Best Time to Visit Tarawa

Hot all year, wet or less wet

Tarawa sits almost on the equator, so the temperature barely moves. It's 28 or 29°C day and night, every month. What changes is the rain and how sticky the air feels.

The wetter months are December to April, with March the heaviest at 181 mm. December and January are close behind. Rain often comes as short, heavy downpours, and the air stays thick. Expect cloudy days and little sun.

August to November: the easiest stretch

If you want the most comfortable weather, aim for August to November. Rain drops to about 80 to 95 mm a month, humidity eases, and you get more sunshine. October and November score best on our table. November has the fewest rainy days at 12.

These months suit lagoon days. You can swim off the sandbanks, go out on a boat, or watch the sunset from the causeway between islets. The causeway links South Tarawa's long, thin strip of land. Travelling with kids? Dry spells make it easier to plan outdoor time, though the heat is still strong at midday.

Crowds, and what's on

Tarawa doesn't have a tourist high season. Visitors are few all year, mostly people on business, aid work or diving and fishing trips. So you won't fight crowds in any month. Flights and rooms are limited, though, so your travel dates matter more than the season.

The big event is Independence Day on 12 July. Kiribati celebrates with dancing, canoe races and sports, usually centred on Bairiki, the government area. July is also one of the wetter months, with rain on 21 days, so expect to get damp. Bring a waterproof bag for your camera.

Another is Te Rii ni Banaba, Banaba Day, on 12 October. It's a quieter, more local occasion. Christmas and New Year are big family times, and some places slow down. They also fall in the rainy season.

Which month for which trip

For a relaxed beach and lagoon trip, pick September to November. For a cultural visit, July's independence events are worth some rain. If you're on a budget or don't mind grey skies, February and May are "Fair" months. They're a bit drier than the months around them.

If you hate muggy weather, avoid March and April. Rain falls on up to 20 days in April.