Island Climate Basics
Islands are surrounded by water, which moderates their climate:
- Smaller temperature range than mainland locations at the same latitude
- Higher humidity from constant ocean evaporation
- Trade winds keep many tropical islands comfortable
- Windward vs leeward: The side facing the prevailing wind gets more rain; the sheltered side stays drier
Island Weather by Region
| Island Group | Best Months | Temp Range | Wet Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caribbean | Dec-Apr | 25-31°C | Jun-Nov |
| Maldives | Nov-Apr | 28-32°C | May-Oct |
| Greek Islands | May-Oct | 22-33°C | Nov-Mar |
| Hawaii | Apr-Oct | 25-31°C | Nov-Mar |
| Canary Islands | Year-round | 18-28°C | Nov-Feb (mild) |
| Fiji | May-Oct | 25-29°C | Nov-Apr |
Windward vs Leeward Effect
On many islands, one side is dramatically wetter than the other. For example:
- Maui, Hawaii: East side gets 5,000mm rain/year; west side gets 500mm
- Bali: Southern beaches are drier than the northern volcanic slopes
- Tenerife: North is green and lush; south is dry and sunny
Choose your accommodation side based on weather preference.
Island-Specific Considerations
- Hurricane/cyclone season: Check the storm season for your island group before booking
- Coral bleaching: Warm ocean temps can affect reef quality — check current conditions for dive trips
- Mosquitoes: More prevalent in wet season; bring repellent
- Water temperature: Ranges from 20°C (Canaries in winter) to 30°C (Maldives year-round)
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