Climate Overview
The climate in Rabaul is hot. The average annual temperature is 27°C and approximately 3695mm 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 2°C range. The warmest month is December, when average highs reach 28°C and the mean temperature sits around 27°C. July is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 26°C and an average of 26°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 2°C between highs and lows.
Precipitation
Rabaul is a very wet location, receiving approximately 3695mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 308mm per month. The wettest month is March, averaging 477mm of rainfall. April and February also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is September, with just 190mm. That's 287mm less than March, the wettest month. Precipitation varies noticeably between seasons, with the first half (January to June) of the year generally seeing more rainfall.
Wind
Rabaul is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 3km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is July, averaging 4km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in April, with average winds dropping to 2km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 2km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months.
Seasons
91 days until Spring
It is currently winter in Rabaul, which began on June 21, 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 December at around 28°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in July near 26°C. Spring is next, beginning on September 23, 2026 — 91 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 26 to 28°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 762mm across the season with a monthly average of 254mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 3km/h. An umbrella or waterproof jacket is advisable as spring showers are frequent.
Summer
Temperatures range from 26 to 28°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 1029mm across the season with a monthly average of 343mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 3km/h. Light, breathable clothing is ideal — perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 26 to 28°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 1089mm across the season with a monthly average of 363mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 3km/h. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended as rain becomes more frequent.
Winter
Temperatures range from 26 to 28°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 815mm across the season with a monthly average of 272mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 4km/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.
