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 »