Easter Island (Rapa Nui): When to Go

The weather is pleasant on Rapa Nui year-round, so you don't need to think too hard when packing. The peak tourist season runs from January to March, when prices are highest and accommodation scarcest, especially during the Tapati Rapa Nui festival in February - this incredibly colorful, fortnight-long celebration features music, dance and traditional cultural events. The rest of the year is less crowded and at times you'll practically have the whole island to yourself. July and August might be a bit chilly for some tastes, but they're ideal months for hiking.

Weather

Winds and ocean currents strongly influence Rapa Nui's subtropical climate. The hottest months are January and February, and the coolest are July and August. The average maximum summer temperature is 28°C (83°F) and the average minimum is 15°C (59°F), but these figures understate what can be a fierce sun and an equally formidable heat. The average winter maximum is 22°C (72°F) and the minimum is 14°C (57°F), but it can seem much cooler when Antarctic winds lash the island with rain. Light showers are the most common form of precipitation. May is the wettest month, but tropical downpours can occur during any season.