The climate of Rikitea
Rikitea, a serene beach town in
French Polynesia, exhibits a typical tropical rainforest climate or the 'Af' under the Köppen climate classification. This perennially warm and humid weather style is primarily due to its proximity to the equator. Predominantly, the yearly temperatures exhibit a narrow range fluctuating slightly from a high of 28°C (82.4°F) to a low of 18°C (64.4°F). Sea temperatures, mirroring these land temperatures, feel warm all year round and move within a cozy range of 23.4°C (74.1°F) to 27.7°C (81.9°F).
Rainfall tends to dominate Rikitea's climate, with over 100mm (3.94") of precipitation each month. A pattern of increasing rainfall can be seen from
January, reaching a peak of 186mm (7.32") in
November. Rainfall days neatly map to this pattern, peaking in January,
February, and
March at 15 days, and reaching an annual low of 4 days in
August.
The daylight hours decrease from January's 13.4 hours to a low of 10.7 hours in
June. Meanwhile, the sunshine hours remain in the 5-6 hour range throughout the year. The UF index also exhibits minor changes, shifting between 5 and 12. It peaks from January to March and again in November and
December.
The best time to visit Rikitea
Weather-wise,
June to
September boasts the most favorable conditions. Being the drier half of the year with moderate rainfall between 111mm (4.37") to 153mm (6.02") as opposed to high precipitation levels in other months, it becomes an optimal time for outdoor activities. The temperature ease between 23°C (73.4°F) to 24.7°C (76.5°F) during the day, descending to a comfortable 18°C (64.4°F) to 19°C (66.2°F) at night, making sightseeing a pleasure. Also, cooler sea temperatures of 23.4°C (74.1°F) to 24.7°C (76.5°F) present an inviting prospect for water activities, while daylight ranges from 10.7 hours to 11.5 hours are quite adequate for unhurried exploration.
The worst time to visit Rikitea
November and
December are particularly inhospitable, bringing with them the heaviest annual rainfall of 186mm (7.32") and 180mm (7.09"), respectively. In tandem, these months see the highest temperatures of around 25°C (77°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). Although these temperatures complement the High UV index of 12 in these months requires precautions to avoid harmful exposure.
Spring weather in Rikitea
Rikitea doesn’t see distinctive seasonal variations because of its proximity to the Equator.
March, in the equivalent of the spring season, witnesses a high temperature of 28°C (82.4°F) while the mercury dips to 23°C (73.4°F) during the nights. It sees 143mm (5.63") rainfall spread across 15 days, with sea temperatures averaging around 27.7°C (81.9°F), an inviting proposition for water lovers. The UV index of 12 prompts the need for ample skin protection.
Summer weather in Rikitea
June to
August serve as the summer months for
Rikitea. The high temperatures range from 23°C (73.4°F) to 24°C (75.2°F), providing a considerably cooler atmosphere in contrast to other months. The lows drop down to 18°C (64.4°F) to 19°C (66.2°F), offering relatively cooler nights. Rainfall remains moderate with the count oscillating from 111mm (4.37") to 155mm (6.1"), scattered over 4-6 days. Sea temperatures during these months stand at 23.4°C (74.1°F) to 24.7°C (76.5°F), ideal for a swim.
Autumn weather in Rikitea
In
Rikitea,
September and
October spell out the autumn months. The daily high temperatures are steady at 24°C (75.2°F) while the low temperature registers at a comfortable 19°C (66.2°F). A relatively lesser rain of 111mm (4.37") to 130mm (5.12") spread over 5 days each month keeps conditions relatively dry. The sea carries an agreeable warmth of 23.6°C (74.5°F) to 24.3°C (75.7°F), which is ideal for water activities.
Winter weather in Rikitea
December to
February are the winter months in
Rikitea with high temperatures staying around 28°C (82.4°F) and the lows at 22°C (71.6°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). Rainfall is the maximum during these months, shooting up to a hefty 140mm (5.51") to 186mm (7.32")s and spread across a whopping 15 days. The warm sea temperature reads between 25.9°C (78.6°F) to 27.1°C (80.8°F), offering a comforting offset to the rains. The UV index brings in a little caution as it hits the higher lodge at 12.
Weather in January
January in
Rikitea,
French Polynesia, is characterised by a warm tropical climate. Robust UV index levels of 12 underpin the necessity of sun protection during outdoor activities. Despite copious amounts of sunshine, an average of 15 days of rainfall totaling 130mm (5.12") advocate for any sightseer to carry protective outerwear.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February remains relatively unchanged from its predecessor, presenting a consistent tropical climate. 140mm (5.51") of precipitation is spread over the same 15 days as observed in
January, maintaining a balance between sunshine-filled and rainy days.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Small fluctuations can be observed as
Rikitea transitions from
February to
March. A slight increase in rainfalls showcases a marginally higher 143mm (5.63") distributed across 15 days, a continuation of the past two months' weather patterns.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Rikitea witnesses some shifts in weather patterns. A noticeable drop in rainfall, down to 126mm (4.96"), and a decrease in rainy days to 12 introduce drier conditions contrasting the previous wetter months. As the month progresses, the decline in sea and air temperatures is more noticeable, indicating the transition towards the cooler months.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May calls for a more drastic shift in temperature, with both sea and air temperatures dropping further. Recorded rainfall of 121mm (4.76"), spread across 8 days, emphasises the descending trend of precipitation. Conversely,
Rikitea's UV index falls to 6, reducing the risk associated with prolonged sun exposure.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June represents a defining point in the climate of
Rikitea, as all the aforementioned parameters attain their lowest values. The rainfall peaks at a high of 153mm (6.02"), which is contrasted by the mere 6 days of rainfall. Daylight hours now stand at the lowest of 10.7 hours a day.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July's weather in
Rikitea replicates that of
June, with the same amount of rainy days and marginally higher rainfall of 155mm (6.1"). As the year tiptoes into its latter half, this consistency is observed across all climatic parameters.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Rikitea's weather in
August signals a gradual transition away from the cooler conditions of earlier months. A decrease in rainfall to 136mm (5.35") across 4 days and a rise in sea temperature indicate a return towards more typical tropical weather.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Rikitea brings a noticeable upswing in weather conditions. A further decrease in rainfall to 111mm (4.37") compliments the growth in daylight hours up to 12 hours, unlocking more opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October continues the favourable trend initiated in
September, exhibiting minimal rainfall of 130mm (5.12") across 5 days. Slight changes in sea and air temperatures complement the increased daylight hours, extending the window for outdoor adventures.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Rikitea marks an extreme swing in weather patterns, with rainfall escalating dramatically to 186mm (7.32"). Despite the sharp increase in rainfall and decreased sunlight hours to 6 a day, the sea temperature and UV index hits a steady high, leaning towards a more tropical climate.
Weather in November » Weather in December
The year concludes in
Rikitea with
December showcasing typical tropical weather trends. A high of 180mm (7.09") of rainfall across 10 days reflects this destination's wet trend. The significant rise in sunlight hours to 13.5 a day, coupled with sustained high UV index levels, pits this month as a period of high solar exposure.
Weather in December »