The weather of Raja Ampat
As an area very close to the Equatorial line, Raja Ampat has a humid tropical temperature ranging around 28-33° C , while water temperatures range from 28-30° C , (in Misool slightly lower, 26-28° C). If you are from the Subtropical places you can leave your dry suit back home, and not worry so much about getting cold. Instead we should avoid being overheated, especially by over exposure to the sun. Use your hat and sunscreen generously. Another way to avoid the heat is stay hydrated and take a dip in the sea whenever we have the chance.
As in all places, the weather varies throughout the year. The clearest and calmest weather is typically in October to November, while from December up to February we can enjoy just a little bit more tropical rain, which can help cool us down just enough to paddle longer distances if we want to. Although sometimes we have heavy winds, it is usually brief and Indonesia is geographically outside the path of any typhoons and hurricanes so we don’t need to worry about that. From March to May the rain will be less frequent again, but you still can always snorkel instead to cool off.
From the end of June up to September, it is not convenient for kayaking trips since the Southeastern monsoon is blowing constantly, creating big waves and eroding some open beaches on the Island chains. This is why Millekul is not open to kayaking trips during this period.
Having mentioned these weather patterns above, we should also be aware of sudden changes and microclimates that can happen in these Islands. Especially, due to global warming’s worsening impact on the climate.
El Niño and La Niña
The natural cycle of El Niño and La Niña also has an impact in Raja Ampat and Misool ecology.
El Niño and La Niña are phases of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a climatic cycle characterized by periodic warming (El Niño) and cooling (La Niña) of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. These events significantly impact global weather patterns, affecting sea surface temperatures, rainfall distribution, and ocean currents.
During El Niño, Raja Ampat experiences rising sea temperatures, disrupting the delicate balance of its marine ecosystem. The warm waters often lead to coral bleaching, affecting the coral reefs in these waters. The rainfall on Raja Ampat Islands is much less during an El Niño event. The same as in Northern Australia that gets much more dry weather. The season 2023/2024 was an El Niño event.
Conversely, La Niña brings cooler sea temperatures and enhances the normal weather conditions of the region. While cooler waters can mitigate coral bleaching, the increased rainfall may impact visibility for divers due to sediment runoff. However, these conditions can also give increased productivity in the marine ecosystems.
The season 2024/2025 is very likely going to develop to a La Niña with a start in November until to February or March. Let us see!
