The climate of Kieta
Characterized by its tropical rainforest classification in the Köppen climate system,
Kieta is a quaint town located in the region of
Papua New Guinea. The predominant climate, designated as Af, encompasses heavy rainfall, high humidity, and generally warm weather round the year.
Poring over the annual climate data reveals a uniform pattern in the monthly temperatures. Kieta experiences a narrow range of temperatures, with the highest average temperatures oscillating between 25.8°C (78.4°F) to 27.3°C (81.1°F) and the minimums wavering from 20.5°C (68.9°F) to 21.7°C (71.1°F). Relative humidity values hover high, consistent with tropical climates, usually standing in the range of 88% to 92%.
Rainfall is a defining element of Kieta's climate, with each month essentially seeing substantial amounts of rainfall. The monthly rainfall total spans from 281mm (11.06") to 511mm (20.12"), while the number of rainfall days fluctuates between 26.8 to 30.8 days. This rain-centric climate also exhibits a lesser amount of sunshine, with average sunshine hours varying from 4.4 to 6.2 hours and an average of 1.5 clear-sky days each month throughout the year.
Unlike the other weather parameters, sea temperatures offer some degree of variation, ranging from 29°C (84.2°F) to 30.3°C (86.5°F). Meanwhile, daylight stays almost consistent, with the minimum hours of about 11.8 in
May and the maximum of 12.5 around
December.
The best time to visit Kieta
Taking into account the consistent tropical rainforest weather, choosing an optimal period for a visit can be challenging. However, the period from
July to
October sees the lowest rainfall amount, ranges from 375mm (14.76") to 430mm (16.93"), and the highest sea temperature ranges from 29°C (84.2°F) to 29.7°C (85.5°F). These factors, coupled with slightly lower humidity rates, make July to October the less rainy period hence more suitable for outdoor activities and exploring the local sights.
The worst time to visit Kieta
Despite the uniform climate, the months of
February to
April and
November bring the highest amounts of rainfall, shifting between 442mm (17.4") and 493mm (19.41"). The cloud cover and high humidity during these months slightly reduce the visibility of 6 km. Along with the higher chances for rain and cloudy skies, these factors might hinder outdoor plans and excursions.
Spring weather in Kieta
Spring in
Kieta, observed from
March to
May, witnesses significant rainfall with total monthly precipitation ranging from 442mm (17.4") to 490mm (19.29"). The average high temperatures consistently sit around 26.9°C (80.4°F) to 27.2°C (81°F), whereas the average lows fall within the 20.9°C (69.6°F) to 21.2°C (70.2°F) range. The average daylight hours dwindle slightly from 12.1 hours to 11.8 hours over these months.
Summer weather in Kieta
Summers, from
June to
August, in
Kieta usher in a marginally reduced amount of rainfall, with totals sliding between 375mm (14.76") and 430mm (16.93"). The average high temperatures vary slightly, from 26.4°C (79.5°F) to 26°C (78.8°F), with the average low temperatures tending to stay constant at 20.8°C (69.4°F). The average daylight hours persist at 11.8 during these months.
Autumn weather in Kieta
Autumn, extending from
September to
November, invites slightly increased rainfall between 493mm (19.41") and 375mm (14.76"). Meanwhile, temperatures gradually increase, with average highs inconspicuously climbing from 26.8°C (80.2°F) to 27.3°C (81.1°F) and lows from 20.8°C (69.4°F) to 21.1°C (70°F). Average daylight hours increase slightly from 11.8 hours to 12.2 hours as one moves into November.
Winter weather in Kieta
December to
February, termed as
Kieta's 'winter' months, see profuse rainfall, with totals ranging from 385mm (15.16") to 493mm (19.41"). Temperature highs maintain around 27.1°C (80.8°F) to 27.3°C (81.1°F), while lows remain steady from 21.3°C (70.3°F) to 21.7°C (71.1°F), accompanied by a marginal increase in daylight hours from 12.4 hours to 12.5 hours.
Weather in January
Kieta begins the new year with a humid and relatively stable weather pattern. Notable differences from
December include reduction in daylight hours, though only by a minute. Fabrics may take longer to dry in
January, as the relative humidity scale rises to 88%.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Kieta can seem quite similar to
January with modest alterations in climatic parameters. Slightly lower rainfall might signal the arrival of drier days. The town still bathes in warm seawater as the sea temperature persists at 29.8°C (85.6°F).
Weather in February » Weather in March
March continues the wet season trend in
Kieta, with an increase in rainfall. The gentle breezes that touched the town in
February calm down to 5.4km/h (3.4mph) average wind speed. There's a touch more daylight compared to February, in spite of the increased cloud cover.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The residents of
Kieta experience even less sunshine in
April, with no huge differences in other climatological parameters from the previous month. A slow decline in sea temperatures begins this month, from 29.8°C (85.6°F) to 30°C (86°F).
Weather in April »Weather in May
May falls within the wet season in
Kieta and experiences high precipitation levels, just like
April. The town's humidity inches slightly higher to 91%. The sea temperature drops to 29.9°C (85.8°F), still within comfortable limits for water activities.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The story of
Kieta's weather continues with
June witnessing a further increase in humidity to 92%. The sea temperature continues to decrease, coming down to 29.7°C (85.5°F). Wind speed goes a bit up again, bringing some relief from the high humidity.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The wet season's peak occurs in
July, with an average of 430mm (16.93") rain throughout the month. The city's residents continue enduring peak humidity levels. The steady sea temperature softens the effect high humidity has on the overall comfort level.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August presents a slight uptick in rainfall, ensuring
Kieta remains green and fertile. The sea temperature further cools to 29°C (84.2°F), which might discourage water activities. The clear, open skies prevail in spite of the high rainfall.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September awaits
Kieta's inhabitants with a break from the incessant rain, recording 375mm (14.76") of rainfall instead of
August's 511mm (20.12"). The drop in rainfall is accompanied by an increase in sea temperature to 29.2°C (84.6°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Kieta's
October continues to experience more sunshine hours than
September, a welcome change for sun worshippers. In a symphony of climatic changes, the sea temperature increases to 29.7°C (85.5°F). Residents may note the cloud cover changing, though still covering a significant portion of the sky.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November continues the dry season in
Kieta. It brings about noticeable changes, such as the lower number of average rainfall days which fall from 29.5 in
October to 27.6. The end of the wet season is marked by the return of sunshine levels to 5 hours per day.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December ushers in the year-end with a bit more rainfall than
November, though less than the wet season's average. Expect frequent yet short-lived showers throughout the month. The cloud cover reduces slightly, bringing more sunshine to the holiday season.
Weather in December » [Resources]