What is the Weather Like in Niue in October?
Dubbed the “shoulder season”, October marks the transition between the dry and the wet season in Niue. This means that the weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, but the rain is still mostly absent. For travellers on a budget, it also means that flights and accommodation start getting cheaper with shoulder season deals. All travellers will also appreciate how quiet Niue is in October with half-empty accommodation and tours. Not that there are exactly huge crowds in the high season either, to be fair. In this guide of Niue weather in October, we’ll go over what temperatures, UV levels and rainfall you can expect, as well as a bunch of our tips along the way.
Before we dive into this guide to the Niue weather in October, 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.
5 Tips for Travelling Niue in October
- In October, the tourist season is really getting to a close. As such, you will have more flexibility when it comes to booking your trip last minute. We recommend booking your trip two weeks (or more) in advance
- Around the 19th/20th October, Niue celebrates Constitution Day which is a two-day (sometimes three) public holiday. Between the 26th and the 28th of October, Niue also celebrates Peniamina Gospel Day which is a one-day public holiday. If your trip falls during those days, plan a self-driven tour and a meal in your hotel as most businesses will be closed
- The UV levels are back at their maximum in Niue in October, so be sunscreen-ready at all times!
- The whale swimming season is coming to an end in October so travel early in the month if that’s on your bucket list
- The weather can change quickly in October, so pack a rain jacket in case of showers.
Typical Temperatures in October
October sees a clear warm-up from the previous months, marking the end of the dry season and the beginning of the wet season. This makes October a wonderful month to visit Niue, as the weather is not too hot or humid as it is in the height of the wet season. The temperatures in Niue will average 27°C / 81°F during the day in October and will cool down to an average of 21°C / 70°F at night.
Temperatures in Alofi
- Average maximum temperature: 26°C / 79°F
- Average minimum temperature: 21°C / 70°F
Sea Temperature in October
Although the land temperature is rising, expect the average sea temperature in Niue in October to stay pretty similar to the previous month. The waters will only warm up later in the wet season. But don’t worry, the waters of the island are still very warm with the average sea temperatures in October is 25°C / 77°F.
Hours of Sun in October
As the dry season comes to an end, the days in October in Niue are getting longer and sunnier. This is the contradiction that gets most travellers confused. Yes, the wet season brings longer days and more sun hours to most South Pacific islands – not just rain, rain and more rain! October will offer you plenty of daylight to make the most of your time in paradise, as well as enough bright sun hours to give you this golden glow that screams: “I just came back from holiday!” Expect the average day in October to last 13 hours and have about 4 hours of bright sunshine around midday.
UV Levels During October
The UV levels in Niue in October are back to their highest with an average of 12 on the UV index. Those extreme levels usually last from October to March and warrant caution when it comes to sun exposure. Sunhat, sunglasses and, most importantly, sunscreen are a must. For the kids or travellers with paler skins, we recommend investing in UV protecting clothing.
We’ve got a list of reef-safe sunscreen ready for you if you are looking to protect your skins and the stunning underwater world of Niue. For the kids, we have a list of sunscreens specially designed for their younger skin.
Sunrise and Sunset During October
The average amount of daylight in October in Niue is 13 hours.
- Sunrise: 6.00am at the beginning of January and 5.40am at the end of October
- Sunset: 6.20pm at the beginning of January and 6.30pm at the end of October
Rainfall in October
It is when it comes to precipitation that October shows all its strengths as a great time to visit Niue. Being the transition from the dry to the wet season, October benefits from longer days and warmer weather but does not get much rain. In fact, it has a lower precipitation average than August and September (the middle of the dry season). Around the end of the month, however, precipitation is on the rise.
The average rainfall in Niue in October is 121mm / 4.8” spread over only 4 days. It means that on average only 4 days out of October see some rain.
Rainfall in Alofi
- Average rainfall in October: 120mm / 3.7″
- Average rain days: 4
Tropical Storms in October
The cyclone season in Niue runs from November to April. Therefore, Niue has a very low risk of cyclone in October. Although there have been no major cyclones in Niue in recent years, the island is prone to tropical storms and cyclones in specific conditions and when the temperatures exceed 27°C / 80°F.
The island nation is well prepared for this kind of natural event, as it has shown during cyclone Heta in 2004 where casualties were extremely low. Should there be any warning issued during your stay, your accommodation or tour staff will escort you to safe zones in higher ground and issue instructions. See How to Prepare for a Cyclone in Niue for more information.
Best Things to Do in October
With the tail end of the busy season over, October leaves travellers with more options, fewer crowds and often, lower prices. That’s quite a good combo if you ask us! October also sees the end of the whale watching and swimming season so if you are planning a trip to Niue for this unique experience, try to get there in early October. Here are a few more recommendations for things to do in October.
Road Trip – Hop into one of the many rental cars available in Niue and head to one of the dozens of hidden gems. From chasms to forests or even the outdoor Hikulagi Sculpture Park, there are heaps to discover around Niue. We also suggest stopping for lunch in one of the local restaurants for a real taste of Pacific cuisine!
Whale Watching – Hands down the most memorable experience in Niue, whale watching and whale swimming is still available in Niue in October. Although the season closes mid-way through the month, this should give you plenty of time to jump in and swim next to some of the largest animals on the planet!
Snorkelling – It is getting hotter in October, which means that you’ve got to find ways to cool down! Cocktails, admittedly, are a great solution, but snorkelling is better – trust us! With rock pools and vibrant sea life, you will be amazed by what is hidden just under the ocean’s surface. You can usually hire snorkelling gear directly from your accommodation or jump on a tour to be shown the best snorkelling spots.
October Packing List for Niue
Nobody likes to forget things. Don’t fret, we’ve got your back with this must-pack list for Niue in October:
- Sunscreen (high-factor protection)
- Insect repellent
- Rain jacket (just in case)
- Light clothing layer (for sun and mosquito protection)
- Light long-sleeved top (for both sun protection and for those cooler evening cocktail dates)
- Light pants/trousers
- Sunhat/sunglasses/swimwear (and whatever else you need in your “summer holiday kit”)
- Flip-flops/sandals
- Sarong or other light clothing to wear over your swimwear when passing through villages.
Want a list that’s longer and more complete? Check out our ultimate Niue packing list so you just have to tick down the boxes and hop on the plane.
More About the Niue Weather
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.