Tarawa Weather in May
In Tarawa, May brings high daytime temperatures around 30°C (86°F), with nights cooling to 27°C (81°F). Expect quite a bit of rainfall this month.
Rainfall in Tarawa in May
Historically, May sees about 20 days of rain, with a monthly average of 160 mm (6.3 in). Expect frequent rainfall this month, and not just light drizzle. When it rains, it tends to come down hard.
Temperature in Tarawa in May
Tarawa in May gets highs of 30°C (86°F) during the day and drops to 27°C (81°F) at night. The days can feel warmer than the evenings, so packing for both parts of the day is a good idea. At 27°C (81°F) overnight, the heat doesn't let up much after dark. If you're staying somewhere without air conditioning, a cold shower before bed and keeping the air moving can help.
Average water temperature in May
The water is 29°C (84°F), very warm by most standards. Comfortable to swim in, but not particularly refreshing if you're looking to cool off.Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. February typically offers the best weather for Tarawa.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Kiribati, check out our Tarawa's climate page.
Tarawa Temperature in May
Min Temperature
27°C (81°F)
Max Temperature
30°C (86°F)
Water Temperature
29°C (84°F)
Chance of Rain
67%
Precipitation
160 mm (6.3 in)
Rainy days
20 days
Daily Historical Temperatures
48-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Tarawa typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 30°C (86°F). Nights are warm, with lows around 27°C (81°F).
Average temperatures in May
Historical weather for Tarawa in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Tarawa spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Tarawa historical weather extremes in May
Based on 20 years of weather observations (2006-2026), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Tarawa.
- On May 1, 2026, temperatures climbed to 33°C (91°F), marking the warmest May day on record.
- Tarawa experienced its chilliest May day on May 10, 2025, reaching only 27°C (81°F).
- The coldest night in May in Tarawa was on May 9, 2016, with a minimum of 20°C (68°F).
- The wettest day in May Tarawa was on May 20, 2015 with 99 mm (3.9 in) of precipitation.
Best Places in Kiribati in May
Find out more about the weather in Kiribati and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Kiribati in May →
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What to Wear in Tarawa in May
Warm but pleasant conditions in Tarawa in May. Focus on lightweight, maybe with natural fabrics, cotton blend shirts, comfortable shorts, and breathable footwear. A light cover-up for sun protection is smart too. It's going to pour! Pack a good poncho and prepare for very wet conditions. Expect water temperatures of around 29°C (84°F), which is ideal for taking a refreshing dip. Bring swimwear and consider packing a towel for drying off.What To Do in Tarawa in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Kiribati, check out our Tarawa's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Water Temp
See the full Tarawa climate overview or explore weather in Kiribati.
