Tarawa in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Tarawa
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Southeast trade winds provide consistent 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) cooling breezes, making outdoor activities comfortable despite humidity
- March rainfall comes in short, predictable afternoon bursts (1-2 hours max) rather than all-day downpours, leaving mornings and evenings clear
- Fish aggregation season peaks - lagoon fishing produces 40% higher catch rates than dry season months, with skipjack tuna and wahoo most active
- Coconut crab molting season creates rare wildlife viewing opportunities at night on uninhabited islets like Bikeman and Bikati
Considerations
- UV intensity reaches dangerous levels by 10am - even 15 minutes without SPF 50+ causes burns on the coral sand's reflective surface
- Afternoon humidity spikes to 85-90% between 1-4pm, making any physical activity extremely taxing for visitors not acclimatized to tropical conditions
- High spring tides in March can flood the main Kiribati-Kiribati road during heavy rain, causing 2-3 hour transport delays to Kiribati
Best Activities in March
Lagoon Bonefishing Expeditions
March marks peak bonefishing season when spawning bonefish concentrate in the lagoon's shallow flats. Water clarity reaches 6-8 m (20-26 ft) visibility, and cooler morning temperatures make wading comfortable. Local guides report 70% higher success rates compared to dry season months. Best fishing occurs during incoming tides between 6-10am when fish feed actively before the day heats up.
WWII Battlefield Snorkeling Tours
March's calm seas and excellent visibility make this the prime month for exploring Kiribati's underwater battlefield sites. The Japanese seaplane base ruins at Red Beach 1 and Sherman tank wrecks are clearly visible in 3-5 m (10-16 ft) of water. Morning sessions (7-11am) offer the clearest conditions before afternoon wind picks up. Water temperature holds steady at 28°C (82°F).
Traditional Navigation Workshops
March trade winds create ideal conditions for learning traditional I-Kiribati wave navigation techniques. Master navigators conduct 3-day intensive courses on reading ocean swells, wind patterns, and bird flight paths. The consistent southeast winds provide steady wave patterns essential for understanding te katei navigation methods passed down through generations.
Outer Island Day Trips
March offers the most reliable inter-atoll transport with reduced risk of cancellations due to rough seas. Abemama and Maiana islands become accessible via small aircraft or boat transfers. March timing coincides with traditional copra harvesting, offering authentic glimpses of outer island life. Return flights operate more consistently during trade wind season.
Mangrove Ecosystem Tours
March rainfall creates optimal conditions in Tarawa's remaining mangrove areas near Teaoraereke. Higher water levels allow kayak access to normally unreachable channels. Migratory shorebirds peak during March passage, with Pacific golden plovers and ruddy turnstones most abundant. Early morning tours (6-9am) offer coolest temperatures and best bird activity.
March Events & Festivals
Youth Day Celebrations
March 15 national holiday features traditional dancing competitions, outrigger canoe racing, and cultural performances across Kiribati. The main celebrations occur at Kiribati Sports Complex with authentic maneaba (meeting house) ceremonies and traditional food preparation demonstrations.