The climate of Diego Garcia
Typically regarded as a tropical paradise,
Diego Garcia, belonging to the
British Indian Ocean Territory, abides by the Köppen climate classification of Af, indicating a Tropical rainforest climate. Occupying a strategic geographical position, its climate remains fairly constant throughout the year, contributing to a fascinating weather pattern.
Accompanied by high temperatures and abundant rainfall, the climate profile exhibits minimal variations. Both high and low temperatures demonstrate uniformity, oscillating tightly from 30°C (86°F) to 31°C (87.8°F) and 26°C (78.8°F) to 27°C (80.6°F), respectively. Signifying this tropical region's wet feature, rainfall averages fluctuate significantly from 18mm (0.71") to 298mm (11.73") monthly, with an increase in precipitation visible between the months of
April and
November. This period experiences rainfall in the three-digit range while the rest of the year sees more moderate showers.
Diego Garcia experiences plenty of sunshine, with an average of 6.7 hours to 9.3 hours per day. Expectedly, the UV index remains high throughout the year, rating between 10 to 12. Additionally, sea temperatures stay largely constant at 27°C (80.6°F) to 29°C (84.2°F). This accounts for the inviting azure waters surrounding the islands, contributing to its allure. Yet, the relatively high amount of rainfall contributes to slightly fewer daylight hours, varying between 11.7 hours to 12.5 hours.
The best time to visit Diego Garcia
Considering the climate conditions throughout the year, the prime time to visit
Diego Garcia tends to be between the months of
December and
March. These months offer the lowest average rainfall, ranging from 18mm (0.71") to 58mm (2.28"), and the fewest number of rainfall days, offering between 1 to 3 days. In these months, visitors can expect slightly longer sunshine durations, averaging between 8 hours to 9.3 hours per day, with sea temperatures hovering at an inviting 28°C (82.4°F) to 29°C (84.2°F). This period also presents relatively lower UV index ratings, providing safer conditions for outdoor activities and water sports.
The worst time to visit Diego Garcia
Despite the year-round warm temperatures, the period from
April to
November may not be particularly appealing for tourists, as it constitutes the region's rainier season. Monthly average precipitation spikes dramatically, starting at 278mm (10.94") in April and reaching up to 298mm (11.73") in
August. Furthermore, the number of rainfall days also increases, averaging from 14 to 17 days and resulting in persistent overcast skies. However, those indifferent to occasional showers might still find this time appealing due to less crowded tourist spots.
Spring weather in Diego Garcia
Marking the transition from the dry to wet season, spring months in
Diego Garcia, from
March to
May, observe an increase in rainfall. From a low of 23mm (0.91") in March, rainfall averages shoot up to 278mm (10.94") in May. The number of rainfall days also jumps from a minimal 1 day in March to 15 days by May. Sea temperatures remain largely constant at around 28°C (82.4°F) to 29°C (84.2°F) whereas daylight hours slightly decrease from 12.1 hours in March to 11.8 hours in May.
Summer weather in Diego Garcia
Summer in
Diego Garcia, extending from
June to
August, presents a rainier period than the preceding months. Rainfall averages vary from 295mm (11.61") to 298mm (11.73") while the number of rainfall days ranges from 14 to 17 days. Despite the wet spell, summer retains hot temperatures, with highs around 30°C (86°F) and lows fluctuating from 26°C (78.8°F) to 27°C (80.6°F). Daylight hours remain almost constant at around 11.7 hours but sea temperatures witness a slight dip to predominantly 27°C (80.6°F).
Autumn weather in Diego Garcia
Autumn in
Diego Garcia, comprising
September through
November, continues the rain-soaked trend of the year. The rainfall measures between 240mm (9.45") to 285mm (11.22") and dominates nearly half the month with 14 to 15 rainfall days. Daylight hours increase marginally from 12.1 hours in September to 12.5 hours in November. Still, high temperatures hover around 30°C (86°F), and sea temperatures restore to the slightly warmer 28°C (82.4°F) in November.
Winter weather in Diego Garcia
Diego Garcia's winter, from
December to
February, ushers in the island's dry season. This period sees a dramatic drop in rainfall from 186mm (7.32") in December to a low of 18mm (0.71") in February. Correspondingly, the number of rainfall days reduces to just 1 day in February. Winter also brings an increase in sunshine duration, from 7.1 hours in December to 9.3 hours in February. Despite the slight drop of sea temperature to 28°C (82.4°F) and daylight limited to 12.3-12.5 hours, winter presents an ideal vacation time.
Weather in January
Weather in February
The last month of the summer,
February, is hot month in
Diego Garcia,
British Indian Ocean Territory, with an average temperature fluctuating between 26°C (78.8°F) and 31°C (87.8°F). The perfect water temperature of 28°C (82.4°F) with 18mm (0.71") of accumulated rainfall and only 1 rainfall days, makes February a great period for swimming and other water activities.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The first month of the autumn,
March, is also a hot month in
Diego Garcia,
British Indian Ocean Territory, with an average temperature varying between 27°C (80.6°F) and 30°C (86°F). The ideal sea water temperature of 29°C (84.2°F) and only 1 rainfall days, with 23mm (0.91") of accumulated rainfall, makes March the best time for swimming and other water activities.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April welcomes a drastic leap in rainfall from 23mm (0.91") to 58mm (2.28") as
Diego Garcia edges closer to its wetter season's commencement. Consistency remains paramount, however, with sea and air temperatures displaying limited variation.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Diego Garcia's
May witnesses further upswing in rainfall from 58mm (2.28") to a significant 278mm (10.94"), announcing the onset of the monsoon season. Despite the escalation in precipitation, there remains little variation in temperature across the island and the sea, emphasizing the tropical climate's predictability.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June interprets a continuation in the upsurge of rains with a 295mm (11.61") tally, the maximum yearly precipitation in
Diego Garcia. Although the rains dominate, temperature measurements persist without major shifts, securely establishing the island's unfailing tropical climate.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Rainfall in
July steps down slightly from 295mm (11.61") to 226mm (8.9"), indicating a slight break in the monsoon season's intensity.
Diego Garcia's temperatures show no significant variation, reflecting unwavering climate conditions.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August spotlights a subtle surge in rainfall to 298mm (11.73"), reversing the slight break observed in
July. Temperatures hold steady in comparison to preceding months, maintaining
Diego Garcia's tropical ambiance. The daylight hours indicate a slight increase to 11.9 while the UV index climbs back up to 12.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September sees another reduce in rainfall to 260mm (10.24"), while temperatures, daylight hours, and the UV index continue the
August pattern.
Diego Garcia preserves its tropical character, blending rain-soaked days with a consistent sunshine provision of 6.7 hours.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Diego Garcia embraces a slight increase in rainfall to 285mm (11.22"), again altering the downward direction of
September. Temperatures, likewise, remain unchanging, profiling the climate's predictability. The daylight hour increases marginally to 12.3, complemented by 7.6 hours of sunshine.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November spells a reduction in rainfall to 240mm (9.45"), stepping towards the end of the monsoon season. The consistent patterns of temperature, daylight, and sunshine hours stick through November, endorsing the tropical climate of
Diego Garcia.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December marks the conclusion of the truly tropical weather cycle in
Diego Garcia with a decrease in rainfall to 186mm (7.32"). The leap in sunlight hours to 7.1 per day and the continuation of 12.5 daylight hours further emphasize the tropical weather pattern's year-end arc.
Weather in December »