Climate and monthly weather forecast
Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

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The climate of Rabaul

The general climate of Rabaul, a town in Papua New Guinea, falls under the Af Köppen climate classification. This signifies a tropical rainforest climate that primarily indicates constant high temperatures and substantial rainfall throughout the year.

Analyzing and parsing the data for Rabaul, it is clear that the monthly average high temperatures remain quite consistent, fluctuating marginally from 31°C (87.8°F) to 32°C (89.6°F). Likewise, the minimum temperatures also exhibit similar constancy, persistently hovering around 23°C (73.4°F) all year round. This symmetry in the temperature range illustrates the persistent warmth typical of a tropical climate.

Notably, Rabaul sees significant precipitation across months; however, this is not evenly distributed throughout the year. A closer glance at rainfall figures reveals that the wettest months are from January to April and November to December, with rainfall exceeding 200mm (7.87"). Meanwhile, May through October sees comparatively less rain, with monthly averages varying from 91mm (3.58") to 130mm (5.12"). However, the number of rainy days stays consistent year-round, with approximately 20 days of rainfall each month, demonstrating the persistently humid conditions of a rainforest climate.

One distinct aspect of Rabaul's climate is the steady daylight hours, with an average of around 12 hours daily and minor fluctuations of only a few minutes. Another steady feature is the monthly UV index, maintaining a high 12 from January to April and October to December, and a slightly lower 11 from May to September.

The best time to visit Rabaul

Based on the climatic data, the best time to visit Rabaul would be the period from May to October. Despite it being the cooler period with slightly reduced UV index of 11, temperatures remain warm, ranging from 31°C (87.8°F) to 32°C (89.6°F). Simultaneously, this period corresponds with the drier phase of the year. Although rainfall still occurs, the volume drops significantly, providing more favorable conditions for outdoor activities.

The worst time to visit Rabaul

The months experiencing the heaviest rainfall, particularly from January to April and November to December, might not be ideal for most tourists. Despite temperatures remaining consistently high, heavy precipitation exceeding 200mm (7.87") coupled with high UV indexes of 12 may hamper outdoor plans and sightseeing.

Spring weather in Rabaul

Despite the tropical nature of Rabaul's climate which doesn't typically experience pronounced seasons, for the sake of reference, the weather from March to May can be likened to spring. During this period, average high temperatures remain steady at 31°C (87.8°F). Although this period does witness substantial rainfall, the volume starts decreasing significantly by May, with a drop from 257mm (10.12") in March to 130mm (5.12") in May.

Summer weather in Rabaul

The weather from June to August corresponds to the summer reference period. During these months, Rabaul experiences its drier phase with rainfall averaging between 104mm (4.09") to 114mm (4.49"). Meanwhile, the average maximum temperature peaks in August at 32°C (89.6°F), matching the typical tropical summer climate. Despite being the drier period, there are approximately 19 days of rainfall each month, proving that Rabaul rarely gets a complete respite from rain.

Autumn weather in Rabaul

In reference to the autumn period from September to November, Rabaul witnesses minor climatic changes. The temperature remains unchanged with highs of 32°C (89.6°F), and its minimum of 23°C (73.4°F). Furthermore, rainfall once more begins to increase progressively from 91mm (3.58") in September to 180mm (7.09") by November. The number of rainy days also begins to slightly increase during this period.

Winter weather in Rabaul

For clarity, December through to February mirrors a winter reference period in Rabaul. The climate during these months is predominantly warm with the maximum temperature remaining unaltered at 31°C (87.8°F), and 23°C (73.4°F) being the consistent minimum. Furthermore, rainfall is exceptional during these months exceeding 200mm (7.87") consistently, with December seeing the heaviest rainfall at 241mm (9.49"), marking it as the wettest month of the year.

Weather in January

With the beginning of the year in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, the tropical climate is in full effect. Temperatures remain fairly consistent, with slight fluctuations between this and the following month. Rainfall is a common occurrence, leading to slightly lower levels of sunshine compared to other times in the year. Weather in January »

Weather in February

As January transitions to February, the weather in Rabaul stays relatively stable. The daily sunlight hours reduce slightly, and the UV index continues to be high, necessitating protective wear for those who are sensitive. February continues the trend of high rainfall, although not as intense as the previous month. Weather in February »

Weather in March

By March, Rabaul begins to experience the wettest period in its annual climate calendar. Comparable to February, daily temperatures remain consistently high, with a slight dip in available daylight hours. Rainfall increases, and the UV index remains at its highest, indicating strong sun intensity during the day. Weather in March »

Weather in April

Heading into April, the weather in Rabaul starts to slightly ease from the overly wet conditions. There is a noticeable decrease in rainfall, but the UV index stays put, meaning sun protection continues to be essential. April offers slightly less rainfall compared to earlier months, yet maintains a consistently high temperature. Weather in April »

Weather in May

The arrival of May ushers in a period of decreased rainfall and lower sea temperatures. Sunshine increases slightly after a dip during the previous months, even though the overall daylight hours continue to lessen. It continues to be hot, despite sea temperatures starting to cool down. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June presents a continued drop in rainfall, making it one of the drier months in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. Daily temperatures maintain consistency, and there is a slight increase in sunlight hours. June indicates the onset of drier conditions in the region, with rainfall amounts receding. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July continues the trend of June with less rainfall and lower sea temperatures. Despite diminished rainfall compared to previous months, the heat remains consistent. July bears a likeness to the previous month in terms of weather conditions, with a comparable rainfall pattern and similar UV index. Weather in July »

Weather in August

As the year progresses to August, Rabaul experiences a further reduction in rainfall. Although the amount of sunshine stays the same, the daylight hours begin to increase slightly. August replicates July in terms of the overall weather pattern, with reduced rainfall and consistent high temperatures. Weather in August »

Weather in September

The weather in September in Rabaul is indicative of consistent tropical conditions. Temperatures begin to scale upwards, and rainfall receives a slight increase compared to the previous month. September also brings about a slight change in weather patterns with a marginal enhancement of both temperature and rainfall. Weather in September »

Weather in October

By the time October arrives in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, a clear shift towards the wetter part of the year is noticeable. The increase in rainfall in October is accompanied by an increase in sea temperature. However, there is a continuation of high daily temperatures throughout October, making it comparable to the summer months in most locations. Weather in October »

Weather in November

As the year nears its end, November brings with it increased rainfall and sea temperatures. Sunshine hours start to creep downwards, and the intensity of the UV index remains high. November generally means more rain in Rabaul, with a clear shift towards a wetter period. Weather in November »

Weather in December

In the final month of the year, Rabaul experiences some of the warmest sea temperatures. Rainfall increases till December, leading to less sunshine hours in a day, even as the overall daylight hours increase slightly. December wraps up the year with very similar weather conditions to those observed in November. Weather in December »
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Frequently asked questions

What month is the coldest in Rabaul?

January through August, November and December are identified as the coldest months in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, with an average high-temperature of 31°C (87.8°F).

How much does it rain in Rabaul?

Throughout the year, in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, there are 248 rainfall days, and 2022mm (79.61") of precipitation is accumulated.

What is the month with the most sunshine in Rabaul?

January, March through June, August through November, with an average of 6h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea.

When is the highest UV index in Rabaul?

January through May, August through December, with an average maximum UV index of 12, are months with the highest UV index.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Rabaul?

The months with the least sunshine in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, are February, July and December, with an average of 5h of sunshine.

What is the rainiest month in Rabaul?

March is the month with the most rainfall in Rabaul. Rain falls for 22 days and accumulates 257mm (10.12") of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days in Rabaul?

June has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 11h and 54min of daylight.

When is the lowest UV index in Rabaul?

June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 11, are months with the lowest UV index.

When is the sea coldest in Rabaul?

August is the month with the coldest seawater in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, with an average sea temperature of 29.1°C (84.4°F).

What month is the hottest in Rabaul?

In Rabaul, the warmest period comes during September and October, when the average high-temperature touches 32°C (89.6°F).

What is the driest month in Rabaul?

The month with the least rainfall in Rabaul is September, when the rain falls for 19 days and typically collects 91mm (3.58") of precipitation.

What months are the sea warmest in Rabaul?

November and December, with an average sea temperature of 30.3°C (86.5°F), are months with the warmest seawater in Rabaul.

When are the longest days in Rabaul?

The month with the longest days in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, is December, with an average of 12h and 24min of daylight.

Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Rabaul?

Rabaul does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). +10 timezone is used over the entire year.

Average temperature
Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

Average temperature - Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

The warmest months (with the highest average high temperature) are September and October (32°C).
The months with the lowest average high temperature are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, November and December (31°C).

The months with the highest average low temperature are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (23°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average low temperature) are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (23°C).

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Average rainfall
Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

Average rainfall - Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is March (257mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (91mm).

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Average rainfall days
Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

Average rainfall days - Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

The months with the highest number of rainy days are January, March and April (22 days).
The months with the least rainy days are June, August and September (19 days).

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Average sea temperature
Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

Average sea temperature - Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

The best months for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) are November and December (30.3°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is August (29.1°C).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

The month with the longest days is December (Average daylight: 12h and 24min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 11h and 54min).

The months with the most sunshine are January, March, April, May, June, August, September, October and November (Average sunshine: 6h).
The months with the least sunshine are February, July and December (Average sunshine: 5h).

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Average UV index
Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

Average UV index - Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

The months with the highest UV index are January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November and December (UV index 12).
The months with the lowest UV index are June and July (UV index 11).

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Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

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