Climate and monthly weather forecast
Kiribati

Kiribati, an island nation located in the central Pacific Ocean, straddles the equator. Consisting of 32 atolls and one raised coral island, it spreads across both the eastern and western hemispheres. It's a location marked by constant high humidity and regular rainfall, thanks to its Tropical Rainforest Climate, classified as "Af" in the Köppen Climate Classification. This climate type means there's no pronounced dry season, with all months receiving precipitation of at least 60mm (2.36"). Throughout the year, Kiribati experiences consistent high temperatures, generally between 26°C (78.8°F) to 32°C (89.6°F), as there's no significant temperature drop between different seasons. Heavy rainfall is typical, especially from December to April, but showers and thunderstorms can occur anytime throughout the year. The nighttime temperature variation is generally greater than the difference between the so-called 'summer' and 'winter' months.

If planning a visit to Kiribati, the best time would be between May and October. During these months, the rainfall tends to decrease, providing more opportunities to explore the country's pristine beaches and unique culture without the interruption of frequent showers. However, given the country's equatorial location, rain can still occur at any time, even during these drier months. The temperature stays consistently warm during this period, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water-related activities. The humidity is also relatively lower, contributing to a more comfortable climate for outdoor exploration.

The worst time to visit Kiribati is generally between December and April. These months constitute the wet season, characterized by heavy rainfall, frequent thunderstorms, and high humidity levels. It's not unusual to see rainfall exceeding 200mm (7.87") per month during this period. Also, these months coincide with the Pacific cyclone season, which, although Kiribati is usually spared the full brunt, can still lead to rough seas and intensified weather conditions. Outdoor activities could be significantly hampered during these months due to persistent rainfall and overcast skies.

In the equatorial climate of Kiribati, the concept of traditional seasons does not apply. However, for the sake of understanding, considering March to May as spring months, this period is part of the wetter season. High humidity levels, frequent rainfall, and temperatures ranging from 26°C (78.8°F) to 31°C (87.8°F) define these months. Despite the frequent showers, this period can still offer moments of clear skies and sunshine. The high humidity and rainfall foster a vibrant and lush green environment on the islands.

Similarly, if we assume June to August as summer months, they correspond to the drier season in Kiribati. During these months, rainfall lessens, but intermittent showers can still occur. Temperatures hover between 26°C (78.8°F) to 30°C (86°F), which combined with relatively lower humidity, create ideal conditions for outdoor and beach activities. The sea temperature is consistently warm, averaging 28°C (82.4°F), making it an excellent time for water sports and exploring the rich marine biodiversity.

The period from September to November, typically autumn months, sees a gradual increase in rainfall as the climate transitions towards the wet season. Temperatures remain fairly constant, between 26°C (78.8°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), with occasional rainfall becoming more frequent as November approaches. Despite the increasing rains, there are still many sunny periods, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the islands.

The winter months, from December to February, coincide with the wettest period in Kiribati. The islands experience heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and high humidity during this period. Despite being called 'winter', temperatures remain high, generally between 26°C (78.8°F) and 32°C (89.6°F), reflecting the country's tropical climate. Sea temperatures also stay warm, hovering around 28°C (82.4°F). Although this period sees the most rainfall, the sun is never far away, providing moments of respite from the rain.

January in Kiribati is characterized by its location in the middle of the Pacific wet season. This month is one of the wettest, with average precipitation typically exceeding 200mm (7.87"). Consistent rainfall can be expected throughout the islands, including notable cities such as Tarawa, the capital, and Kiritimati, the world's largest coral atoll. Despite the heavy rainfall, the temperature in January remains high, ranging from 26°C (78.8°F) to 32°C (89.6°F). Weather in January »

In February, Kiribati continues to experience the wet season, with heavy rains still quite common throughout the month. However, the average rainfall in February tends to be slightly lower than that of January, with precipitation around 180mm (7.09"). Weather in February »

March signifies the closing stages of the wet season in Kiribati. The country, including its significant cities like Tarawa and Kiritimati, continues to receive substantial rainfall, although it's usually slightly less than February, with precipitation around 170mm (6.69"). Weather in March »

April marks the transition from the wet to the drier season in Kiribati. Throughout this month, the country including key cities such as Tarawa and Kiritimati, begins to see a notable reduction in rainfall. The average precipitation in April typically stands at approximately 150mm (5.91"), which is significantly lower than the preceding months. The temperature during April remains consistent with the previous months, with average highs ranging between 26°C (78.8°F) and 32°C (89.6°F). Weather in April »

May in Kiribati marks the onset of the drier season. This period is characterized by a significant reduction in rainfall compared to the earlier months of the year. Average precipitation in May usually amounts to approximately 130mm (5.12"). Weather in May »

June in Kiribati is well within the dry season, with the nation, including important cities like Tarawa and Kiritimati, experiencing even less rainfall than May. The average precipitation in June typically drops to approximately 80mm (3.15"), marking a significant decrease from the earlier months of the year. Temperatures during June continue to reflect the island nation's tropical climate, with average highs consistently ranging between 26°C (78.8°F) and 32°C (89.6°F). Weather in June »

July in Kiribati is in the heart of the dry season. The nation, including major cities such as Tarawa and Kiritimati, continues to experience reduced rainfall, similar to June. The average precipitation in July is around 80mm (3.15"), signifying a consistent, minimal rainfall period in Kiribati's yearly cycle. The temperatures during July continue to be stable, reflective of Kiribati's equatorial climate. Weather in July »

August in Kiribati continues the trend of the dry season, with the country including key cities such as Tarawa and Kiritimati, experiencing minimal rainfall. The average precipitation in August is typically around 90mm (3.54"), a slight increase from the previous month, but still significantly lower than the wet season's figures. The temperatures during August stay consistently warm in line with the tropical climate of Kiribati. Weather in August »

September in Kiribati marks the beginning of the transition from the dry season back to the wet season. This period sees a gradual increase in rainfall, although the country, including key cities like Tarawa and Kiritimati, still experiences relatively dry conditions. Weather in September »

October in Kiribati sees a more apparent shift towards the wet season. Rainfall increases during this month, with the country, including significant cities like Tarawa and Kiritimati, experiencing average precipitation of 150mm (5.91"). Weather in October »

November in Kiribati signifies the deepening of the wet season. The country, including significant cities such as Tarawa and Kiritimati, experiences an increase in rainfall compared to October. Average precipitation in November usually reaches around 200mm (7.87"), marking a further increase in the wetness of the season. Despite the progression of the wet season, temperatures during November remain consistently warm, as per Kiribati's tropical climate. Weather in November »

December in Kiribati is characterized by the peak of the wet season. The country, including major cities like Tarawa and Kiritimati, experiences the highest rainfall during this month. Average precipitation in December is typically around 220mm (8.66"), making it one of the wettest months of the year. Despite the peak of the wet season, temperatures during December continue to stay consistently warm, reflecting Kiribati's tropical climate. Weather in December »