In Suriname, the tropical climate means that seasonal changes are not as distinct as in Japan, but for convenience, we summarize March to May as "spring," June to August as "summer," September to November as "autumn," and December to February as "winter," along with the main climatic features and their relationship with culture and events.
Spring (March to May)
Climate Features
- Temperature: Average 26-30°C, hot and humid
- Precipitation: March is relatively dry, with rainfall increasing from April to May, and the heavy rainy season begins in late May
- Characteristics: Humidity rises, and the greenery of the tropical rainforest becomes denser
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Relationship with Climate |
| March |
Phagwa (Holi) |
A color festival for Hindus. Celebrated outdoors with colored powder at the end of the dry season |
| April |
Easter |
A Christian festival. Outdoor worship during the relatively sunny time before the rainy season begins |
| May |
Indian Arrival Day |
Celebrates the arrival of Indian immigrants. Dance and outdoor parades are held amid new greenery |
| May |
Labor Day (May Day) |
A nationwide holiday. Outdoor events and labor organization gatherings take place |
Summer (June to August)
Climate Features
- Temperature: Sustained high temperatures of 27-31°C
- Precipitation: Peak of the heavy rainy season (June to July). Frequent thunderstorms and localized heavy rain
- Characteristics: Risk of flooding due to rainy weather, with days approaching 100% humidity
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Relationship with Climate |
| June |
Ancestors' Day (Indigenous event) |
Traditional dances and ceremonies of indigenous peoples are held in chief villages. Events are conducted in covered facilities to avoid rain |
| July |
Keti Koti |
Slavery abolition commemoration (July 1). Concerts and dances are held indoors and outdoors despite the heavy rainy season |
| August |
Maroon Day |
Cultural festival of Maroon communities (August 10). Stalls with folk music and traditional food are set up |
Autumn (September to November)
Climate Features
- Temperature: Stable between 26-30°C
- Precipitation: End of the heavy rainy season (September), followed by a short dry season after October. A minor rainy season begins in November
- Characteristics: Decrease in rainfall frequency, leading to more comfortable days
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Relationship with Climate |
| October |
Diwali |
The Hindu festival of lights. Outdoor lighting and fireworks are enjoyed in the sunny days of the dry season |
| November |
Independence Day (Saba Day) |
November 25. Flag-raising and parades. Events are held in urban areas while avoiding the minor rainy season in mid-November |
Winter (December to February)
Climate Features
- Temperature: Slightly lower at 25-29°C
- Precipitation: After the minor rainy season (November to January), the dry season arrives in February
- Characteristics: Relatively less rainfall and strong tropical sunlight
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Relationship with Climate |
| December |
Christmas |
A Christian festival. The last clear days before the dry season are utilized for outdoor mass and bustling markets |
| January |
New Year |
New Year's Eve fireworks and music events. Although it is during the minor rainy season, there are days that are relatively dry at night |
| February |
Carnival |
Caribbean cultural carnival. Coinciding with the start of the dry season, outdoor parades and concerts are held on a grand scale |
Summary of Seasonal Events and Climate Relationship
| Season |
Climate Features |
Example Events |
| Spring |
Transition from dry to heavy rain, hot and humid |
Phagwa, Easter, Indian Arrival Day |
| Summer |
Peak of heavy rainy season, risk of thunderstorms and flooding |
Keti Koti, Maroon Day |
| Autumn |
End of the rainy season to short dry season, sustained high temperatures |
Diwali, Independence Day (Saba Day) |
| Winter |
Arrival of dry season after minor rainy season, slightly cooler |
Christmas, New Year, Carnival |
Additional Notes
- Suriname has a tropical rainforest climate, so the division between rainy and dry seasons is more prevalent than the four seasons.
- Due to its multi-ethnic nature, various festivals from Hinduism, Christianity, and African cultures are held throughout the year.
- The risk of river flooding and road inundation during the rainy season greatly affects the timing of events.
- Outdoor events concentrated in the dry season take advantage of the pleasant climate.
Cultural events and practices have developed in accordance with the climatic features of each season.
Mist