Georgetown Guyana Weather: Year-Round Climate Guide

Georgetown, the capital of Guyana, is defined by an equatorial climate that remains hot, humid, and overcast throughout much of the year. Positioned just seven degrees north of the equator on the Atlantic coast, the city does not experience traditional four-season shifts. Instead, the year is divided into alternating wet and dry periods dictated by the movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

Seasonal Rhythm: The Two Wet and Two Dry Cycles

Georgetown is unique for having two distinct rainy seasons and two relatively drier periods, though localized showers can occur even in the "dry" months.

• Primary Rainy Season (May to mid-August): This is the wettest time of the year, with June typically receiving the highest volume of rainfall (averaging 12 inches). Rain often falls in intense, torrential afternoon thunderstorms that can last for hours. During this peak, the city is prone to flash flooding due to its low-lying topography.
• Secondary Rainy Season (November to January): Rainfall returns in late November, often peaking in December. Locally, the late December rains are sometimes called "cashew rains," believed to coincide with the ripening of the cashew fruit in the interior.
• The Dry Seasons (February to April and September to October): These months offer the most consistent sunshine. September and October are historically the hottest months, with maximum temperatures frequently reaching 88°F to 92°F (31°C to 33°C). While called "dry," thin clouds and passing showers are still common.

Daily Weather Behavior

A typical day in Georgetown begins with high humidity and calm air. As the sun rises, temperatures climb quickly, reaching their peak between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Along the coast, the northeast trade winds act as a natural air conditioner, bringing a steady breeze that mitigates the intense heat.

Rain usually follows a predictable daily cycle: clear mornings transition into heavy cloud build-up by midday, resulting in sharp, heavy downpours in the late afternoon. Evenings are generally cooler and more comfortable, with temperatures dipping to around 74°F (23°C), though the humidity remains high, often exceeding 80%.

The Coastal Microclimate and the Sea Wall

Georgetown sits approximately six feet below sea level at high tide, protected by a massive sea wall and an intricate network of Dutch-designed canals and sluices (locally known as kokers). This geography creates a specific coastal microclimate where the immediate shoreline is significantly breezier and slightly cooler than the humid, stagnant air found further inland or in the city’s dense urban center.

Historical Context and Phenomena

• The Great Flood of 2005: Historically, Georgetown's most significant weather event was the 2005 flood, where nearly 40 inches of rain fell in January alone—five times the monthly average—causing catastrophic flooding. This event remains a central part of the local consciousness regarding climate change and sea-level rise.
• High Humidity and "Feels Like" Temperatures: While the thermometer rarely exceeds 93°F (34°C), the high dew point means the weather almost always feels 5 to 10 degrees hotter than the stated temperature. Locals refer to this as "the steam," especially after a rain shower when the sun returns and evaporates the standing water.

Local Adaptation

Georgetown locals adapt to the weather through architectural and social timing. Many historical buildings are made of wood and raised on stilts to allow for breeze circulation and protection against rising water. Life slows down during the hottest midday hours, with most outdoor activity occurring during the early morning or breezy late afternoons when the trade winds are most active.