Climate and monthly weather forecast
Palau

Palau consists of a chain of islands located in the western Pacific Ocean. This geography contributes significantly to the nation's maritime tropical climate. With a Köppen Climate Classification of Af, Palau experiences a Tropical Rainforest Climate. This implies very little seasonal or diurnal variation in weather conditions. Precipitation is a defining feature, with the country receiving over 3.8m of rainfall annually. Rain showers are a frequent occurrence, often short but torrential. Consistency in climatic conditions is the norm, with only minor fluctuations in temperature throughout the year.

The optimal period to visit Palau is generally from December to March. During these months, the area experiences the least amount of rainfall and enjoys clear skies. The water visibility for diving, a major tourist attraction, is at its best during this period, often extending beyond 30 meters. The temperature remains comfortably warm, ranging from 26°C (78.8°F) to 30°C (86°F). Wind speeds are relatively calm, averaging 10km/h (6.2mph), making it an excellent time for outdoor activities.

Visiting Palau between July and October is generally considered less favorable. These months correspond to the region's wettest season. Heavy and constant rainfall can reach up to 400mm (15.75") in a single month. Visibility in the water decreases, affecting diving and snorkeling activities. Additionally, these months pose a higher risk for tropical storms and typhoons, which can disrupt travel plans and outdoor activities.

Spring in Palau, from March to May, is characterized by increasing humidity and temperatures that range from 27°C (80.6°F) to 32°C (89.6°F). Precipitation levels rise gradually, signaling the transition into the wetter months. Rain showers are more frequent but still relatively moderate compared to the peak rainy season. Wind speed during this time usually stays around 15km/h (9.3mph). Despite the uptick in humidity and rainfall, spring offers fairly pleasant conditions for outdoor activities.

Summer months, from June to August, bring the wettest season to Palau. The archipelago experiences its highest levels of rainfall, with some months reaching precipitation levels exceeding 350mm (13.78"). Temperatures remain consistent, between 27°C (80.6°F) and 31°C (87.8°F). During these months, wind speeds can increase, occasionally reaching up to 20km/h (12.4mph). The heightened rainfall and wind speeds can limit the range of activities tourists can comfortably enjoy.

Autumn in Palau, extending from September to November, continues the wet trend set by the summer months. Rainfall remains high, often exceeding 300mm (11.81") per month. Temperatures during these months hover between 27°C (80.6°F) and 30°C (86°F). Winds gradually start to calm as autumn progresses, averaging 15km/h (9.3mph). Despite the persistent rainfall, the archipelago still attracts tourists keen on experiencing its lush natural beauty.

Winter, from December to February, presents the driest and arguably the most pleasant conditions in Palau. The archipelago witnesses a relative reduction in rainfall, averaging 200mm (7.87") per month. Temperatures during this period are comfortably warm, ranging from 26°C (78.8°F) to 30°C (86°F). Wind speeds decrease to an average of 10km/h (6.2mph), contributing to the overall favorable conditions for outdoor pursuits, including water-based activities.

January falls within Palau's dry season, making it one of the more favorable months for travel and outdoor activities. While the country doesn't have notable climate variations across its cities due to its small geographical size, January remains consistent throughout the nation. Weather in January »

February continues the trend of favorable weather conditions in Palau. Across the archipelago, the climate remains uniformly maritime tropical, without significant variation among different localities. This month experiences slightly more rainfall compared to January, with average precipitation levels hovering around 220mm (8.66"). Weather in February »

March serves as a transitional month in Palau, indicating the onset of increased humidity and rainfall. Despite its small geographical footprint, the country's maritime tropical climate stays consistent from one island to another. Weather in March »

April in Palau manifests higher levels of both humidity and precipitation, in line with the climate's transition towards its wetter phase. Across the archipelago, uniform weather conditions prevail due to the maritime tropical climate. Weather in April »

May is part of the transition into Palau's wetter months, with elevated levels of humidity and rainfall. The maritime tropical climate remains consistent across the entire country. May experiences one of the year's highest monthly precipitation levels, frequently exceeding 300mm (11.81"). Weather in May »

June marks the beginning of Palau's wettest season, with substantial increases in rainfall and humidity. Regardless of the specific island, the country's maritime tropical climate remains unvarying. In June, the archipelago experiences some of its highest monthly precipitation, often exceeding 350mm (13.78"). Weather in June »

July is deep within Palau's wet season, maintaining high levels of both rainfall and humidity. The maritime tropical climate shows no significant fluctuations across the islands. This month often sees precipitation exceeding 400mm (15.75"), making it one of the wettest months of the year. Weather in July »

August persists in the trend of heavy rainfall and elevated humidity, typical of Palau's wet season. Throughout the archipelago, the maritime tropical climate remains consistent. August often rivals July in terms of precipitation, frequently exceeding 400mm (15.75"). Weather in August »

September in Palau signifies a gradual transition towards less rainfall while maintaining the high levels of humidity typical of the wet season. Across all islands, the maritime tropical climate holds steady. Average precipitation in September generally hovers around 350mm (13.78"), which is a decrease when compared to July and August. Weather in September »

October in Palau brings about a further decline in rainfall, serving as another transitional month towards the drier season. The maritime tropical climate, consistent throughout the archipelago, continues to prevail. October experiences reduced average precipitation levels, dropping to 300mm (11.81"). Weather in October »

November in Palau witnesses a more pronounced shift towards the dry season, characterized by reduced rainfall and maintaining high humidity. The maritime tropical climate remains consistent across all islands. Average precipitation for November generally decreases to 250mm (9.84"). Weather in November »

December in Palau is a month that leans towards the dry season, though it may experience a slight increase in rainfall compared to November. The maritime tropical climate, a constant across the entire archipelago, remains unchanged. Weather in December »