The climate of Baucau
Baucau, located in
East Timor, experiences a predominately Aw or Tropical wet and dry climate according to the Köppen climate classification. This geographical position near the equator results in a warm to hot temperature range throughout the year, with daily averages ranging from 27.5°C (81.5°F) to 30.2°C (86.4°F). Nights also remain warm but more mild with temperatures dropping to between 17.8°C (64°F) and 22°C (71.6°F).
Relative humidity shows quite a broad range across 12 months, from 55% to 87%. The highest humidity levels are seen in the beginning of the year, gradually decreasing until reaching the lowest level in
September. After this point, it rises again towards the end of the year.
Rainfall shows a distinct pattern: wetter months at the start and end of the year contrast the dry conditions in the middle. Maximum values of rainfall are observed in
February with 221mm (8.7"), decreasing to an absolute minimum of 5mm (0.2") by the time of September.
Sea temperatures offer a comforting consistency, with the range from 27°C (80.6°F) to 30°C (86°F). The hottest sea temperatures seen from
November to February coincide with high UV index of 12, cautioning visitors and residents to take protective measures against the strong sun.
The best time to visit Baucau
Given the climate characteristics, the ideal time to visit
Baucau leans towards the middle of the year, from
May through to
September. In these months, rainfall drops significantly to between 5mm (0.2") and 38mm (1.5"), accompanied by the lowest number of rainy days. Though relative humidity is at the yearly low, ranging from 56% to 67%, temperatures remain pleasurably warm, fluctuating from 27°C (80.6°F) to 29.4°C (84.9°F).
The worst time to visit Baucau
March and
April might not be the most comfortable months for travel to
Baucau, as they are marked by relatively high rainfall of 152mm (5.98") and 154mm (6.06"), respectively. Humidity remains rather high as well, lingering between 77% and 80%. While temperatures remain steady, visitors might find the combination of heat, humidity, and rainfall less than ideal.
Spring weather in Baucau
The transition from
March through
May sees gradually improving conditions in
Baucau. Rainfall decreases from 152mm (5.98") in March to 96mm (3.78") in May. Humidity levels exhibit a similar pattern, falling from 80% to 71%. Daily temperatures remain almost constant, but nights begin to cool slightly. Sea temperature stays constant at 29°C (84.2°F), offering excellent conditions for water activities.
Summer weather in Baucau
Baucau's summer months from
June through
August bring the driest conditions of the year, with rainfall reaching a low of 11mm (0.43") in August. The temperatures stay between 27.8°C (82°F) and 28.2°C (82.8°F), while the nights are cooler, between 18.5°C (65.3°F) and 19.6°C (67.3°F). Humidity lowers to between 55% and 63%, while sea temperatures slightly decrease, with the range from 27°C (80.6°F) to 28°C (82.4°F).
Autumn weather in Baucau
September to
November is marked by a gradual increase in rainfall, leaping from 5mm (0.2") to 76mm (2.99"). The daily temperatures experience a peak of 30.2°C (86.4°F) in November. Night temperatures also become warmer, returning to a comfortable 20°C (68°F)-plus range. However, relative humidity is still quite moderate, from 58% to 67%, offering generally comfortable conditions.
Winter weather in Baucau
The winter months of
December and
January are principally characterized by high rainfall, rising from 186mm (7.32") in December to 213mm (8.39") in January. Daily temperatures remain relatively constant around 28°C (82.4°F), while sea temperature is at its peak of 30°C (86°F). The elevated relative humidity of 78% to 84% reflects the increased presence of rainfall during these months. Despite these damper conditions, the area experiences long daylight hours and a fair amount of sunshine daily, averaging between 5.1h and 6.6h.
Weather in January
January weather in
Baucau,
East Timor bears the hallmarks of the tropical wet season. Showers are a nearly daily occurrence and they can be heavy at times contributing to the significantly high rainfall observed at 213mm (8.39").
Weather in January » Weather in February
When
February arrives in
Baucau, the pronounced rainfall continues but diminishes slightly compared to the previous month. Outdoor activities could be compromised by the increased number of rain occurrences, yet the rain showers usually subside rapidly.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
Baucau transitions from
February to
March, the months seem almost identical in terms of rainfall patterns. Temperatures drop negligibly, yet remain in the upper range typical of Baucau's tropical climate. The amount of sunshine stays relatively the same as the previous month and showers are still frequent but show a noticeable decrease.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Baucau is characterized by a continuation of diminishing rainfall, with a recorded 154mm (6.06"). This is a welcome change indicating the onset of the transitional period to the dry season. The sea stays warm, encouraging watersports and beach activities.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings about significant changes in the weather pattern in
Baucau. The onset of the dry season is unmistakable as rainfall decreases drastically. Temperatures tend to be somewhat cooler, especially during the early mornings and late evenings, yet the variation remains subtle.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June continues the drying trend with decreased rainfall compared to
May. Differences between
Baucau's weather in June and the months earlier in the year are stark. Incidences of rain are more sporadic, while the humidity drops noticeably providing a drier experience compared to May.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is another distinctively dry month in
Baucau, recording a mere 20mm (0.79") of rainfall. This lack of rain characterizes this period as the peak of the dry season, typified by lower relative humidity and cooler conditions. The cooler climate may be welcome by visitors who are less accustomed to Baucau's ordinarily high temperatures.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August weather in
Baucau sees the continuation of the dry season's characteristically low rainfall. With the recorded precipitation being at an annual low, it's considered the driest month. Thanks to this, Baucau,
East Timor in August has plenty of sunshine, clear skies, and fantastic weather for outdoor adventures.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As
September sets in, the prolonged dry period gradually starts transitioning to the wet season once again.
Baucau's weather in September, however, is typified by sun-drenched days marked by increased sunshine hours. The UV index is consistently high and requires careful safeguarding against excessive sun exposure.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Entering
October,
Baucau begins to witness a discernible increase in rainfall, a retrospective sign that the transition towards the wet season is underway. Compared to
September, the town sees a rise in rainfall occurrences, although it's still far from the peak rainy season.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November's weather showcases increased variation and a definitive shift towards the wet season. Noticeable is the leap in rainfall quantity from the dry spell to the notable 76mm (2.99").
Baucau in November brings along with it ascending relative humidity levels paired with consistent UV intensity.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Baucau,
East Timor marks the return of significant rain events. A substantial rise in rainfall to 186mm (7.32") marks a remarkable transition from the preceding month. The relative humidity escalates, restoring the typical perception of a humid tropical climate.
Weather in December » [Resources]