The climate of Suva
Suva, located in
Fiji, is characterized by a tropical rainforest climate identified by the Köppen climate classification as 'Af'. It is a region where heavy rainfall is a common occurrence, accompanied by consistently high temperatures throughout the year.
In terms of temperatures, Suva experiences minimal variations throughout the year. The highest average monthly temperatures range from 26°C (78.8°F) to 29°C (84.2°F) while the lowest register between 20°C (68°F) and 23°C (73.4°F). This implies a small temperature difference of only 3°C (37.4°F) to 6°C (42.8°F) on a monthly average basis.
Rainfall in Suva is pervasive year-round, but it intensifies during certain months. The maximum recorded average rainfall is 368mm (14.49") in a month, and drops to as low as 125mm (4.92"). The months with the highest and lowest rainfall averages correspond with 22 and 19 rainy days respectively, indicating the wet and humidity-prone nature of Suva's tropical rainforest climate.
In relation to daylight and sunshine, Suva receives between 11.1 to 13.2 hours of daily light, which gets transformed into approximately 5 to 6 hours of sunshine. Sea temperatures maintain a comfortable range between 25°C (77°F) to 29°C (84.2°F) while the UV index remains significantly high, at a score between 7 to 12.
The best time to visit Suva
Based on the climatological parameters, and assuming that the aim is to experience
Suva at its driest, the best time to visit this region would be between
June and
August. During this period, rainfall averages drop to their lowest of between 125mm (4.92") and 170mm (6.69"), with an average of 18 to 19 rainy days per month. These months also offer lengthier daylight hours, ranging from 11.2 hours to 11.5 hours.
In addition, temperatures during these months are at their lowest, presenting an average high of 26°C (78.8°F) to 27°C (80.6°F) and an average low of 20°C (68°F) to 21°C (69.8°F), which might provide more comfortable conditions for travellers. Moreover, the sea temperatures are invitingly warm between 25°C (77°F) to 26°C (78.8°F), ideal for various water activities including swimming and snorkelling.
The worst time to visit Suva
Planning a trip to
Suva between
March and
May might be challenging due to the high average rainfall recorded during this period. With precipitation levels reaching up to 368mm (14.49") in March and maintaining levels above 250mm (9.84") until May, visitors could expect regular and heavy showers. Furthermore, these months are marked by 19 to 22 rainy days, thus limiting outdoor activities.
The high UV index during these months, peaking at 12, is a potential concern, requiring necessary protective measures under the strong tropical sun.
Spring weather in Suva
The spring season in
Suva, usually extending from
September to
November, experiences a gradual increase in temperature from 26°C (78.8°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). The average low temperature also increases marginally from 20°C (68°F) to 22°C (71.6°F).
Rainfall averages vary from 196mm (7.72") to 249mm (9.8"), with approximately 17 rainy days per month. During this period, Suva receives 12 to 13 hours of daylight, and 5 to 6 hours of sunshine daily. The sea temperature also begins to rise during spring, starting from 25°C (77°F) and ending at 27°C (80.6°F).
Summer weather in Suva
December introduces summer in
Suva, lasting until
February. It notes narrow temperature variations with highs averaging 28°C (82.4°F) to 29°C (84.2°F) and lows around 22°C (71.6°F) to 23°C (73.4°F).
Rainfall increases remarkably during this season, reaching an average high of 318mm (12.52") in December and fluctuates between 290mm (11.42") and 272mm (10.71"). These months have around 17 to 18 rainy days. Sea temperatures during summer stay comfortably warm, averaging between 27°C (80.6°F) and 28°C (82.4°F).
Autumn weather in Suva
Suva's autumn, running from
March through
May, is classified as the rainiest season. Rainfall peaks in March with an average of 368mm (14.49"), gradually decreasing to 257mm (10.12") in May. These months note 19 to 22 rainy days and offer approximately 11.7 to 12.2 hours of daylight per day, translating into 5 to 6 hours of daily sunshine.
The average high temperature stays constant at 28°C (82.4°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), whereas the average low drops to 22°C (71.6°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). Sea temperatures start high at 29°C (84.2°F) in March, incrementally decreasing to 26°C (78.8°F) in May.
Winter weather in Suva
June signals the onset of winter in
Suva, ending in
August. This season records the lowest temperatures, typically between 26°C (78.8°F) to 27°C (80.6°F), while the average low ranges from 20°C (68°F) to 21°C (69.8°F).
Winter is the driest season with the lowest rainfall averages, registering between 125mm (4.92") and 170mm (6.69") spread across 18 to 19 days of rain in a month. Despite being the 'driest', these figures still indicate considerable rainfall. Daily daylight hours hover between 11.1 to 11.5 hours, resulting in 5 to 6 hours of bright sunshine. Furthermore, winter sees the coolest sea temperatures, from 25°C (77°F) to 26°C (78.8°F).
Weather in January
January, in
Suva,
Fiji, is characterized by warm temperatures, frequent rains, and abundant sunshine. The start of the year experiences high temperatures ranging from 29°C (84.2°F) and lows settling around 23°C (73.4°F). The UV index in January peaks at a scorching 12, indicating high-intensity solar radiation, exceptional caution against sunburn and eye damage is required during outdoor activities.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Moving into
February,
Suva's weather remains quite steady, mirroring the conditions of
January. The city continues its rainy season pattern with a slight drop in rainfall to 272mm (10.71"). Sea temperatures remain stable, suitable for various water activities.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March, the first month of the autumn in
Suva, is still a warm month, with an average temperature varying between 23°C (73.4°F) and 29°C (84.2°F). Suva's warmest season falls during
January through
April and
December, averaging a high-temperature of 29°C (84.2°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April, the same as
March, is another warm autumn month in
Suva,
Fiji, with an average temperature fluctuating between 23°C (73.4°F) and 29°C (84.2°F). The yearly peak temperatures occur in
January through April and
December, averaging a high-temperature of 29°C (84.2°F).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings a noticeable change in
Suva's weather patterns. The amount of rainfall continues to decrease, reaching 257mm (10.12") in this month. Although precipitation is still significant, the city is starting to emerge from the peak of its rainy season.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June offers a relatively drier climate in comparison with the previous months. It signals a substantial shift in the city's weather, with a further decreasing trend in rainfall. Sunshine hours stay consistently around 6 per day, displaying
Suva's ever-present tropical charm.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Suva is characterized by cooler conditions and a notable reduction in rainfall. This decline in showers reaches its minimum for the year, with the rainfall plummeting from 170mm (6.69") to 125mm (4.92"). Despite the decrease in precipitation, the daylight hours begin to rise again, slightly extending the length of the day.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Suva witnesses a slight upturn in the weather situation. Rainfall increases to a total of 211mm (8.31"), breaking the trend of decreasing precipitation seen in prior months. The change does not affect sea temperature, which remains consistent with
July's averages.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Suva welcomes an uptick in temperatures and a corresponding increase in sea temperatures. Despite this warmth, September's weather does not deviate significantly from
August's conditions. A reasonably consistent rainfall throughout the month extends the monsoon season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October witnesses a continuation of
Suva's warm and tropical climate, resonating with the weather of
September. Mild fluctuations in climate parameters do not pose significant changes to the city's weather scenario. However, residents and visitors will notice consistent daylight hours, allowing various outdoor activities.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As the calendar turns the page to
November for
Suva, weather conditions remain relatively stable. Average temperatures and rainfall are almost identical to those of the previous month. Persistent UV radiation continues to influence the region during this month, requiring precautions when outdoors.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December signals the end of the year with weather conditions largely reflecting those of
November. However, a more significant volume of rainfall occurs, reaching a substantial 318mm (12.52") in total. This surge in precipitation doesn’t hinder the city's tropical charm, as daylight remains long, and sunshine is still considerable.
Weather in December »