Kiribati in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Kiribati

31°C (88°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

114 mm (4.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

November marks the end of Kiribati's drier season with consistent trade winds (15-20 km/h or 9-12 mph), creating ideal conditions for sailing between atolls and keeping temperatures comfortable despite high humidity
Water visibility peaks at 30-40 m (98-131 ft) in November before December rains arrive, making it the year's best month for diving at remote sites like the Phoenix Islands Protected Area
Migrant seabirds arrive in massive numbers during November, with red-footed boobies and frigatebirds nesting on Kiritimati (Christmas Island) - witnessing flocks of 50,000+ birds is impossible other times of year
Te Maeva cultural season begins in November as communities prepare for Christmas celebrations, meaning authentic maneaba (meeting house) gatherings with traditional dancing and storytelling happen almost nightly

Considerations

November sits at the weather transition period with unpredictable rainfall patterns - you might get 5 consecutive sunny days or sudden afternoon downpours lasting 2-3 hours that can cancel outer island flights
Inter-atoll transportation becomes unreliable as November weather affects Air Kiribati's twice-weekly flights to outer islands, with 30-40% cancellation rates due to crosswinds exceeding 25 km/h (15 mph)
Accommodation prices increase 25-30% in November as it's considered peak season before the December holiday rush, with limited options on most atolls requiring bookings 6-8 weeks in advance

Best Activities in November

Phoenix Islands Marine Sanctuary Diving Expeditions

November offers Kiribati's clearest water with 35-40 m (115-131 ft) visibility before seasonal rains reduce clarity in December. The Phoenix Islands Protected Area experiences minimal current activity, making it perfect for exploring untouched coral walls and encountering grey reef sharks, manta rays, and Napoleon wrasse. Water temperature holds steady at 28-29°C (82-84°F), ideal for extended bottom times.

Booking Tip: Book liveaboard expeditions 3-4 months ahead through licensed PADI operators. Expect costs of AUD 4,500-6,500 for 7-10 day expeditions. Look for operators with hyperbaric chamber access and satellite communication. Reference booking widget for current expedition availability.

Kiritimati Atoll Bird Watching Tours

November is peak migration season when Christmas Island hosts over 50,000 nesting seabirds. Red-footed boobies, great frigatebirds, and masked boobies create one of the Pacific's most spectacular wildlife displays. Early morning tours (5:30-8:30 AM) avoid midday heat and catch peak bird activity before 31°C (88°F) temperatures.

Booking Tip: Book through Kiritimati Island eco-lodges 2-3 weeks ahead. Tours typically cost AUD 150-250 per person including transport and guide. November requires advance booking as it's peak birding season. Check booking options below for current availability.

Traditional Maneaba Cultural Immersion

November marks the beginning of Te Maeva season when communities prepare elaborate Christmas celebrations blending Kiribati traditions with Christianity. Evening maneaba gatherings feature traditional dancing, coconut palm weaving workshops, and storytelling in te taetae ni Kiribati. The 25°C (77°F) evening temperatures make these 3-4 hour cultural experiences comfortable.

Booking Tip: Arrange through community leaders or guesthouses 1-2 weeks ahead. Cultural experiences cost AUD 50-100 per person including traditional meal. Look for experiences including coconut crab preparation and traditional fishing demonstrations. See current cultural tour options in booking section below.

Lagoon Sailing and Island Hopping

November's consistent 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) trade winds create perfect sailing conditions across Tarawa's lagoon and between outer atolls. The combination of calm seas and steady winds allows for comfortable day trips to uninhabited motus (small islands) for snorkeling and coconut crab spotting. Water temperature at 28°C (82°F) encourages swimming and snorkeling stops.

Booking Tip: Charter traditional sailing boats through Tarawa operators 7-10 days ahead. Full-day sailing trips cost AUD 200-350 per person including lunch and snorkel gear. Look for boats with shade covers and safety equipment. November books quickly due to ideal wind conditions.

Bonefishing and Lagoon Angling

November's lower rainfall and clear skies create ideal sight-fishing conditions for bonefish and trevally in Kiribati's shallow lagoons. Morning sessions (6-10 AM) take advantage of cooler 27°C (81°F) temperatures and calm winds before afternoon heat peaks. The month's consistent weather patterns mean more fishing days without weather cancellations.

Booking Tip: Book guided fishing trips through local operators 10-14 days ahead. Half-day fishing excursions cost AUD 250-400 per person including gear and guide. Look for guides with local lagoon knowledge and catch-and-release practices. Reference booking section for current fishing tour availability.

Coconut Crab Night Spotting Tours

November's warm 25°C (77°F) nights and reduced rainfall encourage coconut crab activity, making it the best month for spotting these massive land crabs. Night tours (7-10 PM) on Christmas Island and outer atolls offer chances to see crabs weighing up to 4 kg (9 lbs) climbing coconut palms. The dry conditions make forest walking safer and more comfortable.

Booking Tip: Arrange night tours through local eco-guides 1-2 weeks ahead. Tours cost AUD 80-150 per person including flashlights and local guide. November is peak season for crab activity, requiring advance booking. Look for guides emphasizing wildlife conservation practices.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Te Maeva Cultural Preparation Season

Communities across Kiribati begin intensive preparation for Christmas celebrations, blending traditional Pacific customs with Christian traditions. This includes traditional dance practice, handicraft creation, and community feast planning. Visitors can participate in coconut palm weaving, traditional cooking demonstrations, and evening cultural performances in local maneaba.

Early to Mid November

Seabird Nesting Peak on Christmas Island

Christmas Island experiences its annual seabird nesting spectacle as over 50,000 migratory birds arrive for breeding season. Red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and terns create massive colonies visible from November through January. This natural phenomenon offers world-class bird photography and wildlife observation opportunities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflection off water intensifies exposure during boat trips and lagoon activities

Quick-dry synthetic shirts and shorts - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable and slow to dry after swimming or sudden rain showers

Lightweight rain poncho rather than umbrella - November's 10 rainy days bring sudden downpours with 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) winds making umbrellas useless

Water shoes with hard soles - coral atolls have sharp coral fragments on beaches and lagoon floors, essential for safe walking and snorkeling

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - evening cultural activities and bird watching tours encounter mosquitoes and sandflies active after 6 PM

Waterproof phone case and dry bag - boat trips between atolls and lagoon activities require electronics protection from salt spray and rain

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - trade winds of 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) make loose hats impractical during boat trips and outdoor activities

Reef-safe snorkel gear if you have preferences - rental gear quality varies significantly between atolls and bringing your own ensures proper fit

Headlamp or flashlight - outer atoll accommodations have limited electricity and coconut crab night tours require personal lighting

Electrolyte supplements - combination of heat, humidity, and saltwater activities increases dehydration risk requiring more than water replacement

Insider Knowledge

November flights to outer atolls get cancelled 30-40% of the time due to crosswinds - always book flexible accommodation on Tarawa for potential extra nights and don't schedule tight international connections

Local fishermen start early morning trips at 5:30 AM in November to avoid afternoon winds - join these real feels for half the cost of tourist fishing tours and better local interaction

Coconut crabs are most active during November's warm nights between 8-10 PM - skip expensive night tours and ask guesthouse owners to show you nearby areas where locals spot them for free

November marks the best time to witness traditional coconut toddy tapping - early morning visits to outer island communities show this ancient practice before tourist groups arrive and disrupt the process

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking outer island accommodation without confirming Air Kiribati flight schedules - November weather causes frequent cancellations leaving tourists stranded or missing international flights

Packing heavy cotton clothing expecting tropical comfort - November's 70% humidity makes cotton miserable; synthetic fabrics dry faster and feel more comfortable in sticky conditions

Scheduling snorkeling tours during midday high tide periods - November's best underwater visibility occurs during morning low tides when sediment settles and fish activity peaks