The climate of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
The alluring
Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge bears the Am category of the Köppen Climate classification, signifying a Tropical monsoon climate. This environmental cauldron lies in the approximate middle of the North Pacific Ocean, thus named the "Midway". It experiences predominantly warm temperatures throughout the year, with monthly highs ranging from 70°F (21.1°C) in the earlier months to 84°F (28.9°C) in the peak of the summer.
Notably, temperatures do not exhibit extreme variations through the year. The lowest average temperature recorded is 62°F (16.7°C) in the starting months, which gradually escalates to 75°F (23.9°C) as midway through the year is reached. The consistency in temperature maintains the tropical ambiance of the region.
Rainfall, on the other hand, showcases a different pattern. Volumes fluctuate from 2.2" (56mm) in summer months to 5" (127mm) at the beginning of the year. Interestingly, the number of rainy days also varies from 9 days in
May and
June, increasing to 16 days during
January and in
December. This fluctuation in the rainfall pattern is characteristic of a tropical monsoon climate, which the Midway Atoll stands as a defining example of.
Daylight hours, one of the key factors in formulating travel plans, expand from a modest 10.4 hours in December to a bountiful 13.9 hours in June, complimenting the pleasant summer climate.
The Best Time to Visit Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
With such consistently warm temperatures throughout the year, the optimal time to visit largely depends on personal preference. For tourists who prefer drier climates, the months of
May and
June, with just nine rainy days and rainfall volumes of merely 2.2 and 2.3" (58mm), would come as an ideal choice. These months are further graced by the longest days of the year, providing ample daylight for exploration.
The Worst Time to Visit Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
Visitors not fond of the rain might want to avoid
January and
December, as these months record the highest number of rainy days, each with 16 days of rain. Rainfall volume also peaks during these months with 5" (127mm) and 4.1" (104mm), respectively. Coupled with the shortest daylight hours of the year, these conditions might slightly dampen the exploratory spirits.
Spring Weather in Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
Springtime at the refuge sees an average high temperature between 71°F (21.7°C) and 76°F (24.4°C) and the lows settling between 63°F (17.2°C) and 68°F (20°C). Rainfall starts to lessen, dropping from 3" (76mm) in
March to 2.3" (58mm) in
May, with the number of rainy days decreasing from 12 days in March to only 9 in May. Daylight hours also rise, providing the region with ample sunlight.
Summer Weather in Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
Summers in the refuge are warmly inviting, with the average high temperature soaring to 84°F (28.9°C) and lows hovering around the comfortable 75°F (23.9°C) mark. Rainfall is on the lower range during the season, with an average rainfall of 2.2" (56mm) to 3.3" (84mm). The number of rainy days remains consistent at 9 in
June and 15 in the subsequent months.
Autumn Weather in Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
Autumn in the refuge presents high temperature averages between 80°F (26.7°C) and 76°F (24.4°C) and lows fluctuating from 72°F (22.2°C) to 69°F (20.6°C). This period sees an increase in the volume of rainfall, bouncing from 3.5" (89mm) in
October to 3.8" (97mm) in
November. Rainy days though remain uniform at 14 for both months.
Winter Weather in Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
Despite it being winter, the Refuge does not experience extreme drops in temperature, assuring a warm vacation spot even during colder times. High temperature averages are between 70°F (21.1°C) and 73°F (22.8°C), while lows bounce between 62°F (16.7°C) and 65°F (18.3°C). Rainfall peaks in this season with 4.1" (104mm) and 5" (127mm) in
December and
January respectively. The number of daylight hours shortens to 10.4 hours during December, the shortest across the year.
Weather in January
Weather in February
Weather in March
As the first quarter of the year draws to a close, a subtle upward trend begins to manifest in Midway Atoll Wildlife Refuge’s climate. An increase in temperatures, reaching up to 71°F (21.7°C), is accompanied by a slight reduction in rainfall to 3" (76mm).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings further enhancements in weather conditions, making it a delightful time on
Midway Island. Precipitations are less common and daylight hours continue to climb in number. It represents the transition to warmer months with a perceptible reduction in rainfall frequency, thereby fostering generally drier and sunnier ambiance.
Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge sees the arrival of April with an average high-temperature of a still agreeable 72°F (22.2°C), indicating a subtle variation from
March.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Weather in June
Midway Island experiences its warmest days in
June, with temperatures soaring up to 81°F (27.2°C). With a mere 2.2" (56mm) of rainfall spread throughout nine days, June truly ushers in the summer with its hot and dry environment.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July adds an interesting twist to
Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge's weather narrative. While warm conditions persist, rainfall totals surge distinctively to 3.3" (84mm). This increase in rainfall, coupled with long daylight hours, creates a unique blend of sun and shower, heightening the overall wetness feel. The high-temperature average in July for Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge is a still warm 82.9°F (28.3°C), staying closely aligned with
June's conditions.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August carries forward the warm and wet trend of
July, but outdoes it by registering the year’s highest rainfall total of 4.3" (109mm). Amongst warm temperatures, frequent showers make August the wettest month of the year. Yet, owing to ample daylight hours, it doesn't trail off into gloominess and retains its vibrancy.
Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge's warmest months, August and
September, record an average high-temperature of 84°F (28.9°C).
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September, rainfall totals drop, and stable temperatures continue, both indicating a return towards drier conditions on
Midway Island. Prevailing bright daylight hours and a pleasant warmth make it a suitable month for beach-related enjoyment.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Weather in November
November introduces significant changes in the
Midway Island climate. Temperatures continue to drop, with the lowest average plunging to 69°F (20.6°C). November persists with
October's rainfall trends, albeit with a slight rise in total.
Weather in November » Weather in December