The climate of San Juan
San Juan,
Puerto Rico, residing in the northeastern Caribbean, belongs to the Köppen Am or tropical monsoon climate classification. Regarding the city's weather dynamics throughout the year, San Juan is typically characterized by high temperatures, substantial rainfall, high humidity, and generous sunlight.
A look at the monthly climate data reveals a scenario of consistently warm temperatures throughout the year in San Juan. High temperatures show a relatively small arc across the year. The absolute high is reached in
August with 85.1°F (29.5°C), while the lowest high temperature is registered in
January with 79.9°F (26.6°C). The lowest temperatures follow a similar trend, inching from 74.7°F (23.7°C) in January to reach a summit of 79.2°F (26.2°C) from August through
October.
San Juan's climate is also distinguished by its ample humidity and rainfall. Humidity levels mildly fluctuate, lingering in the high 70s in terms of percentage year-round. Rainfall in the city shows more variance. Over the course of the year, the amount of rainfall shows an increase, starting from 0.59" (15mm) in
February, peaking at 1.57" (40mm) in
November, and settling back to 0.98" (25mm) in
December.
Together with humidity and rainfall, San Juan enjoys plenty of sunshine. On average, the city experiences more than ten hours of daylight throughout the year. However, the actual sunshine duration varies between 6.6 hours during December and up to 10.9 hours in
June.
The best time to visit San Juan
Outdoor enthusiasts and beachgoers may consider the dry and sunny period from
March to
June as the ideal time to visit
San Juan. During these months, high temperatures oscillate from 81.1°F (27.3°C) in March to 84.2°F (29°C) in June, and low temperatures trend similarly from 75.2°F (24°C) to 78.3°F (25.7°C). The rainfall is lower than other months with a measure from 0.55" (14mm) in
April to a maximum of 0.71" (18mm) in June. These months also boast enhanced sunshine duration and daylight hours, peaking at 13.2 hours of daylight and 10.9 hours of actual sunshine in June.
The worst time to visit San Juan
If one seeks to avoid heavy rainfall,
November could be deemed as the least suitable month for a visit to
San Juan. Relative to other months, November sees the highest volume of rainfall, 1.57" (40mm) and has the most number of rainfall days, 16.1 days on average. Despite high temperatures averaging from a high of 83.1°F (28.4°C) to a low of 77.9°F (25.5°C), the increased rainfall could potentially hamper outdoor activities.
Spring weather in San Juan
San Juan's spring extends from
March to
May and is characterized by climbing temperatures, rising from 81.1°F (27.3°C) to 82.4°F (28°C) as daytime highs, and from 75.2°F (24°C) to 76.6°F (24.8°C) as nighttime lows. Rainfall quantities also increase, advancing from 0.55" (14mm) in March to 1.06" (27mm) in May.
Summer weather in San Juan
Running from
June through
August,
San Juan's summer carries the uppermost temperatures in the year, rising from 84.2°F (29°C) in June to the peak of 85.1°F (29.5°C) in August. Similarly, the lowest temperatures ascend from 78.3°F (25.7°C) in June to 79.2°F (26.2°C) in August. June represents the sunniest month of the year, with 10.9 hours of actual sunshine.
Autumn weather in San Juan
San Juan's autumn, from
September to
November, brings about a decline in temperatures, falling from a high of 84.9°F (29.4°C) in September to 83.1°F (28.4°C) in November. The lowest temperatures remain somewhat constant at 79.2°F (26.2°C) in September and
October before dropping to 77.9°F (25.5°C) in November. Notably, this season also spots the peak in rainfall with November being the rainiest month, registering 1.57" (40mm).
Winter weather in San Juan
Winter temperatures in
San Juan, from
December to
February, show a marginal descent, falling from 80.8°F (27.1°C) to 79.9°F (26.6°C) as daily highs and from 75.9°F (24.4°C) to 74.7°F (23.7°C) at night. In terms of rainfall, the winter months see a decrease, moving from 0.98" (25mm) in December to 0.59" (15mm) in February, the driest month of the year.
Weather in January
In
San Juan, a tendency towards a cooler climate makes
January distinctive. The average high sits slightly below the annual norm at 79.9°F (26.6°C), while the sea temperature sees a slight dip to 79.7°F (26.5°C). Despite less daylight and sunshine hours, clear skies remain prevalent with cloud cover at a minimal 32%.
Weather in January »Weather in February
San Juan experiences a continuation of mild temperatures from
January into
February. There is a nominal increase in both high temperatures and sea temperatures, averaging 80.1°F (26.7°C) and 78.9°F (26.1°C), respectively. The sun begins to make a more noticeable presence, yet rainfall sees a decrease to 0.59" (15mm) over approximately 12 days.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March in
San Juan welcomes the onset of spring with a rise in temperatures. Noticeably, the month endures the highest amount of rainfall days at 12.8, registering a total of 0.87" (22mm) of rainfall. The sea temperature marginally rises to 79.1°F (26.2°C) in line with an increase in sunshine hours to 8.6 per day.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April invites a new chapter of weather in
San Juan. The increase to 81.1°F (27.3°C) in average high temperatures accompanies a rise in sea temperatures to 80.5°F (26.9°C), signaling the onset of a warmer climate. Sunshine hours continue to increase, yet cloud cover remains relatively constant.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
San Juan heralds the arrival of the city's warmest period. The average high temperature escalates to 82.4°F (28°C), as does the sea temperature, reaching 81.5°F (27.5°C). Notably, the month has the year's maximum rainfall of 1.06" (27mm).
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
San Juan is characterized by peak summer conditions, with average high temperatures reaching 84.2°F (29°C). The sun dominates the sky for an impressive 10.9 hours per day, yet rainfall remains moderate at 0.71" (18mm). Sea temperatures also rise to an appealing 82.8°F (28.2°C), encouraging beachside relaxation amidst the season’s swelter.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues the summer heat in
San Juan with the year's highest average high temperature of 84.2°F (29°C). Interestingly, the month also sees the year's maximum wind speed at a moderate 10.7mph (17.2km/h). The sea temperature swings to a comfortable 83.6°F (28.7°C) fostering waterside activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August transitions
San Juan into a slightly cooler month while still maintaining notable summer characteristics. The month records the highest sea temperature of the year at 84.4°F (29.1°C), inviting an array of beach activities.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
San Juan witnesses a minor pullback from the robust heat of summer. The city enjoys the highest sea temperature of the year at 84.9°F (29.4°C), soothing the still active summer heat. A shift is evident in the wind speeds, which decrease to 8.1mph (13km/h).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
San Juan observes a change in weather patterns as temperatures begin to cool modestly. Average high temperatures drop slightly to 84.6°F (29.2°C), well aligned with decreasing sea temperatures of 84.4°F (29.1°C).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November marks the onset of winter in
San Juan with a noticeable drop in average high temperatures to 83.1°F (28.4°C). The sea temperature falls to 83.5°F (28.6°C), foreshadowing the end of the beach season. Sunshine hours dwindle to 6.7 per day, the fewest in the year.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December closes the year in
San Juan with clear winter signals. Average high temperatures fall to a low of 80.8°F (27.1°C), constituting the perfect recipe for a comfortable holiday season. The sea temperature dips to 81.8°F (27.7°C), and the daylight hours decrease to 11 per day.
Weather in December »