WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao experienced a warmer, significantly drier, and windier October than usual, according to the latest monthly climate summary published by the Meteorological Department of Curaçao (MDC). Rainfall recorded at Hato International Airport reached only 42.4 millimeters, less than half the amount normally expected during the month.
The October 2026 climate report shows that the island's average temperature remained above the long-term average, while rainfall was substantially below normal and wind speeds were considerably stronger than usual.
The figures are compared with the 30-year climate reference period from 1991 to 2020, which the Meteorological Department uses to establish normal weather conditions.
October Rainfall Less Than Half the Normal Amount
One of the most striking findings in the report is the significant rainfall deficit recorded during October.
The Meteorological Department measured a total of 42.4 millimeters of rainfall at Hato International Airport, compared with the long-term October average of 90.9 millimeters.
This represents a deficit of 48.5 millimeters, meaning rainfall was approximately 53.4 percent below normal.
October 2026 was also considerably drier than the same month in 2025, when 59.7 millimeters of rainfall were recorded.
The difference of 17.3 millimeters represents a decline of approximately 29 percent compared with October last year.
The figures indicate that rainfall at the Hato measuring station was substantially below the historical average, despite October normally being part of Curaçao's wetter period of the year.
The report does not provide a detailed explanation for the rainfall deficit or indicate whether other parts of the island experienced different precipitation patterns.
Temperatures Remain Above Long-Term Average
The average temperature during October 2026 was 29.5 degrees Celsius, compared with the long-term average of 28.8 degrees.
This means temperatures were 0.7 degrees above normal.
However, October was slightly cooler than the same month in 2025, when the average temperature reached 29.7 degrees Celsius.
The difference of 0.2 degrees indicates a modest decline compared with last year, although temperatures remained above the historical reference level.
The Meteorological Department's figures confirm that October 2026 was warmer than the 30-year average, even though it did not reach the average temperature recorded during October 2025.
Wind Speeds Significantly Higher Than Normal
In addition to the warmer temperatures and reduced rainfall, Curaçao experienced stronger winds during October.
The average wind speed reached 12.5 knots, compared with the long-term October average of 9.5 knots.
This represents an increase of approximately 31.6 percent above normal.
Wind speeds were also substantially higher than in October 2025, when the average was 8.9 knots.
The increase of 3.6 knots compared with last year represents a rise of approximately 40.4 percent.
The figures show that October 2026 was considerably windier than both the previous year and the long-term average.
The report does not identify the specific atmospheric conditions responsible for the stronger winds.
October 2026 Compared With Previous Year and Climate Norm
The Meteorological Department's figures provide the following comparison:
|
Climate indicator |
October 2026 |
October 2025 |
Normal (1991–2020) |
|
Average temperature |
29.5°C |
29.7°C |
28.8°C |
|
Total rainfall |
42.4 mm |
59.7 mm |
90.9 mm |
|
Average wind speed |
12.5 knots |
8.9 knots |
9.5 knots |
The comparison shows that October 2026 was warmer, substantially drier, and windier than the historical average.
Compared with October 2025, the month was slightly cooler but experienced significantly less rainfall and stronger winds.
Climate Figures Highlight Monthly Weather Variations
The Meteorological Department emphasizes that normal values are calculated using the 30-year reference period from 1991 through 2020.
These historical averages provide a benchmark for assessing whether a particular month was warmer, wetter, drier, or windier than usual.
The October 2026 figures highlight considerable differences between current weather conditions and the established climate averages.
The rainfall deficit is particularly notable, with the amount recorded at Hato reaching only approximately 47 percent of the normal October total.
At the same time, average wind speeds exceeded the long-term average by nearly one-third, while temperatures remained elevated.
Although the monthly figures demonstrate significant variations from historical conditions, a single month of observations is not sufficient to establish a long-term climate trend.
The latest report nevertheless provides a clear picture of October 2026: Curaçao experienced above-average temperatures, substantially below-average rainfall, and unusually strong winds.