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 » [Resources]