Oecusse Climate

Last updated: January 18, 2025

Oecusse, located in Timor-Leste, exemplifies a tropical savanna climate classified under the Koppen-Geiger system as Aw. This region experiences a minimum temperature of 19°C (67°F) in June, while the average temperature hovers around a comfortable 26°C (79°F). The warmest month, November, sees maximum temperatures reaching up to 32°C (90°F), creating a dynamic climate that significantly influences local ecosystems and agriculture.

Oecusse temperature by month

In Oecusse, Timor-Leste, temperature patterns showcase a tropical climate with subtle seasonal variations throughout the year. The year begins with mild conditions in January and February, where minimum temperatures range from 22°C to 23°C (72°F to 74°F), and daily averages maintain a steady 25°C (78°F). As the months progress into March, April, and May, temperatures rise slightly, with maximum values consistently nearing 31°C (88°F). Notably, June and July witness a dip in minimum temperatures to 19°C (67°F), coinciding with the cooler season, yet daily averages remain stable around 25°C (77°F to 78°F). The transition into warmer months occurs from September to November, where temperatures escalate, peaking at 32°C (90°F) in both October and November, while minimums fluctuate between 19°C and 23°C (67°F and 74°F). This seasonal dynamic underscores Oecusse’s warm climate, characterized by relatively stable averages and distinct fluctuations in extremes.

Monthly Temperatures in Oecusse, Timor-Leste

The chart illustrates Oecusse'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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec787878797977777778808179
Data source: Oecusse 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.

Pante Makasar experiences a mild climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 19°C (67°F) in June to a maximum of 32°C (90°F) in November. This variation offers a comfortable environment for visitors throughout the year. For a detailed look at the monthly temperatures in Pante Makasar, visit monthly temperatures in Pante Makasar.

Precipitation Patterns in Oecusse

Oecusse, Timor-Leste, experiences a distinctive precipitation pattern, with the wettest months occurring from January to March. January leads the precipitation totals with 324 mm (12.7 in), followed closely by 279 mm (11.0 in) in February and 243 mm (9.6 in) in March. This extended wet season typically includes about 25 to 29 rainy days, providing ample moisture for the region’s landscapes and agriculture. The rainfall during these months significantly supports the local ecosystem, contributing to lush vegetation and healthy water supplies.

As the dry season sets in from May to August, precipitation diminishes sharply, with May registering only 17 mm (0.7 in) and June and July seeing a stark reduction to 6 mm (0.2 in) and 4 mm (0.2 in), respectively. Notably, August experiences no recorded rainfall, marking a pronounced dry spell. A slight uptick occurs in October with 20 mm (0.8 in), followed by a resurgence in November with 123 mm (4.8 in), as the rainy season begins to re-establish itself, climaxing again in December with another 243 mm (9.6 in). This seasonal variability underscores the region's dependence on the wet and dry cycles for its environmental and agricultural balance.

Monthly Average Precipitation in Oecusse, Timor-Leste

The average monthly precipitation in Oecusse, providing insights into seasonal rainfall patterns and the region's precipitation trends throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec32427924313617644620123243
Data source: Oecusse precipitation data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.
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Sunshine Duration in Oecusse

Oecusse, Timor-Leste, showcases a remarkable variation in sunshine duration throughout the year, with a clear upward trend as the region transitions from the cooler months to the warmer season. Starting in January with 206 hours of sunshine, the hours steadily increase each month, culminating in a peak in October, which boasts an impressive 323 hours of sunlight. The months of April through October are particularly striking, as sunshine hours reach above 282 hours, highlighting a strong correlation between the warmer season and increased solar exposure. This trend emphasizes Oecusse’s summer months as optimal times for outdoor activities and agricultural practices, benefiting from plentiful sunlight.

Conversely, the early months of the year, particularly from January to March, show a marked contrast in sunshine duration, where the hours average between 206 and 268 hours. April sees a gradual rise, but the more substantial increases come in the mid-year, particularly in July and August with 305 hours and 312 hours, respectively. Even November and December, though slightly lower, retain a healthy 299 hours and 279 hours of sunshine, suggesting that while the transition back to the cooler season may bring shorter days, the sunlight remains generous. This dynamic seasonal pattern underlines Oecusse's climatic diversity, providing a vivid framework for understanding its weather and enhancing its appeal for both residents and visitors.

Monthly Sunshine in Oecusse, Timor-Leste

Monthly sunshine duration represents the total hours of direct sunlight Oecusse receives each month, excluding periods when the sun is obscured by clouds or other obstructions.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec206h251h268h282h300h291h305h312h307h323h299h279h
Data source: Oecusse sunshine duration data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.

Oecusse UV Index Trends

In Oecusse, Timor-Leste, the UV Index remains consistently high throughout the year, reflecting the region's strong solar exposure. From January to March, the UV Index peaks at 16, categorizing these months as experiencing extreme exposure risks, with a brief burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. As the year progresses into April and May, the index begins to decline slightly, hovering around 12 to 14, but still falls into the extreme category. Notably, this sustained high UV Index emphasizes the importance of effective sun protection during these months, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts and those engaged in agricultural activities.

The latter half of the year continues to showcase similar trends, with UV Index levels maintaining an extreme classification in most months. Both September and October again reach 16, reinforcing the need for vigilance against sun exposure during the transitional period towards the end of the dry season. Even in November and December, the UV Index remains notable at 15 and 14, respectively, maintaining the 10-minute burn time threshold. This consistent pattern highlights Oecusse's high solar intensity, necessitating regular precautions such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, particularly for those with prolonged outdoor exposure.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Oecusse, Timor-Leste

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Oecusse. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec151616141211111316161514
Data source: Oecusse 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 Oecusse

In Oecusse, Timor-Leste, daylight duration exhibits a remarkable consistency throughout the year, primarily ranging from 11 to 12 hours per day. The beginning of the year, specifically January through March, sees a stable 12 hours of daylight, providing ample time for both recreational activities and agricultural work. As the months transition into April, May, June, July, and August, daylight hours dip to 11 hours, signifying a slight seasonal shift. Despite this variation, the daylight duration remains relatively even, which contributes to a predictable daily rhythm for residents and visitors alike.

As the year progresses into September, daylight duration returns to 12 hours, persistently remaining at this level through October and November. This consistency underscores the region's equatorial climate, where variations in day length are less pronounced than in more temperate zones. December also witnesses 12 hours of daylight, rounding off the year with the same availability as the early months. Such stability in daylight hours enhances agricultural planning and can facilitate outdoor activities throughout the year, promoting a harmonious balance in Oecusse's climate and lifestyle.

Average Monthly Daylight Hours in Oecusse, Timor-Leste

This chart shows the total daylight hours Oecusse receives each month, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec754h743h727h712h700h694h697h708h722h737h751h758h
Data source: Oecusse daylight hours, calculated based on aggregated data for various regional locations, determined by the times between sunrise and sunset.

Climate Highlights of Oecusse's Popular Destinations

Pante Makasar, Timor-Leste experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round, ranging from a minimum of 19°C (67°F) in June and July to a maximum of 32°C (90°F) in October, November, and September. The dry season occurs from May to September, during which precipitation is minimal, dropping as low as 4 mm (0.2 in) in July and August, while the wet season, particularly from January to March, sees heavy rainfall peaking at 324 mm (12.7 in) in January. Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, with the highest monthly hours recorded in October at 323 hours. For more detailed information, refer to the Pante Makasar climate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Oecusse, Timor-Leste, presents a unique climatic profile with a tropical savanna classification characterized by consistent warmth, substantial rainfall during the wet season, and high UV exposure throughout the year. The region benefits from a steady availability of sunlight, maintaining around 12 hours of daylight, which coincides with peak sunshine durations and high UV Index readings, particularly from January to March and September to October. This climatic consistency not only supports diverse ecosystems but also significantly shapes local agricultural practices and daily life. Understanding these patterns is essential for both residents and visitors, as they underscore the importance of sun protection and effective planning for outdoor activities in the region.

Discover the Climate of Oecusse's Places

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