the windiest months, which is highly prized by windsurfers and kitesurfers. Rainfall is almost non-existent during this time, and the landscape takes on a desert-like hue. Sea temperatures are at their lowest in February (approx. 78°F/25°C).

The Transitional Period (September)

September is often the hottest and