Micronesia
The best time to visit
When to go to Micronesia
Aim for January to March, the least-wet months, for the ruins of Nan Madol, the wreck diving of Chuuk Lagoon and Yap's manta season. There is no true dry season here: Pohnpei is one of the rainiest places on Earth, so pack for showers whenever you come.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Pohnpei. Higher is better. Some links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Feb.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
Rainy season.
In short
The year at a glance
The Federated States of Micronesia string four states across 2,700 km of ocean: Yap's stone money and mantas, Chuuk's lagoon full of WWII wrecks, Pohnpei's ruined basalt city of Nan Madol, and quiet Kosrae. We rate on Pohnpei, whose mountains catch some of the heaviest rainfall on the planet.
That is why the rating stays low all year: even the best months are wet by any mainland standard. January to March is the relative dry season, with steadier northeast trades, and the westernmost state, Yap, runs a little drier still. Rain comes as short, heavy bursts with sun between; typhoons usually form here but strengthen further west.
Month by month
Micronesia month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Pohnpei.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 330 mm | Fair 31 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| February | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 250 mm | Fair 43 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| March | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 300 mm | Fair 35 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| April | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 375 mm | Avoid 25 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| May | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 430 mm | Avoid 19 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| June | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 400 mm | Avoid 21 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| July | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 360 mm | Avoid 27 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| August | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 380 mm | Avoid 24 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| September | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 360 mm | Avoid 26 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| October | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 360 mm | Avoid 26 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| November | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 330 mm | Fair 30 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| December | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 350 mm | Avoid 28 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
By region
Where you go changes when you go
Pohnpei and Nan Madol
A ruined city of basalt log islets on the reef, plus waterfalls and sakau ceremonies. The walk is muddy; drier months help.
Chuuk Lagoon
The world's greatest wreck-diving lagoon: a Japanese fleet sunk in 1944, sheltered and divable year round.
Yap and Kosrae
Yap's manta channels peak December to April; Kosrae offers pristine reef and the region's quietest villages.
Go for
Best time to visit Micronesia for
Wreck diving Chuuk
Year round in the sheltered lagoon, with the calmest surface weather December to April.
Mantas in Yap
December to April, when mantas crowd the cleaning stations in the channels.
Nan Madol
January to March, when the reef flats and forest paths are at their least sodden.
Surfing Pohnpei
October to April, when north swells light up Palikir Pass.
On the calendar
What is on, and when
Manta season, Dec to Apr
Yap's resident mantas gather at the channel cleaning stations.
Trade-wind season, Jan to Mar
The least-wet stretch of the year across the eastern states.
Rainy season
all year.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Micronesia
Compare hotels and rentals around Pohnpei, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
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Questions