Tiwai Island Island
River island wildlife sanctuary famed for chimpanzees
On the Moa River, Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary is valued for primate research, dense forest and birdlife; visitors stay at simple lodges for guided walks and canoe trips to see chimpanzees and other species.
Tiwai Island at a Glance#
Tips for Visiting Tiwai Island#
- Arrange entry and guided visits through the Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary or an authorised operator before you travel-the island operates as a managed research and conservation area and access is controlled via boat from nearby river towns.
- Visit in the dry season (roughly November-April) when river conditions are easier for boat transfers and wildlife-viewing walks are more reliable; staying at the on-site research/lodge facilities improves your chances of guided night and dawn wildlife sightings.
Best Time to Visit Tiwai Island#
The dry season (roughly November-May) is the most reliable time for visiting Tiwai Island for wildlife and boat access.
Dry season (best for wildlife & access)
Nov-May · 24-30°C
Drier, sunnier conditions with lower river levels - the best time for wildlife viewing and boat access.
Rainy season
Jun-Oct · 24-28°C
Heavy rains raise river levels, increase mosquitoes and can restrict access; travel plans are more likely to be disrupted.
Weather & Climate near Tiwai Island#
Climate
Tiwai Island's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 34°C. Heavy rainfall (2696 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
Air Quality:
AQI 76
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
40°
Warmest Month
14°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 20° - 32° | 26° | 12 mm | mostly sunny | 71% | 1.3 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.6h |
| February | Excellent | 21° - 33° | 27° | 34 mm | some cloud | 75% | 1.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.8h |
| March | Very Good | 21° - 34° | 30° | 77 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 1.6 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 21° - 33° | 30° | 142 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 1.3 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.2h |
| May | Acceptable | 22° - 32° | 30° | 242 mm | overcast | 83% | 1.9 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.3h |
| June | Acceptable | 21° - 31° | 26° | 337 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.9 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.4h |
| July | Good | 21° - 29° | 25° | 402 mm | overcast | 88% | 1.8 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.4h |
| August | Good | 21° - 29° | 25° | 453 mm | overcast | 89% | 1.9 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.2h |
| September | Good | 21° - 30° | 26° | 481 mm | overcast | 89% | 1.6 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.1h |
| October | Acceptable | 21° - 31° | 26° | 313 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.4 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.8h |
| November | Good | 21° - 32° | 26° | 163 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 1.2 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.7h |
| December | Excellent | 20° - 31° | 26° | 40 mm | some cloud | 76% | 1.1 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.6h |
