Rain in St. Martin is characterized by brief, intense "tropical squalls" rather than long, gray days of drizzle. The island has two distinct seasons: the dry season (December to April) and the wet season (May to November). During the dry season, rain is quite rare, and when it does occur, it usually passes in a matter of minutes, leaving behind clear blue skies. The wet season, which coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season, sees more frequent and heavier downpours, particularly between August and October. Even during the wettest months, the sun usually shines for a significant portion of the day. On average, the island receives about 40 to 45 inches of rain per year. For travelers, this means that even if a weather app shows a "rain" icon for every day of your trip, it likely just means a 10-minute shower in the morning or afternoon, which is actually a welcome, cooling break from the intense Caribbean sun and 85°F (29°C) heat.