Season by season
Dry season (December–June)
The best months for the summit and for hiking: less rain, lower humidity and firmer tracks. The same trade winds that cool the island blow straight onto the east coast, though, so surf at Kagman and Forbidden Island is often at its heaviest. The south coast is usually more sheltered.
Wet season (July–November)
Heavier rain turns the Tapochau road and the beach tracks to mud and deep ruts, and cloud often caps the summit by midday. On the other hand the trade winds ease, and between weather systems the east coast can have some of its calmest days of the year for diving at Lau Lau.
Sea conditions & typhoons
There is no lagoon on this side, so swell matters more than anywhere else on Saipan. Sea temperature stays around 27–30 °C. Typhoons are possible in any month and likeliest from about August to November — Typhoon Yutu struck the south of the island hardest in October 2018. After storms, expect washed-out tracks and closed trails.
Month by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°C | 23°C | 95 mm | Busy |
| February | 29°C | 23°C | 70 mm | Busy |
| March | 30°C | 23°C | 60 mm | Quiet |
| April | 31°C | 24°C | 65 mm | Quiet |
| May | 31°C | 25°C | 85 mm | Quiet |
| June | 31°C | 25°C | 125 mm | Quiet |
| July | 31°C | 25°C | 215 mm | Busy |
| August | 31°C | 24°C | 320 mm | Busy |
| September | 31°C | 24°C | 290 mm | Quiet |
| October | 31°C | 24°C | 270 mm | Quiet |
| November | 30°C | 24°C | 160 mm | Quiet |
| December | 29°C | 24°C | 110 mm | Busy |
Temperatures and rainfall are approximate long-term averages; individual years vary, and a single typhoon can change a month completely.
Festivals & events
- February–April: usually the driest spell and the clearest views from Mount Tapochau
- March–April: on Good Friday a cross is carried up Mount Tapochau in an Easter procession — the summit road is busy with walkers
- April–July: the main sea turtle nesting season on beaches such as Tank Beach; keep away from marked nests (timing varies)
- June–July: wartime anniversaries, from the 15 June 1944 landings to Liberation Day on 4 July, are marked around the island
- Year-round: patron-saint fiestas in San Antonio, San Vicente and Kagman bring village feasts on different weekends
Our advice
Go to the summit first thing in the morning, whatever the month, before cloud builds. For hiking and rough roads, January to May is easiest; for a chance of calm water at Lau Lau or Obyan, ask a dive shop on the day. Avoid the tracks for a day or two after heavy rain. Regional weather detail is on the when to go page.
