New caledonia climate

New Caledonia is a French territory located in the Pacific Ocean, northeast of Australia. It has a tropical climate with high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The climate varies depending on the region, with the coastal areas being generally cooler than the inland regions.

Here are some general climate characteristics of New Caledonia:

  1. Temperature: The average temperature ranges from 22°C (72°F) in the winter months (June to September) to 28°C (82°F) in the summer months (December to February).
  2. Humidity: The relative humidity is high throughout the year, ranging from 60% to 90%.
  3. Rainfall: New Caledonia receives most of its rainfall during the summer months, with an average annual rainfall of around 2,000 mm (79 in) in the north and 1,500 mm (59 in) in the south.
  4. Sunshine: The territory receives an average of 2,500 hours of sunshine per year, with the sunniest months being December to February.
  5. Seasons: New Caledonia has a wet and dry season, with the wet season typically occurring from November to April and the dry season from May to October.

Regional climate variations:

  1. North: The northern region of New Caledonia, including the islands of Grande Terre and the Loyalty Islands, has a more tropical climate with higher temperatures and humidity.
  2. South: The southern region, including the islands of Lifou and Ouvéa, has a slightly cooler climate with lower humidity.
  3. Inland: The inland regions of New Caledonia, including the mountains and valleys, have a more temperate climate with cooler temperatures and lower humidity.

Climate zones:

  1. Tropical rainforest: The northern and eastern parts of Grande Terre are covered in tropical rainforest, with high temperatures and high humidity.
  2. Savanna: The southern and western parts of Grande Terre are covered in savanna, with lower temperatures and lower humidity.
  3. Mountainous: The mountainous regions of New Caledonia, including the Massif de la Pente and the Massif de la Koghis, have a cooler climate with lower humidity.

Climate-related hazards:

  1. Cyclones: New Caledonia is prone to tropical cyclones, which can bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding.
  2. Drought: The dry season can bring drought conditions, which can affect agriculture and water supplies.
  3. Heatwaves: The summer months can bring heatwaves, which can be uncomfortable for outdoor activities.

Overall, New Caledonia's climate is characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and significant rainfall, with regional variations and climate-related hazards.