A Guide to the Weather and Climate in Niue
With year-round sunshine and warm temperatures, Niue rarely disappoints. But just because it is sunny does not mean that the capricious Pacific weather is not capable to make its powers known with little-to-no warning. In this complete guide to the weather, climate and seasons in Niue, discover the yearly climate of the island, as well as what the weather is like month-by-month.
Before we begin, make sure you dress for the weather by following the advice in What to Wear in Niue: Clothes Packing List.
The Seasons in Niue
Niue takes a simple approach to the seasons, it’s either the dry season or the wet season.
- Dry/Winter season: May to October
- Wet/Summer season: November to April
“Winter” in Niue is the dry season when the weather is cooler and the showers less frequent. But don’t be fooled, the temperatures are still nice and warm. Note that Niue still experiences rain even during the “dry” season. Similarly, it does not rain every day during the “wet” season.
“Summer” in Niue is the wet season. Expect a hot and humid climate with frequent short showers. It is still a great time to visit Niue as the water temperatures are high and accommodation and flight prices are as low as it gets.
Niue Year-Round Weather: What is the Annual Climate?
© NiuePocketGuide.comThe Temperature in Niue
Niue experiences warm temperatures all year round due to its position just north of the Tropic of Capricorn. The country is so small (261.5 km²/100.9 mi²) that the entire island tends to experience the same temperature. The main difference in temperatures, however, is those felt between the dry season (winter) and the wet season (summer).
During the dry season, daytime temperatures average 25°C (79°F) while at nighttime they are around 21°C (70°F).
During the wet season, daytime temperatures average 29°C (84°F) while at nighttime they are around 24°C (75°F).
Some of the hottest temperatures experienced in the wet season can exceed 35°C (95°F), while some of the coldest can occur in the dry season dropping under 15°C (59°F) at night.
Niue Year-Round Temperature: What is the Average Temperature in Niue?
The average maximum temperature in Niue is 26°C (79°F), while the minimum average is 22°C (72°F).
Scroll down for temperature listings for each month in Niue.
© NiuePocketGuide.comSea Temperature in Niue
The temperature of the sea in Niue is comfortable for swimming all year round with an average yearly sea temperature of 26.5°C (79.7°F).
The highest sea temperatures tend to be experienced during the wet season with the average temperature being 28°C (82°F) between January and April.
The lowest sea temperatures only go down to around 25°C (77°F) during the dry season between July and October.
Again, average sea temperatures month-by-month can be seen in our monthly weather guides linked below.
© NiuePocketGuide.comRainfall in Niue
Don’t be fooled by the labels “dry” and “wet” season. Rainfall can occur all year round in Niue. The yearly average rainfall amounts to 2,180 mm (86 in), but it can vary from 810 mm to 3,300 mm (32-130 in).
As the name suggests, the wet season is when maximum precipitation occurs with around 250 to 300 mm (10 to 12 in) falling per month between January and March.
In the dry season, Niue still gets a share of rainy spells with an average of 80 to 100 mm (3 to 4 in) precipitation per month between June and September.
Due to Niue’s maritime climate and flat terrain, rain spells come in quick, heavy and often short bursts over the island.
© NiuePocketGuide.comDaylight and Sunshine Hours in Niue
Niue experiences long days all year round with daylight hours spanning 13 hours per day from October to April. In the dry season months, this only drops down to 11 hours with the shortest days being in June.
With the long days comes plenty of sunshine. The most sunshine hours are experienced between October and April, averaging at 7.6 hours per day.
The month with the highest sunshine hours is typically December at around 8.5 hours, while the month with the least is June with around 5.2 hours.
© PixabaySevere Weather Events
Tropical cyclones that develop in the South Pacific have a risk of affecting Niue. The cyclone season in Niue and the South Pacific starts in November and ends in April, i.e. during the wet season. The peak months for cyclone risk are the months of December, January and February. There is also a higher risk of cyclone activity during an El Nino year.
Niue has a history of cyclone activity. The worst recorded cyclone was Category 5 Cyclone Heta in January 2004. Other cyclones that have impacted Niue, although to a much lesser extent, include Cyclones Sina, ‘Ofa and Tusi.
Niue is well-prepared with emergency procedures should a cyclone occur, which you can learn more about in How to Prepare for a Cyclone in Niue.
Niue Weather by Month
© NiuePocketGuide.comJanuary Weather in Niue
Hot and humid, January is a real tropical month in Niue. You can expect warm rainfall with little warning. On the bright side, it is one of the quietest tourist months so you may get the island all to yourself! Try to time your trip with the New Year’s celebrations of Takai. Plus, check out How to Spend the New Year in Niue.
Average temperature: 29°C / 84°F in the day, 24°C / 75°F at night
Average sea temperature: 28°C / 82°F
Average rainfall: 276 mm / 10.9 in
Daylight hours: 13 hours
For more in-depth information, see our guide to the Niue Weather in January.
© NiuePocketGuide.comFebruary Weather in Niue
Another hot and rainy month, February is at least one of the cheapest months to travel to Niue. Luckily, the rainfall during the month is often short-lived, letting you make the most of your trip to Niue. Nevertheless, if you get caught in the rain, you still have the 10 Things to Do in Niue on a Rainy Day. Note that there is the possibility of the kaloama season starting in February.
Average temperature: 29°C / 84°F in the day, 24°C / 75°F at night
Average sea temperature: 28°C / 82°F
Average rainfall: 250 mm / 9.8 in
Daylight hours: 13 hours
For more in-depth information, see our guide to the Niue Weather in February.
(c) niuepocketguide.comMarch Weather in Niue
The height of the wet season brings a lot of rain but also a lot of sun hours and high UV levels. The paradox is the perfect tropical mix for the most adventurous travellers that are also looking for heavily discounted flights. Be aware that the kaloama/goatfish season may get started in March if not during the month before.
Average temperature: 29°C / 84°F in the day, 23°C / 73°F at night
Average sea temperature: 28°C / 82°F
Average rainfall: 322 mm / 12.7 in
Daylight hours: 13 hours
For more in-depth information, see our full guide to the Niue Weather in March.
(c) niuepocketguide.comApril Weather in Niue
The last month of the wet season is your last chance to grab a bargain before the tourist season kicks into gear. The water temperatures are slowly rising as well, helping you enjoy even more the stunning underwater worlds that Niue has to offer. See more benefits of the shoulder season in the 10 Reasons to Travel in the Low Season in Niue. Note that the Easter holidays also tend to fall during this month.
Average temperature: 28°C / 82°F in the day, 22°C / 72°F at night
Average sea temperature: 28°C / 82°F
Average rainfall: 246 mm / 9.7 in
Daylight hours: 13 hours
For more in-depth information, see our guide to the Niue Weather in April.
(c) niuepocketguide.comMay Weather in Niue
With significantly less rain than the previous month, May kickstarts the dry season and with that, sees Niue starting to welcome a higher amount of visitors. The Village Show Day season is also in full swing until the end of the year.
Average temperature: 27°C / 81°F in the day, 22°C / 72°F at night
Average sea temperature: 27°C / 81°F
Average rainfall: 195 mm / 7.7 in
Daylight hours: 12 hours
For more in-depth information, see our full guide on the Niue Weather in May.
(c) Niue TourismJune Weather in Niue
The water temperatures are at their highest in June. Rainfall still happens but, usually, the rainy spells are short and the hot weather will dry you before you even have time to unpack your rainjacket. By the way, see what to pack in The Complete Packing List for Niue.
Average temperature: 26°C / 79°F in the day, 21°C / 70°F at night
Average sea temperature: 26°C / 79°F
Average rainfall: 120 mm / 4.7 in
Daylight hours: 11 hours
For more in-depth information, see our full guide to the Niue Weather in June.
(c) niuepocketguide.comJuly Weather in Niue
July is the heart of the tourist season in Niue with great weather and some of the lowest rainfall of the year. It’s also the beginning of the whale season in Niue, while also being in the heart of the Village Show Day festivities.
Average temperature: 25°C / 77°F in the day, 20°C / 68°F at night
Average sea temperature: 25°C / 77°F
Average rainfall: 87 mm / 3.4 in
Daylight hours: 11 hours
For more in-depth information, see the guide to the Niue Weather in July.
(c) niuepocketguide.comAugust Weather in Niue
Warm and dry, August is a popular month to travel to Niue. When New Zealand and Australia are experiencing their coldest month, the masses flock to Niue to escape the cold. See if this is the best time for you to visit the island in The Best Time to Visit Niue.
Average temperature: 25°C / 77°F in the day, 20°C / 68°F at night
Average sea temperature: 25°C / 77°F
Average rainfall: 124 mm / 4.9 in
Daylight hours: 11 hours
For more in-depth information, see the full guide to the Niue Weather in August.
© NiuePocketGuide.comSeptember Weather in Niue
With longer daylight hours, September is a wise choice for travellers to head to Niue with a lower amount of tourists and more time to explore the country each day. As for events, you may be lucky to coincide your trip with a Village Show Day or Marine Day.
Average temperature: 26°C / 79°F in the day, 20°C / 68°F at night
Average sea temperature: 25°C / 77°F
Average rainfall: 138 mm / 5.4 in
Daylight hours: 12 hours
For more in-depth information, see our guide to the Niue Weather in September.
(c) niuepocketguide.comOctober Weather in Niue
The last month of “winter” in Niue, October wraps up the dry season and generally offers slightly cheaper travel prices than the previous months. The whales have usually gone by the end of October but at least you have the celebrations of Consitution Day and Peniamina Gospel Day to look forward to.
Average temperature: 27°C / 81°F in the day, 21°C / 70°F at night
Average sea temperature: 25°C / 77°F
Average rainfall: 121 mm / 4.8 in
Daylight hours: 13 hours
For more in-depth information, see the complete guide to the Niue Weather in October.
© NiuePocketGuide.comNovember Weather in Niue
November is the first month of the wet season in Niue where temperatures are on the rise but so is precipitation. Since it’s what many class as more “unfavourable” weather, flight demand decreases and prices get much lower. In other words, it is a favourite time to visit Niue amongst savvy travellers! Some of the last Village Show Days of the year happen in November.
Average temperature: 27°C / 81°F in the day, 22°C / 72°F at night
Average sea temperature: 26°C / 79°F
Average rainfall: 156 mm / 6.1 in
Daylight hours: 13 hours
For more in-depth information, see the full guide to the Niue Weather in November.
(c) niuepocketguide.comDecember Weather in Niue
Aside from the obviously busy last couple of weeks, December in Niue is relatively quiet. The weather is hot and humid and makes for a real tropical experience. Check out How to Spend Christmas in Niue if you plan on spending the holidays here.
Average temperature: 28°C / 82°F in the day, 23°C / 81°F at night
Average sea temperature: 26°C / 79°F
Average rainfall: 161 mm / 6.3 in
Daylight hours: 13 hours
For more in-depth information, see our complete guide to the Niue Weather in December.
© NiuePocketGuide.comFrequently Asked Questions About the Weather in Niue
Finally, here are some of the most common questions about the weather in Niue by travellers across the internet.
What is the Weather Usually Like in Niue?
The weather in Niue is usually tropical with its fair share of sunshine and heat (22-26°C/72-79°F), as well as showers. Humidity and UV levels are high during the wet season between November and April.
What Type of Climate Does Niue Have?
The type of climate Niue has is a tropical climate.
What are the Seasons in Niue?
The dry/winter season in Niue is from May to October and the wet/summer season in Niue is from November to April.
Does Niue Have a Rainy Season?
Yes, Niue has a rainy season from November to April. However, it can still rain outside of the rainy season.
What is the Hottest Temperature in Niue?
The hottest temperatures in Niue can exceed 35°C (95°F) during the wet season.
What is the Coldest Temperature in Niue?
Some of the coldest temperatures in Niue can occur in the dry season dropping under 15°C (59°F) at night.
What is the Prevailing Wind of Niue?
The prevailing wind in the dry season (May to October) is southeast, while northeasterly winds usually prevail in the wet season (November to April).
Does Niue Have Snow?
No, Niue does not have snow.
More About the Weather in Niue
That’s it for our Niue weather-by-month guide, but you might like some of our other guides concerning the weather:
- The Best Time to Visit Niue
- The Best Time to Swim with Whales in Niue
- The Best Time for Fishing in Niue
You might also find The Complete Travel Guide to Niue pretty useful, as well as the 31 Tips for Travelling in Niue.
