Quick Answer: St Maarten is warm all year. Average daytime highs run from about 29°C (83°F) in January to 32°C (89°F) in August, and the sea stays between 26°C and 28°C (78°F to 83°F). February to April are the driest months, averaging about 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain or less. September to November are the wettest. For most visitors the best time to visit St Maarten is mid-December to April. May, June and early December are good-value shoulder months. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November and peaks from mid-August to mid-October. All figures here are long-term averages, not a forecast.
Table of Contents
- St Maarten weather by month: the averages
- Climate averages are not a forecast
- The dry season and the wet season
- Month-by-month guide
- Hurricane season in St Maarten
- Sea temperature, wind and beach conditions
- The best time to visit St Maarten, by type of trip
- What the climate means for property owners
- Frequently asked questions
- Planning around the weather
St Maarten weather by month: the averages
The table below shows monthly averages recorded at Princess Juliana International Airport in Simpson Bay, the island’s official weather station. Temperature, rainfall, rainy days and sunshine are 1991 to 2020 climate normals. Sea temperatures are from the 1971 to 2000 climate summary.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rainy days | Sea temp | Sunshine (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28.6°C (83°F) | 23.3°C (74°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 13 | 26.0°C (79°F) | 258 |
| February | 28.7°C (84°F) | 23.2°C (74°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 11 | 25.9°C (79°F) | 245 |
| March | 29.0°C (84°F) | 23.5°C (74°F) | 47 mm (1.8 in) | 8 | 25.8°C (78°F) | 275 |
| April | 29.6°C (85°F) | 24.2°C (76°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 8 | 26.1°C (79°F) | 270 |
| May | 30.4°C (87°F) | 25.3°C (78°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) | 10 | 27.1°C (81°F) | 254 |
| June | 31.3°C (88°F) | 26.2°C (79°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 9 | 27.5°C (82°F) | 246 |
| July | 31.5°C (89°F) | 26.3°C (79°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 13 | 27.9°C (82°F) | 259 |
| August | 31.8°C (89°F) | 26.5°C (80°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) | 14 | 28.2°C (83°F) | 268 |
| September | 31.7°C (89°F) | 26.4°C (80°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 13 | 28.3°C (83°F) | 245 |
| October | 31.2°C (88°F) | 25.9°C (79°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 14 | 28.4°C (83°F) | 249 |
| November | 30.3°C (87°F) | 25.1°C (77°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 14 | 28.0°C (82°F) | 238 |
| December | 29.3°C (85°F) | 24.1°C (75°F) | 101 mm (4.0 in) | 14 | 27.2°C (81°F) | 247 |
Three things stand out. Temperature barely moves: the gap between the coolest and warmest months is about 3°C (6°F). Rainfall moves a lot: November averages more than three times the rain of March. And sunshine is steady, at roughly 240 to 275 hours a month and about 3,000 hours a year.
Climate averages are not a forecast
Weather is what happens on a given day. Climate is the average of what has happened over about 30 years. Every figure in this article is climate, so it tells you what is typical, not what will happen during your trip.
- Averages hide variation. A “dry” March can still bring several wet days, and an October can be mostly sunny. No month comes with a guarantee.
- Sources differ slightly. Annual rainfall is given as about 1,050 mm, 1,120 mm or 1,170 mm (41 to 46 inches) depending on which 30-year period is used. The pattern across the year is the same in all of them.
- One station, one island. The readings come from the airport on the south-west coast. Conditions elsewhere are close, but hillsides and the windward east coast can feel different.
For an actual forecast, use the Meteorological Department St. Maarten, which issues the official daily forecast and all local weather warnings, and the U.S. National Hurricane Center during storm season.
The dry season and the wet season
St Maarten has a tropical climate with two broad seasons, shaped by the easterly trade winds.
- Dry season, roughly December to April. Lower rainfall, slightly cooler nights and steady breezes. February and March are the driest months of the year. This is high season for visitors.
- Wet season, roughly July to November. Warmer, more humid and noticeably wetter, with October and November the wettest months. This overlaps with the peak of hurricane season.
- Transition months: May, June and December. May often brings a short burst of rain before a drier June. December dries out as the month goes on.
“Wet season” does not mean constant rain. As a general pattern, rain falls in short, heavy showers that clear quickly, and even the wettest months average about 14 days with measurable rain, which leaves more dry days than wet ones. Longer spells of rain do happen when a tropical wave or storm system passes, mostly between August and November. Relative humidity stays in a narrow band of about 74 to 77 percent all year, so the wet season feels heavier mainly because it is hotter and the breeze drops.
Daylight is equally consistent. The island keeps Atlantic Standard Time all year with no daylight saving change, and day length ranges only between about 11 and 13 hours. If you are planning to work from the island, our guide to working remotely from Sint Maarten covers how the time zone lines up with North America and Europe.
Month-by-month guide
St Maarten weather in January
Average highs of about 29°C (83°F) and lows near 23°C (74°F), with around 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain. Days are warm and breezy, nights are the most comfortable of the year, and the sea is about 26°C (79°F). This is peak season, so expect full flights, busy roads and the highest accommodation rates.
St Maarten weather in February
The coolest month by a small margin and one of the driest, with about 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain and lows around 23°C (74°F). Sunshine is reliable and humidity is at its most comfortable. For many repeat visitors this is the best single month on the calendar.
St Maarten weather in March
On average the driest month, at about 47 mm (1.8 in), and the sunniest, with roughly 275 hours of sunshine. Highs reach 29°C (84°F). Steady trade winds make early March the traditional time for the island’s main sailing regatta.
St Maarten weather in April
Still dry, at about 60 mm (2.4 in) over only eight rainy days, and a little warmer, with highs near 30°C (85°F). Crowds thin after Easter. On the Dutch side April is Carnival season, and our Sint Maarten Carnival calendar lists the dates.
St Maarten weather in May
The first shoulder month. Rainfall rises to about 98 mm (3.9 in), usually in short showers, and highs reach 30°C (87°F). The sea warms to 27°C (81°F). Prices drop from their winter peak and beaches are quieter.
St Maarten weather in June
Hurricane season officially begins on 1 June, but June itself is typically one of the drier months, averaging about 55 mm (2.2 in). Highs are around 31°C (88°F) and the trade winds are near their strongest of the year, which takes the edge off the heat.
St Maarten weather in July
Hot and bright, with highs near 32°C (89°F), about 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain and roughly 259 hours of sunshine. This is a popular month for families and for European visitors on summer holidays, and rates stay well below winter levels.
St Maarten weather in August
The warmest month, with average highs of 32°C (89°F) and lows that stay near 27°C (80°F). Rainfall averages about 106 mm (4.2 in). The sea reaches 28°C (83°F). The peak period of hurricane season starts around mid-August, so flexible bookings and travel insurance become sensible.
St Maarten weather in September
Hot, humid and statistically the peak of hurricane season, which reaches its high point around 10 September. Average rainfall is about 116 mm (4.6 in). This is the quietest month for tourism. Some restaurants and smaller hotels close for annual maintenance, and prices are at their lowest.
St Maarten weather in October
One of the two wettest months, averaging about 157 mm (6.2 in), with winds at their lightest of the year. Highs are still around 31°C (88°F) and the sea is at its warmest, about 28°C (83°F). Sunny days are common between rainy spells, but outdoor plans need some flexibility.
St Maarten weather in November
On average the wettest month, at about 162 mm (6.4 in), though it cools slightly, with highs near 30°C (87°F). Hurricane season ends on 30 November and conditions usually improve through the month. Late November is a good-value window before the holiday rush.
St Maarten weather in December
A transition month. Rainfall falls back to about 101 mm (4.0 in), highs ease to 29°C (85°F) and nights cool to around 24°C (75°F). The first half of December is quieter and cheaper. From about the third week the island is in full high season.
Hurricane season in St Maarten
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November. According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, activity peaks on 10 September, and most storms occur between mid-August and mid-October. Across the whole Atlantic basin, an average season from 1991 to 2020 produced 14 named storms, of which 7 became hurricanes and 3 became major hurricanes.
Those are basin-wide numbers. In most years no hurricane makes a direct hit on St Maarten, and the island goes through the season with nothing worse than rainy days from passing systems. But the island does lie in the hurricane belt, and it has been hit hard twice in recent memory: Hurricane Luis on 5 September 1995 and Hurricane Irma on 6 September 2017. Both arrived in the first week of September.
What that means in practice:
- Visitors: book flexible or refundable arrangements from mid-August to October, carry travel insurance that covers weather disruption, and follow official bulletins if a system is named.
- Residents: keep a household plan, stored water, fuel and supplies, and know your nearest shelter before June.
- Owners: check shutters, roof fixings, drainage and insurance cover before the season, and make sure someone on the island can secure the property if you are away.
Building standards changed considerably after 2017, which we explain in our guide to post-Irma building codes in Sint Maarten. If you are weighing a purchase during the quieter months, our article on buying during hurricane season looks at that decision from a buyer’s side.
Sea temperature, wind and beach conditions
The sea around St Maarten is warm enough for swimming every month. It averages about 26°C (78°F to 79°F) from January to April and warms to about 28°C (83°F) from August to October.
Wind and waves depend more on which coast you are on than on the month. As a general guide:
- South and west coasts (leeward). Simpson Bay, Maho, Mullet Bay and Cupecoy face the Caribbean Sea and are usually calmer, with the gentlest swimming conditions.
- East coast (windward). Dawn Beach, Guana Bay and Orient Bay face the Atlantic. They catch the trade winds directly, which keeps them cooler and breezier but brings more surf and stronger currents.
- Winter swells. Between roughly November and March, swells from North Atlantic storms can make north- and west-facing beaches rough for a day or two at a time.
- Sargassum. Floating seaweed arrives in some years, mainly in spring and summer and mainly on east-facing shores. It varies a great deal from year to year and beach to beach.
The trade winds blow from the east at an average of about 15 to 19 km/h (9 to 12 mph) throughout the year, strongest in June and July and lightest in October. They are the reason shaded terraces stay comfortable in the heat, and the reason hillside homes are often cooler than those at sea level.
The best time to visit St Maarten, by type of trip
The best time to visit St Maarten depends on what you want from the trip. Mid-December to April has the most reliable weather. The months on either side offer better value.
| If you want | Best months | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The driest, most settled weather | February to April | Lowest rainfall of the year and the most sunshine |
| Winter sun and a lively island | Mid-December to March | High season: everything is open, but prices and traffic peak |
| Good weather at lower prices | May, June, late November, early December | Shoulder months, with fewer visitors and modest rainfall |
| The warmest sea | August to October | Sea temperature around 28°C (83°F) |
| Sailing and island-hopping | February to May | Steady trade winds and low rainfall |
| Carnival | April (Dutch side) | The island’s largest cultural event |
| The lowest rates and fewest crowds | September and October | Peak hurricane season and the wettest period; some businesses close |
The settled months are also the easiest for boat trips to neighbouring islands, which we cover in our guide to day trips from Sint Maarten to Anguilla, St Barths and Saba. If you are choosing where to stay, you can browse Sint Maarten vacation rentals by area.
What the climate means for property owners
A week’s holiday and a year of ownership are affected by the weather in different ways. These are the points that matter once you own a home here.
- Water. The island has no natural freshwater supply. Mains water is desalinated, and most houses also collect rain in a cistern. The wet season is when cisterns refill, so roof, guttering and cistern condition matter as much as the view. Our guide to utility setup for new homeowners explains how supply works.
- Sun. Around 3,000 hours of sunshine a year makes rooftop solar worth pricing. See solar power and off-grid living in Sint Maarten.
- Salt air and humidity. Year-round humidity of about 75 percent and salt-laden wind are hard on metalwork, air conditioning and anything left closed up. A home that sits empty needs regular airing and checks, which is the core of property management in Sint Maarten.
- Storm readiness. Shutters or impact glazing, roof construction and build date all affect both safety and insurance premiums. Budget for it using our guide to the cost of owning property in Sint Maarten.
- Location. Windward homes are cooler and breezier but take more salt spray. Leeward and low-lying homes are calmer and warmer. We compare the trade-offs in beachfront vs hillside in Sint Maarten.
- Rental calendar. Demand follows the weather: the dry season from mid-December to April is when rates and occupancy peak. Our guide to the best neighborhoods for vacation-rental income shows how that plays out by area.
- Boats. Owners with a vessel need a plan for the storm months. See our boat storage and long-term mooring guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit St Maarten?
February and March. They are the driest months on average, with about 47 to 49 mm (under 2 inches) of rain each, plenty of sunshine and daytime highs around 29°C (84°F). April is nearly as dry and less crowded.
When is the rainy season in St Maarten?
The wetter part of the year runs from about July to November, and October and November are the wettest months, averaging around 160 mm (6.2 to 6.4 inches) each. Rain usually falls in short, heavy showers, and most days still have long dry periods.
When is hurricane season in St Maarten?
From 1 June to 30 November, the same as the rest of the Atlantic basin. The peak is from mid-August to mid-October, with the statistical high point around 10 September. In most years the island is not hit by a hurricane, but the risk is real and worth planning for.
What is the hottest month in St Maarten?
August, closely followed by September. Average daytime highs are about 32°C (89°F), and nights stay near 26°C to 27°C (80°F).
What is the coolest month in St Maarten?
February, with average highs of about 29°C (84°F) and lows of about 23°C (74°F). The difference between the coolest and warmest months is only about 3°C (6°F).
How warm is the sea in St Maarten?
Between about 26°C (78°F) in March and 28°C (83°F) in October. It is warm enough to swim all year without a wetsuit.
Is the weather different in Philipsburg, Simpson Bay and the French side?
Only slightly. The island is about 87 square kilometres, so one weather system covers all of it, and the Dutch and French sides share the same climate. The main local difference is exposure: the Atlantic-facing east coast is breezier with rougher seas, while Philipsburg, Simpson Bay and the west coast are more sheltered.
Is it worth visiting St Maarten in September or October?
It can be, if you are flexible. Prices are at their lowest and the island is quiet, but these are the wettest months and the peak of hurricane season, and some restaurants and hotels close for a few weeks. Book refundable travel and check the forecast before you fly.
Planning around the weather
St Maarten does not have a bad season so much as a busy one and a quiet one. From mid-December to April the weather is at its most dependable and the island is at its fullest. From May to November it is hotter, wetter and calmer, with a hurricane risk that is manageable when you plan for it. The temperature, the sea and the sunshine hardly change.
If the climate is part of the reason you are thinking about a longer stay or a home here, the next question is usually where on the island suits you. Our neighborhood guides compare the main areas, and you can contact our team with questions about a particular location.
