The Weather in French Guiana
French Guiana has a tropical monsoon climate. It’s hot and humid year-round, with plenty of rainfall. Temperatures don’t vary much, usually staying between 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F), but there are distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season runs from August to November, while the wet season spans from December to July.
If you’re visiting, you’ll experience a lot of daily rain during the wet season. The dry season, on the other hand, is when things are a bit more manageable. Even during the rainy season, you’ll often have clear mornings. The rains tend to come hard later in the day, and they clear out quickly.
The weather can certainly impact your travel plans. For example, heavy rains may make it harder to visit places like the Amazon rainforest. But overall, it’s a great destination year-round.
Below is a month-by-month breakdown of what you can expect.
French Guiana’s Weather in January
January marks the start of the wet season. You’ll experience significant rainfall throughout the month. Average daytime temps hover around 26°C to 29°C (79°F to 84°F). Expect high humidity and afternoon showers almost daily.
Best activities during this time are indoor museums or local cultural festivals. Pack light, breathable clothing, and definitely bring a rain jacket or poncho. It’s not the best time for trekking the jungle since things get muddy quickly, but the scenery is lush.
French Guiana’s Weather in February
February continues the wet season trend. You’ll get plenty of rain showers with short breaks of sunny weather. Expect similar temperatures as in January, from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).
This isn’t an ideal time for outdoor adventure activities, but sightseeing and city tours are good alternatives. Be ready for sudden downpours; keep your gear in waterproof bags to avoid any surprises.
French Guiana’s Weather in March
March remains wet, with some areas seeing over 300mm (12 inches) of rain. It’s about the same temperatures as January and February. The whole region stays hot, and afternoons typically see thick rain.
It’s a good time to explore smaller towns and indoor markets, especially if you’re interested in local cuisine. But outdoor excursions to more remote areas may be more difficult because some roads can flood.
French Guiana’s Weather in April
By April, the rains are still intense, and the landscapes are as green as ever. Temperatures don’t differ, staying within that typical range of 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). You can expect heavy rain almost every day.
Bring water-friendly shoes or sandals and stay flexible with your itinerary. The frequent rainfall can cause delays if you’re visiting natural parks or taking boat trips into the rainforest.
French Guiana’s Weather in May
May is one of the wettest months, even more than January or February. Downpours are strong and heavy throughout the month, with chances of severe storms. Still, temperatures remain constant at around 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F).
Visiting beaches may be less fun because of muddy roads and stormy afternoons. Stick to indoor activities like learning about French Guiana’s space center or local history. Make sure to bring extra pairs of socks and waterproof shoes, as things can get soaked easily.
French Guiana’s Weather in June
June is still in the rainy season’s grip. Rains are constant, and expect heavy showers every other day. Temperatures are still around 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). It can feel a bit less humid compared to earlier months, but it’s still wet.
You might get lucky with occasional days of clearer weather. Beaches will be less crowded, even if they’re not in ideal condition. Pack extra sunscreen and rain gear if you’re venturing outside.
French Guiana’s Weather in July
July marks the end of the intense rainy period. While there’s still rainfall, expect it to lessen slightly as the month progresses. The temperatures don’t fluctuate much—still staying between 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F).
July could be a good transitional period for those wanting to experience the landscape with fewer tourists. Many local festivals still occur during the rainy seasons, making some town centers livelier, in spite of the rain.
French Guiana’s Weather in August
In August, the rainy season finally gives way to the dry months. Rainfall decreases considerably, and the land begins to dry out. Temperatures stay around 26°C to 31°C (79°F to 88°F), so the heat is still up there.
This is the best time of year to explore outdoor areas. Go hiking in the forests, take boat trips through the rivers, or visit remote locations like the Iles du Salut. Pack light clothes, but remember that nights can still feel a bit cooler.
French Guiana’s Weather in September
September is a great time to visit! It’s dry, and temperatures rise slightly to between 26°C and 33°C (79°F to 91°F). The humidity is lower, making it easier to explore tropical terrain.
Outdoor activities are at their peak this time of year. Rainforests are more accessible, and the jungle trails won’t be as muddy. Bring sunblock, mosquito repellent, and comfortable hiking shoes. Also, pack some swimwear for river dips or waterfalls.
French Guiana’s Weather in October
October continues the dry season, although you may see a slight return of rain toward the end of the month. The temperatures remain high, with daytime highs hitting 32°C (90°F) or more.
If you enjoy outdoor exploration, this is still a great month to visit. Head into rainforest reserves, explore rivers, or relax by the natural pools. There’s plenty of sunshine to go around.
French Guiana’s Weather in November
Throughout November, you start to feel the shift back toward wetter days. However, for most of the month, the weather is still dry, with temperatures staying around 26°C to 31°C (79°F to 88°F).
If you’re planning any camping or outdoor adventures, do it early in the month, as light rains might return by the end. Otherwise, enjoy the tropical landscape before the wet season starts again.
French Guiana’s Weather in December
December marks the return of the rainy season. You’ll definitely see heavy downpours start picking up again, especially as the month progresses. Temperatures are still warm, staying between 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), but the cloud cover helps with the heat.
It’s the beginning of a quieter tourist period, as fewer people like visiting during the rainy season. If you’re alright with the showers, you’ll have many local spots to yourself! Just pack rain gear and mosquito repellent.
Packing Tips for French Guiana
When you’re thinking about what to pack for French Guiana, keep the weather in mind:
– **For the wet season (December to July):** Bring a rain jacket, sandals or shoes that dry quickly, and water-resistant bags. You’ll need lightweight, breathable clothes to stay cool in the humidity. Don’t forget mosquito repellent.
– **For the dry season (August to November):** Pack shorts, T-shirts, and other lightweight clothing. Bring sunblock and a hat; the sun can be intense. You’ll also want swim gear if you’re headed to rivers or waterfalls.
In both seasons, bring good hiking shoes if you plan to explore the jungle. Even in the dry season, some trails can be difficult.
Final Thoughts
French Guiana has a tropical climate that gives you hot, humid weather with plenty of rain in the mix. Whether you visit in the rainy or dry season depends on what you’re hoping to do. If you’re all about outdoor adventures, plan your visit between August and November when the dry season makes exploring easier. If you’re more interested in culture and festivals, don’t mind the rain, and pack accordingly—you can visit any time of the year!
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