- Sunshine hrs/yr
- 2800-3000
- Acceptable Year Round
- Yes
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: climatestotravel.com, weather-and-climate.com
Good to know
Good to Know
- Bonaire experiences only about 65 rainy days per year, making sunshine virtually guaranteed regardless of season.
- Rain showers during the rainy season are usually brief and intense, often clearing within minutes, allowing the sun to return quickly.
- The island's dry landscape visibly transforms after rain, with cacti and aloe gaining color—a unique benefit of visiting during the low season (May-November).
- Trade winds can vary: windless days (rare) can feel very hot, while the usual steady breeze makes even 30+°C feel comfortable. February, March, and August are the windiest months.
- The sun's intensity is very high year-round; reef-safe sunscreen (without oxybenzone and octinoxate, per Marine Park requirements) is essential.
- Despite being outside the hurricane belt, Bonaire can experience indirect effects during Atlantic hurricane season—occasional tropical showers and windless days.
- Sea conditions are exceptionally calm and clear on the leeward (western) side of the island throughout the year due to the consistent trade-wind pattern.
Peak Month
- Month
- September
Daytime High
- Celsius
- 30
- Fahrenheit
- 86
Nighttime Low
- Celsius
- 27
- Fahrenheit
- 81
Off Peak Month
- Month
- January
Daytime High
- Celsius
- 29
- Fahrenheit
- 84
Nighttime Low
- Celsius
- 25
- Fahrenheit
- 77
Wind
- Effect
- Provides constant cooling and makes high temperatures comfortable; creates excellent conditions for windsurfing and kiteboarding.
- Characteristic
- Northeast trade winds blow year-round, averaging 7 m/s (approximately 12-15 knots). These winds are strongest February-March and June, and lightest September-November.
Seasons
Dry Season
- Period
- February to May (primary dry season); June to September (warm, less rain)
- Characteristics
- Lowest rainfall, strongest trade winds, excellent visibility for water activities. February-May is the most popular tourist season with the most stable weather.
Rainy Season
- Period
- October to December
- Characteristics
- Moderate rainfall (remains below 100 mm/month despite being the wettest period). Rain typically falls as short, intense showers rather than all-day downpours. Most rain occurs at night and early morning. Rains occasionally continue into January and early February.
Humidity
- Annual Average Percent
- 75.9
- Note
- High humidity is offset by consistent trade winds, making conditions comfortable despite tropical location.
Bonaire has a tropical semi-arid climate with warm, stable temperatures year-round. The island experiences minimal seasonal temperature variation and very low annual rainfall, with consistent trade winds that moderate heat and create ideal conditions for water sports.
Rainfall
- Driest Months
- March-July (very minimal rainfall)
- Wettest Month
- November (approximately 106 mm)
- Annual Total Mm
- 465
- Annual Total Inches
- 18.3
- Rainy Days Per Year
- 65
Sunshine
- Annual Hours
- 2800-3000
- Daily Average Hours
- 8
Hurricane Risk
- Status
- Outside the main Caribbean hurricane belt
- Risk Level
- Very low. Direct hurricane hits are extremely rare—on average, a tropical cyclone passes within 100 nautical miles of the island only once every 11 years.
- Atlantic Season
- June 1 to November 30, but Bonaire's southern location (12° north latitude, close to South America) provides significant protection. Indirect effects may bring increased rainfall.
Water Temperature
- Coolest
- February-March (~26.5°C / 79.5°F)
- Warmest
- September-October (~29°C / 84°F)
- Year Round Range
- 26-29°C (79-84°F), warm enough for diving and snorkeling year-round
Best Time To Visit
Mid-February to late May (driest, most stable weather, outside hurricane season; temperatures gradually rise during this period)
Acceptable Year Round
Yes
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this climate & weather research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Bonaire
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.