Average high temperature and rainfall for St. Maarten in August. © Scott S. Bateman

St. Maarten weather in August has above average temperatures and above average rainfall.

This eastern Caribbean island is hugely popular with cruise visitors because of the fabulous port at Philipsburg on the Dutch side of the island. Philipsburg has both a vibrant shopping and dining district and a large beach—Great Bay Beach—within walking distance of the cruise docks.

St. Maarten is most popular from December through April, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization. It is less popular in the summer and fall because of a higher risk of rain.

Total Rain and Rain Days in August

August is not nearly the most popular time to visit St. Maarten because the risk of rain is higher than normal as a result of the Caribbean hurricane season, which goes from June through November.

This video explains Caribbean weather in August and which islands are the best and worst to visit for weather. Full-Screen Version | YouTube Caribbean Channel

Still, the historical average of four inches of rain in August, reported by the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten, is not as bad as September with five inches and November with six inches.

By comparison, the average rainfall is two inches in February and March, the low point of the year.

Another way to judge the risk of bad weather is the average number of days with rain each month. St. Maarten has 14 average days with rain during August compared to nine in February and March, which also have the lowest number of the year.

St. Maarten Temperatures in August

The island usually has more rain in August, but it also has more warmth. The average high temperature in St. Maarten during August is 89 degrees Fahrenheit or about 32 Celsius, according to the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten. The average low temperature is 79 degrees Fahrenheit or 26 Celsius, the meteorological service says.

Water temperatures usually stay about midway between the highs and lows of the day. For St. Maarten, the average water temperature is about 83 degrees Fahrenheit or 28 Celsius. Unlike winters, the water temperature is comfortable during most if not the entire day.

August is not the best month of the year to visit St. Maarten. For a combination of warm temperatures and low risk of rain, the better months are March and April. For summer travelers, June and July are better than August.

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