Tarawa in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Tarawa

30°C (87°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

137 mm (5.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Peak trade wind season brings 25-35 km/h (15-22 mph) breezes, making the humid air much more comfortable than guidebooks suggest
School holidays mean more local cultural activities and traditional fishing competitions you can observe from the causeways
Neap tide cycles in August create the year's best lagoon snorkeling visibility at 15-20 m (50-65 ft) compared to 8 m (25 ft) other months
Flight prices drop 20-30% compared to July peak season, with more seat availability on Fiji Airways and Air Kiribati

Considerations

Brief but intense afternoon downpours (20-30 minutes) happen 60% of days, typically between 2-4 PM when UV is strongest
King tide warnings can flood some coastal roads in South Tarawa, affecting transport between Kiribati and Bonriki
Traditional copra harvesting season means some outer island day trips have reduced schedules or higher prices

Best Activities in August

Lagoon Snorkeling and Marine Conservation Tours

August's neap tides create exceptional 15-20 m (50-65 ft) visibility in the lagoon - the clearest water of the year. Traditional fish aggregating devices (FADs) are most active now, attracting schools of trevally and barracuda. The consistent trade winds make boat rides comfortable even during midday heat.

Booking Tip: Book with operators offering traditional outrigger canoes (te wa) for real feel. Trips typically cost AUD $80-120 including gear. Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators - see current tour options in booking section below.

WWII Historical Site Cycling

August's trade winds make cycling the 32 km (20 mile) causeway system comfortable even at midday. Early morning (6-9 AM) rides to Kiribati's gun emplacements avoid afternoon showers while temperatures stay around 26°C (79°F). Local guides share stories passed down from families who witnessed the 1943 battle.

Booking Tip: Rent sturdy bikes with wide tires for causeway surfaces. Daily rates typically AUD $15-25. Morning guided tours cost AUD $45-65. Book through guesthouses or see current cycling tour options in booking section below.

Traditional Fishing and Toddy Palm Experiences

August school holidays mean more I-Kiribati families participate in traditional activities. Join locals at dawn (5:30 AM) for net fishing in the lagoon or learn toddy palm tapping techniques. The strong trade winds help with palm climbing, and fresh toddy tastes best in cooler morning temperatures.

Booking Tip: Arrange through village headmen or guesthouse contacts. Community experiences typically cost AUD $30-50 including breakfast. No advance booking needed - approach respectfully day-of or see cultural experience options in booking section below.

Outer Island Day Trips

August's settled weather patterns make boat trips to Abaiang or Maiana islands most reliable. Reduced copra transport schedules actually mean fewer crowds at traditional villages. The consistent 25 km/h (15 mph) trade winds ensure comfortable 2-3 hour boat journeys each way.

Booking Tip: Book 10-14 days ahead as boats run limited August schedules. Full-day trips typically cost AUD $150-220 including transfers and lunch. Weather backup plans essential - see current island excursion options in booking section below.

Sunrise and Sunset Causeway Walks

August offers the year's most dramatic sunrises (6:20 AM) and sunsets (6:45 PM) with minimal cloud interference. The long Nippon Causeway provides 4 km (2.5 miles) of elevated walking with 360-degree atoll views. Trade winds eliminate the need for dawn jacket layers by 7 AM.

Booking Tip: Self-guided activity requiring only comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. Join local morning exercisers for informal groups around 6 AM. Bring AUD $2 for fresh coconut water from roadside vendors.

Cultural Center and Handicraft Learning Sessions

August school holidays mean master weavers and traditional craftspeople offer more frequent demonstrations at the Kiribati Cultural Centre. Learn pandanus weaving or traditional dance during the comfortable 10 AM-12 PM window when trade winds keep indoor spaces cool.

Booking Tip: Walk-in participation usually available AUD $10-20 for materials. Private lessons cost AUD $40-60 for 2-hour sessions. Check weekly schedules posted at guesthouses or see current cultural workshop options in booking section below.

August Events & Festivals

August 12

Independence Day Celebrations

August 12th marks Kiribati's independence with traditional dancing, canoe races, and community feasts. The celebrations center around Ambo where you can witness competitive traditional dancing and sample local dishes prepared only for special occasions.

Mid to Late August

Traditional Fishing Competitions

School holiday period brings inter-village fishing contests using traditional nets and techniques. Spectators welcome at dawn gatherings near Kiribati wharf. Winners share catches in community meals - visitors often invited to participate.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry shorts and shirts in light colors - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable after 30 minutes outdoors

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - afternoon showers are brief but intense, coming with little warning

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index 8 means burns in 10 minutes, and coral protection laws are strictly enforced

Water shoes with firm soles - causeway concrete gets hot (45°C/113°F by noon) and lagoon floors have sharp coral

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - trade winds at 25 km/h (15 mph) will blow off baseball caps

Waterproof phone case - essential for lagoon activities and protection during sudden downpours

Electrolyte tablets or powder - constant sweating in 70% humidity depletes minerals faster than expected

Long-sleeved UV shirt - for extended time on water where reflected sun doubles exposure intensity

Small dry bag - for electronics and documents during boat trips and unexpected rain

Comfortable walking sandals - for evening causeway walks when temperatures drop to pleasant 26°C (79°F)

Insider Knowledge

Shop at Kiribati Market before 8 AM on weekdays - freshest fish selection and prices drop 30% before vendors head home

Stay on the lagoon side during afternoon showers - ocean side gets rougher waves while lagoon remains calm for continued activities

Carry small denomination Australian dollars - many vendors can't break AUD $20 notes, especially at outer island stops

Time outdoor photography for 7-10 AM or 4-6 PM - harsh midday sun creates unflattering shadows and washes out the brilliant lagoon blues that make Tarawa photos spectacular

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities between 1-4 PM when afternoon showers are most likely and UV intensity peaks

Bringing only flip-flops - causeway concrete reaches 45°C (113°F) and many areas have sharp coral fragments

Expecting air conditioning everywhere - most local businesses rely on natural ventilation and trade winds for cooling