Tarawa Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Tarawa, Kiribati. This average is based on long-term data collected between 1990 and 2020. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.
Tarawa has a relatively rainy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1994 mm (79 in) of rainfall annually. Despite the high annual total, it does experience a distinct rainy season during certain months. Examine our detailed charts below to understand these seasonal patterns.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The seasons in Tarawa, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, March, receives heavy rainfall, with an average of 240 mm (9.4 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 22 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, October, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 102 mm (4 in) over 20 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.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.
Explore Tarawa's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Tarawa spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in Kiribati: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Kiribati. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Tarawa vs World: Rainfall Compared
Tarawa's average annual precipitation is 1994 mm (79 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
Seville, Spain, experiences 541 mm (21 in) of rainfall annually, with wet winters and dry summers typical of southern Spain.
In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.
In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm (39 in), making it wetter than Sydney.
Mumbai, India, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1860 mm (73 in) of annual rainfall, with the majority of precipitation happening during the monsoon season from June to September.
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.
Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Tarawa:
- Changing Rainfall Patterns: Global warming causes drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Some areas have been experiencing increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, while other areas experience longer dry spells or even droughts.
- Local Impacts: Many regions are experiencing heavier rainfall in the winter months and drier, hotter summers. This affects agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.
- 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.
