Last updated: July 31, 2025
Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, Pitcairn Island experiences a captivating tropical maritime climate characterized by its moderate temperatures and abundant rainfall. February boasts the highest average temperature of 28°C (82°F), contrasting sharply with the cooler September, where temperatures dip to a minimum of 16°C (61°F). Over the course of the year, the island receives approximately 1414 mm (55.7 in) of precipitation, with the wettest months occurring from January to April, averaging between 10 to 19 rainy days. Notably, December records the island's highest humidity at 84%, while July sees the lowest at 77%. This complex interplay of temperature and precipitation shapes Pitcairn's unique ecosystem and the lifestyle of its inhabitants, providing a vibrant backdrop to this remote paradise.
Pitcairn Island, classified under the Köppen-Geiger climate class Af, experiences a tropical rainforest climate characterized by consistent warmth and abundant rainfall throughout the year. Humidity levels are high, contributing to lush vegetation and a vibrant ecosystem that thrives in this moist environment. This climate promotes rich biodiversity, making Pitcairn a unique ecological haven. Visitors can expect mild temperatures, typically ranging from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C), and frequent, gentle showers that nourish its stunning landscapes. The island's beauty is a testament to the allure and richness of its tropical rainforest climate, which remains relatively undisturbed, offering a glimpse into nature’s unyielding splendor.
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Pitcairn Island enjoys a pleasant tropical climate, with temperatures reflecting a gradual change throughout the year. January kicks off the year with a warm average of 25°C (77°F), peaking at 27°C (81°F), before February brings slightly warmer conditions, reaching a delightful 28°C (82°F). As the months progress into March and April, temperatures maintain a steady average of around 25°C (77°F), before dipping into the cooler months of May and June, where averages slide to 23°C (74°F) and 22°C (73°F), respectively. The chill continues with July and August, marking the annual low, averaging 21°C (70°F). However, autumn warms things up again; November enjoys a resurgence to a pleasant 23°C (73°F), concluding the year with December bringing the temperature back to 24°C (75°F). Overall, Pitcairn's climate features a gentle ebb and flow, offering a comfortable haven for both residents and visitors year-round.
Pitcairn's precipitation patterns reveal a dynamic climate marked by distinct wet and dry seasons. January starts relatively dry with 55 mm of rain over 10 days, but by February, the island experiences a dramatic shift as rainfall surges to 149 mm across 18 days, marking the transition into the wetter months. This trend continues into March and April, where precipitation remains high at 123 mm and 136 mm respectively, with rain common across 19 and 17 days. By October, Pitcairn reaches its peak with a hefty 176 mm of rain, albeit over 14 days, while December maintains the high with 156 mm over 18 days. Notably, the driest months, January and August, present significantly lower precipitation, emphasizing a pattern where rainfall is more consistent during the middle months of the year. The overall climate exhibits a rich tapestry of wet conditions that foster lush greenery, making Pitcairn a unique environment throughout the year.
The humidity levels on Pitcairn Island exhibit a consistent pattern throughout the year, generally hovering around 80%. From January to May, the humidity remains relatively stable at 80%, only nudging up to 82% in March and April. A slight dip to 77% is observed in July, suggesting a minor seasonal shift, followed by a gradual increase back to 80% in August and September. As the year draws to a close, humidity levels rise again, peaking at 84% in both November and December. This trend indicates a tendency towards higher humidity in the late months, making them the most humid of the year, while the overall atmosphere remains tropical and moist throughout all seasons.
The Pitcairn UV Index displays striking trends throughout the year, highlighting the region's intense sun exposure. From January to March, the index remains consistently high, ranging from 14 to 15, indicating an extreme exposure category with an alarming burn time of just 10 minutes. As the seasons shift into April, the index dips to 10, entering the very high category, but the risk remains significant. May and June bring a slight reprieve, with the index dropping to the high exposure category of 6 to 7, allowing for longer burn times of 25 minutes. However, as summer wanes, the UV Index climbs again in August and September, reaching back to 11 and 8, respectively, before hitting its peak during the late fall and early winter months of October to December, where it consistently maintains an extreme index of 14. This cyclical pattern emphasizes the need for vigilant sun protection, especially during the peak months of January through March and late October to December.
UV Risk Categories
In Pitcairn, sunshine duration reveals a captivating rhythm throughout the year. Basking in bright light, January kicks off with an impressive 275 hours, rising steadily to a peak of 304 hours in December. This trend showcases the island's sun-drenched summer months, particularly in November, which mirrors the sunniest days of the year. Conversely, the darker winter months of June and July present the low point, each providing less than 225 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for a more tranquil atmosphere. As spring rolls in, the days gradually lengthen, with March witnessing a delightful 295 hours of light, while August and September bring a refreshing resurgence, ensuring residents and visitors alike can enjoy a vibrant blend of sunshine before the year concludes. This dynamic interplay of sunshine hours makes Pitcairn a unique destination for those seeking a taste of both sunny splendor and serene retreats.
In Pitcairn, the likelihood of sunny weather varies significantly throughout the year, with distinct trends emerging as the seasons change. January sees a promising 50% chance of sunshine, making it one of the best months for outdoor activities. However, as February rolls in, the odds dip to 34%, marking one of the year’s cloudier spells. The early months of spring, from March to April, offer slightly improved prospects, hovering around 42-48%. Unfortunately, the late spring and early summer months of May through July show a notable decline, each presenting only a third of the time bathed in sunlight, with May at 33% and July slightly better at 37%. Fortunately, August and September bring a revitalizing increase in sunny days, both at 50% and 45%, respectively. As the year progresses, October and November continue this trend with moderate chances of 46% and 45%. However, December brings us back down to 33%, closing out the year on a more subdued note. Overall, visitors can expect the highest likelihood of sunny weather during the summer, while the late fall and winter months offer more unpredictable skies.
In Pitcairn, daylight hours ebb and flow throughout the year, creating a rhythm that's characteristic of this remote paradise. January kicks off the year with a generous 13 hours of sunlight, gradually tapering to 10 hours by May and remaining consistent through June and July. As winter gives way to spring, the days slowly lengthen again, reaching back to 12 hours in October and peaking at 13 hours once more by November and December. This cycle of varying daylight not only influences the island's climate but also shapes the lifestyle of its inhabitants, offering an ever-changing canvas of light to explore.
The climate of Pitcairn Island reveals a vivid tapestry of warm temperatures and varying precipitation throughout the year, creating a unique tropical paradise. From January to March, the island basks in consistently warm conditions, with average temperatures hovering around 25°C (77°F) and peaks reaching up to 28°C (82°F) in February. As the seasons transition into April and May, there’s a gentle dip in temperatures, yet the climate remains inviting with averages between 23°C (74°F) and 24°C (75°F). Notably, April experiences a slight uptick in rainfall, while July and August mark the driest months, presenting a delightful respite with lower humidity levels around 77%. As the year concludes in November and December, humidity rises again to 84%, coupled with moderate temperatures that still entice visitors seeking warmth. Overall, Pitcairn's climate stands as a testament to its enchanting allure—a blend of warmth, lush humidity, and a rhythm of rainfall that echoes the serene beauty of island life.