What is the Weather Like in Tonga in November?
November is the first month of the “wet season” in Tonga, but it isn’t as morbid as it sounds. In fact, many regular visitors consider November to be the best time to visit Tonga outside of the whale season due to its idyllic weather. Not only that, but the tourist crowds have gone, providing the financial and tranquil benefits of the low season. Find out more about the temperatures, rainfall and more in this guide to the weather in Tonga in November!
Before we jump into this weather guide for November, be sure to bookmark Tonga Weather by Month: What is the Weather Like in Tonga? for more advice.
5 Tips for Visiting Tonga in November
- Wanting to swim with whales? You’ve just missed the season! However, there are still cultural activities, snorkelling, scuba diving, historical sightseeing and beachcombing to enjoy across the islands
- November 4th is Tonga’s National Day, which celebrates the King of Tonga’s adoption of its constitution in 1875. It’s a public holiday so expect shops and services to be closed on this day
- Pack insect repellent, as the mosquito activity starts to pick up in November and the wet season – see 10 Ways to Avoid Mosquito Bites in Tonga for tips
- Look out for cheaper airfares and accommodation deals during this low tourist season
- The UV levels are high in November, so be sure to apply high-factor reef-safe sunscreen often!
© TongaPocketGuide.comTypical Temperatures in November
With the official start of the summer season in Tonga, there is a slightly noticeable difference in rising temperatures, especially in the islands of Vava’u and The Niuas. While the air temperatures are not too extreme, the humidity adds to that warm tropical feeling.
Maximum average temperatures in November are usually around 30°C / 86°F, while the minimum average is around 21°C / 70°F – usually at night.
Temperatures Across Tonga
- Tongatapu & Nuku’alofa – The average maximum temperature is 28°C / 82°F and the average minimum temperature is 21°C / 70°F
- Vava’u – The average maximum temperature is 29°C / 84°F and the average minimum temperature is 22°C / 72°F
- Ha’apai – The average maximum temperature is 28°C / 82°F and the average minimum temperature is 23°C / 73°F
- ‘Eua – The average maximum temperature is 28°C / 82°F and the average minimum temperature is 21°C / 70°F
- The Niuas – The average maximum temperature is 30°C / 86°F and the average minimum temperature is 23°C / 73°F.
Sea Temperature in November
Although Tonga has warm sea temperatures all year round, the average in November is around 25°C / 78°F.
© TongaPocketGuide.comHours of Sun in November
Regular visitors to Tonga often say that November has some of the most idyllic weather, with long days of around 13 daylight hours combined with substantial sunshine hours. Expect around 6 hours of bright sunshine each day!
UV Levels During November
The UV levels in November are the highest that Tonga experiences, making it essential to protect yourself from the sun. The UV level in November is typically 12 UV index around midday. Be sure to wear high-factor sunscreen and follow our advice in The Best Sunscreens for Tonga + Sun Protection Tips.
Sunrise and Sunset During November
October has daylight hours lasting around 13 hours a day in Tonga.
- Sunrise – 5:58 am at the beginning of November and 5:50 am at the end of November
- Sunset – 6:51 pm at the beginning of November and 7:08 pm at the end of November.
Learn more about the local time zone in What is the Tonga Time Zone?
© TongaPocketGuide.comRainfall in November
Although the wet season might have begun, November still experiences a minimal amount of rainfall days compared to the end of the year. Only an average of 12 days experiences rainfall in November. However, the amount of rainfall starts to increase with heavier showers.
Tonga receives an average of 123 mm / 4.8 in of rainfall in the month of November, with around 12 days out of November experiencing rain.
Average Rainfall Across Tonga
- Tongatapu & Nuku’alofa – The average rainfall in November is 123 mm / 4.8 in
- Vava’u – The average rainfall in November is 115 mm / 4.5 in
- Ha’apai – The average rainfall in November is 115 mm / 4.5 in
- ‘Eua – The average rainfall in November is 123 mm / 4.8 in
- The Niuas – The average rainfall in November is 230 mm / 9.1 in.
If you do find yourself caught in the rain, check out the 15 Things to Do in Tonga on a Rainy Day.
(c) tongapocketguide.comTropical Storms in November
The South Pacific cyclone season starts in November and ends in April. As the first month of the cyclone season, it’s a good idea to check cyclone alerts – learn more in How to Prepare for a Cyclone in Tonga.
Historically, cyclones have occurred in the South Pacific during November, such as Cyclone Sina. In November 1990, Cyclone Sina was a category 4 cyclone that brought down power cables and left the capital, Nuku’alofa, without power, as well as left minor damage to crops and weaker structures.
Otherwise, cyclones occurred in November of the years 1875, 1923, 1930 and 1964.
For other months that have a lower risk of cyclones in Tonga, consider travelling in June, July, August or September.
(c) tongapocketguide.comBest Places to Visit in Tonga in November
While there are no special events in Tonga in November, it’s a good time to visit some of the outer islands before the weather gets too unpredictable to make more secure overwater travel plans. A couple of amazing island groups worth visiting include…
Vava’u – While the tourist crowds have mostly disappeared, Vava’u is left with a peaceful ambience from the town of Neiafu to the idyllic islands surrounding the main hub. Relax at your boutique island accommodation, take a boat to amazing sea caves or try your luck on a sea fishing charter. Learn more about visiting Vava’u in The Complete Guide to Vava’u.
Ha’apai – The weather tends to be good and the crowds are virtually non-existent on the islands of Ha’apai during November. Snorkel among vibrant reefs, take long walks on sweeping sandy beaches, visit highlights like the Tofua volcano and bird sanctuary and much more. Check out more things to do in Ha’apai in The Complete Guide to Ha’apai.
© TongaPocketGuide.comNovember Packing List for Tonga
Be prepared for intense sun, heat, humidity and rain! Here are a few more recommendations for your November packing list…
- High-factor (and reef-safe) sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Light bamboo, linen or merino layers (we like the sustainable bamboo clothing of Moso Morrow)
- Light pants/skirt (mainly to cover the skin in areas where you need to dress more modestly)
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear
- Rash vest (we like the UV-protecting Sharkskin rashies)
- Sarong (lavalava)
- Flip-flops/sandals
- Closed walking shoes.
Get more packing ideas 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 November. Check out the following articles for more weather advice:
- Tonga Weather, Seasons & Climate + Tonga Weather by Month
- The Best Time to Visit Tonga
- The Top Events & Festivals in 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.
