Luxury Crewed Yacht Tonga, Tonga

Sailing Conditions

General Conditions

1. Remember, the seasons in Tonga are opposite from those in the Northern Hemisphere—when it’s winter in the north, its summer south of the equator.
2. The best time to visit is during the driest season, April-November, when day temperatures are in the 70s-80s F/21-36 C and the nights are in the 60s F/16-21 C.
3. December-March is the rainy season, but it usually isn’t so bad that it should deter a visit (it’s a few degrees warmer then).
4. Trade winds blow year round: A light sweater may be needed for evenings.

Tonga's climate is pleasant and slightly cooler than that of most tropical areas. Mean annual temperature in Nuku'alofa is 23.7 C, with a mean humidity is 76%.
With water temperatures from 23°C in winter to 30°C in the summer (73°F to 86°F)

Weather Forecasts:
- Radio: Radio Polynésie (RFO) on 94 FM, at 5.55am, 6.50am, 7.50 am, 10.30am and  5.50pm
- VHF 10: the base takes every day on the internet a report from Météo-France and a chart indicating all   centres of pressure.
- VHF 26: “Mahina Radio” 11.00 am, 12.00 am, 8.40 pm, 9.00 pm (English on request only). Mahina radio is on Channel 27 in Windward Island.
- By phone directly to Météo France: 36 70 08
- Sunsail base phone number: 600 485

Tides
In Vava'u there are two high and low tides in a 24-hour period. The mean tide rise and fall is 3.3 feet. When going ashore, make sure the dinghy is well above the high water mark and use the dinghy anchor on the beach to prevent a rising tide from floating the dinghy off the beach. Tide tables are provided on each yacht.
The tides sometimes cause strong currents in narrow passages, as in the entrance to Hunga (#13). Please take note of the advice given in the guide regarding such locations in the cruising area. Care and normal seamanship should be used in your assessment of situations.
During periods of strong winds from a constant direction, surface currents will build up. An example of this would be during the southeast trades between April and December. These winds will build up a current across the southern part of the area from east to west. When steering a compass course, be aware these currents may set you off your intended course. Take a bearing with the hand-bearing compass to verify your position.

Historical Weather (Averages by month):