Kaieteur Falls Weather Guide: Climate, Seasons & Mist

Typical Weather Patterns

Kaieteur Falls is dominated by an equatorial rainforest climate, characterized by high temperatures, relentless humidity, and significant rainfall throughout the year. Located on the Potaro Plateau within the Guiana Shield, the area acts as a giant tropical engine. Unlike the coast, which has two distinct wet seasons, the interior region around the falls experiences a more singular, prolonged period of heavy monsoon-like rains from April to September, with a secondary minor peak in late December and January.

Daily Climate Behavior

The weather at Kaieteur Falls follows a predictable daily rhythm driven by solar heating:

• Morning: The day often begins with a heavy, mystical fog rising from the Potaro River and the falls' splash basin. Temperatures are at their lowest—around 21°C to 23°C (70°F to 73°F)—and the air is saturated with moisture.
• Midday: As the sun rises over the rainforest canopy, the fog burns off, and humidity temporarily drops. Temperatures climb quickly to between 29°C and 32°C (85°F to 90°F). The sun is exceptionally intense at this equatorial latitude.
• Afternoon: Convective clouds typically build by mid-afternoon, often culminating in sudden, violent tropical downpours or thunderstorms. These rains are frequent but often short-lived.
• Evening: Post-rain, the air cools slightly, but the "sultry" heat remains as the jungle releases stored moisture, leading to a very humid night.

Seasonal Trends

While the temperature remains relatively stable year-round, the water volume and visibility at the falls change dramatically with the seasons.

Microclimates and Specific Phenomena

The most notable weather phenomenon is the persistent spray zone around the falls. The 226-meter vertical drop of the massive Potaro River creates a permanent microclimate of high-pressure mist. This mist supports unique flora, such as the giant tank bromeliads that house the endemic Golden Frog. From the various gorge overlooks, this spray often produces dazzling circular rainbows (glories) when the afternoon sun hits the mist at the correct angle.

Local Experience and Adaptation

Locals often refer to the shorter rains in December/January as the "Cashew Rains" because they coincide with the harvest of wild cashew fruit. In this remote region, weather dictates travel; during the height of the wet season, the Potaro River can swell dangerously, making boat navigation difficult, while the dry season renders small forest airstrips more reliable for the bush planes that provide the primary access to the park.

Historical Context & Climate Change

Historically, the Guiana Shield has been one of the most stable humid tropical regions on Earth. However, recent trends show an increase in erratic weather patterns. Scientists have noted that "unseasonal" rains are becoming more common, occasionally flooding nesting sites of local river turtles, while the dry seasons are seeing slightly higher-than-average temperatures, making the jungle floor feel more oppressive than in decades past.

What the Weather "Feels Like"

Beyond the numbers, the weather at Kaieteur Falls is a sensory experience. It feels heavy and tactile. When it rains, it is not a drizzle but a "wall of water" that brings an instant, aromatic scent of wet earth and decaying vegetation. Even in the dry season, the air feels "thick" until you stand at the edge of the falls, where the massive displacement of air creates a powerful, cooling downdraft that provides the only natural air conditioning in the jungle.