Nan Madol
Federated States of Micronesia UNESCO World Heritage Site
Nan Madol is an archaeological site comprising a series of artificial islands and ruins located in Madolenihmw within the Federated States of Micronesia. The site covers an area of 0.767 square kilometers. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, a National Historic Landmark, and is included on the National Register of Historic Places. Nan Madol is currently the most looked-up sight in the Federated States of Micronesia.
Planning a visit
Temperatures at Nan Madol remain consistent throughout the year, with averages of 27 °C during every month. Visitors encounter significant rainfall regardless of the season. February records the lowest precipitation levels, with about 292 mm of rain occurring over approximately 21 days. Rainfall increases throughout the spring, reaching a peak in May, which averages 520 mm of rain over 29 days. Other months also experience high rainfall, typically between 387 mm and 467 mm, with rainy days occurring frequently throughout the year.
Travelers arriving by air can use Pohnpei International Airport, which is located 21 km from the site. For those traveling from the capital, Palikir, the distance to Nan Madol is 18 km. Kosrae International Airport is located further away at 537 km. The site is situated in Madolenihmw.
Weather by month
Temperatures stay much the same all year, around 27 °C on average. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperature, °C | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| Rainfall, mm | 387 | 292 | 382 | 512 | 520 | 459 | 467 | 429 | 437 | 451 | 432 | 446 |
| Rainy days | 22 | 21 | 24 | 26 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 25 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for this spot (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.