What to Do on a Rainy Day in Tonga
Has the tropical weather caught up with you? It’s not always sunny skies in Tonga but if it’s raining today, then chances are that it won’t be tomorrow or even this afternoon – the weather changes quickly and often in the islands of the South Pacific. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for something to do indoors or that’s still appropriate to do in rainy weather, then we’ve put together some ideas for things to do in Tonga on a rainy day in the list below!
1. Do a Cultural Tour
Stay out of the rain and learn about the Tongan culture on one of Tonga’s cultural tours. Ancient Tonga in Tongatapu offers interactive culture tours where you’ll learn about the food, crafts and medicine of Tonga on a two-hour tour under the cover of their fale. Find out more about Ancient Tonga on Viator and Tripadvisor. Similar experiences that can also be indoors are handicraft lessons, which we list in Where to Learn Tongan Handicrafts.
(c) tongapocketguide.com2. Visit a Local Market
Markets, such as Talamahu Market in Nuku’alofa and ‘Utakalongalu Market in Neiafu are undercover making for a dry yet enjoyable way to spend some time out of the rain. Browse an array of impressive handicrafts, from woven baskets to tapa-cloth bags and more. You can also pick up some fresh locally-grown produce for a healthy snack. Learn more about the markets to visit in the 10 Best Markets in Tonga TTD359.
(c) tongapocketguide.com3. Visit a Cave
Did you know that Tonga has an indoor swimming pool? It’s ‘Anahulu Cave in Tongatapu, a natural limestone cave with a freshwater pool ideal for swimming. You won’t even realise it’s raining when you’re exploring this beautiful cave. There is also the Veimumuni Cave in Vava’u, which is much smaller but also has a freshwater pool for a dip with a cave roof over your head. Learn more about Tonga’s caves in the 10 Incredible Caves in Tonga.
(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism4. Have a Spa Day
Rainy days are a good time to relax with an indoor activity, such as a massage or a yoga session under a sheltered pavilion. There are several day spas in Nuku’alofa to keep you occupied, while some of Tonga’s island resorts have massage fales to keep you dry when the wet weather hits. Find out more in the 6 Best Spas in Tonga.
(c) Pixabay5. Try the Local Cuisine
You can always wait out the rain by enjoying a long breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner at one of the local restaurants. While there are plenty of international cuisines to be had at Tonga’s restaurants, we recommend having a look for some of the Tongan dishes on the menu, such as ota ika or lu pulu. Check out the 6 Unique Foods in Tonga You Have to Try for more ideas.
(c) tongapocketguide.com6. Go to a Church Service (on Sunday)
If it happens to be raining at around 10am on a Sunday, then it’s a good excuse to check out a local church service. Going to church is an integral part of the Tongan culture, where locals sing beautifully throughout the service. Check out some of the churches you could be going to in the 10 Best Churches in Tonga for Tourists.
(c) tongapocketguide.com7. Do Some Snorkelling…
With the idea that you’re going to get wet anyway, why not go snorkelling? The sea temperatures in Tonga are warm all year round, making the ocean often feel warmer than getting rained on. Many waterfront accommodations in Tonga have good snorkelling – but we list the best ones in the 10 Best Resorts for Snorkelling in Tonga. If the water conditions are safe, there are also snorkelling boat tours available in the rain, such as the ones we list in the 10 Best Snorkelling Tours in Tonga.
(c) Pixabay8. … Or Some Scuba Diving…
The rain tends to bother you less when you’re deep in the ocean. As long as sea conditions are safe enough, scuba diving companies will still operate in the rain, which you’ll hardly notice as you explore Tonga’s amazing underwater world of coral gardens teeming with life. Check out The Guide to Scuba Diving in Tonga to start planning your dive.
(c) Pixabay9. … Or Even Swim with Whales
The rain doesn’t stop the whales from frolicking in Tonga’s waters, so why should it stop you?! Unless, well, if the sea conditions are too rough to enjoy swimming safely, then tours will not operate. But as long as it’s just rain pouring, then whale swimming tours will still go ahead so that you can enjoy this life-changing experience of swimming with gentle giants. Learn more in The Guide to Whale Swimming in Tonga.
(c) tongapocketguide.com10. Plan the Next Part of Your Trip on Tonga Pocket Guide
Well, if none of the above ideas are any good for you, then at least you can plan for the next few days of your time in Tonga with Tonga Pocket Guide! We literally have hundreds of articles to help you plan your trip, so find some WiFi using this guide or get yourself some phone data using this guide and plan the next part of your trip right here!
(c) PixabayMore Things to Do in Tonga on a Rainy Day
