The climate of Hitia'a
Located within the tropical region of
French Polynesia,
Hitia'a exhibits a climate that is predominantly categorized as Tropical Rainforest by the Köppen climate classification. Predictably, this results in uniform, warm temperatures and high humidity, alongside considerable precipitation throughout the year.
Throughout the year, the temperature ranges on average from a minimum of 23.5°C (74.3°F) to a maximum of 27.3°C (81.1°F), with the highest peaks occurring in
April. The temperature remains remarkably constant throughout the year with the most moderate weather observed in
August where highs average around 24.6°C (76.3°F) and lows tend to stay around 23.5°C (74.3°F).
Humidity stays consistent, fluctuating marginally from 78% to 80% between months. The warm temperatures and consistent relative humidity contribute to a yearly average sea temperature from 26.4°C (79.5°F) to 28.9°C (84°F), reaching its highest in April.
The region faces fairly heavy rainfall year-round, reaching its zenith in
January and
December, accounting for 234mm (9.21") and 246mm (9.69") respectively. Dry months are almost unheard of in Hitia'a, with the so-called lowest rainfall occurring in August, yet still receiving 40mm (1.57") of precipitation.
Wind speed tends to increase from the beginning of the year, peaking in
September at 25km/h (15.5mph), before decreasing towards the end of the year. The maximum wind speed follows a similar pattern, reaching its highest at 25.6km/h (15.9mph) in September.
The best time to visit Hitia'a
Given the tropical climate, any time of the year could potentially serve as a good time to visit
Hitia'a. However, if the intent is to minimize exposure to rainfall and enjoy the full suite of outdoor activities, the period from
June to
September would be ideal. During these months, rainfall decreases to its yearly low with averages ranging from 45mm (1.77") to 66mm (2.6"). Concurrently, the average daily sunlight increases to between 11.1 hours to 11.5 hours, with the sea temperature dropping to its lowest, but still comfortable, average of 26.4°C (79.5°F) to 26.7°C (80.1°F).
The worst time to visit Hitia'a
While
Hitia'a is a year-round destination, visitors who prefer to avoid heavy rainfall might find the months of
January and
December less appealing. During this period, average rainfall is at its peak, standing at 234mm (9.21") and 246mm (9.69"), respectively. The region also records its greatest number of rainy days during these months, thus limiting outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Hitia'a
In
Hitia'a, spring is marked by consistently warm temperatures with averages wavering between 25.1°C (77.2°F) and 27.3°C (81.1°F). Relative humidity remains fairly high, contributing to a general feeling of warmth. Rainfall starts to decrease in this season, starting from 221mm (8.7") in
March to 150mm (5.91") in
May. However, the region still witnesses about 20 days of rainfall per month. The hours of daylight range from 11.7 hours to 13 hours, providing ample time for outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Hitia'a
Summers in
Hitia'a are characterized by warm yet relatively moderate temperatures, with averages varying between 24.6°C (76.3°F) in
August and 26.4°C (79.5°F) in
June. Despite marking the driest period of the year, rainfall is still prominent with averages standing at 40mm (1.57") to 66mm (2.6") each month. Correspondingly, rainy days are at their lowest, giving room for approximately 18 to 19 days of precipitation per month.
Autumn weather in Hitia'a
Autumn sees a gradual rise in temperature, with averages inching from 24.6°C (76.3°F) in
September to 26°C (78.8°F) in
November. As the season transitions towards winter, the region witnesses an increased level of precipitation, fluctuating between 50mm (1.97") and 132mm (5.2") alongside an increase in rainy days from 18 to 23 days. Despite this, autumn in
Hitia'a remains a visually appealing time to visit.
Winter weather in Hitia'a
Winter brings the highest rainfall of the year to
Hitia'a.
December, marking the onset of winter, witnesses the peak with an average of 246mm (9.69"). Steady showers prevail throughout the season, averaging about 26 to 27 rainy days a month. Even though rainy, winter retains warm temperatures ranging from 25.9°C (78.6°F) to 26.8°C (80.2°F). Simultaneously, humidity sees a slight drop, providing a modest respite from the otherwise high levels observed in Hitia'a.
Weather in January
Hitia'a experiences moderate weather conditions during the month of
January. Relative humidity in Hitia'a registers at 78%, which is among the annual lows. The period coincides with a lull before the anticipated peak in temperature that generally happens between
February and
March.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February sees a slight increase in the average high and low temperatures in
Hitia'a, setting the stage for the warm seasons ahead. Among the yearly outcomes, the average high temperature of 27°C (80.6°F) and the low at 26.1°C (79°F), shows a notable rise from the preceding month.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Hitia'a experiences a warm
March, with further increase in temperature. There's a slight increase in the sea temperature to 28.9°C (84°F), making beach and water activities particularly appealing this month. March also witnesses a tapering off in rainfall, indicating the onset of the drier period from
April to
September.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April’s weather is significantly influenced by a notable decrease in rainfall to 150mm (5.91"), ushering in the dry season in
Hitia'a. Temperature of sea water lessens slightly, suggesting a cooling trend in the sea. Visitors to Hitia'a in April are advised to be prepared for gradually changing weather patterns as the month progresses.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May,
Hitia'a continues to experience a cooling trend, marked by a further decrease in temperature and rainfall. Compared to other months, May is notably drier with the rainfall volume recorded at 87mm (3.43"), the lowest in the first half of the year.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Hitia'a brings further cooling trends, as temperatures continue to decrease from the yearly highs experienced in the earlier months. With an average sea temperature of 27.2°C (81°F) and lower cloud cover of 46%, this month is certainly attractive to tourists.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Hitia'a features a comparably cooler
July, offering respite after the previous warm months. As the coldest month, July witnesses the year’s lowest high temperature at 25.1°C (77.2°F). July continues to bear the characteristics of the extended dry season, with its lower temperature and lower relative humidity compared to previous months.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Weather conditions in
August maintain the cooler trend observed in
July, with slight variations in temperature. The ensuing weather pattern in
Hitia'a is closely similar to the preceding month, with an almost equal distribution of sunshine and rainfall.
Weather in August »Weather in September
In
September,
Hitia'a begins to gradually warm up again after the cool spells of the preceding months. Amid the observable upward trend, temperatures remain moderately cool with the highest recorded at 24.6°C (76.3°F). September serves as a marker of the transition period into the warmer months, as indicated in the slight increase in temperature and sea temperature.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Hitia'a signals a transition towards warmer months, with a significant increase in temperature. Compared to previous months, October sees a boost in temperature, with the average high and low temperatures reaching 25.2°C (77.4°F) and 24.1°C (75.4°F) respectively.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November is a noticeably warmer month in
Hitia'a, exhibiting a significant rise in temperatures. With an upturn in the average high and low temperatures to 26°C (78.8°F) and 25.1°C (77.2°F) respectively, November indicates the arrival of the warmer, wetter season.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December carries forward the warmth from
November, being one of the warmest months in
Hitia'a. In this month, the temperature rises further with the average high reaching 26.8°C (80.2°F). The escalation of rainfall to 246mm (9.69"), a significant increase from November’s 132mm (5.2"), marks December as the wettest month of the year in Hitia'a.
Weather in December » [Resources]