Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
August, when temperatures top out at 85 to 90
°
; the coolest month is Feb-
ruary, when highs range from 72 to 86
and nighttime lows dip to the mid
60s or lower 70s.
Water temperatures
also drop during the winter
months, ranging from 78 to 82
°
°
. During the summer, the waters warm to
82-86
, a balmy bath-like temperature that makes wetsuits strictly
optional.
Rainfall
varies with the season, reaching its peak during hurricane sea-
son. Average rainfall is 46 inches annually; May and October are tradition-
ally the wettest months. The driest times are March and April. For a
current weather report, call the
Cayman Islands National Meteoro-
logical Service
in George Town at
°
345-945-5773 or check the weather
page on the islands' Web site,
www.caymanislands.ky
.
Heat Dangers
In the Caribbean you'll find the mercury regularly rising to high levels and
the humidity levels can make the temperature feel much higher. In these
conditions, you'll need to take extra precautions to make sure you don't
overdo your sun exposure.
The first concern is heat cramps - muscle cramps caused because water
and salt are lost from the body. From there, it's not far to heat exhaustion,
when the body tries to cool itself off and the victim feels, well, exhausted
and even nauseous. Finally, heat stroke can set in, a life-threatening con-
dition. It's easy to avoid these conditions.
HANDLING THE HEAT
Drink water - lots of water. Don't wait until you're thirsty to
reach for the water jug. Thirst is an early sign of heat stress, so
start drinking before it reaches that point.
Slow down. Curtail your activities whenever possible and do
like the animals do in the high heat - move slowly.
Take lots of breaks from exercise and activity.
Stay out of the direct sunlight whenever possible.
Make sure you are protected from the sun. Wear wide-brimmed
hats and caps as well as sunglasses and sunblock.
Avoid being outdoors between 10 am and 2 pm, when the sun's
rays are the strongest. Enjoy an early morning hike, then kick
back and take a swim break that afternoon.
