Los Roques Weather Guide: Tropical Sunlight & Trade Winds

Los Roques, a coral archipelago in the Venezuelan Caribbean, is defined by a hot, semi-arid tropical climate. Unlike the humid tropical regions typical of South America, Los Roques experiences scarce rainfall and consistent sunshine throughout the year, moderated by a persistent flow of trade winds.

Typical Weather Patterns

The archipelago maintains high temperatures year-round, with daily averages hovering around 27°C to 28°C (81°F to 82°F). The weather is remarkably stable, characterized by a lack of extreme seasonality. The annual rainfall is low, totaling only about 300mm to 500mm, most of which occurs in forgotten atmospheric pulses or brief evening showers. Clear, blue skies are the default state for the islands.

Daily Climate Progression

Morning: Early hours are often the most pleasant, with soft light and temperatures starting around 23°C (73°F). The trade winds are typically calmer at dawn.
Mid-day: By 11:00 AM, the sun is intense with an extreme UV index, often reaching values above 11. Temperatures peak at 30°C to 34°C (86°F to 93°F). The heat can feel dehydrating due to the semi-arid air, though the constant "Brisa" (wind) provides relief.
Late Afternoon to Night: As the sun dips, temperatures cool slightly, though the thermal mass of the surrounding sea keeps nights warm. Nighttime lows rarely drop below 21°C (70°F). Humidity levels rise at night, often reaching 80-85%.

Seasonal Trends

While true seasons (spring, summer, fall, winter) do not exist, the climate is divided by wind and minor precipitation shifts:

The Windy Dry Season (Mid-February to May): This is the sunniest period. Rain is virtually non-existent, and the trade winds are at their peak, blowing steadily from the east and northeast. This period is the gold standard for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
The Stagnant Period (June to October): Temperatures are slightly higher, and the wind may decrease, making the heat feel more oppressive. This coincides with the official Caribbean hurricane season, though Los Roques’ location south of the main hurricane belt makes direct hits extremely rare. Occasional thunderstorms can occur, primarily in August and September.
The "Rainy" Transition (November to January): Rainfall is most frequent during these months, though it remains low compared to the mainland. Rain typically arrives in the form of short-lived tropical showers or night storms driven by the northeast trade winds. November is statistically the wettest month.

Microclimates and Variations

There is a subtle microclimate difference between the main inhabited island, Gran Roque, and the outer cays. Gran Roque, featuring several rocky hills (Cerros) up to 120m high, can experience slightly more localized cloud formation than the flat, low-lying cays. On the distant sandbars, there is absolutely no protection from the sun or wind, meaning the "feels like" temperature is dictated entirely by sea spray and wind chill or direct solar radiation.

Historical Context and Local Experience

Historically, Los Roques has been a refuge for sailors due to its location outside the primary hurricane tracks. Locals have adapted to the water-scarce environment; since there are no rivers or natural freshwater springs, the weather is inextricably linked to the islands' water supply (relying on desalination and rainfall).

Locals live by the Trade Winds (Alisios). When the wind stops—a rare phenomenon known as "calma chicha"—the islands feel significantly hotter, and the presence of small biting insects (jejenes) can increase near the mangroves. Locals typically plan high-energy activities for the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the zenith sun.

Marine Environment

The sea remains warm throughout the year, ranging from 26°C (79°F) in February to 29°C (84°F) in September. The clarity of the water is influenced by the wind; calmer periods in the late summer offer the highest visibility for divers, while the winter months see stronger currents and higher wave action on the outer barrier reefs.