Climate & Weather Guide · Marshall IslandsClimate & Weather Guide in Marshall Islands
Climate zones, seasonal temperatures, rainfall patterns, and best travel times
The Marshall Islands have a hot, humid tropical maritime climate with very little temperature seasonality and strong ocean influence year-round. According to the World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, mean annual temperature is about 27.6 C and annual precipitation is roughly 3500 mm, with a wet season from May to November and a somewhat drier season from December to April. Climate varies across the atolls, with the southern islands generally wetter than the northern ones, but the country is overall warm, windy, and exposed to heavy rain, tropical storms, and sea-level-related climate risks. For residents and expats, the climate is comfortable if you prefer consistent heat, but it can feel very humid and occasionally storm-prone.
Summer Average
28-31°C
Winter Average
26-29°C
Climate Types
Tropical rainforest and Tropical monsoon
1800-4300 mm
2,400-3,000 hrs/yr
75-85%
Regional Climate Variations
Northern Atolls
The northern Marshall Islands are generally a little drier than the southern atolls, with a more noticeable seasonal pattern from a wetter half of the year to a relatively drier period. Temperatures stay warm throughout the year, and trade winds help moderate the heat. Rainfall is still substantial by global standards, but residents are more likely to notice short dry spells and less persistent cloudiness than farther south.
Hot, humid, and marine-influenced, with a slightly more seasonal feel than the south and frequent breezes that make the heat more tolerable.
Central Atoll Belt
The central atolls, including the main population centers, have a classic tropical maritime climate: warm year-round, humid, and strongly shaped by surrounding ocean waters. Rainfall is abundant but somewhat variable from month to month, with wetter conditions in the middle and latter part of the year. For expats, this zone offers the most familiar balance of island warmth, sea breezes, and frequent showers without major temperature swings.
Consistently warm, humid, and rainy enough to support lush vegetation, with little relief from heat outside of shade and sea breezes.
Southern Atolls
The southern atolls are the wettest part of the country and can receive very heavy rainfall, especially during the rainy season. Temperatures remain very stable, but the higher rainfall and cloudier conditions make the air feel stickier and more tropical. This area is best suited to people who are comfortable with frequent rain, high humidity, and occasional weather disruptions, while still enjoying warm ocean temperatures and a relaxed island environment.
The most humid and rain-prone zone, with lush, stormy-feeling tropical weather and very limited temperature variation across the year.
The Marshall Islands are uniformly tropical, but rainfall increases from north to south, creating three practical climate zones across the country. For residents and expats, the main appeal is the steady warm temperature and ocean setting, while the biggest drawbacks are high humidity, heavy rain, and exposure to tropical storms and climate change impacts.
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