Puerto Rico's Wind Patterns: Trade Winds Year-Round
Puerto Rico lives in the northeast trade wind belt, bringing consistent breezes:
- Average speeds: 8 km/h (5 mph) on south/west coasts; 24 km/h (15 mph) on north/east coasts.
- Peak season: December–January, when cold fronts enhance the gradient.
- Tropical cyclones: June–November can bring damaging gusts from passing storms.
These steady winds moderate temperatures, drive sailing tourism, and shape the island's ecology. They're a defining feature of Puerto Rico's tropical marine climate.