The climate of Ascension Island
Ascension Island, part and parcel of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha, sits isolated in the South Atlantic Ocean. According to the Köppen climate classification, this geopolitical entity represents a paradigm of Tropical Rainforest Climate, also known as Af. This climate type is characterized by constant high temperatures throughout the year, abundant rainfall, and lack of a distinct dry season.
The weather of Ascension Island, staying true to its Af climate, doesn't waver drastically in temperature throughout the year. From a low of 22°C (71.6°F) to a high of 31°C (87.8°F), residents can expect the thermometer to stay in this range no matter the month. The Island, however, does garner attention for its abundant rainfall. With an average of 10mm (0.39") to 33mm (1.3") from
February to
April, this location turns lavish with flora in full bloom.
Ascension Island's ocean temperature adds another facet into its climatic profile. The sea temperature ranges from 24°C (75.2°F) to 28°C (82.4°F), making it comfortable for marine activities throughout the year. The longest daylight is experienced from
November to
January, peaking at 12.6 hours in
December. Conversely, shortest days, with 11.7 hours of daylight, fall between
June and
July.
Unique to Ascension Island is the considerable UV index. It fluctuates from 12 to 9, suggesting individuals should adopt effective protective measures against harmful UV radiation. Also noteworthy is the relative humidity, fluctuating within 67% to 70%, contributing to the overall perception of warmth on the Island.
The best time to visit Ascension Island
Given the uniform temperature, available sunlight, ultimately the decision to visit
Ascension Island boils down to rainfall preferences. The driest months on the Island are from
September to
January, with an average rainfall between 4mm (0.16") to 7mm (0.28"). This time frame aligns with lower humidity and more sun hours daily, ideal circumstances for outdoor enthusiasts. Ocean temperatures also remain pleasant, hovering between 24°C (75.2°F) to 25°C (77°F), allowing for a comfortable dip into the tropical waters of Ascension Island.
The worst time to visit Ascension Island
On the contrary, the months from
February to
April could be termed challenging for potential visitors. Throughout these months, the precipitation levels peak, with April witnessing a rainfall average of 33mm (1.3") over four days. The saturated environment during this period might not be conducive for sightseeing and other outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Ascension Island
Despite being situated in the Southern Hemisphere,
Ascension Island's spring months —
September,
October, and
November — display similar characteristics to spring in the Northern Hemisphere. The temperature resides around a comfortable range of 28°C (82.4°F) to 30°C (86°F) while humidity slowly recedes from 69% to 68%. Sea temperatures maintain warmth within 24°C (75.2°F) to 26°C (78.8°F), inviting for water-bound activities. However, what truly makes these months feel like spring is the decrease in precipitation, with rainfall standing between 4mm (0.16") to 8mm (0.31").
Summer weather in Ascension Island
Marking the onset of
Ascension Island's summer,
December introduces marginally cooler temperatures, ranging from 29°C (84.2°F) to 22°C (71.6°F). The trend continues until
February, with temperatures barely veering off this course. Rainfall sees a sudden hike from 4mm (0.16") in December to 18mm (0.71") in February. Relative humidity oscillates between 69% to 70% as sea temperatures adaopt a cozy range of 25°C (77°F) to 28°C (82.4°F).
Autumn weather in Ascension Island
The months from
March to
May are characterized by a slight drop in temperature, hovering between 31°C (87.8°F) and 24°C (75.2°F). Interestingly, rainfall sees a considerable rise during the early part of this period, with 33mm (1.3") in March and 16mm (0.63") in
April. Levels later recede to 15mm (0.59") in May. Relative humidity remains around the 69% mark as daylight hours decrease gradually and sea temperature ranges between 28°C (82.4°F) to 26°C (78.8°F).
Winter weather in Ascension Island
In
June, the Island welcomes winter weather. The temperature swings between 29°C (84.2°F) and 22°C (71.6°F), providing relatively cooler relief from the consistent highs. Rainfall continues its declining trajectory from 15mm (0.59") in June to 11mm (0.43") in
August. Relative humidity shows only a marginal decrease, falling to 68%. Sea temperature drops slightly to an average of 25°C (77°F) in August, whilst daylight hours maintain a consistent span of about 11.7 for the winter season.
Weather in January
Gentle whispers of warm air hover over
Ascension Island marking the start of a new year. Compared to
December,
January weather sees a negligible increase in temperature from 28°C (82.4°F) to 30°C (86°F) as the highest value recorded for the day.
Weather in January »Weather in February
No notable changes away from the mild weather of
January,
February proceeds along the same lines. Still maintaining its warm trend, the most precipitation is experienced during this month, with rainfall reaching up to 10mm (0.39").
Weather in February »Weather in March
The tropical allure of
Ascension Island can be felt vividly in
March. The Island experiences a slight escalation in temperature, and humidity concurrently reduces to 69%. Sun worshippers who wish to tan and laze on the beach will be captivated.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As
April strides in, the weather becomes marginally cooler with temperatures dipping slightly. Rainfall significantly escalates, peaking at 33mm (1.3"), becoming the rainiest month of the year in
Ascension Island. From gentle drizzles to abrupt showers, the month has it all, creating a nature enthusiast's dream scenery.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Embracing
Ascension Island in
May means welcoming a subtle change in weather. Peak temperatures remain constant at 31°C (87.8°F), while rainfall levels drop to 16mm (0.63"), inviting more clear days. Verdant landscapes left behind by
April rainfall continue to flourish under the warm sun rays.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June presents an appealing balance of warmth, sunshine, and minimal rainfall. Lower temperatures touch 23°C (73.4°F) which creates moderately cooler evenings. Water temperatures recede to 27°C (80.6°F), allowing for soothing swims.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July marks the transition into cooler, more temperate days on
Ascension Island. Temperatures drop to an agreeable 29°C (84.2°F) at their peak and nights become cooler. The humidity hovers fairly steadily, providing comfort during outdoor activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The calm and balmy
August weather in
Ascension Island offers a noticeble dip in temperature to 28°C (82.4°F). A steady bout of warm and occasional drizzles that make up to 11mm (0.43") rainfall, rejuvenate the island's ecosystem.
Weather in August »Weather in September
With the advent of
September, the weather remains similar to
August with no significant drop in temperature. Sunshine hours reduce to 5.5h, making these days slightly shorter. Embrace the beauty of
Ascension Island during exciting dawn treks and romantic sunset picnics.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October arrives carrying ample sunlight, averaging about 5.2h of sunshine each day. The temperature remains constant around 28°C (82.4°F), marking stable conditions. Rainfall further recedes to 7mm (0.28"), injecting few rainy days into the monthly forecast.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November, the last month of the spring in
Ascension Island, is warm month, with an average temperature fluctuating between 28°C (82.4°F) and 22°C (71.6°F). An excellent water temperature of 25°C (77°F) and only 1 rainfall days, with 4mm (0.16") of accumulated rainfall, makes November a prime for swimming and other water activities.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Ushering in the end of the year,
December maintains the calm weather noted in
November. Daytime temperatures hover around 29°C (84.2°F) and decrease to 22°C (71.6°F) during nights. A mere 4mm (0.16") of rainfall is measured, resulting in more sun-filled days.
Weather in December »