Weather in Paramaribo

Planning a trip or just curious about the weather in Paramaribo? Here you will find the most up-to-date information: current weather conditions, detailed forecasts, and clear charts to help you stay informed about all changes.

Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname, has a typical tropical climate. This means it is warm and humid here all year round. The average annual temperature fluctuates slightly, remaining in a comfortable range from 25°C to 28°C, making the city attractive to visit at any time of the year, provided you are ready for tropical heat.

Instead of the usual four seasons, the climate in Paramaribo is characterized by alternating wet and dry periods. There are two distinct rainy seasons: a long one – roughly from April-May to July, and a short one – from November to January. During these months, precipitation is more abundant, and the number of rainy days increases significantly, especially in May and June, when there can be up to 30 rainy days per month. However, even during the rainy seasons, showers are often short and give way to sunny weather.

Dry seasons occur during the periods from August to October (the driest months are September and October, when rainfall is minimal) and a short relatively dry period in February-March. At this time, there are more sunny days and the probability of rain is lower, making these periods particularly popular among tourists. Despite the changes in humidity, the air temperature remains consistently high, so light clothing and sun protection are relevant all year round.

The temperature regime in Paramaribo is distinguished by enviable stability throughout the year, which is characteristic of a tropical climate. Average monthly temperatures fluctuate within a very narrow range, mostly from 25.8°C in January to 28.0°C in October. September and October are considered the hottest months, when the thermometer reaches peak values. During this period, the average daytime temperature is about 27.9-28.0°C, and maximum readings can rise above 30°C. The "coolest" months, if one can say so in tropical conditions, are January and February, with an average temperature of about 25.8-26.0°C.

During the so-called "hot season", which falls mainly in August, September, and October, the weather in Paramaribo becomes especially warm. Daytime highs in September and October regularly reach 30.3-30.4°C, and average temperatures hold at the level of 27-28°C. Nights in these months also remain very warm, with minimum temperatures rarely dropping below 24.9-25.6°C. This period often coincides with drier weather, making the heat slightly more bearable, although high humidity remains an integral part of the climate.

In relatively "cool" periods, such as December-February, as well as June, average air temperatures in Paramaribo are a comfortable 25.8-26.3°C. At night, the temperature can drop to 24.2-24.4°C, which brings a light freshness but does not require warm clothing. Daytime highs in these months are usually within 27.4-28.4°C. Temperature fluctuations between day and night in Paramaribo are generally small, averaging 3-5°C. The greatest difference between the maximum and minimum daily temperature (about 5°C) is observed in September, while in other months it is even less, highlighting the even and predictable nature of the local climate.

In Paramaribo, precipitation falls mainly in the form of rain, which is typical for its tropical climate; snow is completely excluded here. The city experiences two distinct wet and two relatively dry seasons during the year. However, judging by the number of rainy days, even in "dry" periods, the likelihood of encountering precipitation remains noticeable. A peculiarity is that with a high frequency of rains, their total intensity, according to the provided monthly average data, is generally low.

The wettest months in Paramaribo are considered to be May and June. During this period, 12 mm of precipitation falls, while in May it rains almost every day (30 rainy days), and in June – 29 days. This indicates very frequent, although not necessarily prolonged or heavy, precipitation. April (7 mm of precipitation, 26 rainy days) and July (8 mm of precipitation, 29 rainy days) also belong to the main rainy season with a high probability of precipitation. The second, shorter wet season falls on the period from November to January. December (7 mm, 28 days) and January (6 mm, 25 days) are characterized by frequent rains, while November brings about 5 mm of precipitation over 24 rainy days.

Relatively dry periods in Paramaribo are observed from August to October and in February-March. The driest month of the year is September, when only 2 mm of precipitation falls, although even in this month there are on average 14 rainy days. This suggests that while rains occur on almost half the days of the month, they are very insignificant in volume. October (3 mm, 18 rainy days) and August (4 mm, 19 rainy days) also demonstrate a low amount of precipitation with a continuing probability of rain. The short dry season in February-March is also distinguished by a small amount of precipitation: March (3 mm, 20 rainy days) and February (5 mm, 19 rainy days). In general, even in the driest months, visitors should be prepared for episodic, light rains.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Paramaribo, remember that you are heading to the tropics! Warm and humid weather prevails here all year round, so the basis of your wardrobe should be light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. T-shirts, shorts, light trousers, sundresses, and skirts will be your best companions. The average temperature rarely drops below 24°C, so you will hardly need warm clothes, except perhaps a light cardigan or stole for evening walks or air-conditioned rooms.

Given the high probability of precipitation throughout the year, especially during the periods from April to July and from November to January, when the number of rainy days can reach 25-30 per month, a compact umbrella or a light raincoat will become indispensable accessories. Even in the so-called "dry" seasons (for example, September-October), rains are not excluded, although they are less intense. Do not forget sunscreen with high SPF, sunglasses, and a hat to protect against the active tropical sun. Also very important is comfortable footwear: light sandals or flip-flops for relaxing and waterproof, comfortable sneakers or loafers for walking around the city, especially in rainy weather.

Since the weather in Paramaribo can be changeable – a sunny day can be replaced by a sudden downpour – the principle of layering here rather means readiness for different manifestations of the tropical climate. Have protection against both rain and sun with you at the same time. It is recommended to take insect repellent with you, especially for the evening time or walks near bodies of water. A first aid kit with basic medicines will also not be superfluous. In general, your luggage should be oriented towards hot and humid weather with frequent, but often short-term, rains.