Kwajalein Atoll Climate

Last updated: January 18, 2025

Kwajalein Atoll, located in the Marshall Islands, exemplifies the warm tropical climate classified as Af under the Köppen-Geiger system. With an average annual temperature of approximately 27°C (81°F), the atoll experiences relatively stable and warm conditions throughout the year. The minimum temperature reaches around 25°C (77°F) in December, while the maximum temperature peaks at 30°C (86°F) in October. This consistency in temperature contributes to a unique ecological and cultural environment, making Kwajalein an intriguing subject for climate studies.

Kwajalein Atoll temperature by month

Temperature patterns in Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, reveal a consistent warm climate year-round, characterized by minimal fluctuations. Throughout the year, the minimum temperature remains steady at approximately 25°C (77°F). The average temperature hovers around 27°C (81°F), providing a stable thermal environment conducive to tropical life. Monthly maxima tend to vary slightly, peaking at 30°C (86°F) in October, while generally remaining between 28°C (83°F) and 29°C (84°F) during other months. Notably, December occasionally sees a slight dip in average temperature, yet the overall warmth remains a hallmark of the region. This seasonal consistency underscores Kwajalein's tropical climate, fostering rich biodiversity and a unique cultural landscape.

Monthly Temperatures in Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands

The chart illustrates Kwajalein Atoll's temperature patterns throughout the year, with values aggregated from various locations across the region. It highlights seasonal variations and temperature changes across the months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec818181818181818181818182
Data source: Kwajalein Atoll temperature data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

In Ebaye, temperatures range from a minimum of 25°C (77°F) in December to a maximum of 30°C (86°F) in October, showcasing a warm tropical climate throughout the year. For more detailed information on monthly temperatures, you can visit monthly temperatures in Ebaye.

Precipitation Patterns in Kwajalein Atoll

Kwajalein Atoll experiences a distinctive precipitation pattern throughout the year, marked by a peak during the latter half of the annual cycle. Starting from January with 103 mm (4.1 in) of rainfall, amounts gradually increase, reaching a notable high in November at 317 mm (12.5 in). The rainy season intensifies from May onward, with significant monthly totals, particularly in September and October, where precipitation reaches 289 mm (11.4 in) and 307 mm (12.1 in), respectively. This rise in rainfall coincides with an increase in rainy days, peaking at 29 days in August, indicative of the region's humid tropical climate.

Precipitation in Kwajalein is characterized not only by its volume but also by frequency, with many months experiencing multiple rainy days. For instance, June and July witness approximately 25 to 26 rainy days, aligning with the summer months. This frequent rainfall not only sustains the lush tropical vegetation but also plays a critical role in the local ecosystem. The annual distribution of precipitation highlights the importance of seasonal variation in supporting biodiversity, making Kwajalein Atoll a dynamic environment for both flora and fauna.

Monthly Average Precipitation in Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands

The average monthly precipitation in Kwajalein Atoll, providing insights into seasonal rainfall patterns and the region's precipitation trends throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec103118166125278210230241289307317167
Data source: Kwajalein Atoll precipitation data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.
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Sunshine Duration in Kwajalein Atoll

In Kwajalein Atoll, sunshine duration exhibits a noteworthy trend that correlates with the changing seasons. Beginning in January with 237 hours of sunshine, the hours steadily increase each month, culminating in a peak of 304 hours in July. This rise not only highlights the transition from winter to summer but also underscores the region's position near the equator, fostering a predominantly sunny climate. The months of March through July are particularly striking, consistently recording over 300 hours, indicating that mid-year is the optimal period for those seeking abundant sunlight.

As the year progresses into the latter months, the amount of sunshine gradually declines, with November witnessing a significant drop to 256 hours. Despite this decrease, December still offers a respectable 288 hours, ensuring that residents and visitors alike can enjoy ample daylight. This seasonal fluctuation in sunshine duration can significantly impact local activities, agriculture, and tourism, as the peak months provide the best conditions for outdoor pursuits and ecosystem growth. The sunshine patterns in Kwajalein Atoll not only contribute to its tropical paradise appeal but also play a crucial role in shaping its unique environment.

Monthly Sunshine in Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands

Monthly sunshine duration represents the total hours of direct sunlight Kwajalein Atoll receives each month, excluding periods when the sun is obscured by clouds or other obstructions.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec237h271h301h293h293h297h304h303h283h285h256h288h
Data source: Kwajalein Atoll sunshine duration data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.

Kwajalein Atoll UV Index Trends

Kwajalein Atoll experiences consistently high UV Index values throughout the year, reflecting its tropical location and proximity to the equator. The UV Index peaks in March and April at 16, categorized as extreme, indicating a critical need for sun protection during outdoor activities. In these months, individuals should be especially vigilant, as the recommended burn time is just 10 minutes. Even during the cooler months, such as December and January, the UV Index remains significantly high at 11 and 12, respectively, underscoring the importance of year-round sun safety practices.

With values rarely dipping below 11, residents and visitors are repeatedly faced with the extreme classification during all seasons. From January through November, the UV Index consistently ranges from 12 to 16, suggesting a sustained risk of skin damage without proper protection. The only minor decrease occurs in December, with a UV Index of 11. This persistent exposure necessitates proactive measures, including wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade, particularly during midday hours, to safeguard against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation in Kwajalein Atoll's brilliant sun.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Kwajalein Atoll. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec121416161413131514131211
Data source: Kwajalein Atoll UV Index data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Daylight Hours in Kwajalein Atoll

In Kwajalein Atoll, daylight duration exhibits a strikingly consistent pattern throughout the year, influenced by its equatorial position. The year commences with approximately 11 hours of daylight in January and February, providing a stable amount of light for daily activities. As the months progress into March, daylight increases to 12 hours, remaining steady through June. This semi-annual increase underscores a brief peak in daylight exposure that occurs during the transition from winter to summer.

From July onward, daylight remains constant at 12 hours until October, when it gently returns to 11 hours as the year draws to a close. The slight variations in daylight duration highlight the subtropical climate of Kwajalein, where seasonal changes are less pronounced than in temperate regions. This reliable daylight consistency not only supports a wide range of outdoor activities and cultural practices but also establishes an ideal environment for local biodiversity, fostering a vibrant ecosystem year-round.

Average Monthly Daylight Hours in Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands

This chart shows the total daylight hours Kwajalein Atoll receives each month, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec699h709h723h738h750h756h753h743h729h714h702h696h
Data source: Kwajalein Atoll daylight hours, calculated based on aggregated data for various regional locations, determined by the times between sunrise and sunset.

Climate Highlights of Kwajalein Atoll's Popular Destinations

Ebaye, Marshall Islands, experiences a tropical climate characterized by consistently warm temperatures throughout the year, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 27°C to 28°C (81°F to 82°F). The region undergoes substantial rainfall, peaking in November with 317 mm (12.5 in) and a lower average in January at 103 mm (4.1 in). Sunshine hours are abundant, especially from March to August, with July receiving over 300 hours of sunshine. This combination of warm temperatures, significant precipitation, and plentiful sunshine defines the climate in Ebaye. For more details, visit Ebaye climate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands presents a remarkable environmental profile characterized by consistent temperatures, abundant sunshine, high UV Index levels, and stable daylight duration throughout the year. With temperatures averaging around 27°C and persistent extreme UV Index readings, the atoll remains a tropical paradise that requires active sun safety measures for its inhabitants and visitors. Additionally, the steady accumulation of daylight hours, peaking at 12 hours in the warmer months, bolsters both ecological diversity and cultural richness. Together, these climatic elements create a unique setting that influences the daily lives of those who call Kwajalein home, while also captivating travelers drawn to its natural beauty and tropical climate.

Discover the Climate of Kwajalein Atoll's Places

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