Tarawa in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Tarawa

30°C (87°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

157mm (6.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect trade wind season - consistent 15-20 knot easterly winds make lagoon waters calm and ideal for paddling, snorkeling, and small boat activities from 7am-6pm daily
Peak fishing season for giant trevally and bonefish - local guides report 80% success rates in May compared to 40% during wet season, with early morning tides (5:30-7:30am) producing best results
Dry weather patterns mean reliable access to outer motus (islets) - boat transfers run daily to pristine spots like Bikeman and Kiribati, impossible during November-March rough seas
Traditional canoe sailing season peaks in May - weekly inter-atoll races and cultural demonstrations happen most Saturdays at Kiribati National Stadium waterfront area

Considerations

Intense midday sun with UV index of 8+ means outdoor activities between 10am-2pm become uncomfortable even for locals - plan indoor cultural activities during these hours
Peak tourist season pricing applies - accommodation costs increase 40-60% compared to wet season rates, and advance booking 6-8 weeks required for decent guesthouses
Limited rainfall means freshwater conservation is critical - expect restricted shower times at budget accommodations and higher bottled water costs (AU$3-4 per liter vs AU$2 off-season)

Best Activities in May

Lagoon Snorkeling and Reef Exploration

May's calm conditions and excellent visibility (15-20m/49-66ft) make this the premier month for exploring Tarawa's lagoon coral gardens. Morning sessions (6:30-10am) offer the best marine life activity before daily winds pick up. Water temperature holds steady at 27°C (81°F), perfect for extended sessions without wetsuits.

Booking Tip: Book through registered tour operators 10-14 days ahead. Typical half-day trips cost AU$80-120, full-day AU$150-200. Look for operators with safety certifications and quality snorkel gear included. See current tour options in booking section below.

Traditional Fishing Experiences

May marks peak season for traditional I-Kiribati fishing techniques on both lagoon and ocean sides. Bonefishing in shallow flats averages 3-5 catches per morning session, while evening handline fishing for tuna shows 70% success rates. Local masters teach traditional techniques passed down for generations.

Booking Tip: Arrange through village contacts or guesthouses 5-7 days ahead. Half-day traditional fishing experiences typically AU$60-100 including equipment and guide. Full-day ocean fishing AU$120-180. Current fishing tour options available in booking section below.

WWII Historical Site Tours

May's dry weather provides excellent access to all major battle sites including Red Beach, the Japanese command bunker, and Kiribati airfield remnants. Morning tours (7-11am) avoid midday heat while offering optimal photography conditions. Many sites require walking on coral rubble and sand, easily navigable in May's dry conditions.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits possible, but guided tours (AU$40-70 for half-day) provide crucial historical context. Book 3-5 days ahead through cultural centers or accommodations. Transport typically costs AU$20-30 extra. See current historical tour options in booking section below.

Outer Motu Day Trips

May's settled seas allow reliable access to pristine outer motus like Bikeman Island and uninhabited coral islets. These trips showcase untouched Pacific atolls with white sand beaches, crystal lagoons, and traditional copra cultivation. Boat conditions are most favorable with 1-2ft waves versus 4-6ft during wet months.

Booking Tip: Full-day motu excursions typically AU$100-150 per person including boat transfer, basic lunch, and guide. Book minimum 7 days ahead as boat availability is limited. Weather-dependent - operators maintain 95% reliability in May. Current island excursion options in booking section below.

Cultural Immersion Village Stays

May coincides with traditional house-building season and copra harvesting activities. Villages welcome visitors to participate in daily life including mat weaving, coconut processing, and traditional cooking methods. Evening cultural performances happen naturally around family compounds rather than staged tourist shows.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local churches or community centers 1-2 weeks ahead. Home stays typically AU$30-50 per night including meals and activities. Bring small gifts for host families. Cultural exchange experiences available through booking options below.

Traditional Canoe Building and Sailing

May's consistent trade winds create ideal conditions for learning traditional va'a (outrigger canoe) sailing techniques. Several master boat builders on Kiribati still craft traditional vessels using ancient methods. Weekend sailing lessons and cultural workshops demonstrate skills unchanged for centuries.

Booking Tip: Sailing lessons typically AU$50-80 for half-day sessions including instruction and equipment. Canoe building workshops AU$40-60. Contact cultural centers 5-7 days ahead for scheduling. Traditional sailing experiences available in booking section below.

May Events & Festivals

Early May

Gospel Day Celebrations

Early May features inter-denomination celebrations with traditional hymn competitions, community feasts, and cultural performances. Villages compete in traditional singing styles blended with Christian themes, creating unique musical experiences found nowhere else in the Pacific.

Mid May

Copra Harvest Festival

Mid-May traditionally marks copra harvest season with community working bees, traditional food preparation using coconut products, and demonstrations of traditional preservation techniques. Visitors can participate in actual copra making from start to finish.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches 8-10 daily and reflects intensely off white coral sand and turquoise lagoon waters

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in cotton or linen - essential for 10am-2pm periods when even locals cover up completely

Quality reef shoes or water booties - walking on coral rubble and sharp reef edges is unavoidable for most activities

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - consistent 15-20 knot trade winds will blow off regular caps and baseball hats

Lightweight rain jacket - afternoon squalls last 20-30 minutes but can be intense with warm rain and strong winds

High-capacity power bank and solar charger - electricity is limited outside Kiribati and outages happen weekly

Biodegradable soap and shampoo - freshwater is precious and most washing happens in lagoon areas near marine life

Waterproof document pouch - humidity stays around 70% and sudden rain squalls can damage important papers quickly

Electrolyte powder packets - combination of heat, humidity, and limited food variety can cause dehydration issues

Small gifts for host families - school supplies, basic medical items, and quality photos from your home country are most appreciated

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation on Kiribati only - outer islands have extremely limited facilities and require special permits taking 2-3 weeks to obtain through government offices in Kiribati

Bring cash in Australian dollars - ATMs work sporadically and credit cards are only accepted at government offices and the main hotel. Budget AU$100-150 per day for all expenses

Learn basic Gilbertese greetings before arrival - 'Mauri' (hello) and 'Ko rabwa' (thank you) open doors to real feels that tourists speaking only English rarely access

Time activities around tide schedules - lagoon access points become impassable during low tide periods, stranding visitors for 4-6 hours. Local guides always check tide charts first

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming Western meal schedules apply - locals eat main meal at midday (11am-1pm) then light evening food. Restaurants close by 7pm and finding dinner after 8pm is nearly impossible

Underestimating isolation and limited services - no hospitals, limited pharmacy supplies, and evacuation to Fiji costs AU$15,000+. complete travel insurance and basic medical kit are essential, not optional

Expecting rapid transportation between locations - walking is primary transport, occasional buses run unpredictable schedules, and bicycle rental costs AU$15-20 daily with limited availability