What is the Weather Like in Tonga in February?
Travellers are often surprised by Tonga in February. Despite unappealing labels like “the wet season”, February still experiences many sunny days. With that, it’s also the tourist low season where visitors can certainly experience a more tranquil South Seas experience. On the other hand, February has a higher risk of rainfall and a slight risk of tropical storms and cyclones, which can be a deterrent to those who prefer to “play it safe” with the weather. Otherwise, February is one of Tonga’s hottest and most humid months, making popular water activities, like swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving, all the more refreshing. Find out more about the Tonga weather in February in the guide below.
Before we jump into this weather guide for February, be sure to bookmark Tonga Weather by Month: What is the Weather Like in Tonga? for more advice.
5 Tips for Visiting Tonga in February
- Allow extra time to travel between Tonga’s islands, as flights and ferries often get rescheduled due to bad weather
- Make sure you always wear high-factor (and reef-safe) sunscreen throughout the day
- Mosquitoes are more active during February, so pack insect repellent! Check out 10 Ways to Avoid Mosquito Bites in Tonga for tips
- February is Tonga’s low season, so look out for good deals on flights and accommodation!
- Also with the low season in mind, note that some tours and accommodations do not operate during February.
© TongaPocketGuide.comTypical Temperatures in February
Typically, February is the hottest and most humid month of the year in Tonga. February falls in the middle of the South Pacific summer season, otherwise known as the “wet season”. Temperatures in Tonga reach 31°C / 88°F at a maximum during February, while the lowest temperatures are around 24°C / 75°F – mostly experienced at night.
Temperatures Across Tonga
- Tongatapu & Nuku’alofa – The average maximum temperature is 30°C / 86°F and the minimum average temperature is 24°C / 75°F
- Vava’u – The average maximum temperature is 31°C / 88°F and the minimum average temperature is 24°C / 75°F
- Ha’apai – The average maximum temperature is 30°C / 86°F and the minimum average temperature is 24°C / 75°F
- ‘Eua – The average maximum temperature is 30°C / 86°F and the minimum average temperature is 24°C / 75°F
- The Niuas – The average maximum temperature is 31°C / 88°F and the minimum average temperature is 24°C / 75°F.
Sea Temperature in February
Tonga’s waters are warm all year round. February, however, is one of the months when sea temperatures are at their highest. Sea temperatures in Tonga are at an average of 28°C / 83°F in February.
© TongaPocketGuide.comHours of Sun in February
Long and mostly sunny days are experienced in Tonga during February. February has some of the longest days of the year, with 13 hours of daylight and an average of 6 hours of bright sunshine a day. So if you’re seeking the sun in Tonga, you’re sure to find plenty at this time of the year.
UV Levels During February
With UV levels at 12+ UV index at midday, it’s absolutely essential to protect yourself with high-factor sunscreen in Tonga during February. For advice on what sunscreen to wear, that’s safe for you and the reefs, see The Best Sunscreens for Tonga + Sun Protection Tips.
Sunrise and Sunset During February
February has daylight hours lasting about 13 hours a day in Tonga.
- Sunrise – 6:23 am at the beginning of February and 6:37 am at the end of February
- Sunset – 7:26 pm at the beginning of February and 7:09 pm at the end of February.
Learn more about the time zone in What is the Tonga Time Zone?
(c) tongapocketguide.comRainfall in February
That’s right, February is one of the “wettest” times of the year in Tonga. The average days of rainfall during this month is 19 days, however, this does tend to wildly change from year to year.
February is in the middle of the South Pacific “wet season”, where rainfall patterns tend to be short but heavy bursts of rain. Those travelling between islands will need to keep in mind that travel plans can often change due to the weather, which is more likely to be the case in February.
Tonga receives an average of 210 mm / 8.3 in of rainfall in the month of February, with around 19 days out of February experiencing rain.
Average Rainfall Across Tonga
- Tongatapu & Nuku’alofa – The average rainfall in February is 210 mm / 8.3 in
- Vava’u – The average rainfall in February is 195 mm / 7.7 in
- Ha’apai – The average rainfall in February is 195 mm / 7.7 in
- ‘Eua – The average rainfall in February is 210 mm / 8.3 in
- The Niuas – The average rainfall in February is 250 mm / 9.8 in.
(c) tongapocketguide.comTropical Storms in February
The South Pacific cyclone season starts in November and ends in April, where February is the month with the highest risk of tropical storms.
Historically, Tonga experienced its worst tropical cyclone since records began, Cyclone Gita, in February 2018. The cyclone destroyed some 120 homes and damaged around 1,130 buildings. Only two deaths were recorded relating to the cyclone, while three people suffered major injuries.
Also, in February 2016, Cyclone Winston caused significant structural and crop damage to the islands of Vava’u.
Records also show that Tonga was affected by a cyclone in February in the years 1839, 1874, 1882, 1891, 1903, 1913, 1928, 1933, 1936, 1937, 1941, 1945, 1947, 1956, 1969, Cyclone Ofa in 1990, Cyclone Vaianu in 2006 and Cyclone Jasmine in 2012.
For those wishing to avoid all risk of cyclones in Tonga, it’s best to avoid travelling in February. Nevertheless, those willing to take a slight risk can get tips on How to Prepare for a Cyclone in Tonga.
(c) tongapocketguide.comBest Places to Visit in Tonga in February
February is one of the quietest months in Tonga in terms of tourist numbers, partly due to the unappealing wet season and partly due to it being summer where many tourists come from. Nevertheless, those who travel in February can expect much of the place to themselves and locals – depending on where you stay. Here are a couple of February destination recommendations…
Tongatapu – With flights often being cancelled during February’s unpredictable weather, staying on Tonga’s arrival island, Tongatapu, ensures a more “predictable” getaway. The capital, Nuku’alofa, is a great place to be during the Chinese New Year, which is sometimes in February based on the Chinese lunar calendar. Learn more about Tongatapu in The Complete Guide to Tongatapu.
‘Eua – Only a 10-minute flight from Tongatapu, ‘Eua has a more successful schedule of flights and ferry services than other islands in Tonga (or, at least, rescheduling is less of a pain). The low season is the best time to experience Tonga’s oldest island and national park, where accommodation options are limited. Learn more about this destination in The Complete Guide to ‘Eua.
(c) tongapocketguide.comFebruary Packing List for Tonga
Pack right for February in Tonga by remembering these few essential items!
- High-factor reef-friendly sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Light bamboo, linen or merino layers (we like the sustainable bamboo clothing of Moso Morrow)
- Light long-sleeved tops (to cover from sun and mosquitoes)
- Light pants/trousers (to cover the knees when appropriate – church service, for example)
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- Rash vest (we like the UV-protecting Sharkskin rashies)
- Swimwear
- Closed walking shoes
- Flip-flops/jandals/sandals
- Sarong (lavalava)
Get more ideas for packing for Tonga with The Complete Packing List for Tonga.
More About the Tonga Weather
That’s it for our complete guide to the weather and climate in Tonga in February. Check out the following articles for more weather advice:
- 10 Reasons to Travel in the Low Season in Tonga
- Tonga Weather, Seasons & Climate + Tonga Weather by Month
- The Best Time to Visit Tonga
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Tonga and 31 Tips for Travelling in Tonga.
