Best Time to Visit Saipan
Northern Mariana Islands · weather by month, temperature and rainfall
If you want the most pleasant weather in Saipan, plan your trip for February to May and December. Temperatures barely change through the year: highs stay between 26°C and 28°C, so rainfall matters far more than heat when choosing when to go. The rainy season runs over July to October; August is the wettest month with about 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain. August is the least comfortable month, mainly because of the rain.
When to go to Saipan: a seasonal guide
Two seasons, one warm sea
Saipan is warm all year. Highs sit between 26°C and 28°C, and nights barely cool off. So the real question is rain, not heat.
The dry season runs roughly December to June. Days are sunny, with trade winds (steady breezes off the ocean) taking the edge off the humidity. The wet season runs July to October. Rain falls on almost every day in August, and September isn't much better. Sunshine drops to around two hours a day. Expect grey skies and sudden downpours.
Best months for your kind of trip
February to May is the sweet spot. It's the driest stretch, and the sun is out for much of the day. Snorkelling at Managaha Island and diving at the Grotto, a seawater cave on the northeast coast, are at their best. Calmer seas also make boat trips easier.
Want beach time and a lower bill? December is also rated Excellent. Hiking up Mount Tapochau, the island's highest point, is far more pleasant on a clear morning in these months. The views over Garapan and the lagoon are worth it.
June and November are decent in-between choices. Showers are more likely, but you'll still get plenty of sun. Travelling in July? Plan on short, bright windows and bring a flexible attitude.
From August to October, typhoons are a real risk in this part of the Pacific. Check the forecast before you fly and ask about cancellation terms. If you do come, the upside is quiet beaches and lower prices.
Crowds and events
Saipan's busiest times follow the school holidays in Japan, Korea and China, which supply most of its visitors. Expect more people around Golden Week in late April and early May, and again over the New Year break. Garapan's beachfront and the Micro Beach area fill up then.
Events are worth timing. Flame Tree Arts Festival, a showcase of Pacific island crafts, music and food, usually takes place around May or June. Liberation Day on July 4 brings a parade and fireworks, one of the few reasons to enjoy a wet month. The Festival of the Pacific Arts is a separate, rarer event, so check before you plan around it.
If you hate crowds, aim for late January, February or early December. You'll get good weather without the holiday rush.
Saipan weather by month
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rainy days | Humidity | Sun hrs/day | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26°C 79°F | 26°C 78°F | 71 mm | 13 | 78% | 4.9 | Good 7.7 |
| February | 26°C 79°F | 25°C 77°F | 34 mm | 10 | 77% | 5.4 | Excellent 8.7 |
| March | 26°C 79°F | 25°C 78°F | 34 mm | 8 | 78% | 6.8 | Excellent 9 |
| April | 27°C 80°F | 26°C 79°F | 49 mm | 9 | 79% | 7.6 | Excellent 8.7 |
| May | 27°C 81°F | 27°C 80°F | 48 mm | 9 | 79% | 8 | Excellent 8.7 |
| June | 28°C 82°F | 27°C 81°F | 54 mm | 14 | 80% | 7.4 | Good 7.6 |
| July | 28°C 82°F | 27°C 81°F | 156 mm | 25 | 81% | 3.8 | Poor 4.2 |
| August | 28°C 82°F | 27°C 80°F | 281 mm | 29 | 82% | 2.2 | Poor 3.6 |
| September | 28°C 82°F | 27°C 80°F | 263 mm | 28 | 82% | 2.4 | Poor 3.7 |
| October | 27°C 81°F | 27°C 80°F | 245 mm | 26 | 82% | 3.8 | Poor 4.3 |
| November | 28°C 82°F | 27°C 80°F | 82 mm | 16 | 80% | 7 | Good 6.6 |
| December | 27°C 81°F | 26°C 80°F | 47 mm | 11 | 78% | 6.7 | Excellent 8.4 |
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Saipan?
The best time to visit Saipan is February to May and December, based on comfortable temperatures, low rainfall and plenty of sunshine.
What is the hottest month in Saipan?
June is the hottest month in Saipan, with an average high of 28°C (82°F).
What is the coldest month in Saipan?
February is the coldest month in Saipan, with an average low of 25°C (77°F).
What is the rainiest month in Saipan?
August is the wettest month, with about 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain. March is the driest, with 34 mm (1.3 in).
When is the rainy season in Saipan?
The rainy season in Saipan is July to October.
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