New Caledonian barrier reef
New Caledonia UNESCO World Heritage Site
The New Caledonian barrier reef is a World Heritage Site group located in New Caledonia. Covering an area of 15743 square kilometers, it is the most looked-up sight on English Wikipedia in the country.
Planning a visit
The drier months from July through September bring lower rainfall, with about 70 mm to 89 mm of rain spread over 6 to 8 days, and daily highs around 20 °C to 21 °C with lows near 16 °C. The warmer months from January through March experience heavier rainfall, reaching up to 385 mm in March over about 17 days, alongside daily highs of 25 °C to 26 °C and lows of 21 °C to 22 °C.
The nearest airport is Koumac Airport in Koumac, located 36 km away, while La Tontouta International Airport in Nouméa serves as a hub at a distance of 247 km. The site is located 284 km from the capital, Nouméa.
Weather by month
The warmest month is February, with an average high of 26 °C. The wettest is March, with about 385 mm of rain.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 26 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
| Average low, °C | 21 | 22 | 22 | 20 | 19 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 21 |
| Rainfall, mm | 346 | 351 | 385 | 206 | 183 | 155 | 89 | 86 | 70 | 90 | 160 | 252 |
| Rainy days | 16 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 13 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 16 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for this spot (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
