Climate and monthly weather forecastYap, Micronesia

The climate of Yap

The locale of Yap, Micronesia, is marked by the predominance of an Af or a tropical rainforest climate as per the Köppen climate classification. Geographically positioned within the Pacific Ocean, Yap showcases a nearly equatorial climate with corresponding climatic characteristics. The year-round weather is typified by appreciable levels of humidity, substantial precipitation, and minimal variance in temperatures.

Throughout the year, average high temperatures revolve from 30.1°C (86.2°F) to 31.2°C (88.2°F), while the monthly lows display modest fluctuations between 23.4°C (74.1°F) and 24.1°C (75.4°F). The island's relative humidity circulates from 79% to 84% over the year. The sea temperature maintains year-round consistency staying on 29°C (84.2°F) uniformly for each month.

The rainy season is an integral feature of Yap's climate, with monthly records showing rainfall from 146mm (5.75") to a hefty 386mm (15.2"). Rainfall days range between 12.6 to 21.2 days each month. The sunshine hours are in the range of 5.5h to 8.5h throughout the year and the UV index shows a marginal oscillation, from 10 to 12, indicating a persistently high level of UV radiation.

The best time to visit Yap

Given the tropical rainforest climate, Yap does not experience extreme variances in temperature or humidity. However, visitors may prefer the period from February to April. During these months, the rainfall decreases significantly, ranging from 146mm (5.75") to 152mm (5.98") compared to other months, and the sunshine hours increase reaching up to 8.5h in April. The average daylight is reasonably long, from 11.8h in February to 12.3h in April, providing ample time to explore the natural beauty of Yap.

The worst time to visit Yap

The period from May to November exhibits the most challenging weather conditions for visitors, featuring the highest rainfall and fewer sunshine hours. The precipitation gauge shows readings between 304mm (11.97") in November to 386mm (15.2") in August, with the number of monthly rainfall days escalating up to 20 to 21 days. The sunshine hours during this period shrink to as low as 5.5h, and the UV index remains stubbornly high at 12.

Spring weather in Yap

The spring months of March, April, and May in Yap represent a transition from relatively drier to a markedly wetter period. During this phase, the highest temperatures span from 30.9°C (87.6°F) in March to 31.1°C (88°F) in April, with the lows hovering from 24°C (75.2°F) to 23.8°C (74.8°F). Humidity ranges from 80% in March and April to 81% in May. Rainfall exhibits a rising trend, increased from 151mm (5.94") in March to 230mm (9.06") in May, with corresponding rainfall days inching upwards from 13.7 to 17.1 days.

Summer weather in Yap

The period of June, July, and August in Yap is characterized by the paramount conditions of the wet season. The upper limit of temperatures fluctuates from 30.7°C (87.3°F) to 30.6°C (87.1°F), while the lower limit remains steady at 23.4°C (74.1°F) in July and August. Humidity is high during these months, oscillating between 83% and 84%. Rainfall is more prominent, with readings from 322mm (12.68") in June to 369mm (14.53") in July, registering 20 to 21 rainfall days per month.

Autumn weather in Yap

Autumn, comprising September, October, and November, manifests continuation of the rain-laden summer weather into the earlier part of the season, tapering off towards November. High temperatures hover between 30.9°C (87.6°F) in September and 30.4°C (86.7°F) in November, with lows from 23.5°C (74.3°F) to 23.8°C (74.8°F). Humidity remains high at 84% in September, easing to 83% by November. The volume of rainfall starts to decline from 343mm (13.5") in September to 230mm (9.06") by November.

Winter weather in Yap

The winter months of December, January, and February signify a slightly less intense phase regarding rainfall. High temperatures vary from 30.7°C (87.3°F) in December to 30.1°C (86.2°F) in January, while lows show a minimal departure, from 23.7°C (74.7°F) to 23.5°C (74.3°F). Humidity remains relatively stable, displaying minor variations from 82% to 81%. Rainfall records show a decline from December's 228mm (8.98") to 186mm (7.32") in February, indicating the onset of the relatively drier season.

Weather in January

The opening month of the year in Yap, Micronesia typically exhibits a blend of warm temperatures and high humidity, despite it being in the core of the winter season. January sees an average high temperature of 30.1°C (86.2°F) and a low of 23.5°C (74.3°F), making for comfortable yet warm days. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Transitioning into February, it becomes noticeable that the weather conditions tend to persist much like in January, albeit with subtle changes. February sees slightly less precipitation, with rainfall dropping to 152mm (5.98") spread across fewer days. Weather in February »

Weather in March

The arrival of March signals a continuation of warm conditions, typical of Yap's tropical setting. In this month, a marginal increase in both the daytime high temperature and night-time low temperature occurs. The decrease in rainfall to 151mm (5.94") and increased daylight hours imply longer, drier periods. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April distinguishes itself as an equally warm month, albeit with a slight dip in relative humidity levels. The average high temperature maintains an upward trend to reach 31.2°C (88.2°F). This temperature increase, paired with rainfall figures reducing to 146mm (5.75"), underscores the prevailing dry, warm climate during April. Weather in April »

Weather in May

Delving into May, the shift in weather dynamics becomes pronounced with a substantial jump in the precipitation levels. An average rainfall of 230mm (9.06") indicates the onset of moister weather conditions. However, temperatures during May retain consistency with previous months, ensuring warm days and nights. Weather in May »

Weather in June

Notable variability in the climatic conditions in Yap is apparent in June. The average rainfall increases considerably to 322mm (12.68"), making it one of the wettest months. Besides, June's humidity level increases, suggesting the overall dampness of the island. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July sees the mercury remain consistent, with high temperatures hovering around a comfortable 30.6°C (87.1°F) margin. The hallmark of July's weather is the peak in precipitation levels, logging rainfall figures at an astonishing 369mm (14.53"). Weather in July »

Weather in August

As the calendar flips to August, there's a maintenance of wet conditions, indicated by a high precipitation level of 386mm (15.2"), the highest among all months. The relative humidity at this time of the year stays high, dense cloud cover is prevalent, and wet conditions persist. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September is another month associated with significant rainfall in Yap, with an average rainfall of 343mm (13.5") recorded. Nevertheless, compared to August, the declining rainfall signals a transition towards drier eras. Temperatures remain steady, and the sea temperatures continue to be warm, making marine activities pleasurable. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Yap is synonymous with warm days and reasonably comfortable nights, a trend characteristic of previous months. The distinguishing attribute of October is a marked reduction in average rainfall to 304mm (11.97"), suggestive of drying conditions. Weather in October »

Weather in November

As November sets in, there's a continuation of the declining trend in rainfall, witnessed since September. The reduced precipitation levels of 230mm (9.06"), coupled with increased sunshine hours, create a drier atmosphere. Surprisingly, the temperature, both during the day and at night, sees a marginal increase, maintaining the warmth of the tropical climate. Weather in November »

Weather in December

Wrapping up the year, December weather dynamics in Yap echo those witnessed in November, albeit with minor variations. The rainfall dips further to 228mm (8.98"), indicating dry weather persisting from November. A slight fluctuation in temperature sees the thermometers reading a high of 30.7°C (87.3°F), suggesting consistency in warm climatic conditions. Weather in December »