Tokelau Weather & Climate: Monthly Averages

Tokelau has a tropical rainforest climate with very consistent temperatures year-round. The average maximum daytime temperature is almost always around 31°C (88°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to about 25°C (77°F). Trade winds often provide a pleasant breeze on Tokelau.

Rainfall and Weather Patterns

Annual precipitation is high, averaging around 3000 mm (118 in) of rain. The weather is quite unpredictable, with clear blue skies quickly turning into thick rain clouds, sometimes leading to heavy downpours within half an hour or even faster. The wettest days can see as much as 70 mm (2.8 in) to 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain. The likelihood of heavy showers is greater from October through March. After that, the chance of prolonged rain and intense showers decreases.

Climate Vulnerability

Tokelau, consisting of three atolls, is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and is an overseas territory of New Zealand. Due to its low elevation, the archipelago is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Rising sea levels threaten Tokelau’s survival, and the combination of sinking islands with increasingly frequent storms makes it especially at risk.

Best Time to Visit Tokelau

The best time to visit Tokelau is from mid-May through October, which is the drier season and also falls outside of the hurricane season. Hurricane season begins in November and lasts until mid-May, during which there is a risk of tropical cyclones forming over the warm seawater. Tokelau lies within the path of passing cyclones.