The Weather in Tonga: Month-by-Month
When is the best month to visit Tonga? What celebrations are there and what are the seasonal activities? We go through all of that and more in this travelling Tonga month-by-month guide!
Tonga experiences a warm tropical climate all year round with only two distinct seasons. There’s also certain times of the year where the tourist numbers are at their peak along with the high airfares to match. So consider all the factors of weather, cost, crowds and what activities are available when choosing a month to visit Tonga. Learn more about what each month of the year is like in Tonga in the month-by-month guide below.
What are the Seasons in Tonga?
Tonga experiences two distinct seasons. We mention them extensively throughout this Tonga month-by-month guide.
The Wet Season (Summer)
Months: December, January February, March and April
The Dry Season (Winter)
Months: May, June, July, August, September, October and November
Find out more about the seasons in What are the Seasons in Tonga?
(c) PxhereJanuary
The year kicks off with hot and humid temperatures in Tonga. It’s the middle of the wet season and the cyclone season in the South Pacific, so be aware of cyclone warnings – see our Tonga cyclone guide. Otherwise, the country is vibrant with New Year and Chinese New Year (changeable) celebrations, particularly in the capital, Nuku’alofa.
January Weather in Tonga
Temperature: 30°C/86°F in the day, 23°C/74°F at night
Sea temperature: 28°C/82°F
Rainfall: 174mm/6.9″
For more in-depth information, see Tonga Weather in January.
Why Visit in January
- Check out how Tonga celebrates New Year
- Stay in a quiet boutique resort or eco-fale
- Airfares decrease around mid-January
(c) tongapocketguide.comFebruary
The wet season continues in Tonga, with some of the heaviest rainfall of the year experienced in February. Temperatures are also are their warmest and it’s extremely humid. At least the days are long with plenty of sunshine hours for those seeking some sun! Plus, water activities feel all the more refreshing at this time of the year!
February Weather in Tonga
Temperature: 31°C/88°F in the day, 24°C/75°F at night
Sea temperature: 28°C/83°F
Rainfall: 210mm/8.3″
For more in-depth information, see Tonga Weather in February.
Why Visit in February
- The water feels good for swimming, snorkelling, diving and more!
- Visit attractions where you’re likely to be the only one there
- Accommodations are known to do good deals, while airfares are also more affordable
(c) tongapocketguide.comMarch
March is wet, hot and humid, with still the slight risk of cyclones developing. The northern island groups, like Vava’u and The Niues, experience their highest rainfall and temperatures of the year, while Tonga’s middle islands, Ha’apai, are not close behind. When Easter falls in March, be sure to experience a mass with the passionate locals at one of the islands’ churches.
March Weather in Tonga
Temperature: 31°C/88°F in the day, 23°C/74°F at night
Sea temperature: 28°C/83°F
Rainfall: 206mm/8.1″
For more in-depth information, see Tonga Weather in March.
Why Visit in March
- Experience the beautiful singing of the locals at a church service around Easter
- Experience a tropical storm, which is usually short-lived by fun to watch!
- Enjoy the quiet time
(c) PixabayApril
April is the final month of the wet season, still bringing some “April showers”, but the shift into the dry season steadily happens throughout the month. Temperatures start to cool in the southern islands, such as on Tongatapu and ‘Eua. It’s also the last month of the cyclone season, but it’s still best to be aware of the weather warnings. Humidity levels fall too, making it easier to breathe!
April Weather in Tonga
Temperature: 30°C/86°F in the day, 22°C/69°F at night
Sea temperature: 28°C/82°F
Rainfall: 165mm/6.5″
For more in-depth information, see Tonga Weather in April.
Why Visit in April
- Holiday costs are still affordable
- Easter can fall into April, so experience Tonga’s singing and musicians in churches
- Tranquil island holidays are easy to find
(c) tongapocketguide.comMay
May is the official start to the dry season! Temperatures start to get cooler and the humidity drops. There are fewer rainy days but when it does rain, it’s usually heavy. The UV levels are also not as intense as in summer, averaging around 7 UV index at midday, but it’s still important to wear sunscreen.
May Weather in Tonga
Temperature: 30°C/86°F in the day, 20°C/68°F at night
Sea temperature: 27°C/80°F
Rainfall: 111mm/4.4″
For more in-depth information, see Tonga Weather in May.
Why Visit in May
- Experience the benefits of both the wet and dry season: warm, sunny but not too humid
- Airfares and accommodation still have some good deals
- The trade winds pick up for some fun sailing and windsurfing
(c) tongapocketguide.comJune
The dry season is really here with cooler and much drier days than what’s experienced in summer. June 4th is a public holiday, so don’t expect much to happen then, while the end of June is when the first humpback whales can be seen in Tonga’s waters. Sea temperatures are also dropping but it’s still warm enough for a comfortable swim or snorkelling session.
June Weather in Tonga
Temperature: 29°C/84°F in the day, 20°C/67°F at night
Sea temperature: 26°C/78°F
Rainfall: 95mm/3.7″
For more in-depth information, see Tonga Weather in June.
Why Visit in June
- The waters are clear for amazing snorkelling and scuba diving
- Catch the vibrant annual Heilala Festival at the end of June
- Experience a tranquil time at Tonga’s outer islands before the tourist crowds arrive
(c) tongapocketguide.comJuly
July is one of the most popular times to be in Tonga. It’s the start of the whale swimming season and the weather is becoming more and more appealing for those wishing to escape the cold winter of their own country. July 4th is a public holiday for the King’s birthday, which can also be experienced along with the end of the Heilala Festival.
July Weather in Tonga
Temperature: 29°C/84°F in the day, 18°C/65°F at night
Sea temperature: 25°C/76°F
Rainfall: 95mm/3.7″
For more in-depth information, see Tonga Weather in July.
Why Visit in July
- Get a taste for the Tongan culture at the Heilala Festival
- The whale season begins, making it possible to swim with whales
- It’s cool enough to enjoy activities like hiking, especially in ‘Eua, comfortably
(c) tongapocketguide.comAugust
August is one of Tonga’s coolest months, yet is still hot enough for travellers to enjoy a tropical and sunny getaway. However, you’ll be thankful for bringing a light jacket for the cooler evenings or when darting between the islands by boat. Whale swimming is also particularly awesome!
August Weather in Tonga
Temperature: 29°C/84°F in the day, 18°C/65°F at night
Sea temperature: 24°C/75°F
Rainfall: 117mm/4.6″
For more in-depth information, see Tonga Weather in August.
Why Visit in August
- Whale watching and swimming is available
- Snorkel or scuba dive in clear waters
- Beachcomb, see the sights and enjoy everything that The Kingdom of Tonga has to offer!
(c) PixabaySeptember
September is often considered one of the best months for travellers in terms of the weather and the activities available in Tonga. The weather is warm but not too hot, mostly dry with around 13 days of the month experiencing rain, and it’s the whale season. It’s typically a little drier in the islands of Vava’u than it is in Tongatapu.
September Weather in Tonga
Temperature: 29°C/84°F in the day, 19°C/66°F at night
Sea temperature: 24°C/75°F
Rainfall: 122mm/4.8″
For more in-depth information, see Tonga Weather in September.
Why Visit in September
- Check out the Vava’u Blue Water Festival for a big party with the yachties
- Swim with whales
- Fishing for marlin is particularly good at this time of the year
(c) PixabayOctober
Although the whale season comes to an end in October, it’s still idyllic weather for most travellers. Days are long and mostly dry, especially in the northern and middle islands of Vava’u and Ha’apai. The sea temperatures rise slightly, making it more comfortable for water activities than in previous months.
October Weather in Tonga
Temperature: 29°C/84°F in the day, 20°C/67°F at night
Sea temperature: 25°C/78°F
Rainfall: 128mm/5″
For more in-depth information, see Tonga Weather in October.
Why Visit in October
- Enjoy the dry weather with fewer tourists
- Catch some last sightings of whales from Tongatapu and ‘Eua
- Sailing, windsurfing, snorkelling, diving, fishing and hiking are all good at this time of the year
(c) tongapocketguide.comNovember
November is the month where the transition from the dry season to the wet season takes place in Tonga. Days are getting hotter, it’s starting to get more humid, and the rain becomes heavier towards the end of the month. Nevertheless, it’s the tourist low season and often considered one of the best seasons to experience good weather!
November Weather in Tonga
Temperature: 30°C/86°F in the day, 21°C/70°F at night
Sea temperature: 25°C/78°F
Rainfall: 123mm/4.8″
For more in-depth information, see Tonga Weather in November.
Why Visit in November
- See flying foxes becoming more active, especially around Tongatapu
- The fishing is at its best
- Often affordable rates for flights and accommodation
(c) tongapocketguide.comDecember
The wet season is well and truly here, where downpours are often heavy yet short. Be aware that travel schedules between the islands are often cancelled or rescheduled due to bad weather. It’s also the cyclone season, so be aware of the cyclone and weather warnings. There are plenty of public holidays throughout the month where the country shuts down, such as Christmas and New Year, as well as King Tupou I Commemoration Day on the 7th.
December Weather in Tonga
Temperature: 30°C/86°F in the day, 22°C/73°F at night
Sea temperature: 27°C/80°F
Rainfall: 175mm/6.9″
For more in-depth information, see Tonga Weather in December.
Why Visit in December
- See how Tongans celebrate Christmas
- Experience wonderful singing and a lively community atmosphere at one of the Christmas church masses
- It’s often a time that you can get off work to visit Tonga!
More About Travelling Tonga Month-by-Month
- What is the Weather Like in Tonga?
- The Complete Packing List for Tonga
- Best Time of the Year to Visit Tonga
That’s it for our month-by-month guide to Tonga. For itineraries to inspire you on where to visit, take a look at the following compilations: The Best Tonga Itineraries for 2 Weeks, The Best Tonga Itineraries for 1 Week, The Best Tonga Itineraries for 5 Days and The Best Tonga Itineraries for a Weekend.
