The climate of Chuuk
Located in
Micronesia,
Chuuk's predominant climate, as classified by the Köppen system, is Af or Tropical rainforest. This classification establishes Chuuk's consistent, year-round tropical weather patterns marked by high temperatures, abundant rainfall, and high relative humidity.
On analyzing the monthly climatic parameters, Chuuk experiences little variation in temperature throughout the year. The average maximum temperature stays relatively stable, varying only by about 1°C (33.8°F), from 29.9°C (85.8°F) to 30.7°C (87.3°F). Similar conditions persist with regard to the average minimum temperature, with only minor fluctuations observed from 24.2°C (75.6°F) to 25.1°C (77.2°F).
Chuuk's relative humidity levels stay consistently high ranging from 77.7% to 83.9%, contributing to the overall perception of a warm and moist environment. Higher relative humidity levels typically coincide with increased rainfall. Indeed, Chuuk sees significant rainfall year-round, ranging from 163mm (6.42") to 365mm (14.37") per month, with peak rainfall observed during the summer months.
The number of rainfall days per month ranges from 12.2 to 21.2, supporting Chuuk's Af classification. Coupled with the stable sea temperature that perpetually resides at 29°C (84.2°F), it indicates a tropical marine climate. However, despite the frequent rainfall, Chuuk also enjoys several hours of sunshine per day, usually between 5.2 hours to 7.1 hours, which is another characteristic feature of the tropical rainforest climate.
The best time to visit Chuuk
Although
Chuuk's climate maintains consistently high temperatures and regular rainfall throughout the year, certain months can be identified as marginally better for tourist visits.
February and
March, with their relative lower rainfall metrics of 163mm (6.42") and 230mm (9.06") respectively, coupled with 12.1 hours to 12.3 hours of daylight and 7.1 hours to 7 hours of sunshine, can provide a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for visitors.
The worst time to visit Chuuk
Taking into consideration the high level of rainfall and relative humidity, the month of
July may not be the most favorable time to visit
Chuuk. During this month, rainfall reaches its peak at 365mm (14.37"), with an average of 20.8 days experiencing rainfall. The relative humidity reaches 83.9%, which coupled with a high average temperature, may lead to a discomforting experience for some visitors.
Spring weather in Chuuk
Spring in
Chuuk, defined by the months of
March,
April, and
May, experiences average high temperatures from 30.2°C (86.4°F) to 30.7°C (87.3°F), and average lows from 25°C (77°F) to 24.9°C (76.8°F). Rainfall averages from 230mm (9.06") in March to 354mm (13.94") in May, the latter marking the onset of the wettest part of the year. Despite the increasing rainfall, sunshine hours remain relatively steady at approximately 6.5 hours per day.
Summer weather in Chuuk
Chuuk's summer, spanning
June,
July, and
August, is characterized by the highest amount of rainfall. Rainfall ranges from 301mm (11.85") in June to a peak of 365mm (14.37") in July, with 20.3 to 20.8 days of rainfall per month on average. Temperatures remain consistently high, with maximum temperatures of 30.7°C (87.3°F) and minimum temperatures dropping no lower than 24.2°C (75.6°F). Despite the rain, the islands continue to receive between 6 hours to 6.3 hours of sunshine daily throughout the season.
Autumn weather in Chuuk
Autumn, marked by the months of
September,
October, and
November, sees a continuation of the warm, moist conditions prevalent in
Chuuk. Rainfall remains relatively high, from 307mm (12.09") in September to 282mm (11.1") in November, with between 18.6 to 20 days of rainfall per month. Daytime temperatures still hover from 30.7°C (87.3°F) to 30.7°C (87.3°F), while night temperatures range from 24.2°C (75.6°F) to 24.6°C (76.3°F). Sunshine hours slightly decrease from 5.9 hours in September to 5.4 hours in November.
Winter weather in Chuuk
The winter months in
Chuuk,
December to
February, also continue to exhibit tropical characteristics. High temperatures persist, ranging from 30.2°C (86.4°F) to 29.9°C (85.8°F), and lows varying from 25°C (77°F) to 24.9°C (76.8°F).
January and February experience comparatively less rainfall, 163mm (6.42") and 228mm (8.98") respectively, while December witnesses 293mm (11.54"). Sunlight hours range from 5.4 hours to 6.3 hours, and daylight hours fall from 11.7 hours to 11.7 hours across the season.
Weather in January
Chuuk,
Micronesia starts the year with relatively warm weather. The average temperature ranges from 24.9°C (76.8°F) to 29.9°C (85.8°F), with humidity slightly below 80%, which provides a decent level of comfort. The sea reflects an almost identical temperature pattern, making coastal activities an inviting proposition.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Arriving next, the weather in
February retains a semblance to
January with a mild rise in the minimum temperature. Although it brings one of the lowest rainfall amounts of the year, the frequency of rainy days dwindles. Despite this, the sea maintains its inviting warmth.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
Chuuk progresses into the year,
March brings higher temperatures and an increased frequency of rainfall. With no substantial shift in the sea temperature, marine activities continue to be enticing. Compared to
February, the daylight hours follow a gradually rising trend, lengthening the time available for outdoor activities.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The trend continues into
April as the temperatures rise slightly, and so do the levels of precipitation to 291mm (11.46"). Other parameters like the sea temperature and the daylight hours remain steady. Despite this consistency, April often turns out to be the wetter month, even though it doesn’t deplete the sunshine hours significantly.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May is the month where the heat begins to peak. The average temperatures hover around the 30°C (86°F) mark, and precipitation values also reach a substantial height. However, the frequency of rainy days takes a significant leap, leading to a dip in the sunshine hours.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Warmer sea and air temperatures mark the arrival of
June in
Chuuk. Despite a minor decrease from
May's peaks, the rainy days remain fairly distributed throughout the month. The clear skies of the previous months give way to thicker cloud coverage, causing a slight reduction in sunshine hours.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As
Chuuk transitions into the second half of the year,
July weather witnesses a slight easing off in temperature and rainfall values. There is a minor increase in rainy days, giving July the distinction of having the highest number of rainfall days in the year.
Weather in July »Weather in August
The weather in
Chuuk in
August sees no substantial shift from
July. The temperatures maintain their warm range with a stable sea temperature, and rainy days continue to be frequent. August sees the year's highest relative humidity, making the weather feel heavier than preceding months.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Progressing into the later phases of the year,
September brings a minor decrease in temperatures in
Chuuk,
Micronesia. Still, the rainfall experiences a decline to 307mm (12.09") from the previous month's high. The frequency of the rainy days also decreases.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks a visible shift in the patterns. The temperatures retain their warmth, but rainfall takes an upward turn. This results in an increased number of rainy days, although the overall light hours and sea temperature remain consistent.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
Chuuk heads near the end of the year in
November, the temperatures remain fairly warm, while rainfall shows a decline from
October. And while the daylight hours begin their reduction towards the year's end, they do not diminish considerably.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Winter greets
Chuuk with the year’s lowest temperature, albeit fairly warm. The rainfall inches upwards to 293mm (11.54"), contradicting the general expectation of a dry winter. The sea remains invariably warm throughout the year, encouraging beach and water activities.
Weather in December » [Resources]