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Contents
- The climate of Funafuti
- The best time to visit Funafuti
- The worst time to visit Funafuti
- Spring weather in Funafuti
- Summer weather in Funafuti
- Autumn weather in Funafuti
- Winter weather in Funafuti
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average sea temperature
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average UV index
The city of Funafuti, in Tuvalu, with the stretch of the airstrip of Vaiaku International airport located in Polynesia Islands in the South of the Pacific
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Funafuti
Funafuti, Tuvalu, possesses a tropical rainforest climate under the Köppen climate classification. Its geographical location enhances its exposure to sun and rain, with it being almost equatorial and surrounded by the vast Pacific Ocean. Across the year, both the highest and lowest temperatures hover between a narrow range of 30°C (86°F) to 31°C (87.8°F) and 27°C (80.6°F) to 28°C (82.4°F), respectively. Monthly rainfall shows minor fluctuations, varying from 236mm (9.29") to 394mm (15.51"). As a tropical rainforest region, Funafuti, on average, experiences rain on about 20 days each month.
UV Index indicators, consistently at 12 barring the months of June and July when it marginally drops to 9 and 10, reveal the high natural ultraviolet radiation throughout the year. With 11.6 hours to 12.6 hours of daylight, the island enjoys abundant sunshine. Sea temperatures too, generally remain stable at 29°C (84.2°F) to 29.8°C (85.6°F) throughout the year.
Unique weather conditions within Funafuti include the constant high levels of rainfall even in the driest months. For instance, May and June, despite being relatively drier, receive rainfall amounting to 236mm (9.29") each. The highest rainfall is observed at the beginning and end of the year, with January and December receiving 389mm (15.31") and 394mm (15.51") of rainfall, respectively.
UV Index indicators, consistently at 12 barring the months of June and July when it marginally drops to 9 and 10, reveal the high natural ultraviolet radiation throughout the year. With 11.6 hours to 12.6 hours of daylight, the island enjoys abundant sunshine. Sea temperatures too, generally remain stable at 29°C (84.2°F) to 29.8°C (85.6°F) throughout the year.
Unique weather conditions within Funafuti include the constant high levels of rainfall even in the driest months. For instance, May and June, despite being relatively drier, receive rainfall amounting to 236mm (9.29") each. The highest rainfall is observed at the beginning and end of the year, with January and December receiving 389mm (15.31") and 394mm (15.51") of rainfall, respectively.
The best time to visit Funafuti
Taking into account all the weather parameters, March to June can perhaps be considered the best period to visit Funafuti. This is when the rainfall volumes are comparatively lower, ranging from 315mm (12.4") to 236mm (9.29"), even though the frequency of rainy days remains static around the year.
The worst time to visit Funafuti
Possessing a tropical rainforest climate, Funafuti receives substantial rainfall throughout the year. However, January and December, which incidentally are at either end of the calendar, register the highest rainfall, at 389mm (15.31") and 394mm (15.51") respectively. So, if visitors wish to avoid the heaviest rain, it might be worth considering visiting outside of these months.
Spring weather in Funafuti
The concept of spring, as understood in temperate regions, does not apply in a tropical region like Funafuti, Tuvalu. In this part of the world, temperatures, rainfall and hours of daylight display minimal variation. Throughout March, April and May, the region experiences high temperatures from 30°C (86°F) to 31°C (87.8°F) and low temperatures of 27°C (80.6°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). Rainfall ranges from 315mm (12.4") in March to 236mm (9.29") in May.
Summer weather in Funafuti
Summers in Funafuti are characterized by consistent temperature patterns with both high and low temperatures remaining very steady from June to August, varying only from 30°C (86°F) to 27°C (80.6°F). Rainfall during these months is relatively low compared to the beginning and the end of the year, ranging between 236mm (9.29") and 264mm (10.39").
Autumn weather in Funafuti
Autumn in Funafuti, extending between September and November, observes high and low temperatures constant at 30°C (86°F) and 27°C (80.6°F) whilst rainfall increases slightly, ranging from 231mm (9.09") to 277mm (10.91"). The entire period sees daylight and sunshine hours slowly increasing to their peak by November.
Winter weather in Funafuti
Winter, similar to other seasons in Funafuti, displays minor deviations in weather parameters. The average high temperatures lie at 31°C (87.8°F) in December, while the low average temperature remains at 27°C (80.6°F). December also records the highest level of rainfall, 394mm (15.51"), and subsequently, the UV index reduces to 12. Even in winters, the region enjoys consistent sea temperatures, firmly established at 29.4°C (84.9°F).
Weather in January
January offers a rather wet and warm climate in Funafuti, Tuvalu. This month sees the twilight at its longest, with 12.6 hours of daylight. Precipitation can be expected on around 18 days, bringing 389mm (15.31") of rain in total, suggesting an abundance of tropical showers. Weather in January »
Weather in February
In February, Funafuti gets a slight decline in moisture, however, still maintains its warm tropical weather. The sea remains warm at around 29.7°C (85.5°F), ideal for beach goers and water sports enthusiasts. With the daylight hours dwindling to 12.4, the area continues to experience 18 days of rainfall, which is lower than January at 353mm (13.9"). Weather in February »
Weather in March
There is not much variation in the weather at Funafuti, Tuvalu in March. Temperatures are maintained from the previous month, while precipitation drops to 315mm (12.4") spread across 21 days. It is the month with the most sunlit days, with these tropical showers more distributed. Weather in March »
Weather in April
The month of April is characterized by a further drop in precipitation, as it receives an average rainfall of 250mm (9.84") stretched over 19 days. This period offers a slightly drier experience compared to March. Temperatures in Funafuti, Tuvalu are still high, with sea temperatures holding firm in the 29°C (84.2°F) range. Weather in April »
Weather in May
Moving into May, Funafuti experiences marginal changes from the previous month. Reduced rainfall, dropping to 236mm (9.29") for the month, leaves more room for a lot of sunshine time despite fewer daylight hours. The sea temperature remains warm and inviting adding charm to the islands of Tuvalu. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June represents a continuation of this warm, tropical climate seen in the first half of the year in Funafuti, Tuvalu. Although rainfall remains steady at 236mm (9.29"), as in May, daylight hours shrink further to 11.6. Sunbathers have around 19 hours of glorious sunshine to enjoy this stunning location. Weather in June »
Weather in July
By July, the situation changes marginally. Rainfall receives a slight bump up to 264mm (10.39") spread over 20 days. Despite this increase in rainfall, Funafuti, Tuvalu keeps its sunshine hours around 20 sufficiently lighting up the place. Weather in July »
Weather in August
As the year progresses to August, Funafuti sees a minimal drop in rainfall, registering 249mm (9.8") over the month. From city tours to beach excursions, there is still plenty to do with sunshine time maintained at 19 hours, and daylight hours showing a slight increase to 11.8. Weather in August »
Weather in September
In September, Funafuti, Tuvalu experiences another slip in rain volume, now down to 231mm (9.09"). As we advance into the second part of the year, the weather conditions continue to favour spending time outdoors. Maintained sea temperature of around 29.1°C (84.4°F) and an increased daylight of 12.1 hours suggest swimwear as a dressing norm. Weather in September »
Weather in October
In October, Funafuti witnesses a spike in rainfall, with 267mm (10.51") precipitation over the month. Warmer temperatures linger and daylight increases to 12.3 hours. The UV index stays consistent, so suncream should be included in everyone's daily routine. Weather in October »
Weather in November
November brings a mild increase in rain, with 277mm (10.91") falling across 17 days. This marginally wetter weather does not significantly affect the daylight hours, with the sun still shining bright for 17 hours. The Funafuti weather doesn't deter tourists as the warm seawater temperature creates a paradise for swimmers and divers. Weather in November »
Weather in December
December marks the close of the year with the highest rainfall of 394mm (15.51") received during the month. Despite this peak in rainfall, the festive month experiences plenty of sunshine, heavily featuring in the daily weather conditions. Weather in December »
Updated: Aug 4, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
What are the warmest months in Funafuti?
Funafuti experiences peak temperatures, averaging a high-temperature of 31°C (87.8°F) during January, April, May, October through December.
How many days does it rain?
In Funafuti, during the entire year, the rain falls for 225 days and collects up to 3461mm (136.26") of precipitation.
What months are the sea warmest?
January, April, May, November and December, with an average sea temperature of 29.8°C (85.6°F), are months with the warmest seawater.
What are the months with the highest UV index?
January through April, September through December, with an average maximum UV index of 12, are months with the highest UV index.
What is the coldest time of year?
Funafuti's lowest temperatures tend to occur in February, March, June through September, with an average high-temperature of 30°C (86°F).
What month has the most sunshine?
March has the most sunshine of the year in Funafuti, with an average of 21h of sunshine.
What is the month with the shortest days?
With an average of 11h and 36min of daylight, June has the shortest days of the year.
When is the lowest UV index?
The month with the lowest UV index is June, with an average maximum UV index of 9.
What months are the sea coldest?
The months with the coldest seawater are August and September, with an average sea temperature of 29.1°C (84.4°F).
What is the driest month in Funafuti?
The month with the least rainfall is September, when the rain falls for 19 days and typically collects 231mm (9.09") of precipitation.
What are the months with the least sunshine?
November and December, with an average of 17h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine.
What is the rainiest month?
The month with the most rainfall is December, when the rain falls for 17 days and typically aggregates up to 394mm (15.51") of precipitation.
When are the longest days?
The month with the longest days is December, with an average of 12h and 36min of daylight.
Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
Funafuti does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). +12 timezone is used throughout the entire year.
Average temperature
Funafuti, Tuvalu
The warmest months (with the highest average high temperature) are January, April, May, October, November and December (31°C).
The months with the lowest average high temperature are February, March, June, July, August and September (30°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is May (28°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average low temperature) are January, February, March, April, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (27°C).
Average rainfall
Funafuti, Tuvalu
- Average rainfall in January:
389mm - Average rainfall in February:
353mm - Average rainfall in March:
315mm - Average rainfall in April:
250mm - Average rainfall in May:
236mm - Average rainfall in June:
236mm
- Average rainfall in July:
264mm - Average rainfall in August:
249mm - Average rainfall in September:
231mm - Average rainfall in October:
267mm - Average rainfall in November:
277mm - Average rainfall in December:
394mm
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is December (394mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (231mm).
Average rainfall days
Funafuti, Tuvalu
- Average rainfall days in January:
18 days - Average rainfall days in February:
18 days - Average rainfall days in March:
21 days - Average rainfall days in April:
19 days - Average rainfall days in May:
19 days - Average rainfall days in June:
19 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
20 days - Average rainfall days in August:
19 days - Average rainfall days in September:
19 days - Average rainfall days in October:
19 days - Average rainfall days in November:
17 days - Average rainfall days in December:
17 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is March (21 days).
The months with the least rainy days are November and December (17 days).
Average sea temperature
Funafuti, Tuvalu
The best months for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) are January, April, May, November and December (29.8°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are August and September (29.1°C).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Funafuti, Tuvalu
- Average daylight in January:
12h and 4min - Average daylight in February:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in April:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in May:
11h and 4min - Average daylight in June:
11h and 4min
- Average daylight in July:
11h and 4min - Average daylight in August:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in October:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in November:
12h and 3min - Average daylight in December:
12h and 4min
The month with the longest days is December (Average daylight: 12h and 36min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 11h and 36min).
The month with the most sunshine is March (Average sunshine: 21h).
The months with the least sunshine are November and December (Average sunshine: 17h).
Average UV index
Funafuti, Tuvalu
The months with the highest UV index are January, February, March, April, September, October, November and December (UV index 12).
The month with the lowest UV index is June (UV index 9).
