What is the Weather Like in Tonga in August?
Tonga is a popular place to be in August. Not only are humpback whales drawn to the warm and sheltered waters to calf and raise their young but, in turn, globe-trotters are eager to see this beautiful slice of nature for themselves. As for the weather in Tonga in August, days are mild and comfortable for travellers to wear light summer clothing, while evenings are a little cooler. August is also the middle of the dry season where there is a little less rainfall than other times of the year. For more details, take a look at the temperatures, rainfall and more in the guide to the weather in Tonga in August!
Before we jump into this weather guide for August, be sure to bookmark Tonga Weather by Month: What is the Weather Like in Tonga? for more advice.
5 Tips for Visiting Tonga in August
- August is one of the most popular months to visit Tonga, so make your bookings well in advance to avoid disappointment
- The nights feel considerably cooler than the day, so be sure to pack a light jacket – you’ll also be thankful to have this on boats too!
- August is in the middle of the whale season in Tonga, which can be enjoyed from Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Ha’apai and Vava’u
- While August is considered the dry season, be prepared for rain at any time
- Be sure to apply high-factor reef-safe sunscreen regularly.
© TongaPocketGuide.comTypical Temperatures in August
Temperatures are dropping in Tonga in August, which might feel cool for the locals but travellers from colder climates find them comfortable and soothing. Tongatapu and ‘Eua are the coolest islands during this time, while it’s a little milder in the northern groups like Vava’u. Sea temperatures are at their coldest of the year but are still totally swimmable.
Temperatures Across Tonga
- Tongatapu & Nuku’alofa – The average maximum temperature is 26°C / 77°F and the average minimum temperature is 18°C / 65°F
- Vava’u – The average maximum temperature is 27°C / 81°F and the average minimum temperature is 20°C / 68°F
- Ha’apai – The average maximum temperature is 26°C / 79°F and the average minimum temperature is 20°C / 68°F
- ‘Eua – The average maximum temperature is 26°C / 77°F and the average minimum temperature is 18°C / 65°F
- The Niuas – The average maximum temperature is 29°C / 84°F and the average minimum temperature is 22°C / 72°F.
Sea Temperature in August
Tonga has warm sea temperatures all year round but has the coldest temperatures in August at 24°C / 75°F.
(c) tongapocketguide.comHours of Sun in August
The great thing about Tonga in winter is that the days are relatively long and visitors experience plenty of sunshine. The average hours of daylight are 11 hours per day, while the hours of bright sunshine are usually around 4 hours.
UV Levels During August
After usually experiencing relatively mild UV levels in the previous two months, Tonga’s UV levels start to rise again in August. The UV level in August is typically around 8 UV index around midday. It’s a good idea to apply high-factor sunscreen throughout the day. For advice on sun protection, check out The Best Sunscreens for Tonga + Sun Protection Tips.
Sunrise and Sunset During August
August has daylight hours lasting around 11 hours a day in Tonga.
- Sunrise – 7:12 am at the beginning of August and 6:51 am at the end of August
- Sunset – 6:22 pm at the beginning of August and 6:32 pm at the end of August.
Learn more about the local time zone in What is the Tonga Time Zone?
© TongaPocketGuide.comRainfall in August
Even though it’s in the dry season, August still usually has a few rainy days. There are fewer days of rain compared to many other months but August can still have heavy showers.
Tonga receives an average of 117 mm / 4.6 in of rainfall in the month of August, with around 13 days out of August experiencing rain.
Average Rainfall Across Tonga
- Tongatapu & Nuku’alofa – The average rainfall in August is 117 mm / 4.6 in
- Vava’u – The average rainfall in August is 100 mm / 3.9 in
- Ha’apai – The average rainfall in August is 100 mm / 3.9 in
- ‘Eua – The average rainfall in August is 117 mm / 4.6 in
- The Niuas – The average rainfall in August is 115 mm / 4.5 in.
© TongaPocketGuide.comTropical Storms in August
The South Pacific cyclone season runs from November to April. Therefore, August is one of the safest months to visit Tonga without the risk of being affected by tropical cyclones or storms.
Other months that have a low risk of cyclones in Tonga include June, July and September.
Find out more about cyclones in How to Prepare for a Cyclone in Tonga.
© TongaPocketGuide.comBest Places to Visit in Tonga in August
August is a great time to explore the outer islands of Tonga, especially with the overwater transport in the dry season is more comfortable and predictable than in the wet season. With that in mind, there are four amazing island groups to explore outside of the mainland, Tongatapu. Two highlights include…
Vava’u – Vava’u’s main drawcard in August is the whale swimming (although this can easily be enjoyed all over Tonga). Combine the experience with checking out the nation’s only botanic garden, trying your luck in game fishing, or jumping on a snorkelling tour to Swallows Cave, and you have an amazing way to spend some of August in Vava’u. Find out more about Vava’u in The Complete Guide to Vava’u.
The Niuas – Rarely visited by travellers (or even locals for that matter), the islands of Niuatoputopu and Niuafo’ou are the least developed islands proving for a real adventure. Flights depart Tongatapu once a week, so are suggested to travellers who have ample time to experience the mellow ambience and rich culture of The Niuas. Find out more in The Complete Guide to The Niuas.
For more on where to visit, take a look at The Best Islands to Visit in Tonga.
(c) tongapocketguide.comAugust Packing List for Tonga
You’re going to need to pack more than just your T-shirts and shorts for a trip away to Tonga in August! Here are some more ideas…
- High-factor (and reef-safe) sunscreen
- Light bamboo, linen or merino layers (we like the sustainable bamboo clothing of Moso Morrow)
- Light pants/skirt (for the cooler evenings and to cover the skin in areas where you need to dress more modestly)
- Light jacket (for the evenings or for on boat trips)
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear
- Rash vest (we like the UV-protecting Sharkskin rashies)
- Sarong (lavalava)
- Flip-flops/sandals
- Closed walking shoes
- Insect repellent.
Get more packing ideas with The Complete Packing List for Tonga.
More About the Tonga Weather
That’s it for our complete guide to the weather and climate in Tonga in August. Check out the following articles for more weather advice:
- Tonga Weather, Seasons & Climate + Tonga Weather by Month
- The Best Time to Visit Tonga
- The Top Events & Festivals in Tonga
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Tonga and 31 Tips for Travelling in Tonga.
