There is little variation in temperature conditions through the year. The mean annual temperature for the entire nation is 21° C (70° F ). In Port-of-Spain the annual average is 25° C (77° F ), with an average minimum of 20° C (68° F ) and an average maximum of 30° C (86° F ) in January; the July range is 23–31° C (73–88° F ). Increasing elevation in Trinidad's Northern Range causes a corresponding decrease in temperature. Nights are generally cool.
In the northern and central hill areas and on Tobago, annual rainfall exceeds 250 cm (100 in) and probably exceeds 380 cm (150 in) in specific areas. Most hilly sections receive 200 cm (80 in) or more, while in the lowlands the average drops below 165 cm (65 in) and in certain sections below 125 cm (50 in). There is a relatively dry season from about January to May and a wet season from June to December. The dry period is not, however, a season of drought, for rain still falls every few days in most areas.