Tarawa Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Tarawa, Kiribati. Long-term data from 1990 to 2020 was used to calculate these averages. Now, let's explore all the details to give you a full picture.

Tarawa experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, averaging 1994 mm (79 in) of precipitation annually. However, this abundant rainfall is not evenly distributed, with a distinct rainy season during certain months. You can clearly see this in our monthly precipitation graphs below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))

Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wettest month, March receives substantial rainfall, averaging 240 mm (9.4 in) of precipitation, recorded across 22 rainy days.

In contrast, the driest month, October brings less rainfall, with 102 mm (4 in) over 20 rainy days.

March, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 29°C (84°F). During the driest month October you can expect a temperature of 30°C (86°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Tarawa Temperature page.

Tarawa's average annual precipitation is 1994 mm (79 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Toronto, Canada, annual precipitation averages 964 mm (38 in), with snowy winters and rainy summers.

Beijing, China, receives 560 mm (22 in) of annual precipitation, concentrated in the summer months.

Perth, Australia, receives 565 mm (22 in) of rainfall annually, mostly during the winter months.

Singapore, situated near the equator, gets 2581 mm (102 in) of rainfall annually, with no distinct dry season and consistent monthly precipitation.

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

Tropical Rainforests: In tropical regions, rainfall is generally abundant year-round. Areas near the equator, like the Amazon rainforest, can receive up to 3000 mm (118 in) of rain annually.

Desert Regions: Deserts such as the Sahara and Arabian deserts typically see less than 250 mm (9.8 in) of rainfall annually. Rainfall tends to be infrequent, but when it does occur, it is often intense.

Temperate Zones: In temperate regions, precipitation tends to be more evenly distributed, though areas closer to the ocean may see more rain in the winter months, and areas further inland experience drier summers.

Polar Regions: Precipitation in polar regions, like Antarctica, is extremely low, often falling as snow. Average annual precipitation in Antarctica is less than 200 mm (7.9 in), with some areas receiving as little as 50 mm (2 in) annually.

• Mawsynram in India is noted as being the wettest place on earth, with over 11 meters (36 feet) of rain falling every year.
• In contrast, Antofagasta in Chile is among the driest places on the planet, getting less than 0.1mm (0.004 inches) per year, with some years recording virtually no rainfall.
• Nearly 1,650 thunderstorm cells are estimated over the planet at any given time.

For more detailed information about Tarawa's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Tarawa Climate page.