Known as the island of eternal spring, New Caledonia benefits from a temperate tropical climate, tempered by the almost daily presence of the trade winds prevailing east. The perfect time to come to the 'Caillou' (its affectionate nickname meaning the 'Rock') is from October to November. It is a sunny time of year when temperatures are hot without being stuffy.
Two main seasons share this beautiful country's calendar. The hot season is characterised by hot temperatures, also known as austral summer, and is from November to March. During this period, the temperatures range from 25 and 29 °C and can go up to 35°C in Nouméa. February is the hottest month.
The other period is the cool season. In New Caledonia we do not refer to winter given the mildness of this period, from April to November, with fresh and dry weather. At this moment the temperatures go from 20 ° C to 23 ° C. Of course the mercury can go even lower in mountainous areas. August is the coldest month.
Precipitation, like the temperature, can vary significantly depending on the terrain.
Between February and March, precipitation is higher, a time when many mosquitos are around.
The East Coast is lined with mountains and cliffs and gets quite frequent rainfall, explaining its dense and lush vegetation.
The West Coast meanwhile gets about two times less precipitation than the East Coast. The cattle farmers in this area make sure they have hay reserves to get through possible dry periods.
Do not forget about the tropical cyclones characterised by violent winds and strong precipitation that can last several days and cause damage. They usually appear during the hot period. In case of alarm, do not panic, just follow the safety advice and stay indoors for the duration of the cyclone's passage.