Local Weather

The Cayman Islands is in the northeast trade wind belt of the Caribbean and enjoys a stable climate. Cool winter nights and hot summer days are the year-round norm, influenced only occasionally by winter storms known locally as Nor'westers or a tropical storm or hurricane threat every few years. Summer humidity is often higher, but the cool sea breezes at night usually bring relief. In the daytime, a sun hat or cap is a good idea.

Rainfall

Rainfall is generally seasonal, from May to November, with May/June and September/October usually being the wettest months.

Temperature

Wear cool clothing for your Pirates Week visit. Summer temperatures peak in July and August with daytime highs in the upper 80's to low 90's and nighttime lows in the low 80's. High humidity in the summer months can often make the days and nights feel hotter.

Hurricanes

In September 2004, Hurricane Ivan caused major damage to Grand Cayman resulting, for the first time in 27 years, the cancellation of the Festival.

The visitor need not fear about being trapped in the Islands during a hurricane as evacuation plans are in place and have worked well in the past. The last hurricanes to directly impact the Islands were Ivan in September of 2004, Michelle in November of 2001, Mitch in October of 1998 and Gilbert in September of 1988. Wave damage and flooding was moderate to severe in some coastal areas with these storms.