Climate and monthly weather forecast
East Timor

East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, sits in Southeast Asia between the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn, straddling the eastern half of the Timor island. The country's topography is primarily mountainous, which contributes to significant variations in its climate. As per the Köppen climate classification, East Timor experiences a Tropical Monsoon Climate, categorized by an average temperature above 18°C (64.4°F) throughout the year. This climate implies a significant amount of rainfall, especially during the monsoon period, contrasted with a shorter dry season. The tropical monsoon weather brings high humidity levels, with the temperature often soaring beyond 30°C (86°F) during the wet season, which runs from November to April. Conversely, the dry season from May to October sees temperatures hovering around 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F), characterized by cooler, drier weather.

The ideal time to visit East Timor is during the dry season, from May to October. During these months, the country experiences lower levels of rainfall and more moderate temperatures, ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). This period is particularly conducive for outdoor activities such as trekking, diving, and exploring the rich biodiversity of the island nation. The visibility for scuba diving is exceptional during the dry season, offering clear views of the rich marine life. Furthermore, the humidity is relatively lower, making travel and exploration around the country more comfortable.

Traveling to East Timor during the monsoon season, particularly between November and April, may prove challenging. These months see substantial rainfall, with temperatures frequently exceeding 30°C (86°F), coupled with high humidity. The excessive precipitation can lead to muddy roads, making travel particularly difficult, especially in the mountainous regions. Moreover, the visibility for underwater activities, such as scuba diving, is significantly reduced due to the increased sediment stirred up by the heavy rains.

It is important to note that East Timor, lying in the southern hemisphere, experiences spring from September to November. However, the climate in East Timor does not change dramatically across the traditional spring, summer, autumn, and winter seasons due to its tropical location. During this period, East Timor begins to transition from the dry to the wet season. The early spring months can still be quite dry, with temperatures from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F), but as November approaches, the rainfall increases, signifying the onset of the monsoon season.

Summer in East Timor spans from December to February, coinciding with the peak of the monsoon season. The weather during this period is characterized by heavy rainfall, high temperatures, and elevated humidity levels. The average temperature ranges from 27°C (80.6°F) to 33°C (91.4°F). These conditions can make outdoor activities challenging due to the increased likelihood of muddy trails and decreased visibility for marine activities.

Autumn in East Timor, from March to May, marks the transition from the wet to the dry season. The rainfall gradually reduces over these months, and by the end of May, the climate typically shifts to drier conditions. Temperatures during this time fluctuate between 25°C (77°F) and 30°C (86°F). The receding rains in this period provide opportunities for exploring the country’s natural beauty as the landscape remains lush from the preceding monsoon season.

Winter in East Timor occurs from June to August, which aligns with thedry season. These months are characterized by significantly reduced rainfall, milder temperatures, and relatively lower humidity. The average temperature fluctuates between 20°C (68°F) and 30°C (86°F). This period is ideal for outdoor activities, as the drier weather ensures less muddy trails and clearer waters for marine exploration. Additionally, the cooler temperatures contribute to a more comfortable climate for sightseeing and other activities. The country’s lush landscapes, nurtured by the preceding wet season, are at their most vibrant during this period.

January is in the midst of East Timor's monsoon season, characterized by high rainfall, warm temperatures, and high humidity. Notably, January often contends for the title of the wettest month of the year in the country, with average precipitation reaching around 150mm (5.91") in the capital, Dili, and even higher amounts in the mountainous interior regions. The temperature during January remains consistently warm, with average highs around 31°C (87.8°F), while the lows rarely dip below 24°C (75.2°F). Weather in January »

In East Timor, February is still within the country's monsoon season, continuing to exhibit a tropical climate characterized by significant rainfall, warm temperatures, and high levels of humidity. The average rainfall in February is slightly less than in January, but it remains substantial, with an average precipitation of 130mm (5.12") in Dili, the capital, and potentially higher amounts in the interior highland areas. Temperatures in February are fairly consistent with the preceding month, January, as the average high tends to stay around 30°C (86°F) and the average low hovers around 24°C (75.2°F). Weather in February »

March in East Timor marks the beginning of the transition period from the wet season to the drier months. While the tropical monsoon climate persists, there is a noticeable decrease in rainfall compared to the preceding months of January and February. Weather in March »

April in East Timor continues the transition from the wet to the dry season. Rainfall during this month sees further reduction, with the average precipitation in Dili falling to 80mm (3.15"). The decrease is even more pronounced in the mountainous interior regions, where the rains ease off more quickly. The average temperature in April remains relatively consistent with the preceding months. Weather in April »

May is a significant month for East Timor's climate, marking the definitive shift from the wet monsoon season to the drier part of the year. The rainfall during this month sees a more noticeable reduction, with the average precipitation in Dili dropping to 70mm (2.76"). Weather in May »

June in East Timor signifies the start of the dry season, characterized by significantly less rainfall compared to the earlier months of the year. The average precipitation in Dili falls to 40mm (1.57"), marking a substantial reduction. Weather in June »

July in East Timor is firmly within the dry season, featuring markedly reduced rainfall compared to the monsoon months. In Dili, the average precipitation further decreases to 20mm (0.79"), emphasizing the significant reduction in rainfall. Weather in July »

August in East Timor remains within the dry season, characterized by minimal rainfall compared to the monsoon months. In Dili, the capital city, the average precipitation drops to 10mm (0.39"), signifying one of the driest months of the year. Weather in August »

September in East Timor is typically the last month of the dry season, maintaining minimal rainfall in comparison to the wetter months of the year. The average precipitation in Dili, the capital city, remains around 10mm (0.39"), marking it as one of the driest months. Weather in September »

October in East Timor signals the transition from the dry season to the wetter monsoon season. There's a noticeable increase in rainfall compared to the preceding months, with the average precipitation in Dili rising to 70mm (2.76"). Weather in October »

November in East Timor marks a deeper transition into the monsoon season, characterized by increased rainfall. The average precipitation in Dili rises to 130mm (5.12"), a significant increase from the drier months. The mountainous interior regions follow a similar trend, with more frequent showers and heavier rainfall. Despite the rise in rainfall, temperatures in November remain relatively stable, with the average high staying around 30°C (86°F) and the average low persisting near 24°C (75.2°F). Weather in November »

December in East Timor is firmly within the monsoon season, characterized by heavy rainfall. The average precipitation in Dili reaches approximately 170mm (6.69"), making it one of the wettest months of the year. The mountainous interior regions experience a similar increase in rainfall, contributing to the overall wet conditions. Temperatures in December continue to be relatively stable, despite the substantial increase in rainfall. Weather in December »