Weather & Climate in West Island, Cocos Islands
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
West Island has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 80°F (27°C). Winters average 81°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. Annual precipitation totals 79.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 39 feet.
Temperature
81°F Jan (27°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 79.7°F |
| 48% above US avg | |
| January Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 39 ft (12 m) |
| Coordinates | 12.1568°S, 96.8225°E |
| Timezone | Indian/Cocos |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M5.9.
| Sep 7, 2001 | South Indian Ocean | M5.9 | 124 km | 10 km |
| Jun 22, 2000 | South Indian Ocean | M5.0 | 129 km | 10 km |
| Jun 19, 2000 | South Indian Ocean | M4.6 | 130 km | 10 km |
| Jun 22, 2000 | South Indian Ocean | M4.5 | 127 km | 10 km |
| Jun 22, 2000 | South Indian Ocean | M4.4 | 138 km | 10 km |
| Apr 8, 2002 | South Indian Ocean | M4.3 | 140 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Hurricane History
12 hurricanes (Category 1+) recorded within 500 km since 1980. Strongest on record: Category 4.
| Year | Name | Category | Max Wind | Closest |
| 2015 | Kate | Category 3 | 92 mph | 253 km |
| 2004 | Jana | Category 1 | 98 mph | 268 km |
| 2001 | Walter | Category 2 | 92 mph | 56 km |
| 2000 | Paul | Category 4 | 115 mph | 222 km |
| 1999 | Alison | Category 1 | 98 mph | 244 km |
| 1997 | Helinda:pancho | Category 3 | 132 mph | 131 km |
| 1996 | Coryna:hubert | Category 1 | 81 mph | 242 km |
| 1992 | Graham | Category 4 | 127 mph | 146 km |
| 1992 | Harriet:heather | Category 1 | 92 mph | 253 km |
| 1992 | Irna:jane | Category 1 | 98 mph | 249 km |
| 1990 | Pedro | Category 1 | 63 mph | 146 km |
| 1980 | Fred | Category 2 | 98 mph | 233 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Category 1+, 1980-2026).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 81°F (27°C) | 6.7 in | |
| February | 81°F (27°C) | 7.0 in | |
| March | 81°F (27°C) | 9.0 in | Warmest |
| April | 81°F (27°C) | 9.8 in | Wettest |
| May | 80°F (27°C) | 8.4 in | |
| June | 79°F (26°C) | 8.8 in | |
| July | 78°F (26°C) | 8.7 in | |
| August | 78°F (26°C) | 5.0 in | Coldest |
| September | 78°F (26°C) | 3.7 in | |
| October | 79°F (26°C) | 3.0 in | Driest |
| November | 79°F (26°C) | 4.7 in | |
| December | 80°F (27°C) | 4.3 in |
West Island has a seasonal temperature swing of 3°F / from 78°F in August to 81°F in March. Total annual precipitation is 79.1 inches, with April being the wettest month (9.8") and October the driest (3.0").