Climate Overview
The climate in Rabaul is hot. The average annual temperature is 26°C and approximately 3924mm of precipitation falls per year. Rabaul receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Rabaul sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.
Temperature
Rabaul has relatively stable temperatures year-round, staying within a 4°C range. The warmest month is October, when average highs reach 28°C and the mean temperature sits around 26°C. August is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 24°C and an average of 25°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 3°C between highs and lows.
Precipitation
Rabaul is a very wet location, receiving approximately 3924mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 327mm per month. The wettest month is March, averaging 443mm of rainfall. December and April also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is June, with just 230mm. That's 213mm less than March, the wettest month. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, so there is no pronounced dry or wet season to plan around.
Wind
Rabaul is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 11km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is August, averaging 13km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in November, with average winds dropping to 9km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 4km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months.
Seasons
89 days until Winter
It is currently autumn in Rabaul, which began on March 20, 2026. Rabaul sits near the equator, so the traditional four-season cycle is less pronounced — temperatures remain relatively stable year-round. The warmest period peaks in October at around 28°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in August near 24°C. Winter is next, beginning on June 21, 2026 — 89 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 24 to 28°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 841mm across the season with a monthly average of 280mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 11km/h. An umbrella or waterproof jacket is advisable as spring showers are frequent.
Summer
Temperatures range from 25 to 28°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 1112mm across the season with a monthly average of 371mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 12km/h. Light, breathable clothing is ideal — perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 25 to 28°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 1170mm across the season with a monthly average of 390mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 10km/h. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended as rain becomes more frequent.
Winter
Temperatures range from 24 to 28°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 801mm across the season with a monthly average of 267mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 12km/h. A light jacket or sweater is usually sufficient, though cooler evenings may call for an extra layer.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Rabaul based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.
