Rainy and dry seasons: what's the difference?

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Big dry time

Suriname has no summer or winter, but it does have wet and dry seasons. But climate change is also noticeable here for the local residents. After all, the seasons are increasingly intertwined.

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Local tip: always opt for layers. It's never just dry or just wet. Because even during the dry season, you are sometimes suddenly surprised by a tropical rain shower, after which it cools outside.

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• Little rainy season: beginning of December to January
• Great rainy season: end of April to mid-August
• Small dry time: February to March
• ‍Big dry time: mid-August to November

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Before the small and big rainy season (early December to January & end April to mid-August)

Rainy season often means short but heavy showers. We ourselves think that is absolutely no reason to stay inside, but we do think it is a reason to pack smartly. Here are our packing list for Suriname tips:

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• Small, sturdy umbrella or poncho
• Lightweight raincoat (but your own clothes are also dry in no time)
• Waterproof shoes or rain boots
• Quick-drying clothing, such as linen or cotton
• Waterproof bag or rain cover for your backpack
• Especially during the evenings: mosquito repellent
• A hat or hat (for extra sun protection)
• A pair of sunglasses

Local tip: Leave your sneakers at home during city rains and opt for simple slippers. Sometimes the roads are empty and it's nice when all the water flows out of your slippers in no time.

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For the small big dry season (February to March)

These months are a little less predictable: it can be dry, but it can also rain occasionally. Pack a mix of dry & wet

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• Small, sturdy umbrella or poncho
• Quick-drying clothing, such as linen or cotton
• Sturdy shoes for walks (e.g. to a nature reserve)
• Hat or hat and a small rain jacket

Before the big dry season (mid-August to November)

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During this period, it is sunny and quite hot. From mid-August, the summer vacation will therefore start in Suriname. Fortunately, you can do just fine with:

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• Light cotton or linen clothing
• A hat or hat for extra sun protection
• A pair of sunglasses
• Open shoes or sandals for the day
• Extra clothing for unexpected showers
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Also on your packing list for Suriname: protection against mosquitoes and the sun

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Sun and mosquitoes are plentiful during all seasons. And we recommend that you don't underestimate them both. In the coastal area, including Paramaribo, the malaria risk is relatively small. But there is a risk of the infectious disease dengue.

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• Sunscreen (high factor)
• Aloe vera or aftersun
• Any antidote

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Other care items

• Your own medication (with a repeat prescription)
• ORS or diarrhea inhibitors
• Your favorite brand of intimate hygiene products: in supermarkets, even A-brand products are slightly different.

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For inland adventures

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Are you going into the jungle or sleeping in an eco-lodge? Don't forget the following items on your Suriname packing list:

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• Closed shoes with grip
• Socks with long pants to prevent mosquito and other insect bites
• Own sheet bag or travel towel (optional, but handy!)
• Flashlight or headlight
• Toilet paper or wet wipes (just in case)
• Possibly light gloves against mosquitoes in the evening
• Plasters, tick remover and wound ointment
• Hand gel and antibacterial wipes

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The clothes you always need

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• Light clothing (think: linen and cotton, not polyester)
• Shorts, t-shirts, dresses and airy pants
• A thin vest or long blouse and long ones (for cool evenings, mosquitoes and jungle walks)
• A lightweight raincoat or poncho (which also fits easily in your bag)
• A hat or hat against the sun
• Swimwear
• Walking shoes, sandals, flip-flops and sneakers
• Rain boots (for walking through areas with tall grass)

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Electronics & tricks

Suriname generally uses 110V (US plugs, type A & B). So check in advance whether your chargers work and bring a power plug. What else you need:

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• Power bank (handy for on the go or in case of a power failure)
• Flashlight or headlamp (for domestic trips or when it suddenly gets dark)
• Waterproof bag for your electronics
• Camera or phone with plenty of storage
• Plug adapter (type F): To be on the safe side, bring a plug adapter so you can always charge your devices.
  
  

Local tip: Download Google Maps offline or use Maps.me or Wayz for navigation, because the Internet isn't everywhere.

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Ga must, but often useful:

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• Reusable water bottle
• Quick-drying bath towel
• Your favorite book or e-reader
• Small speaker or earbuds
• Notebook and pen, for your travel memories.

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And what's best to leave at home (really)

Because many products are imported into Suriname, many of your trusted brands are available here. Coming in advance would be a waste of space in your suitcase. This includes:

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• Dutch snacks (almost all of them are available here, from stroopwafels to Calvé peanut butter).
• Thick sweaters or jackets
• High heels (there are few sidewalks, making it very easy to sink into the sand or grass)

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At Correa Suriname, we believe that a good stay starts with feeling really welcome. Not just in your apartment, but across the country. Do you have questions about your Suriname packing list, the weather, or which neighborhood suits you best? We are happy to think along with you. Before, during, and even after your trip.

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Your Suriname begins here

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