The climate of Noumea
Given its geographical position,
Noumea,
New Caledonia operates under the Köppen climate classification as a humid subtropical climate with no dry season. A constantly warm and moist environment is a characteristic feature of this location.
The overall weather throughout the year demonstrates relatively stable average monthly high temperatures, fluctuating from a peak of 26.5°C (79.7°F) to a minimum of 20.6°C (69.1°F). Correspondingly, the average monthly lows also show minor variations from a high of 23.8°C (74.8°F) to a low of 17.6°C (63.7°F). Noumea's climate maintains a relatively consistent level of humidity, as the relative humidity values remain from 77% to 83% over the year.
Noumea's rainfall pattern shows significant contrasts throughout the year, with the maximum rainfall of 134mm (5.28") occurring in
March, balanced by the lowest rainfall of 29mm (1.14") in
September. The sea temperature also varies, reaching up to 27.5°C (81.5°F) in
February, while cooling down to 22.8°C (73°F) from
August to September.
A noteworthy characteristic of Noumea's climate is the regular level of sunshine hours which stay at a low of 5.7 hours in
April to
July to a high of 10 hours in
November. The patterns of sunshine days largely correlate, although it slightly increases from 4.3 days in April to a peak of 8.3 days in August. The UV index remains steady at 5 or 6 throughout the year, signifying a generally moderate to high risk level of exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
The best time to visit Noumea
As far as the best time for visiting
Noumea is concerned, the months from
May to
October can be considered ideal. During this period, the city experiences less rain, with rainfall volume dropping under 70mm (2.76") from May onwards. Additionally, the temperature during these months provides a comfortable range between 20°C (68°F) and 24°C (75.2°F). The sea temperature is not left out of the mix, cooling down from 25.2°C (77.4°F) to 22.8°C (73°F) over the same period.
The worst time to visit Noumea
The period falling from
December to
March generally represents the worst time to visit
Noumea, mostly due to the city's heaviest rainfall. The city records its highest rainfall in March at 134mm (5.28"), coupled with a higher relative humidity of 83%. Another drawback during this period is the high temperature, as the city records its highest average temperature readings with the peaks in
January and
February reaching up to 26.5°C (79.7°F).
Spring weather in Noumea
Spring in
Noumea, which spans from
September to
November, signifies the end of the cooler months and serves as a prelude to the more humid summer months. During this period, rainfall is usually lower, with an average rainfall between 29mm (1.14") in September and 52mm (2.05") in November. The temperature subtly climbs up, with the high temperature readings ranging from 21.3°C (70.3°F) to 23.6°C (74.5°F) and low temperature varying between 17.8°C (64°F) and 20.9°C (69.6°F) respectively. In addition, this period witnesses an increase in daylight hours, reaching 13.2 hours by November.
Summer weather in Noumea
Noumea's summer period, which falls between
December and
February, is characterized by a combination of high temperature and high rainfall. December records the highest rainfall at 83mm (3.27"), while temperatures peak at 26.5°C (79.7°F) in
January and February. The sea stays warm with average temperature recording above 26°C (78.8°F). Relative humidity levels also rise during these months up to 83%.
Autumn weather in Noumea
The transition from summer to winter happens between
March and
May, marking the onset of the autumn climate in
Noumea. During this season, temperatures begin to drop gradually from a high of 25.8°C (78.4°F) in March to a low of 21.6°C (70.9°F) by May. Correspondingly, the sea temperature also decreases from 26.9°C (80.4°F) to 24.4°C (75.9°F) within the same period. Moreover, the autumn months witness a fall in rainfall, decreasing from 134mm (5.28") in March to 67mm (2.64") in May.
Winter weather in Noumea
The winter season in
Noumea, experienced between
June and
August, is characterized by lowered rainfall and temperatures. During these months, the average high temperatures fluctuate between 20.6°C (69.1°F) and 20.7°C (69.3°F), and the low temperatures range from 17.6°C (63.7°F) to 18.2°C (64.8°F). Rainfall hits the yearly low in this period, with a decrease from 67mm (2.64") to 44mm (1.73") between June and August. Despite the decrease in temperature, the sea remains relatively warm, around the 23°C (73.4°F) range, making it comfortable for water activities.
Weather in January
Noumea,
New Caledonia opens the year with relatively high temperatures. The weather transitions slightly from the year-end heat, although remains quite warm. Notably, the highest temperature of 25.8°C (78.4°F) paired with 83mm (3.27") of rainfall places
January amidst the rainier months.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The trend of warm weather carries over from
January into
February. The month doesn’t bring any significant changes in terms of temperature variance. February, with an average high temperature of 26.5°C (79.7°F) and 67mm (2.64") rainfall, is essentially quite similar to its preceding month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Moving into the third month,
Noumea experiences a noticeable increase in rainfall. An average temperature of 25.8°C (78.4°F) along with the highest rainfall of the year at 134mm (5.28") is registered in
March. Despite the increase in showers, the humidity remains relatively tolerable making outdoor activities feasible.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Noumea offers a break from the heavy rainfall of
March. A decrease in temperature to an average of 24.5°C (76.1°F) marks the onset of milder conditions. A shift in weather dynamics is noticeable as the rainfall drops to 79mm (3.11") and the city settles into a relatively cooler and less rainy month.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May builds on the serene weather transition started by
April.
Noumea continues to be relatively cooler with an average temperature of 22.8°C (73°F) and decreased rainfall of 68mm (2.68"). May stands out as the beginning of a dry period and a slightly chillier ambiance.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June continues the trend of milder temperatures and decreased rainfall.
Noumea's weather remains remarkably stable during this time with almost no drastic climatic fluctuations. With an average temperature of 21.6°C (70.9°F) and a decrease in rainfall to 67mm (2.64"), June offers highly tolerable weather conditions.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July witnesses the coldest temperatures of the year in
Noumea with an average temperature of 20.6°C (69.1°F), coupled with a further decrease in rainfall to 54mm (2.13"). This is the prime time for those who find joy in chillier winds and relatively drier days.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August is characterized by a steady continuation of the cooler trend with an average temperature of 20.7°C (69.3°F).
Noumea records the least amount of rainfall during the year at 44mm (1.73") in this month. The general temperature remains consistent with
July, continuing the cold winds and ample sunshine.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September serves as a transitional month as
Noumea begins to emerge from its cooler period. The weather slightly shifts with an average temperature of 21.3°C (70.3°F) and minimal rainfall of 29mm (1.14"), marking a trend towards warmer days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
October rolls in, a hike in temperature becomes apparent in
Noumea. With the average temperature jumping up to 22.6°C (72.7°F), the transformation back to the warmer part of the year is initiated. October, with rainfall of 34mm (1.34"), is distinct as the period when the city starts warming up and rainfall remains moderate.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Noumea is characterized by the continuation of the warming trend with an average temperature of 23.6°C (74.5°F). With rainfall increasing up to 52mm (2.05"), the city starts inching towards a rainier period. The weather is made pleasant by mild winds, plenty of sunshine, and slightly higher humidity levels.
Weather in November » Weather in December
The city of
Noumea wraps up the year with an average temperature of 24.9°C (76.8°F) and an increased rainfall of 63mm (2.48") in
December. The holiday season buzzes amidst the revival of warmer days and light showers. December marks the return of higher temperatures and moderate rainfall, drawing a full circle to the weather conditions at the beginning of the year.
Weather in December »