We’re always raving about how Roatan is such a lush, verdant Caribbean island. We all say that it’s the Gem of the Caribbean with its vibrant hues of green meeting the stunning aquas and blues of the Caribbean Sea. The reason for all of that stunning natural beauty is simple: rainy season.
Residents of Roatan love rainy season for its replenishing effect on the island and the people. The temperature cools to its lowest point all year, and the ground soaks in all that liquid gold so that fresh tropical fruits and strong palm trees can grow. The onset of rainy season is one of the most celebrated times for residents.
Of course, as tourists, you may not be quite as thrilled should your entire weeklong vacation be waterlogged. That’s understandable, but there is still plenty to do if it rains during your trip to Roatan!
To help you prepare, here is all the information you need to handle rainy season in Roatan…
When is Rainy Season in Roatan?
Rainy season in Roatan is between October and January each year. The heaviest rainfalls occur during November and December, with more random northerly storms typically hitting the island in January and February. Think of it this way: if it’s winter for you back home, it’s probably winter for us, too. Roatan is in the Northern Hemisphere, meaning the winter months are the same as they are for Canada and the U.S., which is also where most of the tourists come from during the winter.
What is Rainy Season Like in Roatan?
Here’s the good part: rainy season in Roatan is not like monsoon season. It does not rain every single day and the island does not get flooded with deluging rain for months on end. There will be times when the rains falls down in buckets for a few days in a row, and there will be times when it doesn’t rain for days in a row. If you live here, you love the changes. If you’re visiting, you will likely see some rain, but likely some sun, too!
What Activities Can We Do?
Roatan is best known for its incredible SCUBA diving – and guess what? You can still SCUBA dive in the rain! While snorkelers will find their visibility decreased during heavy rain, divers get down below that impact and still enjoy amazing visibility. Alternatively, you can seek out live music at any of the bars or restaurants offering protection from the elements. You can also do what the residents do…relax. You’re on vacation, so lay back and take a siesta; you can watch a movie, read a book, or play a game. At the very least, if it’s raining all day and you must stay indoors, you won’t get sunburned!
Will the Power Go Out?
If you’re staying at a hotel or resort on Roatan, they likely have a backup generator so you won’t really notice if the power goes out. While power outages can certainly happen – especially during high winds in stormy weather – don’t worry that it will impact your vacation. Again, do as the residents do…relax. If the power goes out, you’ll have a chance to hear the rain falling on palm fronds and the ocean crashing onto the beach. You’ll be amazed at how quiet the world can be without electronics constantly whirring in the background. Go ahead and enjoy it!
