Roatan has an East-West orientation. But winds blow across the island in a North-South direction. Generally speaking, the winds blow from the south. But when a Frente Frio (a cold front) rolls around, winds blow from the north.
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The climate in Roatan is strongly influenced by trade winds coming from the east and by cold fronts during the winter months in the northern hemisphere. Also, tropical weather waves cross directly over the island of Roatan, mainly between May and October.
The weather in Roatan is usually great and only varies by 8 degrees. May and September are probably the best months to visit Roatan since the weather is great and the island is not overcrowded with fellow tourists.
Roatan's rainy season starts in October and can run through February. The heaviest rainfall is typically in November and December. This basically matches up with winter in North America and Europe, which is the most popular time of year for all of you to flee the winter and seek some tropical sun.
Roatan is situated outside of the Hurricane Zone. The island of Roatan is too far west to be affected by most annual hurricanes. In fact, hurricanes only come across Roatan once every 26 years. So feel free to plan ahead and travel to Roatan even if you're considering traveling to Roatan during hurricane season.
Best Place to Stay in RoatanTwo main areas appeal in Roatan - West End and West Bay - and this is where the majority of island visitors will stay. A third area, Sandy Bay, is worth mentioning, as it's well-liked by ex-pats, but hasn't become a hotspot for tourists - although this may soon change.
The reality is that Roatan is an island, and almost everything consumed here is imported. Our food, products and supplies had to undergo a much longer journey to make it to our happy island, and therefore that drives up the price of just about everything.
Is the drinking water safe to drink? Tap water is not recommended to drink in Honduras. All good restaurants and hotels will provide purified water or use purified water in food preparation. Purified water can be bought easily throughout the country.
Areas to avoid after dark.Conversely, there are areas or town around Roatan which should be avoided after dark or in which extra precaution is recommended. Coxen Hole, Los Fuertes, French Harbour, are some of the main places where tourist and residents alike should keep a watchful eye.
There are many communities around Roatan which are void of crime. Some of these include the areas of Palmetto Bay, Pristine Bay, Turtle Crossing, & Lawson Rock. Crime in these neighborhoods is prevented through a combination of gated layouts and security patrols.
Which is better is entirely up to you – if you're looking for more nightlife, stay in West End. If you're looking to relax on the beach all day every day, stay in West Bay. If you're SCUBA diving in Roatan, stay anywhere you'd like!
The Bay Islands and Roatan are popular destinations today for many vacationers, including some rather famous people. The islands in the area are popular for celebs such as Christopher Lambert, Richard Gere, Michael Douglas, and Cameron Diaz.
The East End of Roatan is a very popular area for expats. Quiet, more rural, and a true taste of island life await you in the East End. Part of the Santos Guardiola Municipality, the East End is a term to describe the many different neighborhoods and communities that vaguely encompass everything East of French Harbour.
The only crocodile that inhabits the Bay Islands is the crocodile of the species Crocodylus Acutus. Their distribution is limited to the mangroves of Santa Elena, Old and New Port Royal, Camp Bay, as well as at Gibson Bight in Roatan. Female crocodiles construct and deposit their eggs in nests made from natural debris.
Roatan's call to fame is its coral reef. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is world-renowned. It is the largest of its kind in the northern hemisphere and second largest worldwide. Only the Great Barrier Reef is larger in scope and size that is the reef in the waters around Roatan Island.
Water temperatures are also pleasant for most of the time, which makes diving in Roatan extremely comfortable. During the summer season, the average water temperature is 84-86F. As winter comes knocking, water temperatures cool off, but are still far from freezing cold.
Map of RoatanRoatan's West Bay Beach is located on the island of Roatan's western- (and southern-) most tip, and has been described as the ultimate Caribbean beach vacation destination: pristine, white sand beaches, perfectly clean, clear, and warm tropical waters.