Daytime and nighttime temperatures are forecast to trend warmer than the 1991–2020 average across both islands during the January–May 2026 Dry Season, according to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS).
Temperature Outlook for January-May 2026
Mean, maximum, and minimum temperatures are all favoured to be above-normal during the 2026 Dry Season across both islands.
As is typical for T&T, the strongest warm signal is expected over cities and other urban or built-up areas, where heat retention and reduced ventilation enhance warmth. Similarly, the likelihood of cooler-than-average nights is higher in rural areas of Trinidad and Tobago.
As the Dry Season progresses, the TTMS anticipates temperatures gradually warming. Their 2026 Dry Season Outlook indicates a moderate (40%) chance of short-duration warm spells in May 2026, with maximum temperatures averaging around 33.5°C in Trinidad and 32.5°C in Tobago.
In Trinidad, we classify a hot day as temperatures above 34.0°C, while in Tobago, a hot day is defined as temperatures above 33.0 °C. During the dry season, hot days can become frequent. Prolonged hot days, known as hot spells or heat waves, can result in heat advisories, which the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service has issued in the past, including Hot Spell alerts, watches, and warnings. Note that these advisories, based on historical issuance, are only issued if there is the risk of temperatures exceeding 34.0°C during the day and minimum nighttime temperatures above 24.0°C on at least 3-5 days.
Despite the overall warmth, at least three to seven cool nights (below 20°C in Trinidad and below 22°C in Tobago) are still likely in January and February. As of January 8th, the climate reference sites at Piarco, Trinidad, and Crown Point, Tobago, have remained above these thresholds.
What does this mean for you?
Higher-than-usual and extreme temperatures can lead to excessive heat in Trinidad and Tobago during the peak of the local heat season, amplifying the effects of existing health conditions in vulnerable persons and worsening chronic conditions in others.
Increased heat may increase the need for cooling, which requires energy and strains the electrical grid and pockets due to higher electricity usage.
Issues may also arise for farmers as hot days and spells can cause heat stress in livestock and wilting in newly transplanted and younger crops. Aquatic farms may also suffer as warmer-than-usual temperatures can raise water temperatures, which are particularly important for the health of aquaponic fish and plants. Water temperatures much warmer than 30.0°C can affect warm-water fishes such as tilapia.
