Climate and monthly weather forecast
West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Palm trees along the white sandy beaches on the Indian Ocean, in the Coast of West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Palm trees along the white sandy beaches on the Indian Ocean, in the Coast of West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Climate and monthly weather forecast

The climate of West Island

West Island, based within the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, possesses a tropical savanna climate, according to the Köppen climate classification. Centrally positioned in the Indian Ocean, the climate tends to be equable throughout the year.

An examination of the monthly parameters reveals a pattern of consistency. Temperatures range narrowly from 28°C (82.4°F) to 30°C (86°F), with minima fluctuating between 23°C (73.4°F) and 25°C (77°F). Accompanying this is a UV index that stays predominantly elevated at 12, descending to a low of 8 only once in the year.

Significant rainfall is a year-long feature in West Island and ranges from 99mm (3.9") at its lowest during October to a peak of 255mm (10.04") in April. Correspondingly, the number of rainfall days varies from 11 to 20 days each month. While the monotonous nature of the climate might appear dull, it adds a unique predictability to the rain patterns, making it easier to plan visits ahead.

Daylight hours indicate slight changes as the year progresses, with the duration fluctuating between a low of 11.4 hours in June to a high of 12.8 hours in December. Sea temperatures stay steady at 27°C (80.6°F) to 28°C (82.4°F) year-round, while sunshine hours, similar to temperature highs, show remarkable consistency from 11 to 20 hours.

The best time to visit West Island

Despite the consistency in weather, the months of October to December stand out as the ideal time to visit West Island. During these months, the island experiences the least rainfall, with averages dropping between 99mm (3.9") to 152mm (5.98"). Correspondingly, the rainfall days decrease to 11 or 12. Simultaneously, the hours of sunshine increase to between 12 to 13 hours, providing ample time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

The worst time to visit West Island

Conversely, the period from March to May may prove challenging for visitors to West Island. These months record the highest rainfall, with levels soaring from 242mm (9.53") in March to 255mm (10.04") in April. Coupled with the maximum number of rainfall days, ranging from 17 to 20, these conditions can limit outdoor activities and dampen the overall vacation experience.

Spring weather in West Island

In terms of meteorological seasons, West Island does not experience a significant spring season due to its tropical savanna climate. However, in the months of March, April, and May corresponding to the Northern hemisphere's spring, rainfall reaches its annual peak, with levels ranging from 242mm (9.53") to 255mm (10.04"). Temperature highs consistently linger around 30°C (86°F), while lows hover between 24°C (75.2°F) and 25°C (77°F).

Summer weather in West Island

Again, the tropical savanna climate precludes a marked summer period. Yet, in reference to the Northern hemisphere's timeline, June, July, and August form the summer months. During this period, the rainfall drops slightly to between 192mm (7.56") and 201mm (7.91"), while the number of rainfall days remain high at 19 or 20. Temperatures stay relatively constant, and the UV Index fluctuates between 8 and 9.

Autumn weather in West Island

Although West Island does not have a distinct autumn season, conditions during September, October, and November echo traditional autumn weather. These months record the lowest rainfall for the year, ranging from 105mm (4.13") to 132mm (5.2"). Simultaneously, rainfall days decrease to 12 or 14, making these months notably drier. Temperature highs fall slightly to 28°C (82.4°F) or 29°C (84.2°F), while lows remain stable at 23°C (73.4°F) or 24°C (75.2°F).

Winter weather in West Island

Corresponding to the Northern hemisphere's winter, December, January, and February in West Island present a warm, wet climate. Rainfall measures range from 152mm (5.98") to 208mm (8.19"), with the number of rainfall days varying from 11 to 13. Meanwhile, temperature highs of 29°C (84.2°F) or 30°C (86°F) provide a warm escape from traditional winter chill.

Weather in January

The weather during January showcases a notable contrast to the conditions seen in the later months of the year. Rainfall is a central feature of this period, which records 208mm (8.19") over the course of 13 days. The sea dictates the temperature trends seen on the island during this month, maintaining a steady warmth despite the high rainfall. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Juxtaposing January’s weather pattern, February hints at some changes as the rainfall reduces to 180mm (7.09"). The dictated influence of the sea is evident as the warmth from January persists. Daylight hours experience a slight drop, registering at 12.5 hours, while the UV Index maintains its high level of 12. Weather in February »

Weather in March

Transitioning into March, there is an observable surge in rainfall with a significant 242mm (9.53") spread across 17 days. A slightly perceptible rise in minimum temperature figures brings about a balmy climate. Similarly, sea temperatures remain stable, reflecting the consistent climate of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April is marked by the highest rainfall of the year, with a total of 255mm (10.04") falling across 17 days. The temperatures demonstrate minor changes, remaining similar to those observed in March. Steady sea temperatures and shifting weather patterns play out in the backdrop of the reduction to 11.8 daylight hours. Weather in April »

Weather in May

Progressing into May, rainfall decreases to 192mm (7.56") while daylight hours lessen further to 11.6 hours. The temperature follows a slight downward trend as compared to the previous month, allowing a minor cooling effect to take hold. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June showcases a subtle shift in weather patterns, with rainfall steady at 201mm (7.91") and daylight hours dipping to a yearly minimum of 11.4 hours. Curiously, this month experiences the year’s lowest sea temperature of 28°C (82.4°F). Weather in June »

Weather in July

The weather in July stands somewhat similar to June, with a minor shift in temperature and rainfall. Recorded rainfall for this month registers at 192mm (7.56"), while 11.5 hours of daylight offer ample time to bask in the tropical surroundings. Weather in July »

Weather in August

In August, the rainfall goes down to 124mm (4.88"), creating an environment significantly drier than the preceding months. The island experiences a steady decrease in temperature, complemented by 11.7 hours of daylight. However, the UV index increases to 11, causing a stinging sensation upon extended exposure. Weather in August »

Weather in September

As September sets in, the island records lower rainfall of 105mm (4.13"), suggesting drier conditions compared to August. The rise in the UV index to 12 signifies the bright, sunlit sky dominating the 12 hours of daylight. Meanwhile, the sea maintains 27°C (80.6°F), maintaining the ambient warmth. Weather in September »

Weather in October

In October, the weather pattern keeps close to the blueprint drafted in September, with a minor reduction in rainfall to 99mm (3.9"). A prolonged 12.4 hours of daylight augments the ambient conditions associated with tropical islands. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November witnesses an increase in rainfall to 132mm (5.2"), while daylight is at its second-highest peak of the year with 12.7 hours. Having said that, sea temperatures along with the maximum and minimum temperatures continue to fall within the same range as the preceding months. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December rounds off the year by bringing back the high-level rainfall of 152mm (5.98") experienced in January. Maintaining 12.8 hours of daylight, the longest of the year, the island visitors and inhabitants are spoiled with extra time to enjoy the tropical paradise. Weather in December »

Frequently asked questions

How much does it rain in West Island?
In West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, during the entire year, the rain falls for 186 days and collects up to 2082mm (81.97") of precipitation.
When is the sea warmest in West Island?
January through June, with an average sea temperature of 28°C (82.4°F), are months with the warmest seawater.
When is the highest UV index in West Island?
January through April, September through December, with an average maximum UV index of 12, are months with the highest UV index in West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
What part of the year is the hottest in West Island?
West Island's warmest season falls during February through April, averaging a high-temperature of 30°C (86°F).
What is the rainiest month in West Island?
The month with the most rainfall in West Island is April, when the rain falls for 17 days and typically aggregates up to 255mm (10.04") of precipitation.
What is the month with the most sunshine in West Island?
May and July, with an average of 20h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine in West Island.
What month is the coldest in West Island?
West Island's coldest period falls in June through September, when the average high-temperatures ascend to 28°C (82.4°F).
What is the month with the shortest days in West Island?
June has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 11h and 24min of daylight.
What is the month with the lowest UV index in West Island?
With an average maximum UV index of 8, June is the month with the lowest UV index.
What months are the sea coldest in West Island?
The months with the coldest seawater in West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, are July through December, with an average sea temperature of 27°C (80.6°F).
What is the driest month in West Island?
The month with the least rainfall is October, when the rain falls for 12 days and typically collects 99mm (3.9") of precipitation.
When are the longest days in West Island?
The month with the longest days is December, with an average of 12h and 48min of daylight.
Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in West Island?
West Island does not utilize Daylight Saving Time (DST). +0630 timezone is used over the entire year.
What is the month with the least sunshine in West Island?
The month with the least sunshine is December, with an average of 11h of sunshine.
Average temperature - West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Average temperature
West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands

The warmest months (with the highest average high temperature) are February, March and April (30°C).
The months with the lowest average high temperature are June, July, August and September (28°C).

The months with the highest average low temperature are March and April (25°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average low temperature) are July, August and September (23°C).

Average rainfall - West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Average rainfall
West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is April (255mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is October (99mm).

Average rainfall days - West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Average rainfall days
West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands

The months with the highest number of rainy days are May and July (20 days).
The month with the least rainy days is December (11 days).

Average sea temperature - West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Average sea temperature
West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands

The best months for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) are January, February, March, April, May and June (28°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are July, August, September, October, November and December (27°C).

Average daylight / Average sunshine - West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Average daylight / Average sunshine
West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands

The month with the longest days is December (Average daylight: 12h and 48min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 11h and 24min).

The months with the most sunshine are May and July (Average sunshine: 20h).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 11h).

Average UV index - West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Average UV index
West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands

The months with the highest UV index are January, February, March, April, September, October, November and December (UV index 12).
The month with the lowest UV index is June (UV index 8).

englishespañol中文
Share