The climate of Hiva Oa
Geographically nestled in
French Polynesia,
Hiva Oa boasts a tropical rainforest climate, as per Köppen climate classification. This signifies that throughout the entire year, there is no dearth of rainfall, and the temperature maintains a stable, warm regimen. Taking a closer look at the climate parameters, variations in weather across all the twelve months can be observed.
Throughout the year, the temperature in Hiva Oa oscillates between a range of 28°C (82.4°F) to 31°C (87.8°F) with a lowest recorded average at 28°C (82.4°F) in
July and
August which then climbs back up to 31°C (87.8°F). However, even during these warmest months, nighttime temperatures drop to a monthly average of 23°C (73.4°F) to 24°C (75.2°F). Therefore, the days may be warm but the evenings offer mild comfort.
In this tropical paradise, rainfall is an ever-present aspect of the climate. Precipitation tends to fluctuate between 66mm (2.6") and 175mm (6.89"), reaching peaks in
June and scaling down to its lowest in
November. An unusual weather pattern worth noting is the day length that changes from 11.6 hours during June and July to a yearly maximum of 12.7 hours in
December.
The best time to visit Hiva Oa
Given the uniformly warm temperatures, the best time to visit
Hiva Oa largely depends on preferences for rain or shine.
November and
December, when precipitation is at its lowest point at 66mm (2.6") and 89mm (3.5") respectively, offer the best opportunities for outdoor activities. Furthermore, these months benefit from longer days, around 12.6 to 12.7 hours of daylight, offering ample time to explore the tropical paradise.
The worst time to visit Hiva Oa
If avoiding the downpour is a priority, then it might be wise to refrain from planning a trip during
June. This month witnesses the highest average rainfall of the year, soaring up to a significant 175mm (6.89"). The shorter days during this period, averaging at 11.6 hours of sunlight, further add to the less optimal conditions for sightseeing.
Spring weather in Hiva Oa
Spring, although technically non-existent in a setting dominated by tropical rainforest climate, can be compared to
March to
May. During this period, the temperature remains consistent at around 30°C (86°F), while rainfall varies between 112mm (4.41") to 122mm (4.8"). Days too maintain a steady length of 12.1 hours in March, narrowing down slightly to 11.7 hours by May.
Summer weather in Hiva Oa
Identifying
June to
August as summer months, one witnesses the temperature average easing to around 28°C (82.4°F), characterizing this period as a relatively cooler phase of the year. Rainfall hits the highest mark in June at 175mm (6.89"), before receding to 122mm (4.8") in August. This period also sees shorter days with daylight hours dipping to the lowest at 11.6 hours during June and
July.
Autumn weather in Hiva Oa
During the period marked as Autumn,
September to
November, temperatures escalate back to a comfortable 29°C (84.2°F) to 30°C (86°F). Rainfall, after a peak in September at 157mm (6.18"), significantly decreases approaching November, bottoming out at 66mm (2.6"). This period also sees a gradual increase in daylight hours from 12.1 hours in September to 12.6 hours by November.
Winter weather in Hiva Oa
Winter months of
December to
February, despite being in the tropics, get to witness stable temperatures lingering around 30°C (86°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), ensuring no drastic changes. Rainfall hovers in the lower side of average, with 89mm (3.5") in December, further declining to 91mm (3.58") in February. Daylight in these months extends to a maximum, with December at 12.7 hours and February at 12.4 hours, allowing visitors longer days for outdoor explorations.
Weather in January
January in
Hiva Oa,
French Polynesia, ushers in the year with steady climatic conditions. Characterized by profound daylight hours reaching up to 12.6 hours, the island thrives under consistent sunshine. The high temperature averages at 30°C (86°F) along with a gentle ocean breeze, extracting any discomfort from the day's heat.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Come
February,
Hiva Oa continues to embrace a uniform yet slightly cooler weather than its predecessor. Defining the month with 12.4 hours of daylight, it does not deviate much from the light pattern of
January, contributing to the continuity in weather stability.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Transitioning to
March, the weather remains relatively stable on this French Polynesian island. The daylight duration contracts to 12.1 hours, diminishing in the insignificantly minimal amounts compared to the preceding months. There is a subtle upsurge in rainfall at 112mm (4.41"), barely affecting the overall pleasant climate.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The arrival of
April witnesses a similar rhythm in the conditions, with
Hiva Oa's temperatures persistently resting between 31°C (87.8°F) and 24°C (75.2°F). The average daylight time decreases to 11.9 hours, consistently following the trend from the previous month.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May brings a marginal change in
Hiva Oa's weather pattern. Sunshine duration minimally reduces to 11.7 hours, keeping in line with the decreasing pattern. A boost in rainfall to 122mm (4.8") characterizes the environment with additional wet spells.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June redefines precipitation in
Hiva Oa, as the island experiences 175mm (6.89") rainfall, a significant increase from earlier months. Daylight hours are the shortest, recording 11.6 hours of the sun, signaling the transition towards mid-year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Hiva Oa experiences the continuation of
June's high precipitation trend with 122mm (4.8") rainfall. However, the daylight time starts to rise—marking 11.6 hours on average, indicating a shift from the first half of the year.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Following the slight increase,
August brings back the duration of daylight time to 11.8 hours. The precipitation drops to a bearable 100mm (3.94"). Despite the reduction of rainfall, temperatures stay primarily unchanged from
July, peaking at 28°C (82.4°F), and maintaining a steady low of 23°C (73.4°F).
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Hiva Oa originates an increase in sunlight with an average of 12.1 daylight hours. In unison, there is an uptick in precipitation totaling 157mm (6.18"). Interestingly, despite the high rainfall, the temperature levels remain constantly pleasant.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October continues to increase the daylight hours to 12.3, promising a bright weather forecast. The precipitation noted is relatively lower at 79mm (3.11"), decreasing from the previous month's rainfall. Temperature levels stay consistent, heating up to 29°C (84.2°F), and cooling down to a comfortable average low of 23°C (73.4°F) at night.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
Hiva Oa cruises into
November, the sun continues to grace the island for longer durations with 12.6 daylight hours. Concurrently, the island sees a significant decrease in rainfall, dropping to 66mm (2.6"). These key changes don't affect the temperature, retaining November's heat at a peak of 30°C (86°F).
Weather in November »Weather in December
Concluding the year in
December,
Hiva Oa endures a bit more rain with 89mm (3.5") precipitation. Yet, the daylight hours peak at 12.7 hours, the highest in the year. Summarizing the temperature, December retains a stable range with high temperatures leveling at 30°C (86°F) and low temperatures consistently around 23°C (73.4°F).
Weather in December »