The climate of Nukuao
Nukuao, located in the
Cook Islands, is classified under the Köppen climate system as having a tropical rainforest climate. This climate condition is majorly influenced by its geographic location within the tropics. Characterized by significant rainfall throughout the year, the area experiences seldom variation in temperature, which usually ranges from 22.8°C (73°F) to 27.7°C (81.9°F).
Within a year, the average temperature varies minimally, with the highest recorded temperatures between 27.2°C (81°F) and 27.7°C (81.9°F) in the first quarter and a slight dip to the lowest temperatures ranging from 23.8°C (74.8°F) to 24.5°C (76.1°F) towards the year-end. Relative humidity in Nukuao rests around 78% to 79%, fostering a moist and humid atmosphere typical of a tropical rainforest climate.
Rainfall persists all year round with the heaviest rains occurring in the initial and final quarters of the year, peaking at 155mm (6.1") and 153mm (6.02"), respectively. The driest period is experienced from
June to
September, with rainfall volumes at their lowest, dipping to 29mm (1.14") in
August. On average, Nukuao experiences about 14.4 to 23.5 rainy days per month across the year. Cloud coverage is consistent year-long, standing at approximately 46% to 49%.
The best time to visit Nukuao
Considering the weather elements, the optimal time for a visit to
Nukuao is between
June and
September. During this period, not only does the island experience the least rainfall, recording volumes as low as 29mm (1.14") in
August, but also records the fewest rainy days, going as low as 10.3 days in August. This period also boasts favourable temperatures, which could enhance the comfort of visitors, with highs oscillating between 23.8°C (74.8°F) and 25°C (77°F), and lows ranging from 22.8°C (73°F) to 23.9°C (75°F).
The worst time to visit Nukuao
Visitors are advised to avoid planning their trips to
Nukuao in the first and last quarters of the year. These periods are characterized by the heaviest rainfall, peaking at 155mm (6.1") in
January and
March, and 153mm (6.02") in
December. In addition to the frequent rains, temperatures are at their highest during these months, with highs ranging from 27.2°C (81°F) to 27.7°C (81.9°F), potentially imposing discomfort on visitors not accustomed to such weather conditions.
Spring weather in Nukuao
The spring season in
Nukuao,
July through
September, welcomes an evident reduction in rainfall and a mild decrease in humidity relative to other seasons. Rainfall during this time ranges from 29mm (1.14") to 38mm (1.5"), considerably lower than figures recorded in the wet seasons. Temperatures during spring peak between 23.8°C (74.8°F) to 25°C (77°F) and fall to a low between 22.8°C (73°F) to 23.9°C (75°F). Lower humidity levels slightly fall to 76% from the 78% yearly average, contributing to the somewhat less humid conditions.
Summer weather in Nukuao
Nukuao's summer,
October through
December, attracts higher rainfall levels compared to the preceding spring months, with October and December experiencing higher rains, recorded at 82mm (3.23") and 153mm (6.02") respectively. Despite an escalation in precipitation, temperatures remain relatively stable with highs oscillating between 24.5°C (76.1°F) to 26.5°C (79.7°F) and lows from 23.7°C (74.7°F) to 25.6°C (78.1°F). Relative humidity during this period escalates slightly to meet the average annual humidity levels of 78-79%.
Autumn weather in Nukuao
During the autumn period,
January to
March,
Nukuao experiences the highest rainfall of the year, with January and March seeing a soaking 155mm (6.1") each. Temperatures range from a high of 27.2°C (81°F) to 27.7°C (81.9°F) and lows of 26.5°C (79.7°F) to 26.7°C (80.1°F). Despite the soaring temperatures and high humidity levels typical of this period, the UV index remains constant at 7 throughout.
Winter weather in Nukuao
The island's winter months,
April to
June, see a noticeable decrease in rainfall. April records 85mm (3.35"),
May sees 99mm (3.9"), and June records the lowest rainfall of the year at 38mm (1.5"). Additionally, this season experiences a drop in temperature, recording lows of 23.3°C (73.9°F) to 25.3°C (77.5°F) and highs from 25°C (77°F) to 27.3°C (81.1°F). The consistent climatological pattern in
Nukuao extends to daylight hours which marginally fluctuate from 11.2h to 13.3h across the year, thus ensuring relatively stable conditions throughout the season.
Weather in January
Kicking off the year,
January in
Nukuao,
Cook Islands showers the region with steady rainfall. The initial month ushers in a humid atmosphere, with conditions being somewhat clouded. Interestingly, the wind speeds tend to be a tad higher this month with a maximum gust speed reaching up to 32.8km/h (20.4mph).
Weather in January »Weather in February
Maintaining the trend from the previous month,
Nukuao's outdoor scenery in
February is still punctuated with frequent rain showers. While the temperatures remain more or less steady, there is a slight dip in wind speeds compared to
January, with the maximum gust not exceeding 31.7km/h (19.7mph).
Weather in February »Weather in March
Transitioning into
March,
Nukuao witnesses an incremental rise in temperature. Even though the month looks similar to its predecessors regarding humidity and sunshine, the rainfall slightly increases. Wind speeds are the most appeasing this month, merely touching 21.1km/h (13.1mph) mark at maximum.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April,
Nukuao starts pulling back on the rain pedal. Although it treats locals and visitors with less rainfall compared to the preceding months, the gentle April wind steadies a notch up in its speed, while the UV index dropdown to 6.
Weather in April »Weather in May
There is an evident shift in
Nukuao’s weather in
May. The rainfall seems to be on a retreating trend, and a more dry, sunny climate prevails. The cool breeze of May proves to be the most brisk, with gusts reaching speeds of 33.1km/h (20.6mph).
Weather in May »Weather in June
The month of
June ushers in drier conditions. Rainfall experiences a considerable decline, paving the way for more sunshine hours. The humid aura of the previous months takes a gentle turn towards a cloudier atmosphere with cooling winds blowing at speeds of around 25.7km/h (16mph) to alleviate the heat.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, being the mid-year period, continues to uphold the dry spell. Rainfall reaches an annual low, while wind gusts hit their peak speed of 33.9km/h (21.1mph). The decreasing humidity gradually transforms the weather from cloudy to clear.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Despite being one of the driest months,
August in
Nukuao is more inviting. The frequency of rainfall is low, mere showers than downpours. The winds blowing at 32.1km/h (19.9mph) inspire the air to move, making the temperature feel comfortable.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Although the month of
September doesn't deviate much from the conditions observed in
August, it boasts noticeable changes. There's a slight reiteration of showers, but with wind speeds peaking once again at 34.5km/h (21.4mph), it keeps the weather from getting too hot.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October welcomes more rainfall compared to the preceding months, but the conditions remain relatively dry owing to the stable atmospheric pressure. The wind nurtures the island motion but does not exceed 25.4km/h (15.8mph), while daylight hours increment.
Weather in October » Weather in November
With the arrival of
November,
Nukuao gradually shifts towards the wet season. The rainfall amounts rise when compared to
October, and a slight increase in wind speeds is perceived. Despite the high relative humidity, the ample sunlight keeps the weather pleasantly warm.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Closing the year,
December welcomes frequent rain showers marking the arrival of the wet season. The climate remains impressively warm despite the increased cloud cover. The onslaught of wind gusts topping 30.8km/h (19.1mph) keeps the humidity in check.
Weather in December »