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 »