Kiribati in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Kiribati

30°C (87°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

203 mm (8.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak calm season for lagoon activities - March sits perfectly between trade wind seasons with average winds under 10 knots, ideal for kayaking and snorkeling in Tarawa's protected waters
Best fishing conditions of the year - skipjack tuna and mahi-mahi move closer to shore in March, with local fishing cooperatives reporting 40% higher catch rates than other months
Dry season finale means crystal-clear lagoon visibility - underwater visibility reaches 25-30 m (82-98 ft) before April rains begin, perfect for diving Christmas Island's drop-offs
Cultural calendar peak - March coincides with te ruoia (traditional fishing season celebrations) when outer island communities gather for competitive fishing and traditional dancing

Considerations

Accommodation scarcity intensifies - March is when government officials and NGO workers schedule visits before the wet season, reducing already limited guesthouse availability by 60%
Inter-island transport becomes unpredictable - aging Air Kiribati fleet faces maintenance issues before wet season preparations, with 20-30% of outer island flights delayed or cancelled
Heat stress peaks mid-month - temperatures combined with 70% humidity create heat index values of 35-38°C (95-100°F) between 11am-3pm, making midday activities exhausting

Best Activities in March

Tarawa Lagoon Snorkeling and Kayaking

March offers the calmest lagoon conditions of the year with minimal wind chop and excellent visibility. The protected waters between South Tarawa's causeway islands are perfect for beginners, while advanced snorkelers can explore the coral gardens near Betio. Water temperatures stay comfortable at 28°C (82°F) and afternoon showers actually improve underwater visibility by reducing surface glare.

Booking Tip: Book through registered dive operators at least 2 weeks ahead - typical half-day lagoon tours cost AUD$80-120 per person including equipment. Look for operators with insurance certification and check equipment quality as saltwater exposure is harsh on gear. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Christmas Island Deep Sea Fishing

March marks peak season for pelagic fish around Christmas Island (Kiritimati). Skipjack, yellowfin tuna, and mahi-mahi congregate in unprecedented numbers due to optimal water temperatures and plankton blooms. Local fishing boats report the year's best catch rates, and the calmer seas make full-day trips comfortable even for inexperienced anglers.

Booking Tip: Charter boats typically cost AUD$400-600 per day for up to 4 people. Book minimum 3 weeks ahead through Christmas Island Lodge or registered boat operators. Confirm fuel costs are included as prices fluctuate with supply shipments. Current fishing charter options available in booking section.

Traditional Village Immersion Tours

March coincides with te ruoia celebrations when outer island communities practice traditional fishing techniques and hold cultural competitions. Villages on Butaritari and Makin islands welcome visitors to observe traditional canoe building, coconut crab hunting demonstrations, and evening maneaba (meeting house) storytelling sessions. The dry conditions make village walks comfortable and photography optimal.

Booking Tip: Village stays cost AUD$50-80 per night including meals. Arrange through island councils at least 1 month ahead as accommodations are basic family homestays. Bring small gifts like soap, batteries, or school supplies. Check current cultural tour availability in booking section below.

World War II Historical Site Exploration

March's dry conditions and excellent visibility make it ideal for exploring Tarawa's extensive WWII battle sites. The comfortable temperatures allow for full-day tours of Betio's gun emplacements, Red Beach landing sites, and the underwater aircraft wreckage visible during low tide. Local historians provide detailed accounts of the 1943 Battle of Tarawa.

Booking Tip: Historical tours typically cost AUD$60-100 per person for full-day experiences. Book with certified guides through the Kiribati National Tourism Office or established tour operators. Include underwater site visits if you're a competent swimmer. Current historical tour options in booking section.

Outer Island Aviation Adventures

March weather patterns create optimal flying conditions for visiting remote outer islands like Fanning Island or Washington Island. Clear skies and minimal turbulence make scenic flights comfortable, and the dry season ensures airstrips are operational. These flights offer spectacular aerial views of coral atolls and are often the only way to reach pristine, uninhabited islands.

Booking Tip: Charter flights cost AUD$800-1,500 per person depending on destination and group size. Book through Air Kiribati or certified charter operators at least 6 weeks ahead. Confirm weight limits and weather contingency policies. Limited seat availability requires early booking - see current flight options below.

March Events & Festivals

Mid to Late March

Te Ruoia Traditional Fishing Festival

Outer island communities celebrate the peak fishing season with traditional competitions, canoe races, and evening cultural performances. Villages demonstrate ancient fishing techniques and visitors can participate in coconut crab hunting expeditions. Evening maneaba gatherings feature traditional chants and storytelling.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ in large quantities - UV index reaches 8 and local supplies are limited and expensive (AUD$25+ per bottle)

Quick-dry hiking pants - protects against coral cuts during lagoon walks and dries fast in 70% humidity

Lightweight long-sleeve UPF shirts - essential for boat trips and cultural site visits where covering shoulders shows respect

Waterproof phone case rated IPX8 - March's afternoon showers and lagoon activities demand serious water protection

Reef-safe snorkeling fins and mask - rental equipment is often poor quality and buying locally costs 3x international prices

Electrolyte powder packets - dehydration happens quickly in 35°C (95°F) heat index conditions, and sports drinks aren't widely available

Insect repellent with 30% DEET - March's humidity increases mosquito activity, especially near lagoon areas at dawn and dusk

Portable battery bank 20,000mAh minimum - power outages are common and essential for GPS navigation between islands

First aid kit with coral cut treatment - antiseptic cream, bandages, and pain relief for inevitable minor reef injuries

Cash in small denominations AUD - credit cards rarely accepted outside main hotels and ATMs frequently malfunction

Insider Knowledge

Time outdoor activities for 6-10am and 4-6pm - locals avoid midday heat when heat index reaches dangerous levels, and you'll have better wildlife viewing during these cooler periods

Learn basic Gilbertese greetings like 'Mauri' (hello) - outer island communities especially appreciate the effort and it opens doors to authentic cultural experiences that tourists typically miss

Bring extra cash beyond your budget - supply ship delays in March mean prices for imported goods fluctuate wildly, sometimes doubling overnight for basic items like batteries or medicine

Book return flights immediately upon arrival - Air Kiribati's aging fleet faces increased maintenance issues in March as they prepare for wet season, and getting stranded costs thousands in charter flights

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating hydration needs - tourists regularly suffer heat exhaustion because they don't realize how quickly dehydration occurs in high humidity combined with strong sun reflection off lagoons

Not bringing reef shoes - coral cuts are the #1 tourist injury and local medical facilities are basic, making prevention crucial for enjoyable trip

Expecting reliable internet connectivity - many outer islands have no internet or sporadic satellite connections, so download maps, translation apps, and entertainment before departing Tarawa