The climate of Díli
Díli, the capital of
East Timor, experiences a tropical wet and dry climate as prescribed by the Köppen climate classification system. This type of climate, also referred to as 'Aw', exhibits a pronounced dry season. The sun, a relentless presence throughout the year, ensures average sunshine hours range between 5.8 hours to 9.6 hours daily, and consistently maintain the UV index at a high of 10 to 12 throughout the year.
Month by month, the weather in Díli remains relatively constant, there's not much temperature fluctuation. Throughout the year, average high temperatures move mildly from 30.1°C (86.2°F) to 31.5°C (88.7°F) and low temperatures range from 20.1°C (68.2°F) to 24.1°C (75.4°F). Daylight hours vary slightly, staying between 11.6 hours to 12.6 hours. Humidity on average ranges from 70% to 82%. With less than an inch of rain,
August and
September are the driest months.
[f2]The best time to visit Díli[/f2]
When it comes to choosing the perfect time to visit Díli, the months of
May to September come across as the most appealing ones. These months offer reduced humidity, smaller rainfall volumes scaling down to as low as 9mm (0.35") in September, and an increase in sunshine hours to about 8.2 hours to 9.6 hours daily. Sea surface temperatures, desirable for numerous water activities, sway between 27.2°C (81°F) and 28.9°C (84°F), offering the perfect setting for basking in the sun or plunging into the sea.
[f2]The worst time to visit Díli[/f2]
Of all the months,
January and
December are perhaps the most challenging for visitors. Heavy, consistent showers are present with the rainfall reaching up to 140mm (5.51") and 145mm (5.71") respectively along with high relative humidity of 80% and 77%. Despite the warm air temperatures of around 31.3°C (88.3°F) to 31.1°C (88°F), the weather conditions make outdoor activities challenging.
[f2]Spring weather in Díli[/f2]
Spanning from September to
November, the spring season in Díli offers the residents a taste of both, the dry and the wet season. The relative humidity fluctuates between 71% and 73%, while the sea temperatures make a subtle climb from 28°C (82.4°F) to a warming 30.2°C (86.4°F). While the spring season could be the onset of slightly cooler days, average low temperatures stick around 20.5°C (68.9°F) to 23°C (73.4°F), and the high temperatures continue with their constancy, wavering from 30.3°C (86.5°F) to 31.4°C (88.5°F).
[f2]Summer weather in Díli[/f2]
The summer weather in Díli, relegated to the months between December and
February, hosts a predominately humid and rainy environment. The rainfall grows intensely, peaking at 140mm (5.51") in January. Furthermore, the sea surface temperatures in these months, reaching 30.6°C (87.1°F) in February, entail a perfect environment for a variety of marine activities despite the rain. The air temperatures maintain their high range, providing an average high from 31.1°C (88°F) to 31.3°C (88.3°F).
[f2]Autumn weather in Díli[/f2]
Autumn,
March until May, in Díli is perhaps the most pleasant time of the year. The decreasing pattern of rainfall reaching its minimum in May with only 75mm (2.95") of rainfall, declining humidity (from 80% to 75%), combined with an increase in average daily sunshine hours to about 7.8 and 8.6 hours, all contribute towards a comfortable and enjoyable climate. The sea temperatures dovetail nicely in this weather, varying from 29.3°C (84.7°F) to 28.9°C (84°F).
[f2]Winter weather in Díli[/f2]
Winter, extending from
June to August, is Díli's driest season. Rainfall is scarce during these months, ranging from 20mm (0.79") to 12mm (0.47") and humidity dips to its lowest points between 71% and 70%. This dry season interestingly contrasts with Díli's cool sea temperatures that average between 27.3°C (81.1°F) and 27.2°C (81°F). The warm air temperatures, setting between 30.7°C (87.3°F) to 30.1°C (86.2°F), combined with ample sunshine averaging from 8.2 to 9.4 hours ensure a welcoming and favourable climate.
Weather in January
Describing the climate of
Díli,
East Timor in
January, high temperature along with consistent rainfall dominates the weather. The underfoot conditions can be quite damp with high readings of rainfall up to 140mm (5.51"). Comparing to the upcoming month,
February, there is negligible variation in temperature patterns, making it back-to-back months of consistent warmth and humidity in Díli.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
Díli moves into
February, the weather sustains its
January patterns with minimal variations. There is a slight decrease in rainfall with February seeing 139mm (5.47") from the previous 140mm (5.51") of January. Compared to the warmer
March, February promises slightly more pleasant evenings as the lowest temperature hovers in the mid-twenty°C range.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March witnesses a change in
Díli's weather with a decrease in rainfall and humidity compared to
February. The rainfall drops to 133mm (5.24"), making the climate subtle yet tropical. Despite being in transition from summer to autumn, the city does not experience any extreme cold conditions, maintaining a fairly steady temperature range.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In comparison to
March, the weather in
Díli in
April becomes less rainy. A significant reduction in rainfall can be observed as the amount decreases to 104mm (4.09"). Preceding the month of
May, which is likely to be even drier, April transitions smoothly in terms of temperature and humidity levels.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Despite moving closer to the middle of the year,
Díli does not display any significant temperature drops in
May. Instead, there is a marked decrease in the recorded rainfall which falls to 75mm (2.95"). Heading towards
June, the city becomes progressively drier and visitors can take advantage of the weather for outdoor activities.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June invites a drier season in
Díli compared to the previous months. Setting itself apart from the upcoming wetter
July, June records a rainfall amount of only 58mm (2.28"). Despite diminished frequency of rain, the city maintains its tropical warmth, without any significant drop in temperature.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Díli is noticeably drier than the preceding months, specifically when compared with the upcoming more humid
August. The city records the lowest rainfall of the year at only 20mm (0.79"). Even as the rainfall subsides, the weather conditions are predominantly sunny, with long daylight hours and plenty of sunshine.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August ushers in subtly increasing humidity which is typical for this period in
Díli. Following the trend of
July, the city has a monthly rainfall record of merely 12mm (0.47"). Despite this minimal increase, August's weather continues to be significantly drier than adjacent months.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Given its proximity to the equatorial line,
Díli retains its warm climate in
September, but the city observes a rise in both rainfall and humidity. The amount of recorded rainfall is 9mm (0.35"), up from
August's low levels.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
Díli transitions into
October, there is a slight increase in rainfall from 9mm (0.35") to 13mm (0.51"). Facing an upcoming
November with nearly five times the rainfall, October's overall weather conditions stand out. Despite being in the latter part of the year, Díli maintains its characteristic warm temperatures.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November brings a noticeable change in the weather pattern in
Díli with a surge in rainfall up to 61mm (2.4"). Against the backdrop of the drier
October, November can be considered as marking the onset of a wetter season in the city.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Closing in on the year in
Díli,
December marks the month with the highest rainfall. An immense increment to 145mm (5.71") from the past month's 61mm (2.4") could be seen. Despite the increased rainfall, Díli enjoys warm temperatures as it is the start of the summer season.
Weather in December »