Kiribati is a very low-lying Pacific island nation with a hot, humid tropical maritime climate that is strongly moderated by the surrounding ocean. Temperatures are stable through the year, with only small seasonal changes, and rainfall varies noticeably between islands and between wet and drier periods. Northern islands are generally drier, while some central and southern atolls receive more rain. For residents and expats, the climate is warm year-round and coastal, but water scarcity, salt spray, high humidity, and exposure to drought and sea-level rise are major practical considerations. Climate datasets and regional climate reports describe Kiribati as having little temperature seasonality and variable rainfall across the archipelago.