Tarawa in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Tarawa
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Trade winds provide natural cooling during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm), making outdoor activities more comfortable than other equatorial destinations
- February marks peak green season - the atoll's sparse vegetation is at its most lush, creating better contrast for photography and providing shade that's scarce other months
- Lagoon water temperature reaches ideal 28°C (82°F) with excellent visibility up to 30m (98 feet) due to minimal wind disturbance
- Local fishing season brings fresh tuna and mahi-mahi to markets daily, with prices 40% lower than imported frozen fish available other months
Considerations
- Afternoon humidity regularly exceeds 85%, making any activity between 1-4pm extremely uncomfortable for visitors not accustomed to equatorial climates
- Brief but intense downpours occur 10 days per month, typically lasting 15-30 minutes but capable of flooding the main road within minutes
- Limited indoor air-conditioned spaces mean weather delays affect nearly all planned activities - expect 2-3 hours of weather-related schedule changes per day
Best Activities in February
Lagoon Snorkeling and WWII Wreck Tours
February's calm trade winds create ideal lagoon conditions with visibility reaching 30m (98 feet). The Japanese and American aircraft wrecks are easily accessible in shallow water 2-4m (6-13 feet) deep. Morning tours (7-10am) offer the clearest water before afternoon thermal currents. Water temperature stays comfortable at 28°C (82°F) without requiring thick wetsuits.
Cultural Village Visits and Traditional Fishing
February aligns with traditional fishing season when locals demonstrate line fishing and net casting techniques passed down for generations. Villages like Banraeaba offer authentic cultural exchanges without tourist crowds. Morning visits (8-11am) allow participation in daily fishing activities before the heat becomes unbearable.
Betio Historical World War II Sites
February's frequent cloud cover provides relief when exploring exposed historical sites across Kiribati island. Japanese bunkers, gun emplacements, and the memorial sites are most comfortable to visit during overcast conditions. The 76-hour Battle of Tarawa sites span 3km (1.9 miles) of walking on coral surfaces.
Bonriki Airport Area Birdwatching
February marks peak migration period for Pacific golden plovers and ruddy turnstones. The airport's open areas and nearby mangroves host over 15 seabird species. Early morning sessions (6-8am) offer best viewing before heat and air traffic increase. Bring binoculars as birds maintain distance from visitors.
Traditional Cooking Classes and Market Tours
February's fish availability creates ideal conditions for learning traditional I-Kiribati cooking methods. Fresh tuna, coconut crab, and seasonal fruits like breadfruit are abundant. Classes focus on earth oven (umu) techniques and coconut preparation. Sessions run 4 hours including market shopping and meal preparation.
February Events & Festivals
Te Ruoia Festival
Community celebration featuring traditional dance competitions, canoe racing, and cultural demonstrations. Local families prepare earth ovens and share traditional foods. Multiple villages participate with performances continuing through evening hours when temperatures cool.