Weather in Dili

Planning your day in Dili? In this section, you will find the latest information on weather conditions, as well as up-to-date forecasts and useful charts.

The climate in Dili is characterized as tropical, with fairly stable high temperatures throughout the year. The average annual temperature fluctuates between 23-26°C, making the city a warm destination to visit at any time. Maximum daytime temperatures usually reach 27-30°C, while nighttime temperatures rarely drop below 19-22°C.

Dili has two distinct seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The wet season typically lasts from November to April. This period sees the highest amount of rainfall, and the number of rainy days per month can reach 20-30, especially from December to March. The dry season falls between May and October, when rainfall decreases significantly, and there may be none at all in August. Sunny weather with a minimal number of rainy days prevails during this time.

Thus, the weather in Dili is generally warm and predictable in terms of temperature. The main difference between the seasons lies in the amount of rainfall, which is worth considering when planning your trip, especially if you prefer dry and sunny weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Dili experiences a remarkably stable temperature regime throughout the year, typical of a tropical climate. Average monthly temperatures fluctuate within a narrow range: from 23.4°C in July, considered the coolest month, to 25.7°C in October, which is the hottest. Consequently, there are no sharp changes between seasons, and the weather remains warm year-round, making Dili attractive to visit at any time.

The period from September to January, with peak heat in October (average temperature 25.7°C, maximum daily up to 29.8°C), can be considered the warmest. During these months, especially from November to January, significant rainfall also occurs, so the weather often feels hot and humid. The "cooler" and drier season falls on June-August. In July, the coolest month, the average temperature is 23.4°C, with daytime highs reaching a comfortable 27.2°C, while nights can be noticeably fresher, with temperatures around 19.6°C. August stands out with minimal rainfall and the lowest average minimum temperatures of the year (19.4°C), making evenings and nights particularly pleasant.

An interesting feature of Dili's climate is the temperature fluctuation between day and night. The greatest difference is observed in the dry months, such as August and September, where daytime highs (28.3°C - 29.4°C) can give way to significantly cooler nights (19.4°C - 20.2°C), creating a drop of up to 8-9°C. Meanwhile, at the height of the wet season, for example in January or February, daily fluctuations are less pronounced and amount to about 4-5°C, with daytime temperatures around 27°C and nighttime temperatures around 22.5°C. This means that even during the hottest periods, evenings and nights can bring refreshing coolness, especially during the dry season.

The wet season in Dili brings frequent, though not always heavy, rains. Peak rainfall occurs in March, with an average of 11 mm, as well as in December (10 mm) and February (9 mm). As for frequency, December leads with 30 rainy days, while January (with 8 mm of precipitation) and March have 29 each. This suggests that precipitation, primarily in the form of rain, is an almost daily occurrence during this period, even if the total amount does not appear extreme.

In the dry season, the amount of rainfall in Dili drops sharply, creating significantly more comfortable conditions for those who prefer sunny weather. August is distinguished by an absolute minimum: there may be no rainfall at all (0 mm) in this month, and the number of rainy days is only about two. July and September are also very dry, with minimal rainfall (1 mm each) and only six rainy days. In the transition months of this period, such as May and October, 2 mm of precipitation falls, while there are slightly more rainy days – 13 and 14 respectively.

When planning a trip to Dili, it is important to consider its tropical climate with high humidity and two distinct seasons. You will need light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen year-round. Don't forget high SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as the sun is active here. Comfortable walking shoes are a must-have, as you will likely want to explore the city on foot. It is also worth taking insect repellent, especially for evening walks.

If your trip falls during the wet season (approximately from November to April), when the number of rainy days increases significantly (up to 29-30 days in December, January, and March), be sure to pack a light raincoat or a compact umbrella. Quick-drying clothes will be very handy. Despite the frequent rains, the temperature remains high (averaging 24-25°C), so warm clothes are unlikely to be needed, except perhaps a light cardigan or cover-up for air-conditioned spaces.

In the dry season (from May to October), rainfall is minimal, especially in August (0 mm of precipitation and only 2 rainy days). During this period, the focus shifts to sun protection. Although daytime temperatures remain high (up to 28-29°C), evenings and nights, especially from July to September, can be slightly cooler (minimum temperatures drop to 19-20°C). Therefore, a light sweater or shawl may be useful for evening strolls. Overall, the principle of layering will be convenient, allowing you to adapt to temperature changes throughout the day and when moving from the outdoors into air-conditioned rooms.