St. Maarten Weather: A Comprehensive Year-Round Climate Guide

St. Maarten (and its French counterpart, Saint Martin) is defined by a tropical savanna climate, offering an "eternal summer" where temperatures rarely deviate more than a few degrees from the annual average of 80°F (27°C). However, the island's unique geography—a mix of volcanic peaks and limestone plateaus—creates distinct weather experiences across its 37 square miles.

The Daily Rhythm

The climate behaves with remarkable predictability throughout the day. Mornings typically begin bright and clear, with the sun rising between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM. As the day progresses, the tropical sun intensifies, peaking in the early afternoon. Locals rely on the Northeast Trade Winds (les alizés), which blow consistently to moderate the heat.

Rainfall on the island usually takes the form of "squalls"—brief, intense bursts of rain that can appear even while the sun is shining. These are most common in the late afternoon or overnight, providing a natural cool-down. Evenings stay warm, with temperatures lingering in the mid-70s to low-80s°F (24°C–28°C), making outdoor dining a staple of island life.

Seasonal Trends

While it is warm year-round, residents divide the year into two primary seasons:

• The Dry Season (Le Carême): December – April
  This is the peak of the “temperate” tropical weather. Humidity is at its lowest, and the trade winds are at their most refreshing. Rainfall is minimal, and the skies are a consistent, brilliant blue. February and March are typically the driest and "coolest" months.
• The Wet Season (L’Hivernage): May – November
  Temperatures and humidity rise during these months. While called the wet season, it rarely rains all day; instead, you’ll encounter more frequent and heavier tropical downpours. This period coincides with the Atlantic Hurricane Season (June 1 – November 30), with activity peaking in September and October.

Microclimates and Variations

Despite its small size, St. Maarten possesses distinct microclimates shaped by its topography:

• The Windward (East) Coast: Areas like Orient Bay and Oyster Pond receive the full force of the trade winds. The air here feels cooler and more turbulent, and the hills behind these bays often catch clouds, leading to more frequent light showers and lush, green vegetation.
• The Leeward (West) Coast: Sheltered by the central hills, the western tip (Terres Basses) is noticeably drier and calmer. The landscape here is dominated by scrubland and cacti, reflecting a much more arid environment.
• Inland Elevations: Near Pic Paradis, the island’s highest point at 1,391 feet, temperatures can be 3°F to 5°F cooler than the coast, and the air feels significantly more humid and still.

Historical Context and Phenomena

St. Maarten sits in the heart of the hurricane belt. While major direct hits are historically spaced decades apart (with notable exceptions like Luis in 1995 and Irma in 2017), the island's infrastructure and local culture are built around storm resilience.

A specific phenomenon to watch for is the Saharan Air Layer (Sahar Dust). Occasionally between June and August, plumes of dry, dust-laden air from the Sahara Desert travel across the Atlantic. This can create a hazy sky, suppress rainfall, and produce exceptionally vibrant, fiery sunsets, though it also increases the "feel-like" temperature by trapping heat.

What the Weather "Feels Like"

In St. Maarten, the thermometer is only half the story. The Heat Index is a major factor; with humidity often hovering between 70% and 80%, an 85°F (29°C) day can easily feel like 95°F (35°C). Conversely, the trade winds are the island's "natural air conditioning." If you are in a breeze-shielded area, the heat can feel oppressive and "heavy," while just a few feet away on a wind-exposed beach, the air feels perfectly crisp and invigorated.