Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, enjoys a mild subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and mild, wetter winters. Temperatures are comfortable year-round, with only small seasonal variations. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, but sunshine is most abundant in summer. The island’s inviting weather and ocean breezes make it a unique destination for exploration and relaxation.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Easter Island’s subtropical climate is influenced by its remote Pacific location, resulting in mild temperatures and moderate humidity year-round. Summers (December–March) are warm and humid, with average highs of 25–28°C and lows of 19–21°C. This is the sunniest period, with up to 10–11 hours of sunshine daily and long daylight hours. Sea temperatures peak at 24–25°C, making swimming and water activities especially pleasant. Rainfall is moderate in summer, usually in the form of short, intense showers, and humidity is around 76–80%. The heat is tempered by steady ocean breezes, keeping conditions comfortable.
Winters (June–August) are mild, with average highs of 20–22°C and lows of 15–17°C. Rain is more frequent in winter, particularly from April to June, with May being the wettest month (over 120 mm). Showers can be heavier and more prolonged, and the island may experience periods of overcast skies, especially from June to September when sunshine drops to 4–6 hours daily. Despite this, frost and snow never occur. The sea cools to around 20°C in winter, which may feel brisk for swimming. Winds are common year-round, blowing predominantly from the east and southeast, and can be strong at higher points on the island. Climatic differences are noticeable even across the small island, with rain more common inland than on the coast.
Spring (October–November) and autumn (April–May) are considered shoulder seasons, offering mild temperatures (21–24°C), moderate humidity, and fewer tourists. These periods are excellent for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying the island’s archaeological wonders with more tranquillity. Overall, Easter Island receives about 1,000–1,100 mm of rain annually and enjoys around 2,500 hours of sunshine. The climate supports lush vegetation, green landscapes in the rainy months, and comfortable conditions for travel throughout the year.
| Average climate data for Easter Island, Chile | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 27 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 24 | 25 | 27 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 20 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 19 | 15 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 73 | 85 | 95 | 120 | 155 | 107 | 104 | 95 | 86 | 69 | 74 | 87 | 1,149 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 29 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 77 | 79 | 78 | 80 | 81 | 80 | 80 | 79 | 78 | 77 | 77 | 78 | 79 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 24 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 22 | 23 | 22 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6 |
| Average UV index | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 9 |
The best time to visit Easter Island is during the austral summer, from December to March, when temperatures are warm (25–28°C), sunshine is abundant, and the sea is perfect for swimming. Shoulder seasons (April–May and October–November) are also excellent, with mild weather, fewer tourists, and ideal conditions for hiking and sightseeing.
The least favourable time is from June to September, when the island is coolest, wettest, and cloudiest. Rain and overcast skies are more frequent, and sunshine is limited, though the island remains green and tranquil for those seeking solitude and lower prices.
Easter Island has a mild subtropical climate with warm, humid summers (25–28°C) and mild, wetter winters (20–22°C). Rain falls year-round, but sunshine is most abundant in summer. The island is rarely cold, and frost never occurs.
The best time to visit is from December to March for warm, sunny weather and lively festivals. April–May and October–November are also great, with mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and fewer tourists.
Rain falls throughout the year, with annual totals around 1,000–1,100 mm. The wettest months are April to June, especially May. Showers are often brief and intense, but dry, sunny intervals are common.
The sea is warmest from January to April (24–25°C), ideal for swimming. It cools to around 20°C from July to October, which may feel brisk for some, but swimming is possible year-round.
Yes, winds are common year-round, especially from the east and southeast. They can be strong at higher elevations, adding to the island’s fresh feel and sometimes affecting outdoor activities.
Pack light, breathable clothing for summer, a jumper and windproof jacket for cooler evenings, and a rain jacket for showers. Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and swimwear are essentials. Layers are useful for variable weather.
Yes, January and February are peak tourist months, especially during the Tapati Rapa Nui festival. For a quieter experience, visit in the shoulder seasons (April–May or October–November), when the weather is still pleasant.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is February (27.3 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is July (21.2 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 24 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is February (20.2 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is August (15.4 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 17.6 °C.
The month with the highest average water temperature is February (25.1 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is August (19.9 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 22.4 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is May (154.9 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is October (68.6 mm). Over the whole year there are 1,149.5 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is January (5.1 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is March (0.1 days). Over the whole year there are 29.3 days of rain on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is May (81 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is January (76.9 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 78.7 %.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is December (Average daylight: 13.1 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is June (Average daylight: 10 h). Over the whole year there are 11.7 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is January (Average sunshine: 9.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is July (Average sunshine: 4 h). Over the whole year there are 6.5 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index: 12). The months with the lowest average UV index are June and July (UV index: 4). Over the whole year the average UV index is 8.7.
