Climate and monthly weather forecast
Cocos (Keeling) Islands

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands, an Australian territory, are located in the Indian Ocean. They sit roughly halfway between Sri Lanka and Australia, and are composed of two coral atolls comprising 27 tiny islands, though only two of these are inhabited. The Köppen climate classification categorizes the climate of these islands as Af, denoting a tropical rainforest climate. This means that throughout the year, the islands are humid, and a minimum of 60mm (2.36") of rainfall can be expected every month. The islands have two discernible seasons: the wet and dry season. During the wet season, the rainfall reaches its peak in April, accumulating a total of 263mm (10.35"). In contrast, the dry season sees the least amount of rainfall in October, tallying to a total of 88mm (3.46"). Despite the islands' distance from the Equator, the maritime influence helps maintain a constant temperature, with the highest average temperature recorded in March at 30°C (86°F) and the lowest average in September at 24.2°C (75.6°F).

If one wants to avoid the heavy rainfall of the wet season and enjoy the serene beaches and coral reefs, the best time to visit the Cocos (Keeling) Islands would be during the dry season, particularly from July to September. This period sees a significant decrease in precipitation, with the temperatures dropping to the yearly lows, averaging 24.2°C (75.6°F) in September. This pleasant weather allows tourists to participate in outdoor activities such as snorkeling, sailing, and bird watching without the worry of a sudden downpour or extremely hot weather.

Conversely, the wet season, which reaches its peak in April, might not be the most opportune time to visit the islands. The rainfall is heavy, with an average of 263mm (10.35") of precipitation in April. Coupled with the high temperatures, which average around 30°C (86°F) in March, the climate can be quite uncomfortable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Moreover, heavy rains may cause occasional disruptions in ferry services and other transportation, potentially affecting travel plans.

The concept of spring is not particularly applicable to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands as they experience a tropical climate. However, during the months typically associated with spring, from March to May, the islands are in their wet season. Rainfall is abundant, particularly in April when it averages 263mm (10.35"). Concurrently, the temperatures hover at high levels, reaching their peak in March at an average high of 30°C (86°F).

During the June-August period, often associated with summer in many parts of the world, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands start transitioning into the dry season. Rainfall begins to decrease, while the temperatures also start to drop from their highs earlier in the year. The weather becomes increasingly favorable for visitors, with less rainfall and more moderate temperatures, providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities.

Autumn, or the months of September to November, generally coincide with the dry season in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The rainfall reaches its lowest in October, with precipitation totaling 88mm (3.46"). Meanwhile, the temperatures also cool down to the lowest average of the year, reaching 24.2°C (75.6°F) in September. These conditions mark the most comfortable period in terms of climate on the islands.

Winter months, usually from December to February, mark the onset of the wet season in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. However, the weather remains warm with the lowest temperatures not falling below 24.2°C (75.6°F), offering a tropical winter experience. As the wet season progresses, rainfall starts to increase, but this initial period can still be quite suitable for visitors who can handle a bit of tropical rain.

January signifies the mid-point of the wet season in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. During this time, the islands receive substantial rainfall which contributes significantly to the overall lushness and tropical appeal of the territory. Weather in January »

As the last month of the wet season, February in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands experiences a gradual shift towards the weather conditions of the upcoming dry season. The quantity of rainfall decreases compared to the preceding month of January, yet it remains more substantial than the amounts observed during the dry season months. Temperature during February does not reach the extremes observed in March, the hottest month, nor does it drop to the lows of September, the coolest month. Weather in February »

March marks the onset of the dry season in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and is distinctive as the hottest month of the year. The average high temperature reaches up to 30°C (86°F), offering a true tropical climate experience. However, the strong maritime influence prevents the temperatures from soaring excessively, maintaining an overall comfortable climate. The shift from the wet to the dry season is characterized by a decrease in rainfall. Weather in March »

April in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands is a unique month as it stands out as the wettest month of the year, despite falling within the dry season. An average of 263mm (10.35") of rainfall is recorded, a significant increase compared to the preceding month of March. Weather in April »

In May, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands start to reflect a more typical dry season pattern following the anomalously wet month of April. Rainfall decreases significantly and aligns more with the standard climate patterns of the dry season. Weather in May »

June ushers in the middle of the dry season in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, with a further decrease in rainfall compared to May. The decrease in precipitation is characteristic of this season, and June maintains this trend, offering a more arid tropical environment. Weather in June »

July in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands continues to follow the typical dry season pattern with a further decrease in rainfall compared to June. This results in one of the driest months of the year, allowing visitors and locals to enjoy outdoor activities without the worry of sudden downpours. Temperature-wise, July also sees a continuation of the trend of slightly decreasing temperatures. Weather in July »

August, being one of the last months of the dry season in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, experiences stable weather conditions. Rainfall continues to be relatively low, comparable to the preceding month of July. This sustained lack of heavy rainfall ensures a dry and comfortable climate for outdoor exploration and water activities. In terms of temperature, August follows the trend of decreasing temperatures seen over the previous months. Weather in August »

September signals the end of the dry season in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. It stands out as the month with the lowest average temperatures of the year, with lows reaching around 24.2°C (75.6°F). Despite this, the climate remains warm, offering a comfortable environment that is characteristic of tropical regions. Rainfall in September remains relatively low, similar to the preceding dry season months. Weather in September »

October in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands marks the beginning of the wet season. During this month, the islands see an increase in rainfall compared to September. Despite this, October is noted as the driest month of the wet season, with the precipitation totaling 88mm (3.46"). The temperature in October also starts to rise slightly from the lower averages seen in September, the coolest month of the year. Weather in October »

As the second month of the wet season, November in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands sees a further increase in rainfall compared to October. The wet season is characterized by higher humidity levels and substantial precipitation, which enhances the tropical environment of the islands. Temperature-wise, November experiences a rise from the lower averages seen in the preceding months. Weather in November »

December in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands is characterized by a continuation of the wet season. It sees further increased rainfall compared to November, contributing to the lush tropical vegetation that the islands are renowned for. Weather in December »