The heat of summer (corresponding to the northern hemisphere winter) is often cooled by strong sea breezes associated with the northeast monsoon (known as Kaskazi in Kiswahili), particularly on the north and east coasts. Being near to the equator, the islands are warm year round. Rains occur in November but are characterized by brief showers. Longer rains normally occur in March, April, and May in association with the southwest monsoon (known locally as Kusi in
