The climate of Orchid Island
Located off the southeastern coast of
Taiwan,
Orchid Island experiences a Tropical Rainforest Climate, indicated by the Köppen Climate Classification: "Af". Across the full stretch of this picturesque island, weather conditions display an array of intriguing nuances throughout the year. Noteworthy shifts occur in parameters such as temperature, rainfall, daylight, sunshine, and UV index, weaving the complex pattern that defines Orchid Island's climate.
Temperatures here range from a pleasant 21°C (69.8°F) to a peak of 29°C (84.2°F) at their hottest. The lower limit of temperatures provides a gentle coolness, always staying above 17°C (62.6°F). With respect to rainfall, Orchid Island exhibits substantial monthly averages, varying from 149mm (5.87"), observed in
April, to 384mm (15.12") in the wetter month of
September. The number of rainy days per month stays above 14, hitting a maximum of 22 days. A unique aspect of Orchid Island's climate is the controlled range in sea temperature, remaining between 24°C (75.2°F) to 29°C (84.2°F) across the year.
Daylight lasts from 10.8 to 13.5 hours, with the longest days understandably appearing in summer. Sunshine meanwhile, records 3 to 6 hours per day. Visitors to Orchid Island should take note of the strong UV index that oscillates from 7 to an extreme of 12, necessitating prudent protection against the sun.
The best time to visit Orchid Island
The optimal period to visit
Orchid Island is typically during the drier months from
March to
June. During this phase, rainfall is at its lowest, between 149mm (5.87") and 249mm (9.8"), with rain experienced on 15 to 17 days of the month. Even with this reduced rainfall, temperatures are friendly and range from 21°C (69.8°F) to 28°C (82.4°F), while sea temperatures rise from 25°C (77°F) to 29°C (84.2°F). With 12 to 13.5 hours of daylight, there is ample time to unwind on the stunning beaches, relishing the 4 to 5 hours of daily sunshine.
The worst time to visit Orchid Island
Alternatively, the least attractive time to plan a trip to
Orchid Island spans from
September to
December. This period witnesses the maximum rainfall, with averages escalating from 306mm (12.05") to 384mm (15.12"), and rain falling on up to 21 days per month. Meanwhile, the sea temperatures hover from 26°C (78.8°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), but the constantly overcast skies contribute to diminished sunshine, shrinking to 3 to 4 hours per day. Although the temperatures remain comfortable at 21°C (69.8°F) to 28°C (82.4°F), the excessive rain could limit outdoor plans.
Spring weather in Orchid Island
Spring arrives in
Orchid Island with a soft touch, refreshing mornings with temperatures from 17°C (62.6°F) to 19°C (66.2°F) that rise to 21°C (69.8°F) by
March and 23°C (73.4°F) by
April. Rainfall drops considerably in spring, coming down from 248mm (9.76") in March to a yearly low of 149mm (5.87") in April. Against the dulcet symphony of intermittent showers, up to 15 to 17 days per month, reservoirs of sunshine accumulate to 3 to 4 hours daily. Nevertheless, a UV index of 7 to 11 warrants caution for overly sensitive skin.
Summer weather in Orchid Island
Summer is all sunshine and heat on
Orchid Island. The mercury swells up from 25°C (77°F) to 29°C (84.2°F) between
May and
July, while the nights maintain a steady temperature from 23°C (73.4°F) to 25°C (77°F). Rainfall quickens its pace to record between 249mm (9.8") and 287mm (11.3") on 15 to 16 days, but that does not cloud the 13.2 to 13.5 hours of daylight. With 4 to 6 hours of daily sunshine coupled with warm sea temperatures ranging from 28°C (82.4°F) to a high of 29°C (84.2°F), the island provides the perfect summer escape.
Autumn weather in Orchid Island
Autumn on
Orchid Island is characterized by a spike in rainfall, touching 384mm (15.12") in
September and gradually decreasing to still-substantial 267mm (10.51") in
November. Throughout this season, rain can be expected on 17 to 21 days of the month. Despite these showers, temperatures stay in a comfortable zone, fluctuating between 22°C (71.6°F) to 29°C (84.2°F) in daytime and between 24°C (75.2°F) to 22°C (71.6°F) at night. Sunshine is at a yearly high of 5 hours, and sea temperatures remain inviting from 29°C (84.2°F) to 26°C (78.8°F).
Winter weather in Orchid Island
Winter descends on
Orchid Island with a modest lull in temperatures, which register from 21°C (69.8°F) to 24°C (75.2°F) during the day and from 20°C (68°F) to 18°C (64.4°F) in the cooler nights. Rainfall reduces gradually to 212mm (8.35") by
December, falling on about 21 days. Sunshine peaks at 3 hours per day over the winter months, making the 10.8 to 11.1 hours of daylight somewhat overcast. As the sea temperature cools off to 25°C (77°F), a UV index of 6 minimally eases the need for sun protection.
Weather in January
January in
Orchid Island,
Taiwan, greets the residents with a moderate climate. The coolness of the winter months is starting to recede and the annual increase in temperature commences. The most significant climatological factor this month is the rainfall, with noticeable 248mm (9.76") precipitation.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Following the pattern of
January,
February ushers in slightly warmer weather conditions with drop in the precipitation levels. A slight decrease in the number of rainfall days from 22 to 19 is observed, lending a few more dry days for outdoor activities.
Weather in February »Weather in March
In transition towards the warmer months,
March records warmer temperatures between 19°C (66.2°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). Extreme UV index of 11 for this month signifies the need for protection against skin damage. Despite the increasing heat, the island continues to receive rain.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April, with temperatures tipping to a high of 25°C (77°F), is considered as the beginning of a truly warm season in
Orchid Island. Despite the rising temperatures, rainfall shows no signs of drawback with 149mm (5.87") average precipitation observed.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Orchid Island reports an even hotter climate in
May, marking a clear transition towards summer. Sea temperature shows a hike, providing comfortable conditions for swimming and surfing. However, the weather does not remain completely dry and a precipitous increase in rainfall to 249mm (9.8") punctuates the heat.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June exudes a strong summer vibe with maximum sea temperatures hitting the annual high. Despite the summer setting, rainfall remains consistent contributing to the Island's humid weather. The climate is marked by heat and humidity interrupted by showers.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues to bask in the summer heat with temperatures soaring as high as 29°C (84.2°F). With the persistent heat, the number of rainfall days has decreased, indicating a shift in the weather pattern. Sea temperatures and daylight hours continue to stay at their maximum level.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August upholds the summer heat with an annual maximum equal monthly average low and high temperature. The month records the highest rainfall volume of 288mm (11.34"), marking it as the wettest period. The high sea temperature provides an ideal condition for water-based activities despite the high precipitation levels.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September, the weather undergoes a gradual transition towards cooler conditions. Despite the onset of autumn, a high rainfall volume of 384mm (15.12") persists, distinguishing this month as the rainiest period. The sea temperatures start to decline gradually, indicating the approach of winter.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ushers in pleasant weather with temperature cooling down to a comfortable range. The rainfall begins to decline, bringing back the clear and bright days. Plummeting sea temperatures hint at a forthcoming winter season. An hour less of daylight confirms the transition towards the year-end.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November experiences a noticeable drop in temperature, gesturing the beginning of winter months. The rainy days decrease further, allowing more opportunities to soak in the sun amidst lower daylight hours. This month sees a significant drop in the sea temperature, discouraging water-based activities.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December, being the final month of the year, witnesses the return of the winter chill in
Orchid Island. The lowest sea temperatures of the year discourage water activities and encourage indoor recreational pursuits. The rainfall continues to decrease, providing respite from the persistent rain from the preceding months.
Weather in December » [Resources]