The climate of Wallis and Futuna
Wallis and Futuna, a French island collectivity situated in the South Pacific, consists of two main islands and a number of smaller islets. Being located in the tropical region, it is dominated by the oceanic influences which bestow a tropical rainforest climate upon the country. The islands are just south of the Equator, causing year-round high temperatures and heavy precipitation.
The Af or tropical rainforest climate, as characterized by the Köppen climate classification, ensures that there is no dry season throughout the year. Temperatures usually do not dip below 18°C (64.4°F) even during the coolest months. Precipitation is uniformly distributed over the year, with annual rainfall often exceeding 2500mm (98.43"). The humidity is perpetually high, and the country is occasionally subjected to tropical cyclones.
The best time to visit Wallis and Futuna
Given the stable year-round high temperatures and constant rainfall, there is not a majorly distinct "best" time to visit
Wallis and Futuna. However, the relatively drier period from
June to
October might provide a slightly more comfortable visit. During this time, temperatures range from 24°C (75.2°F) to 28°C (82.4°F), with slightly lower humidity compared to other times of the year. It should be noted that even during this period, the weather can be unpredictable with potential rain showers.
The worst time to visit Wallis and Futuna
The period from
November to
April is typically the wettest, making it less ideal for visits. This is also the period when
Wallis and Futuna is most susceptible to tropical cyclones which can bring extreme rainfall and high wind speeds. The temperature during this time fluctuates between 26°C (78.8°F) to 30°C (86°F), and the high humidity can make the heat feel more oppressive. Travellers who prefer less rain and lower humidity should avoid these months.
Spring weather in Wallis and Futuna
Given
Wallis and Futuna’s tropical rainforest climate, traditional spring weather as understood in temperate regions does not apply here. However, during the period of
September to
November, which can be considered a relative equivalent, the rainfall starts to increase. Temperatures hover around a high of 29°C (84.2°F) and a low of 24°C (75.2°F). Despite the increase in rainfall, these months are still considered part of the slightly drier period of the year.
Summer weather in Wallis and Futuna
The period from
December to
February represents the height of the wet season in
Wallis and Futuna. Rainfall is at its peak during these months, often exceeding 300mm (11.81") per month. The temperatures are also at their highest, fluctuating between 26°C (78.8°F) to 30°C (86°F). Due to its tropical location, daylight hours remain relatively constant, with about 13 hours of daylight each day.
Autumn weather in Wallis and Futuna
Again, the concept of autumn does not traditionally apply to
Wallis and Futuna due to its tropical rainforest climate. However, for the months of
March to
May, representing an equivalent period, the country continues to experience high temperatures between 26°C (78.8°F) to 29°C (84.2°F). Rainfall remains high but begins to taper off as the months progress. This period can still be quite humid and wet, although not as much as the peak of the wet season.
Winter weather in Wallis and Futuna
In
Wallis and Futuna, the months of
June to
August can be thought of as the relative equivalent to winter, although it remains warm. This is the driest period of the year, though rainfall is still considerable compared to many other countries. Temperatures range from a comfortable 24°C (75.2°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). Even in this relatively drier period, the country experiences an average of 15 to 18 rainy days per month, showing the pervasive influence of the tropical rainforest climate.
Weather in January
January is one of the warmest and wettest months in
Wallis and Futuna. It is situated within the peak of the wet season, and temperatures can range from 26°C (78.8°F) to 30°C (86°F). Rainfall is substantial during this month, often exceeding 300mm (11.81"), which makes it one of the rainiest periods in the year. In terms of specific locations, Mata-Utu, the capital and the largest city, follows the general climatic trend of the country, with the possibility of localized weather variations being minor due to the small size of the islands.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Wallis and Futuna remains within the peak of the wet season, characterized by substantial rainfall and consistently high temperatures. Similar to
January, February sees temperatures fluctuating between 26°C (78.8°F) and 30°C (86°F).
Weather in February » Weather in March
March in
Wallis and Futuna continues to bear the traits of the wet season with high temperatures and significant rainfall, albeit with a slight reduction in precipitation compared to
February. The temperature range remains consistent, from 26°C (78.8°F) to 30°C (86°F), mirroring the pattern observed in the preceding months. As the most populous city and the capital, Mata-Utu's weather follows the general trend of the country.
Weather in March » Weather in April
April represents a transition period in
Wallis and Futuna as the country moves towards the end of the wet season. Rainfall begins to taper off, although it still remains substantial, with amounts often exceeding 200mm (7.87"). The temperatures continue to stay high, ranging from 26°C (78.8°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), which is slightly cooler than the peak wet season but still very warm by general standards. Mata-Utu, as the capital and the largest city, experiences similar weather patterns to the rest of the country.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May signifies the end of the wet season in
Wallis and Futuna, with a marked decrease in rainfall compared to previous months. Rainfall drops to 150mm (5.91"), which, while still significant, is less than the amounts experienced during the peak of the wet season.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June ushers in the driest period of the year in
Wallis and Futuna, even though rainfall is still notable compared to many other locations worldwide. Monthly rainfall typically drops below 100mm (3.94"), signifying a significant reduction from the wet season.
Weather in June » Weather in July
July, situated within the driest period of the year, continues the pattern of lower rainfall in
Wallis and Futuna. Precipitation remains below 100mm (3.94"), comparable to that of
June, signifying a significant change from the peak wet season.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Weather in September
In
September,
Wallis and Futuna begin to transition from the driest period back into the wet season, resulting in a slight uptick in rainfall. While the precipitation is still lower than in the wet season, it increases from the levels seen during the driest months, typically measuring over 100mm (3.94").
Weather in September »Weather in October
October marks a significant shift in
Wallis and Futuna's weather pattern as the islands enter the wet season. Rainfall continues to increase from
September, often exceeding 150mm (5.91"), heralding the return of the heavy rains characteristic of the wet season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Wallis and Futuna sees a further escalation in rainfall as the wet season establishes itself. Rainfall typically surpasses 200mm (7.87"), marking a substantial increase from the drier months. Temperatures, however, remain relatively constant, fluctuating between 24°C (75.2°F) and 29°C (84.2°F). The country's capital and most populous city, Mata-Utu, exhibits the same climatic patterns.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Wallis and Futuna marks the peak of the wet season. Rainfall is at its most intense during this month, often exceeding 250mm (9.84"). Despite the increase in precipitation, temperatures remain consistently warm, ranging from 24°C (75.2°F) to 29°C (84.2°F). In line with the rest of the country, the capital city Mata-Utu experiences these similar weather conditions.
Weather in December »