Country Overview For Kiribati
The climate in Kiribati is typically tropical; marine, hot and humid, moderated by trade winds. The terrain: mostly low-lying coral atolls surrounded by extensive reefs. For Tarawa in January the daily average maximum temperatures is 31°C with the average minimum 26°C, while in June the average maximum is 31°C with a minimum of 26°C. The wettest month for Tarawa is January with an average of 221.4mm of precipitation falling while the driest month is October with 104.2mm falling.
HISTORICAL MONTHLY AVERAGES FOR MAY
The information presented below gives detailed historical monthly average weather conditions along with exceptional weather occurrences. To maintain relevance to current weather trends the displayed information has been calculated using data collected over the past two decades. The climate profile is taken from closest available data source to Beru Island.
Temperature
Throughout the month of May daytime temperatures will generally reach highs of around 29°C that's about 84°F. At night the average minimum temperature drops down to around 27°C, that's 81°F.
In recent times the highest recorded temperature in May has been 31°C that's 87°F, with the lowest recorded temperature 24°C, about 74°F.
Relative Humidity
The average daily relative humidity for May is around -999%.
Heat Index
The Heat Index is a measure of how hot it feels when relative humidity is added to actual air temperature. From this a comfort level is calculated providing categories on how heat conditions might adversely affect someone.
Comfort Levels: Given average maximum temperatures and humidity levels generally you should not anticipate any discomfort from heat (see heat index for more information).
Estimated Hours of Sunshine per Day
We calculate sunshine hours per day using our past forecast data. For May expect the sun to shine for an average of 9 hours per day. This represents the average number of hours in the daytime that the sun is visible and not obscured by cloud e.g. the average number of hours the sun is actually out and shining. Note we calculate hours of sunshine per day using our past forecast data, not observation data, thus it is an estimate and not actual.
Wind
The average daily wind speed in May has been around 16 km/h, that’s the equivalent to about 10 mph, or 9 knots. In recent years the maximum sustained wind speed has reached 52 km/h, that’s the equivalent of around 32 mph, or 28 knots.
SWIMMING AND WATER TEMPERATURE
The temperature of water an individual will feel comfortable in is very much personal preference. What feels unbearably cold to one person for a swim might be fine for another. We have created our own Swimming Water Temperature Index offering a guide to water temperature and comfort levels for swimming;
In May, for the nearest coastal location, the temperature of the sea averages around 29°C, that's 84° Fahrenheit. Our index indicates for swimming in this is considered very warm and would be enjoyed by all. With this temperature you can stay active in the water for extended periods of time without feeling uncomfortable.
YEARLY TRENDS: WEATHER AVERAGES & EXTREMES
The following charts show yearly weather trends with information on monthly weather averages and extremes.
Temperature
The chart below plots the average high and low temperature for each month of the year. It also shows the maximum and minimum recorded temperatures.
Wind Speed
The chart below plots the average daily wind speed you can expect for any month. It also shows the maximum recorded sustained wind speed for each month.