Tarawa in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Tarawa

31°C (88°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

114 mm (4.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Ideal weather for lagoon activities - water temperatures at 29°C (84°F) with calmer conditions as trade winds moderate
Lower tourist numbers mean better access to pristine beaches and snorkeling spots without crowding
Perfect timing for traditional te maneaba (meeting house) cultural events as communities prepare for Christmas season
Clearer underwater visibility averaging 25-30 m (82-98 ft) due to reduced plankton blooms after October storms

Considerations

Afternoon rain showers occur 10 days of the month, lasting 45-90 minutes and can disrupt outdoor plans
Limited flight connections with only 2-3 weekly services from major hubs, requiring advance booking
Some outer island transport services reduce frequency during variable weather periods

Best Activities in November

South Tarawa Lagoon Snorkeling

November offers exceptional lagoon conditions with minimal wave action and water temperatures at 29°C (84°F). The post-storm season brings excellent visibility of 25-30 m (82-98 ft), perfect for viewing coral gardens and tropical fish. Morning sessions (7-10am) avoid afternoon weather patterns.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed local operators 7-10 days ahead. Tours typically cost AUD $45-65 per person including gear. Look for operators with safety certifications and local knowledge. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Traditional Outrigger Sailing

November's moderate trade winds create ideal conditions for experiencing traditional I-Kiribati sailing techniques. Morning winds average 10-15 knots, perfect for learning outrigger handling. Cultural significance peaks in November as fishermen prepare boats for summer season.

Booking Tip: Arrange through village cultural groups 5-7 days ahead. Half-day experiences cost AUD $35-50. Ensure operators provide safety equipment and cultural interpretation. Reference booking widget for current cultural tour availability.

Betio Historical Site Tours

November's lower humidity makes walking tours more comfortable for exploring WWII battle sites. Morning temperatures of 25-27°C (77-81°F) are ideal for the 2-3 hour circuit. Local guides share oral histories passed down from battle survivors.

Booking Tip: Book historical walking tours 3-5 days ahead through cultural centers. Tours cost AUD $25-40 per person. Choose guides with historical certification. See current historical tour options in booking section below.

Local Market and Cooking Experiences

November brings seasonal foods including fresh coconut crab and pandanus fruit. Morning market visits (6-9am) showcase traditional I-Kiribati ingredients before afternoon heat. Cooking classes feature traditional earth oven (umu) techniques.

Booking Tip: Arrange cooking experiences through community groups 2-3 days ahead. Sessions cost AUD $30-45 including meal. Look for authentic family-run experiences rather than commercial operations. Check booking widget for current cultural cooking tours.

North Tarawa Village Homestays

November's pleasant evening temperatures of 25°C (77°F) make overnight village experiences comfortable. Traditional activities include coconut harvesting and pandanus weaving. Less tourist traffic means more authentic cultural exchange opportunities.

Booking Tip: Arrange homestays through official cultural tourism programs 14-21 days ahead. Costs range AUD $60-85 per night including meals. Ensure proper permits and community approval. See current homestay options in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Te Ruoia Cultural Festival

Annual celebration of I-Kiribati traditional arts including competitive dancing, storytelling, and traditional games. Features authentic cultural demonstrations and community feasts prepared in traditional earth ovens.

Throughout November

Independence Day Preparations

Community preparations begin for July Independence Day celebrations, with traditional craft making workshops and cultural practice sessions open to respectful visitors.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry board shorts and rash guards - lagoon activities are daily essentials with 29°C (84°F) water

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - afternoon showers last 45-90 minutes and come suddenly

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

Water shoes with good grip - coral rubble beaches and sharp reef walking require protection

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - constant trade winds will blow off loose hats

Moisture-wicking shirts - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable by midday

Waterproof phone case - essential for lagoon activities and unexpected rain

Insect repellent with DEET - evening mosquitoes increase after November rains

Modest clothing for village visits - shoulders and knees covered shows cultural respect

Electrolyte tablets - high humidity and sun exposure require extra hydration management

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations minimum 6 weeks ahead - only 3 hotels on Kiribati and November sees increased regional travel

Bring Australian dollars in small denominations - AUD is widely accepted and ATMs are unreliable outside Betio

Plan indoor activities for 2-4pm daily - this is when afternoon storms typically hit with 20-30 minutes heavy rain

Connect with local families through churches on Sunday - most authentic cultural experiences come through community connections rather than formal tours

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating afternoon weather changes - always carry rain protection even on sunny mornings

Booking same-day activities - small operator capacity means advance planning essential

Bringing only cotton clothing - synthetic moisture-wicking fabrics perform much better in 70% humidity