Tarawa in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Tarawa

87°F (31°C) High Temp

77°F (25°C) Low Temp

6.6 inches (168 mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season trade winds create excellent conditions for sailing and windsurfing - steady 15-20 knot easterlies blow consistently from 10am-4pm
Bird migration season brings thousands of seabirds to the lagoon - frigatebirds, boobies, and terns are most active during July feeding cycles
Traditional copra harvest celebrations occur in outer islands - authentic cultural experiences with traditional dancing and coconut competitions
Lowest tide coefficients of the year expose extensive reef flats perfect for walking and shell collecting - tides drop to -0.5m (-1.6 ft) during new moon phases

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% and the few available rooms book solid by May
Morning king tides can flood causeway roads between islets, requiring 2-3 hour waits or expensive water taxi rides at AUD $50-80
Trade wind strength makes outer island boat transfers uncomfortable - 2-3 hour journeys involve significant choppy conditions

Best Activities in July

Lagoon Sailing and Windsurfing

July's consistent trade winds create perfect conditions for sailing across Tarawa's massive lagoon. Winds average 15-20 knots with minimal gusts, and the protected waters stay relatively flat. Local sailing clubs are most active now, and traditional outrigger canoe races happen weekly.

Booking Tip: Reserve equipment 3-4 weeks ahead through resort operators or sailing clubs. Expect rates of AUD $80-120 per day for windsurfing gear, AUD $150-200 for small sailboat rentals. Morning sessions (8am-12pm) offer steadiest winds before afternoon thermal effects.

Reef Flat Exploration at Low Tide

July features the year's most extreme low tides, exposing vast coral reef flats normally underwater. These -0.5m (-1.6 ft) tides occur during new moon phases, revealing tide pools, giant clams, and allowing walks across normally submerged reefs. Best conditions happen early morning before heat builds.

Booking Tip: Plan around tide charts - extreme lows occur 3-4 days per month. Guided reef walks typically cost AUD $40-60 per person. No booking required for self-guided exploration, but reef shoes are essential. Check current tide times in booking section below.

WWII Historical Site Tours

July's lower humidity and frequent cloud cover create ideal conditions for exploring Tarawa's extensive WWII battlefield sites. The cooler mornings allow comfortable walking of the 3km (1.9 mile) historical trail, and afternoon shelter is available at multiple bunker sites during brief rain showers.

Booking Tip: Book guided historical tours 2-3 weeks ahead - experienced local guides cost AUD $100-150 for full day tours. Self-guided options available with rental bicycles at AUD $25-35 per day. Morning tours (7am start) avoid midday heat.

Traditional Fishing with Local Communities

July marks peak fishing season when skipjack tuna and mahimahi migrate through local waters. Traditional outrigger fishing expeditions operate daily, and community groups welcome visitors to join authentic fishing methods using traditional nets and techniques passed down generations.

Booking Tip: Arrange through village councils 1-2 weeks ahead. Community fishing experiences typically cost AUD $60-90 per person including equipment and meal preparation. Dawn departures (5:30am) align with traditional fishing schedules and avoid afternoon wind.

Outer Island Day Trips

July's trade winds make boat transfers to outer islands more reliable despite choppier conditions. Islands like Kiribati and Maiana offer untouched beaches, traditional village life, and excellent snorkeling. The consistent wind patterns mean more predictable departure and return schedules.

Booking Tip: Book boat transfers 2-4 weeks ahead through registered operators. Day trips cost AUD $180-250 per person including transport and meals. Weather delays are rare in July but sea conditions can be rough - bring motion sickness remedies. See current island tour options in booking section below.

Traditional Copra Plantation Visits

July coincides with the main copra harvest season when coconuts are processed into dried coconut meat for export. Working plantation visits offer insight into Kiribati's main industry, plus traditional coconut husking competitions and local feast preparations using fresh coconut in dozens of preparations.

Booking Tip: Coordinate through outer island communities 3-4 weeks ahead. Plantation visits typically cost AUD $80-120 per person including traditional meal. Transportation to plantation islands adds AUD $150-200. Harvest activities peak mid-to-late July.

July Events & Festivals

Mid to Late July

Copra Harvest Festival

Traditional celebration marking the main coconut harvest season with competitive coconut husking, traditional dancing, and elaborate feasts featuring dozens of coconut-based dishes. Different outer islands host celebrations throughout July.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches 8 and lagoon reflection intensifies exposure

Sturdy reef shoes with thick soles - essential for walking exposed coral flats during extreme low tides

Quick-dry clothing in light colors - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable, cotton and linen work better

Waterproof phone case - afternoon squalls are brief but intense, and lagoon activities involve significant water exposure

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - trade winds average 15-20 knots and will blow off regular hats

Lightweight rain jacket - afternoon showers last 15-20 minutes but can be heavy, umbrellas are useless in wind

Insect repellent with DEET - morning and evening mosquito activity peaks during July's variable conditions

Waterproof day pack - essential for boat transfers to outer islands where waves and spray are common

Prescription motion sickness medication - July trade winds create choppy conditions for outer island boat transfers

Cash in Australian dollars - ATMs are unreliable and most activities require cash payment, bring AUD $2000+ for week-long stays

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation by March - the few hotels and guesthouses fill completely for July, and alternatives are extremely limited or non-existent

Time activities around tide charts - extreme July low tides expose amazing reef areas but only during specific new moon phases lasting 2-3 hours

Bring your own snorkeling gear - rental equipment is scarce and often poor quality, good gear makes a massive difference in Tarawa's pristine waters

Stock up on supplies at Kiribati Market early morning (6-7am) - afternoon trade winds make shopping uncomfortable and selection depletes by midday

Avoid These Mistakes

Arriving without confirmed accommodation - July is peak season and there are fewer than 100 tourist beds on the entire atoll

Planning outdoor activities during 11am-3pm - despite ocean breezes, 31°C (87°F) temperatures and high UV make midday activities exhausting

Expecting frequent boat schedules to outer islands - even in reliable July weather, outer island boats run only 2-3 times per week maximum