Climate Overview
The climate in Tarawa is hot. The average annual temperature is 28°C and approximately 1784mm of precipitation falls per year. Tarawa receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Tarawa sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.
Temperature
Tarawa has relatively stable temperatures year-round, staying within a 1°C range. The warmest month is September, when average highs reach 28°C and the mean temperature sits around 28°C. March is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 27°C and an average of 27°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 1°C between highs and lows.
Precipitation
Tarawa is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 1784mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 149mm per month. The wettest month is March, averaging 254mm of rainfall. January and December also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is November, with just 61mm. That's 193mm less than March, the wettest month. Precipitation varies noticeably between seasons, with the first half (January to June) of the year generally seeing more rainfall.
Wind
Tarawa is moderately windy, with an average annual wind speed of 24km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is February, averaging 27km/h, noticeable enough to affect lighter outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in June, with average winds dropping to 21km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 6km/h between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to be stronger during winter months, driven by seasonal pressure systems. The seasonal averages break down to 26km/h in winter, 24km/h in spring, 21km/h in summer, 23km/h in autumn.
Seasons
90 days until Summer
It is currently spring in Tarawa, which began on March 20, 2026. Tarawa sits near the equator, so the traditional four-season cycle is less pronounced — temperatures remain relatively stable year-round. The warmest period peaks in September at around 28°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in March near 27°C. Summer is next, beginning on June 21, 2026 — 90 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 27 to 28°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 587mm across the season with a monthly average of 196mm. Winds are moderate at around 24km/h. An umbrella or waterproof jacket is advisable as spring showers are frequent.
Summer
Temperatures range from 27 to 28°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 365mm across the season with a monthly average of 122mm. Winds are moderate at around 21km/h. Light, breathable clothing is ideal — perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 27 to 28°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 217mm for the season, averaging 72mm per month. Winds are moderate at around 23km/h. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended as rain becomes more frequent.
Winter
Temperatures range from 27 to 28°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 615mm across the season with a monthly average of 205mm. Winds are strong, averaging 26km/h. A light jacket or sweater is usually sufficient, though cooler evenings may call for an extra layer.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Tarawa based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.
