Tarawa, Kiribati Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Tarawa
Weather in Tarawa is shaped by its tropical rainforest climate - expect steady heat, high humidity and frequent downpours in every month. September afternoons typically reach 84°F (29°C), while March highs hover near 83°F (28°C). Annual precipitation averages 78.3 inches (1988 mm) over about 198 rainy days.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: September - highs near 84°F (29°C)
- Coldest month: March - highs near 83°F (28°C)
- Record high: 88°F (31°C) · Record low: 74°F (24°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: March (21 rainy days) · Sunniest: November (11.1 h sun/day)
- Climate type: tropical rainforest - steady heat, high humidity and frequent downpours in every month
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on September. Highs average 84°F (29°C) and overnight lows stay near 81°F (27°C). The coolest month is March, with typical highs of 83°F (28°C) and lows around 80°F (26°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 88°F (31°C) and dropped as low as 74°F (24°C).
Rain, sun and snow
March is usually the wettest month. It brings about 11.6 inches (296 mm) of rain over 21 days, while October is the driest. November brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.1 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 83° | 80° | 18 | 9.7 in | 9.9 h/day | 79% |
| February | 83° | 80° | 16 | 7.4 in | 10.3 h/day | 80% |
| March | 83° | 80° | 21 | 11.6 in | 9.9 h/day | 81% |
| April | 83° | 80° | 20 | 7.5 in | 10.3 h/day | 81% |
| May | 83° | 80° | 19 | 5.9 in | 10.8 h/day | 80% |
| June | 83° | 80° | 18 | 6.7 in | 10.7 h/day | 78% |
| July | 83° | 80° | 20 | 6.4 in | 10.7 h/day | 79% |
| August | 83° | 81° | 13 | 3.6 in | 11.0 h/day | 75% |
| September | 84° | 81° | 14 | 3.6 in | 11.0 h/day | 76% |
| October | 83° | 81° | 12 | 3.5 in | 11.0 h/day | 75% |
| November | 83° | 80° | 12 | 3.7 in | 11.1 h/day | 75% |
| December | 83° | 80° | 17 | 8.6 in | 10.0 h/day | 79% |
Tarawa month by month
Tarawa weather in January
January brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 80°F (27°C), about 18 wet days.
Tarawa weather in February
February brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 80°F (27°C), about 16 wet days.
Tarawa weather in March
March brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 80°F (26°C), about 21 wet days - typically the coldest month and the wettest month of the year in Tarawa.
Tarawa weather in April
April brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 80°F (27°C), about 20 wet days.
Tarawa weather in May
May brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 80°F (27°C), about 19 wet days.
Tarawa weather in June
June brings highs around 83°F (29°C), lows near 80°F (27°C), about 18 wet days.
Tarawa weather in July
July brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 80°F (27°C), about 20 wet days.
Tarawa weather in August
August brings highs around 83°F (29°C), lows near 81°F (27°C), about 13 wet days.
Tarawa weather in September
September brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 81°F (27°C), about 14 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Tarawa.
Tarawa weather in October
October brings highs around 83°F (29°C), lows near 81°F (27°C), about 12 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Tarawa.
Tarawa weather in November
November brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 80°F (27°C), about 12 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Tarawa.
Tarawa weather in December
December brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 80°F (27°C), about 17 wet days.
Seasons in Tarawa
March through May
March through May in Tarawa is hot, with daytime highs averaging 83°F (28°C) and nights around 80°F (27°C); expect showers on roughly 60 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
June through August
June through August in Tarawa brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 83°F (29°C) and nights around 80°F (27°C); expect showers on roughly 51 days across the season.
September through November
September through November in Tarawa brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 83°F (29°C) and nights around 81°F (27°C); expect showers on roughly 38 days across the season.
December through February
December through February in Tarawa is hot, with daytime highs averaging 83°F (28°C) and nights around 80°F (27°C); expect showers on roughly 50 days across the season.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Tarawa?
Is Tarawa hot in summer?
Is Tarawa cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Tarawa get in a year?
Best time to visit Tarawa
The best time to visit Tarawa is generally August to November and February, when these months combine the driest skies with the most comfortable heat. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 83°F (29°C).
Pack for Tarawa with a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature; moisture-wicking fabrics to cope with the humidity. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - September nights average 81°F (27°C).
Tarawa temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.