Climate and monthly weather forecast
Nuku'alofa, Tonga

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The Rugged scenic shores of Nuku
The Rugged scenic shores of Nuku'alofa in Tonga, with a beautiful clear waterfront

The climate of Nuku'alofa

Nuku'alofa, the capital of Tonga, basks in a year-round tropical climate. The Köppen climate classification identifies it within the Af category, harboring a Tropical Rainforest climate. Nuku'alofa experiences high average temperatures ranging from 24.8°C (76.6°F) to 29.9°C (85.8°F). The warmest month appears to be January with an average high of 29.9°C (85.8°F), while the coolest month is July, with an average high of 24.8°C (76.6°F).

Throughout the year, Nuku'alofa receives ample rainfall that closely corresponds with its humidity patterns. The rainiest month occurs in February with an average of 210mm (8.27") of rainfall spread over an average of 19 days. Following the pattern, the leat rainy month is June, with 95mm (3.74") of precipitation over 15 days. A relative humidity between 73% and 79% accompanies the rainfall, with September being the least humid month and March being the most humid.

The sea temperature fluctuates mildly, with the warmest month being March boasting an average of 28.1°C (82.6°F), and the coolest month January, averaging 23.8°C (74.8°F). Daylight hours hovers between 10.9 hours in June to 13.4 hours in December, and the UV index remains consistently high throughout the year, hitting a peak of 12 from January to March and again from November to December.

The best time to visit Nuku'alofa

Navigating through the climate data, the best time to visit Nuku'alofa arguably lies between April and September. During this period, visitors can expect lower rainfall, ranging from 95mm (3.74") to 128mm (5.04"), resulting in fewer average rainy days. Simultaneously, average high temperatures pleasantly sit between 24.8°C (76.6°F) and 28.5°C (83.3°F). From July to September, sea temperatures remain comfortable for swimming activities, fluctuating between 23.8°C (74.8°F) and 26.8°C (80.2°F). The UV index during this time moderates between 6 and 10, with June to August being the best months to avoid the risk of skin damage from the Sun's rays.

The worst time to visit Nuku'alofa

The months from December to March pose as a less appealing period for visiting Nuku'alofa. These months face greater rainfall and humidity, peaking in February with a 78% relative humidity and a substantial 210mm (8.27") of rainfall across 19 days on average. Additionally, the sea temperature in this period falls to a cooler 23.8°C (74.8°F) in January. Furthermore, the UV index hits the maximum of 12 in these months, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.

Spring weather in Nuku'alofa

Covering the months from September to November, spring in Nuku'alofa promises mildly high temperatures and rainfall. Average high temperatures consistently rise from 25.3°C (77.5°F) in September to 28.7°C (83.7°F) in November. Correspondingly, rainfall averages increase from 122mm (4.8") in September to 175mm (6.89") in December. Relative humidity remains stable at 73% in November and rises to 75% in December.

Summer weather in Nuku'alofa

Summer, stretching from December to February, asserts the period with the highest temperatures and heaviest rainfall. Average high temperatures range from 28.7°C (83.7°F) in December to 29.9°C (85.8°F) in January. Average rainfall peaks in February with a sizeable 210mm (8.27") spread over 19 days, with relative humidity reaching a peak of 78% the same month.

Autumn weather in Nuku'alofa

Transitioning into autumn, marked by the months from March to May, Nuku'alofa presents a gradually cooling climate. The average high temperatures progressively decrease from 29.6°C (85.3°F) in March to 26.8°C (80.2°F) in May. Rainfall during this season reduces from 206mm (8.11") in March to 111mm (4.37") by May, with lesser rainy days attributed to the drier climate.

Winter weather in Nuku'alofa

June to August tags the winter months in Nuku'alofa, where the city witnesses the coolest temperatures and lowest rainfall of the year. The average high temperatures hover at the lower range between 24.9°C (76.8°F) in June to 24.8°C (76.6°F) in August. Correspondingly, the rainfall decreases to the annual lowest of 95mm (3.74") in June and July, maintaining a generally dry climate throughout the season.

Weather in January

January invites locals and visitors alike to enjoy its warm climate in Nuku'alofa, Tonga. The temperature often fluctuates between a high of 29.4°C (84.9°F) and a low of 23.4°C (74.1°F). The shift to February bears minimal change in temperature but more distinct alterations could be felt in terms of precipitation. Weather in January »

Weather in February

The transition from January to February brings subtle variations to the weather in Nuku'alofa. The second month showcases the highest rainfall at 210mm (8.27"), implying a relatively wet season compared to its prior and succeeding months. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March weather appears to retain the general climate of February, without any drastic weather transformations. Notable is the scarce reduction of monthly average temperature with a peak of 29.6°C (85.3°F) from the preceding peak of 29.9°C (85.8°F) in February. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April heralds a noticeable transition in the weather, marking the beginning of the moderate season in Nuku'alofa. It presents a noticeable dip in the maximum temperature, which drops to 28.5°C (83.3°F) from 29.6°C (85.3°F) in March. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May sees a further continuation of the trend set in April. The weather undergoes a noticeable cooling from the hot and rainy season, the temperature scaling down to a comfortable range. Relative humidity also undergoes a slight elevation. Weather in May »

Weather in June

The onset of June introduces the coolest temperature in the year, a welcoming climate for those seeking respite from the humid summers of Nuku'alofa. The temperature continues the declining trend from the previous month, settling to a low of 25.8°C (78.4°F). Weather in June »

Weather in July

July aligns with a similar temperate weather pattern as witnessed in June in Nuku'alofa. A small drop in temperature can be detected, with a high registering at 24.9°C (76.8°F) this month, further substantiating the change in seasons. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August exhibits some of the most balanced weather conditions of the year in Nuku'alofa. The temperature reaches a comfortable high of 24.8°C (76.6°F). A slight spike in rainfall can be noticed after the reduction sequence of previous months. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Nuku'alofa witnesses the commencement of a mild climb in temperatures. The effect of this slow ascend is visible with a high of 25.3°C (77.5°F). It records a minor surge in rainfall compared to August, indicating the progressive shift towards the wetter seasons. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October marks a clear transition away from the temperate conditions of the middle-year months back to the warmer climate in Nuku'alofa. The high temperature jumps to 26.4°C (79.5°F), signaling the arrival of the warmer months. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November comes with a definitive return to the warmer, more humid conditions in Nuku'alofa. The temperature reflects this change with a significant leap to 27.6°C (81.7°F). It simultaneously welcomes the rainier season, receiving a substantial amount compared to the preceding month. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Nuku'alofa exhibits the climax of sun, heat, and wet conditions. The month’s temperature spirals to a high of 28.7°C (83.7°F). It outpours the maximum amount of rainfall, with 175mm (6.89") accounting for the month's precipitation. Weather in December »

Frequently asked questions

How much does it rain in Nuku'alofa?

Throughout the year, there are 180 rainfall days, and 1721mm (67.76") of precipitation is accumulated.

What are the months with the most sunshine?

January and March, with an average of 18h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine.

When is the highest UV index?

January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 12, are months with the highest UV index.

What are the warmest months?

Nuku'alofa's warmest month, February, generally records average temperatures ranging from a high of 29.9°C (85.8°F) to a low of 23.7°C (74.7°F).

What is the wettest month?

February is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 19 days and accumulates 210mm (8.27") of precipitation.

What is the most humid month?

March is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 79%.

What is the month with the warmest sea water?

The month with the warmest seawater is March, with an average sea temperature of 28.1°C (82.6°F).

What is the driest month?

The months with the least rainfall are June and July Rain falls for 14 days and accumulates 95mm (3.74") of rain.

What is the month with the shortest days?

The month with the shortest days is June, with an average of 10h and 54min of daylight.

When is the lowest UV index?

June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the lowest UV index.

What are the coldest months?

Nuku'alofa experiences its average lowest temperatures in August, reaching a peak of 24.8°C (76.6°F) and a minimum of 18.2°C (64.8°F).

What months are the sea coldest?

August and September, with an average sea temperature of 23.8°C (74.8°F), are months with the coldest seawater.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

The month with the least sunshine is August, with an average of 3h of sunshine.

What is the least humid month?

November is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 73%.

When are the longest days in Nuku'alofa?

With an average of 13h and 24min of daylight, December has the longest days of the year.

Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

Nuku'alofa does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). +13 timezone is used over the entire year.

Average temperature
Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Average temperature - Nuku

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is February (29.9°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is August (24.8°C).

The month with the highest average low temperature is February (23.7°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is July (18.1°C).

Average humidity
Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Average humidity - Nuku

The month with the highest relative humidity is March (79%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is November (73%).

Average rainfall
Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Average rainfall - Nuku

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is February (210mm).
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are June and July (95mm).

Average rainfall days
Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Average rainfall days - Nuku

The months with the highest number of rainy days are February and March (19 days).
The month with the least rainy days is October (11 days).

Average sea temperature
Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Average sea temperature - Nuku

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is March (28.1°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are August and September (23.8°C).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Nuku

The month with the longest days is December (Average daylight: 13h and 24min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 10h and 54min).

The months with the most sunshine are January and March (Average sunshine: 18h).
The month with the least sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 3h).

Average UV index
Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Average UV index - Nuku

The months with the highest UV index are January, February, March, November and December (UV index 12).
The months with the lowest UV index are June and July (UV index 6).

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

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