The climate of Sola
Sola,
Vanuatu, boasts a climate that falls under the Köppen climate classification of Af, which denotes a tropical rainforest climate. The municipality's geographical location within the Pacific Ocean's tropics contributes to the consistently high temperature and substantial rainfall realized throughout the year.
A review of the climatological data shows that the temperatures stay relatively stable throughout the year, with the average high temperature varying from 26.9°C (80.4°F) to 29.1°C (84.4°F) and the average low temperature fluctuating between 25.8°C (78.4°F) and 28.1°C (82.6°F). These numbers reflect a consistently warm to slightly hot climate, with little variation in temperature from month to month.
Sola experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, with no month receiving less than 94mm (3.7") of rainfall. However, a visible decrease in rainfall is observed from
April to
September with numbers dropping to between 94mm (3.7") and 164mm (6.46"), compared to the rest of the year when the area sees rainfall from 192mm (7.56") to 245mm (9.65").
Alongside the ample rainfall stands high relative humidity figures, averaging from 76% to 80% throughout the year. Concurrently, the sea temperature presents a slight variance throughout the year, from a low of 27.3°C (81.1°F) to a high of 29.8°C (85.6°F).
The best time to visit Sola
Given its year-round tropical climate, determining the optimal time to visit
Sola depends on individual preferences. For those seeking to experience Sola with minimal rainfall, the period between
May and
September constitutes the driest period, with rainfall numbers dropping to a range of 94mm (3.7") to 164mm (6.46") and rain days varying from 20 to 24.8 days.
Furthermore, this period, particularly
July to September, presents slightly cooler sea temperatures, ranging from 27.3°C (81.1°F) to 27.7°C (81.9°F), potentially providing more comfortable conditions for water activities. Average daylight hours during this time range from 11.3 to 11.7 hours, providing ample daylight for exploration.
The worst time to visit Sola
By contrast, those seeking to avoid higher levels of rainfall should steer clear of
Sola from
October to
April. During these months, rainfall increases significantly, rising from 192mm (7.56") to 245mm (9.65") per month, with rain days also swelling, reaching its peak at 27.6 days in
March.
Moreover, this period typically experiences higher relative humidity, averaging 78% to 80%. Despite these challenging conditions, some tourists might appreciate the lushness brought by the rainy season, enhancing Sola’s tropical rainforest aesthetic.
Spring weather in Sola
Sola’s weather from
March to
May signals the start of the drier season. During this time, the average high temperature reduces slightly to 28.8°C (83.8°F) in
April and 28.3°C (82.9°F) in May from 29.1°C (84.4°F) in March. The rainfall also decreases, sliding from 245mm (9.65") in March to 164mm (6.46") in May.
Average daylight hours decline from 12.2 in March to 11.5 in May and coincide with reducing hours of sunshine, dropping from 9.1 hours in March to 5.5 hours in May. As the season progresses, wind speeds also increase, amplified from an average of 19 Kph in March to 25.6 Kph in May.
Summer weather in Sola
The months of
June,
July, and
August in
Sola come with lower rainfall, reduced daylight hours, and dropping sea temperatures. Average high temperatures for these months peak at 27.8°C (82°F) in June and dip to 26.9°C (80.4°F) in August. Rainfall hits its lowest levels between 104mm (4.09") and 100mm (3.94").
Daylight hours stay relatively constant, hovering between 11.4 hours in July and 11.7 hours in August. A similar pattern is observed for sunshine hours, which range around 4.9 to 5.1 hours. The wind speeds see a noticeable increase during these months, heightening to 28.6 Kph in June and peaking at 32 Kph in July.
Autumn weather in Sola
In the autumn months of
September,
October, and
November,
Sola sees a slight increase in rainfall, sunshine, and high temperature, as the drier season comes to an end. Rainfall rises from 94mm (3.7") in September to 147mm (5.79") in November. The average high temperatures climb from 27.2°C (81°F) to 28°C (82.4°F) during these months.
Daylight hours also increase, extending from 12 hours in September to 12.8 hours in November. Similarly, the amount of sunshine sees an increment, stretching from 6.3 hours in September to 8.4 hours in November. However, wind speeds decline, diminishing from 30.2km/h (18.8mph) in September to 23.2km/h (14.4mph) in November.
Winter weather in Sola
The winter months in
Sola, encompassing
December,
January, and
February, come with higher rainfall, lower sunshine hours, and fairly consistent temperatures. Average high temperatures during this period hover between 28.5°C (83.3°F) and 29.1°C (84.4°F), while rainfall figures surge, ranging from 192mm (7.56") in December to 244mm (9.61") in February.
Daylight hours are relatively consistent, standing between 12.8 hours in December and 12.6 hours in February. Sunshine hours drop to a range of 9.6 hours in December to 9.1 hours in February. The wind speeds during these months remain constant, settling between 19km/h (11.8mph) and 20.5km/h (12.7mph).
Weather in January
In
Sola,
Vanuatu,
January experiences the height of the wet season. The city records its highest rainfall at 244mm (9.61"). Heat and humidity are constants, with high humidity levels contributing to occasional dense fog. This high combination of heat and moisture makes for a steamy start to the year.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Weather conditions in
February echo those of
January: high humidity, warm temperatures, and frequent precipitation. Temperature fluctuations between January and February are minimal, indicating a stable weather pattern. The highest wind speed of the year, at 21.4km/h (13.3mph), is recorded in this month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
March, the weather in
Sola remains fairly consistent with its preceding months, characterized by warm and wet conditions. Amid these stable patterns, the UV index peaks at its highest mark for the year, hitting 7. Visitors must remember to apply ample sunscreen.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
By
April, rainfall starts to decrease gradually, but humidity levels remain high. The city enters a transition period as daily hours of sunshine plunge to their second-lowest annual point of 6.8 hours. Despite the decline, the city's vibrant flora thrives, enhancing its tropical appeal.
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
May,
Sola witnesses a noticeable decline in rainfall, transitioning from the wetter early months of the year. Correspondingly, the wind speed surges to a brisk 25.6km/h (15.9mph). The resulting breezes provide a welcome relief from the humidity and heat.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June signifies the advent of heightened wind speeds. Wind speeds peak to their highest annual point, reaching 28.6km/h (17.8mph), hinting to the onset of the drier weather conditions. By this time, the heavy rains of the wet season are firmly in the past.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
By
July, perpetual winds continue to define the local weather patterns, with an annual high of 32km/h (19.9mph). The dry season is in full swing and temperatures are comfortably warm, rather than oppressively hot. Visitors who prefer consistent winds, lower rainfall, and cooler nights may find this month attractive.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August is
Sola's driest month, with only 100mm (3.94") of rain received. Surprisingly, humid conditions persist during this month. Despite low rainfall, the tropical setting doesn't lack greenery. Locals and tourists enjoy clear days and lower temperatures during this period.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September,
Sola starts to see an upturn in rainfall and the strong winds continue. While weather patterns show subtle signs of transitioning, temperatures remain relatively constant. The scenery morphs subtly, with robust foliage accentuating the vibrant tropical setting.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October, in
Sola, marks a phase of warmer days and increasing rainfall. Concomitantly, daylight hours extend to 12 hours, but the UV index begins to recede from its peak. Despite frequent rainfall, mountainous treks are popular, due to the land recovering its lush green vista.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November weather exudes a mix of warmth, extended daylight hours and accumulated moisture. A significant increase in rainfall, with precipitation amounting to 147mm (5.79"), suggests the return of the wet season. November offers a scenic transition with the landscape exhibiting richer hues of green.
Weather in November » Weather in December
In
December,
Sola faces a surge in humidity levels and warmer days. Yet, despite the warmth, pressure variations settle at 1007.7mb, the lowest yearly. Prevalent lush greenery and high sea temperatures make for a fantastic end to the year.
Weather in December » [Resources]