Niue Weather in August

What is the Weather Like in Niue in August?

The main reason why August is the most popular month to travel to Niue is the weather. Sitting in the middle of the dry season, August benefits from hot days, very few showers (compared to the rest of the year) and less intense UV levels. The warm sea temperatures complement the hot-but-not-humid weather for a perfect South Pacific experience. Although seen as “Niue’s most popular month,” the crowds are still extremely moderate since only the savviest of travellers (yes, that’s you!) are aware Niue even exists! As far as busy seasons go, Niue is where it’s at!

In this guide to Niue weather in August, we will cover everything you need to know, from temperatures to rainfall. But before that, be sure to bookmark Niue Weather by Month: What is the Weather Like in Niue? and The Best Time to Visit Niue for more climate advice.

6 Tips for Travelling Niue in August

Despite the UV index being lower in August than during other times of the year, sunscreen is still a must whenever you’re outdoors
Don’t plan your trip at the last minute! August is the height of the tourist season in Niue, so we recommend booking your trip well in advance
Be prepared for a few short showers here and there. Yes, the weather is on its best behaviour in August, but it is still a tropical island
Check the Niue Tourism Events Page to see if a Village Show Day celebration is happening during your stay where you’ll get an amazing insight into the Niuean culture
Although the temperatures do not drop too much at night, it still feels much cooler in the evening than in the day. For this reason, consider packing a light jacket so you fully enjoy your evening cocktails by the pool
Whatever the season, look out for rough sea warnings issued by the Niue Met Service and National Disaster Management Office via radio or their Facebook Pages; these are usually days to avoid swimming.

Typical Temperatures in August

The August temperatures in Niue are extremely similar to the ones you can experience in July. Both months are the heart of the dry season and offer hot but not-too-humid days with slightly cooler nights. As such, the sea temperatures are also very pleasant offering a wealth of options for travellers both on land and in the water. In August, the average maximum temperatures are around 25°C / 77°F and the night temperatures are averaging 20°C / 68°F.

Temperatures in Alofi

Average maximum temperature: 25°C / 77°F
Average temperature: 23°C / 73°F
Average minimum temperature: 20°C / 68°F

Sea Temperature in August

The average sea temperature is 25°C / 77°F. That’s the same as the average land temperature in Niue in August. Snorkellers will have an absolute blast in the water and scuba divers will be torn between what they enjoyed most, the dive or the boat trip!

Hours of Sun in August

August is one of the best months for your skin in Niue. It benefits from plenty of daylight during the day with an average of 11 hours of daylight. But that’s not all, Niue also benefits from the lowest amount of bright sunshine with a low average of 3 hours per day. This means that although it will still be hot and tropical, it won’t feel scorching hot. The youngest travellers will be able to cope much easier with the heat and fully enjoy their trip. However, this does not mean that you can forget about your sunscreen – it is still a must!

UV Levels During August

After a couple of months of lower UV levels, they are on the rise again in August with an average of 9 on the UV index. Although quite far off from the extreme levels experienced in the wet season, travellers are still advised to take precautions when it comes to the sun. Sunhats and regular application of sunscreen are highly advised.

If you are travelling with kids, keep in mind that their skins are more sensitive. Check out our list of the 5 Best Sunscreens for Kids in Niue. For everybody else, we’ve got a list of the 10 Best Eco-Friendly Sunscreens for Niue so the coral of the atoll stays as pristine as it is for generations to come.

Sunrise and Sunset During August

The average amount of daylight in August in Niue is 11 hours.

Sunrise: 6:50 am at the beginning of August and 6:30 am at the end of August
Sunset: 6:05 pm at the beginning of August and 6:10 pm at the end of August.

Rainfall in August

August takes the crown when it comes to rainy days in Niue. Although it receives more rain than June and July, it receives it within an average of only three days of the month! In short, only one day out of ten in August will experience rain.

So let’s talk worst-case scenario, if every rainy day falls within your August visit to Niue, you will still have more than half the week to enjoy amazing weather.

The average rainfall in Niue in August is 124 mm / 4.9 in spread over an average of 3 days.

Rainfall in Alofi

Average rainfall in August: 124 mm / 4.9 in
Average rain days: 3.

Tropical Storms in August

The tropical storm and cyclone season in Niue fall within the wet season which runs from November to April. Therefore, August is one of the safest months to travel to Niue as far as cyclones go.

If the local authorities happen to issue a warning, rely on your accommodation or tour staff to take you to an established safe zone and issue further instructions. Niueans are well-trained for these kinds of weather events.

For more on cyclone safety, head to the How to Prepare for a Cyclone in Niue.

The Best Things to Do in August

You can get just about anywhere around Niue in August and have an amazing time. The island presents itself at its best during this month in the dry season. For this reason, August is one of the most popular months to travel to Niue. Although Niue is not really crowded even in the height of the tourist season, travellers that want to get this “alone in the world” feeling may want to wake up a bit earlier, enjoy the cooler hours and beat the groups at the most popular spots.

Whale Watching and Swimming – Arguably the best month to swim with whales in Niue is August. We are entering the height of the whale season with many whales using the raised coral atoll as a warm spot to take care of their calves. Swimming with these gentle giants is a unique and humbling experience, to say the least. Check out our Guide to Whale Watching in Niue for more details.

Walks – With perfect weather on the horizon, there are tens of short walks around the island that will lead you to hidden gems. One of the best ways to go from one short walk to another is to hire a car for the day and select a few spots to visit. Try the Matapa Chasm walk or one of the many reef walks on the islands. We’ve got a whole section of our guide dedicated to walks and tracks around Niue, with plenty for you to choose from.

Golf – Did you know that Niue had its own 9-hole golf course? Well, now you do! If you want to tee off a round of golf while meeting the locals, head there on Saturday afternoon when the weekly tournament takes place. Everybody is welcome. Find out more in The Complete Guide to Golf in Niue.

If that’s enough, take a look at the 101 Things to Do in Niue: The Ultimate List.

August Packing List for Niue

The list below covers the essentials that you would hate to forget for your trip to Niue in August.

Light clothing layer (linen, bamboo or merino preferably so it is super light – we like the sustainable bamboo clothing of Moso Morrow)
Light long-sleeved tops (to cover from the sun and take the edge off those slightly cooler nights)
Light pants/trousers (to cover the knees when appropriate – at church services or to protect from mosquitoes on plantation/forest tours, for example)
Sunhat
Sunglasses
Swimwear
Rash vest (we like the UV-protecting Sharkskin rashies)
Closed walking shoes
Reef shoes
Sarong (paleu – to wear over your swimwear when passing through villages – see What are the Local Customs in Niue? for more information)
Insect repellent
High-factor sunscreen (that’s reef-safe and water-resistant).

If you are looking for a full packing list for Niue, we’ve got a Complete Niue Packing List ready for you as well.

More About the Weather in Niue in August

That’s it for our complete guide to the weather and climate in Niue in August. Check out the following articles for more weather advice:

Finally, enjoy a comprehensive guide to planning a trip to Niue in The Best Niue Travel Guide: Plan a Trip to Niue the EASY Way.

Author

Robin C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Niue Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. He is also consulting regularly with Niue Tourism to ensure content accuracy. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

Contact Robin via our contact page