The Caribbean

Climate and Physical Geography

Climate in the Caribbean

• December to April sunny, dry, warm

• May to November hot, humid, wet

• Tropical climates do not exhibit hot summers and cool winters but rather have distinct dry and rainy periods

Climate in the Caribbean

• Trade winds or prevailing winds: the most constant winds blowing from the east across the Atlantic ocean

• Trade winds have a cooling effect on the Caribbean. They are most noticeable in the dry season

Caribbean Climate

• Windward sides of islands (side facing the winds) tend to have more rocky coastlines with stronger ocean currents rolling in

• Leeward sides of islands (sides protected by the wind) are where resorts are usually located.

Hurricanes

• The fall is hurricane season for the Caribbean.

• Violent storms and hurricanes have damaged tourism infrastructure in recent years

Climate Change and Hurricanes

• Many people blame the increased frequency and intensity of hurricanes on global climate destabilization (global warming)