Last updated: January 18, 2025
Likiep Atoll, situated in the Marshall Islands, experiences a tropical rainforest climate classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Af. Characterized by consistently warm temperatures throughout the year, the atoll's climate showcases a minimum of 25°C (76°F) in April and an average of 27°C (81°F). The warmest month is September, where temperatures can peak at 29°C (85°F). This climate supports a rich biodiversity, making Likiep not only a unique ecological site but also a significant area for climate studies and conservation efforts.
In Likiep Atoll, Marshall Islands, temperature patterns reveal a consistent warmth year-round, with only minor fluctuations. From January to March, the atoll maintains a steady minimum of 25°C (77-78°F) and an average of 27°C (81°F). As April arrives, a slight increase is noted with maximum temperatures rising to 29°C (84°F). This elevated warmth persists from May through November, maintaining the same averages while max temperatures remain around 29°C (85°F). The cycle closes with December, which mirrors the earlier months in temperature, indicating a stable tropical climate that supports the atoll's rich ecosystem throughout the year.
In Likiep, temperatures vary slightly throughout the year, with April experiencing a minimum of 25°C (76°F) and September reaching a maximum of 29°C (85°F). For more detailed information on the monthly temperatures in Likiep, you can visit monthly temperatures in Likiep.
Precipitation in Likiep Atoll demonstrates distinct seasonal variability, with a notable increase during the summer months. January and February start with comparatively lower rainfall measurements of 73 mm (2.9 in) and 65 mm (2.5 in), respectively, accompanied by around 15 rainy days each month. As the year progresses into March, rainfall surges to 114 mm (4.5 in) over 17 days, marking the beginning of a wet season that reaches its peak in the subsequent months. Notably, August experiences the highest precipitation, measuring 225 mm (8.9 in) across 27 days.
The most significant rainfall occurs from September to November, with 282 mm (11.1 in) in September and 301 mm (11.8 in) in October, indicating a pronounced wet period that is crucial for sustaining the atoll's lush tropical vegetation. Following this peak, November sees a slight decrease to 276 mm (10.9 in), yet still maintains a comparable level of precipitation. December experiences a sharp drop to 96 mm (3.8 in), but still retains 17 rainy days, rounding out the year with a return to milder wet conditions. This pattern underscores the atoll's tropical rainforest climate, essential for its biodiversity and ecological health.
Sunshine duration in Likiep Atoll showcases a clear seasonal trend, with hours of sunlight gradually increasing from the winter months into the summer. January begins the year with 238 hours of sunshine, followed by an upward trajectory in February, which experiences 269 hours. This rising trend continues through March and April, reaching 301 hours and 302 hours, respectively, as the region transitions to warmer and sunnier conditions. May remains close to this peak with 299 hours, laying the groundwork for what is typically the sunniest period.
The summer months of June through August highlight the atoll's brightest phase, with July recording the highest sunshine hours at 313. This period illustrates the region's abundant sunlight, ideal for both residents and vegetation. However, as the year progresses into September and October, a gradual decline in sunshine is observed, with hours dropping to 285 hours and 284 hours, respectively. November further sees a decrease to 263 hours, but sunshine duration bounces back in December to 293 hours, indicating that while the peak summer brightness wanes, sufficient sunlight remains to support the lush ecosystem. Overall, the data reflects a vibrant cycle of increasing and decreasing sunshine, intricately tied to the atoll’s tropical climate.
The UV Index in Likiep Atoll remains consistently high throughout the year, reflecting the region's tropical climate and its proximity to the equator. Starting the year with a UV Index of 12 in January, the exposure category is classified as extreme, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. This intensity increases in February to 14, with similar extreme ratings persisting through March and April, where the UV Index reaches its peak at 15. Such levels underscore the necessity for individuals to take precautions against UV radiation, particularly during these initial months.
As the year progresses into the summer months, the UV Index remains significantly elevated, ranging from 13 to 15 before dipping slightly to 12 by November and finally to 10 in December, categorized as very high. Despite the reduction in December, the burn time still extends to 15 minutes, reflecting a momentary reprieve from the higher indices earlier in the year. Overall, this data emphasizes the need for robust sun protection strategies year-round, as the extreme UV levels pose risks for skin damage and necessitate awareness among residents and visitors alike.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Likiep Atoll exhibits minimal variation throughout the year, reflecting the atoll's tropical location near the equator. In January and February, the atoll enjoys 11 hours of daylight, providing a consistent amount of light ideal for various activities. However, as March approaches, daylight increases to 12 hours and maintains this length through the remaining months of March, April, May, June, July, August, and September, fostering a period of abundant sunlight crucial for agriculture and outdoor pursuits.
As autumn arrives in October, daylight begins to taper off once again, returning to 11 hours for the final months of the year in November and December. Despite these slight fluctuations, the overall range of daylight in Likiep Atoll remains comparatively stable, emphasizing the region's equatorial characteristics. This consistency not only supports a vibrant ecosystem but also contributes to a balanced lifestyle for the atoll's residents, who can rely on similar daylight hours throughout the year.
The climate in Likiep, Marshall Islands, is characterized by consistently warm temperatures throughout the year, with averages around 27°C (81°F) and maximums often reaching up to 29°C (84°F). Precipitation varies significantly, peaking in the months of September and October with over 300 mm (11.8 in) of rain, while January sees the least at 73 mm (2.9 in). Sunshine is abundant, particularly in the mid-year months, with July recording the highest at 313 hours. This tropical paradise is marked by a humid, wet season and a drier period, making it an appealing destination year-round. For more details, visit Likiep climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Likiep Atoll, with its warm temperatures, high UV index, consistent daylight duration, and significant precipitation patterns, creates a unique environmental setting that influences both the local ecosystem and daily life for its inhabitants. With year-round warmth and a steady supply of sunlight, coupled with periods of intensive rainfall, the atoll supports a rich biodiversity and thriving agricultural practices. However, the extreme UV levels necessitate vigilant sun protection measures for both residents and visitors. Overall, understanding these climatic elements is essential for effectively managing natural resources and promoting sustainable living in this tropical paradise.