Things to Do in Tarawa in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Tarawa
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing on accommodations - you'll typically save 20-30% compared to the dry season peak, with guesthouses in Betio running around AUD$45-65 rather than AUD$80-100. Flight prices from Brisbane and Nadi are also noticeably lower in May.
- Lagoon conditions are actually quite good - the water stays calm most days with visibility around 15-20 m (49-66 ft) for snorkeling, and the rain tends to clear quickly without churning up sediment. The cooler mornings before 10am are ideal for water activities.
- Fewer tourists means you'll have beaches and WWII sites largely to yourself - Betio's Red Beach and the Japanese bunkers at Betio Point see maybe 5-10 visitors per day rather than the usual crowds. Local interactions feel more genuine when you're not part of a tour group stampede.
- May marks the beginning of skipjack tuna season, so you'll find the freshest fish at Betio Market and local restaurants are serving it grilled, in coconut cream, and as sashimi. The Thursday and Saturday market days are particularly good for watching the morning catch come in around 7-8am.
Considerations
- Rain is genuinely unpredictable - those 10 rainy days don't tell the full story because afternoon downpours can last anywhere from 15 minutes to 3 hours, and they're impossible to predict more than an hour out. You'll need flexibility in your daily plans.
- Humidity at 70% combined with 30°C (86°F) temperatures makes physical activity genuinely uncomfortable between 11am-3pm. Walking the length of Tarawa from Betio to Bonriki feels much longer than the actual 35 km (22 miles) when you're dealing with that kind of heat.
- Some boat operators reduce their schedules in May due to variable conditions - day trips to outer islands like Abaiang might only run 3-4 days per week rather than daily, and you'll occasionally get cancellations with 24 hours notice if swells pick up. This requires looser planning.
Best Activities in May
Betio WWII Historical Site Tours
May's cloud cover actually makes exploring Betio's extensive WWII sites more comfortable than the scorching dry season. The Japanese bunkers, coastal gun emplacements, and Red Beach memorials involve a lot of walking on exposed coral and concrete, and you'll appreciate the occasional shade. The lower tourist numbers mean you can spend time at each site without feeling rushed - the bunker complex near the old airfield is particularly atmospheric when you have it to yourself. Rain rarely lasts long enough to disrupt a full morning or afternoon of exploring.
Lagoon Snorkeling and Swimming
The lagoon stays surprisingly clear in May despite the rain - visibility typically ranges 15-20 m (49-66 ft) on calm days, and the water temperature hovers around 28°C (82°F). The best snorkeling spots are along the ocean side of the causeway between Betio and Bairiki, where you'll see parrotfish, triggerfish, and occasionally reef sharks in the shallows. Early morning sessions before 10am offer the calmest conditions and best light for photography. The afternoon showers actually provide natural breaks to rest and rehydrate.
Betio Market and Local Food Experiences
May brings fresh skipjack tuna to Betio Market, and Thursday and Saturday mornings from 7-9am are when you'll see the best selection. The covered market stays relatively dry even during rain, making it a perfect activity regardless of weather. Beyond fish, you'll find pandanus fruit, coconut toddy, and te tuae (a fermented coconut paste that's an acquired taste). The food stalls outside the market serve breakfast dishes like rice with fried fish for AUD$3-5. This is genuinely local - you might be the only tourist there on a given morning.
Outer Island Day Trips to Abaiang
Abaiang Island, about 75 km (47 miles) north of Tarawa, offers genuinely unspoiled beaches and traditional village life. May's variable weather means boat schedules are less reliable than dry season, but on good days the 2-hour boat ride is smooth and the island is practically deserted. You'll spend the day swimming, walking through coconut plantations, and experiencing village hospitality. The cloud cover makes beach time more comfortable, though you'll still need serious sun protection.
Causeway Walking and Cycling
The network of causeways connecting Tarawa's islets makes for surprisingly good walking and cycling in May, especially during early morning or late afternoon when temperatures drop slightly. The main causeway from Betio to Bairiki is about 8 km (5 miles) and offers constant ocean views, local life watching, and easy access to beaches and villages along the way. The flat terrain means even casual cyclists can cover good distances. Light rain actually provides welcome cooling breaks.
Traditional Canoe Building and Fishing Experiences
May's weather patterns mean local fishermen adjust their schedules, often going out in early morning or late afternoon when conditions are calmer. Some villages offer experiences where you can join fishing trips using traditional outrigger canoes or learn basic canoe building techniques that have been passed down for generations. This is cultural immersion that feels authentic because it's tied to actual subsistence activities, not performances for tourists.
May Events & Festivals
Gospel Day Celebrations
Gospel Day on May 1st commemorates the arrival of Christianity to Kiribati in the 1850s. Villages across Tarawa hold church services followed by community feasts, traditional dancing, and singing competitions. The celebrations are genuinely community-focused rather than tourist-oriented, but visitors are typically welcomed if you dress respectfully and ask permission before taking photos. The singing in particular is remarkable - Kiribati harmonies have a distinctive style you won't hear elsewhere.