Last updated: April 14, 2025
Timor-Leste experiences a diverse climate characterized by distinct temperature ranges and varying precipitation patterns throughout the year. The mercury dips to a minimum of 13°C (56°F) in July in Bobonaro, while soaring to a peak of 36°C (97°F) in December in Viqueque. Rainfall fluctuates dramatically, with a stark contrast between the scant 2 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation recorded in August in Manatuto and the torrential 466 mm (18.4 in) that falls in March in Lautém. Humidity levels also vary significantly, averaging a minimum of 69% in November in Oecusse and peaking at 84% in March in the same region, illustrating the dynamic climate influences that shape this unique island nation.
Timor-Leste is characterized by a predominantly Aw climate, showcasing a tropical savanna environment across many of its regions. From the vibrant landscapes of Aileu and Ainaro to the coastal beauty of Díli and Baucau, the nation enjoys distinct wet and dry seasons that sustain its lush vegetation. The warmth envelops areas like Bobonaro and Cova Lima, while the unique microclimates of Liquiçá and Ermera further enrich the biodiversity. Exploring regions such as Viqueque and Lautém, one can experience the stunning interplay of climate zones that contribute to Timor-Leste’s exceptional natural beauty.
Climate Zone | Description |
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Aw | Tropical savanna climate with a dry season occurring in winter. |
Timor-Leste experiences a warm tropical climate with monthly temperatures fluctuating throughout the year. January kicks off the year with mild nights at a minimum of 19°C (66°F) in Ermera and daytime highs reaching 32°C (89°F) in Viqueque. As the months progress into February and March, temperatures remain fairly stable, with February recording a minimum of 17°C (64°F) in Ermera and March peaking at 31°C (89°F) in Viqueque. April cools slightly with a minimum of 15°C (59°F), while the maximum stays consistent at 31°C (88°F). The early winter months of June through August see cooler lows, dipping to 13°C (56°F) in Bobonaro yet maintaining warm afternoons around 31°C (88°F). As September rolls in, temperatures begin to rise again, hitting 33°C (91°F) in Manatuto. The year wraps up with notable highs in October and November, both peaking at 35°C (96°F) in Viqueque, while December brings the hottest day, soaring to 36°C (97°F). This annual temperature trend showcases a tropical warmth, reflecting the beauty and vibrancy of Timor-Leste’s climate throughout the seasons.
In Timor-Leste, precipitation patterns showcase significant variability throughout the year, reflecting a diverse climatic landscape. While August can be strikingly dry, with some regions like Oecusse experiencing a complete lack of rainfall, other areas such as Manatuto receive just a scant 2 mm. In contrast, the monsoon months bring dramatic transformations, with March emerging as the wettest month, particularly in Lautém, where precipitation can soar to a staggering 466 mm. Additionally, December sees the highest number of rainy days, especially in Ermera, where it can rain for nearly the entire month. This dynamic weather pattern not only shapes the natural environment but also influences agricultural practices and water resource management across the region.
Timor-Leste experiences a notable range of humidity throughout the year, particularly in Oecusse, where it fluctuates from a minimum of 69% in November to a peak of 84% in March. This increase in humidity during the early months of the year aligns with the wet season, contributing to a more tropical and lush environment. As the months transition towards the end of the year, humidity levels tend to drop, offering drier conditions that contrast sharply with the more humid and vibrant atmosphere of the preceding months. The overall trend highlights the influence of seasonal changes on the region's climate, making it a unique locale for both residents and visitors alike.
In March, both Viqueque and Ermera in Timor-Leste experience an average daily maximum UV Index (UVI) of 16, highlighting a notable trend in the region's UV exposure during this month. This consistent high level of UV radiation indicates that residents and visitors should prioritize sun safety measures, as prolonged exposure can lead to increased health risks. The uniformity of the UVI across these locations underscores the importance of awareness and protection against harmful UV rays throughout the country during this peak period.
UV Risk Categories
Timor-Leste experiences a remarkable variation in sunshine duration throughout the year, with significant peaks in October. In January, Oecusse basks in 206 hours of sunlight, while Viqueque enjoys a slightly sunnier 234 hours. However, as the year progresses to October, both regions see a striking increase, with Oecusse recording 323 hours, and Viqueque boasting a dazzling 330 hours of sunshine. This trend underscores a shift towards brighter and longer days as the year transitions, making October an ideal month for enjoying the vibrant landscapes and warm climate of Timor-Leste.
In Timor-Leste, sunny weather varies significantly throughout the year, with notable contrasts between regions. For instance, February in Ermera sees a mere 1% chance of sunshine, highlighting its rainy season and cooler climate. Conversely, in July, Oecusse basks in a remarkable 64% likelihood of sunny days, marking a peak in dry season conditions. This stark disparity illustrates how local geography and seasonal patterns deeply influence the sunny weather experienced across the country.
In Timor-Leste, specifically in Cova Lima, daylight hours exhibit a fascinating trend throughout the year. In June, residents experience approximately 11 hours of daylight, gradually increasing to around 12 hours by December. This subtle shift highlights the region's relatively consistent daylight throughout the seasons, making it an appealing destination for both visitors and locals who enjoy extended hours of natural light during the latter part of the year. As the days grow longer, the vibrant landscapes and cultural experiences of Cova Lima become even more inviting.
Nestled in the heart of Timor-Leste, Aileu showcases a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall. Throughout the year, the mercury hovers between 19°C (66°F) and 33°C (92°F), offering a pleasant backdrop for outdoor adventures. The wet season peaks from January to March, with rainfall reaching impressive heights, particularly in March at 398 mm (15.7 in). Even as the rains subside in the dry months of July and August, humidity remains relatively high, averaging around 77%. For a deeper dive into Aileu's unique climate patterns, visit Aileu climate.
Nestled in the highlands of Timor-Leste, Ainaro experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and considerable rainfall. From January to March, expect temperatures to hover around 24°C (75°F), with peak rainfall in March reaching 316 mm (12.4 in). As the months roll into the dry season from June to August, the climate becomes pleasantly mild, with average temperatures dropping to 21°C (71°F) and minimum rainfall of just 10 mm (0.4 in). However, the humidity remains relatively high throughout the year, reaching 82% in the wet months, creating a lush environment. For more detailed insights, visit the Ainaro climate.
Nestled on the eastern coast of Timor-Leste, Baucau boasts a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. January through March sees high humidity and considerable rainfall, with March peaking at 350 mm (13.8 in), while April and May gradually dry out, offering more comfortable conditions. The cooler months from June to August provide respite with milder temperatures, though the region remains lush and vibrant due to residual rains. As the year draws to a close, temperatures rise again, with December reaching highs of 34°C (94°F) and a significant increase in precipitation. For more details on weather patterns, explore the Baucau climate.
Bobonaro, Timor-Leste, enjoys a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. From January to March, the temperatures remain consistently pleasant, with averages around 23°C (74°F), while humidity hovers at a notable 82%, contributing to a lush environment. As the year progresses, the warmth intensifies, peaking in November with a maximum of 34°C (93°F), although it’s also the time when the region experiences significant rainfall, especially in the wet season from December to March. Typically, the dry months of June through August offer a respite, featuring lower humidity and minimal precipitation, making it an ideal time to explore the area. For more details on the weather patterns in this stunning region, visit Bobonaro climate.
Cova Lima, Timor-Leste, boasts a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. From January to March, visitors can enjoy average highs of 31°C (88°F), while April marks a slight dip as temperatures range between 25°C (77°F) and 31°C (88°F). The region experiences its rainiest months during the first quarter, particularly in March, with precipitation reaching 250 mm (9.8 in), tapering off to minimal levels by mid-year. Despite this, the humidity remains consistently high, peaking at 83% in May, adding to the tropical ambiance. For a deeper dive into the intricate details of Cova Lima's weather patterns, check out Cova Lima climate.
Díli, Timor-Leste, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round, with averages ranging from 25°C to 27°C (77°F to 81°F). The wet season runs from December to March, bringing heavy rainfall, notably peaking in March with 330 mm (13.0 in), while the months of June to August offer a respite with significantly lower precipitation. Humidity remains high, particularly in the wet season, hovering around 82%, keeping the air thick and warm. As you explore this vibrant coastal city, you'll find it enveloped in tropical warmth, making any time a suitable one to experience its rich culture and scenic beauty. For a detailed breakdown of the weather patterns, check out Díli climate.
The climate in Ermera, Timor-Leste is marked by warm temperatures and a distinct wet season. From January to March, temperatures range from a mild 19°C (66°F) to a peak of 29°C (84°F), coinciding with heavy rainfall, especially in March, when 398 mm (15.7 in) of rain falls. As the season transitions into June and July, temperatures dip slightly, reaching lows of 13°C (56°F), while humidity remains high, often around 77%. The dry months from August to October see significantly less precipitation, with rainfall dropping to below 40 mm (1.6 in), making it an ideal time for visitors to explore the region. For a detailed overview of weather conditions year-round, visit Ermera climate.
Nestled in the stunning landscapes of Timor-Leste, Lautém experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to March, temperatures hover between 23°C and 31°C (74°F to 88°F), accompanied by significant rainfall, especially in March when it peaks at a staggering 466 mm (18.4 in). As the dry season settles in from July to August, humidity levels remain moderately high at around 77%, while rainfall dwindles to an average of 20 mm (0.8 in). This delightful blend of heat and humidity makes Lautém’s climate both invigorating and refreshing, perfect for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. To explore more about Lautém’s weather, visit Lautém climate.
Nestled in Timor-Leste, Liquiçá experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year. With averages hovering around 27°C (81°F), the region is pleasantly heated, peaking at 30°C (85°F) in the hotter months of January and November. The wet season from December to March brings significant rainfall, with January being the wettest month at 130 mm. In contrast, the driest months from June to August see much lower precipitation, making it an ideal time for outdoor adventures. For more details about the local weather patterns, explore the Liquiçá climate.
Manatuto, Timor-Leste, presents a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to March, daytime highs can reach up to 31°C (88°F), with humidity levels soaring above 80%, making the atmosphere feel quite tropical. The wettest months are February and March, where rainfall peaks at an impressive 314 mm (12.4 in), often transforming the landscape into a vibrant oasis. In contrast, the dry season from June to August sees minimal precipitation, with less than 2 mm (0.1 in) falling in August, while temperatures remain pleasantly warm, averaging around 25°C (77°F). For a deeper dive into this captivating climate, visit Manatuto climate.
Nestled in the tropical heart of Timor-Leste, Manufahi’s climate offers a vibrant mix of warmth and humidity throughout the year. Temperatures remain mild, typically ranging from a cozy 16°C (62°F) in July to a balmy 32°C (90°F) in February. Rainfall is most abundant from January to March, with 300 mm (11.8 in) pouring down each month, creating a lush landscape that thrives under the sun. As the year progresses, the humidity averages around 80%, enhancing the tropical feel, while drier months from June to August provide a refreshing break. For more details on this fascinating climate, visit Manufahi climate.
Nestled in the heart of Timor-Leste, Oecusse experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to March, the region basks in the warmth of highs reaching up to 31°C (88°F), coupled with significant rainfall, especially in January with 324 mm of precipitation. As the months transition towards the dry season, temperatures remain consistently warm, averaging around 25-26°C (77-79°F) from June to August, while rainfall dwindles to just a few millimeters. Even as the rains return in late November and December, the region maintains a balance of warmth and humidity, with averages hovering around 27°C (81°F). Discover more about the unique weather patterns in Oecusse at Oecusse climate.
Viqueque, Timor-Leste, boasts a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to March, the region experiences its wettest months, with February and March seeing substantial rainfall of up to 334 mm (13.2 in), accompanied by high humidity levels hovering around 82%. As the year progresses, temperatures range from a mild 15°C (60°F) in July to a sweltering 36°C (97°F) in December, making the dry season from June to August particularly pleasant for outdoor adventures. Despite the heat, visitors can enjoy a vibrant environment throughout the year, with a unique blend of sunny days and refreshing rain. For more details, explore the Viqueque climate.
The climate of Timor-Leste reveals a striking contrast between temperature extremes and seasonal rainfall, shaping the island's ecological diversity. Temperatures can dip as low as 13°C (56°F) in July in Bobonaro, while soaring to a sweltering 36°C (97°F) in December in Viqueque. This variability is complemented by the monsoon season, where precipitation spikes dramatically, with 466 mm (18.4 in) falling in March in Lautém, contrasted by the dry spell in August, when Manatuto records as little as 2 mm (0.1 in). Humidity mirrors this fluctuation, peaking at 84% in March and dipping to 69% in November in Oecusse. These climatic conditions not only influence local agriculture and biodiversity but also highlight the resilience needed by both flora and fauna to thrive in this dynamic environment.