What is the Weather Like in Marshall Islands in September?

September in the Marshall Islands is hot, humid and very tropical, with warm lagoon waters, strong sunshine and regular showers passing through the atolls.

This is one of the wetter months of the year, so rain is definitely part of the September travel picture. Still, it’s not all grey skies and soggy sandals. You can expect bright spells for snorkelling, diving, beach walks and lagoon trips, especially if you keep your plans flexible.

Because September can bring showery, breezy conditions, it’s wise to leave room in your itinerary for weather changes, particularly if you’re travelling between atolls or relying on boat transfers. The Marshall Islands rewards patient travellers, not overpacked schedules.

Before we jump into this weather guide for September, be sure to bookmark Marshall Islands Weather, Seasons & Climate + Marshall Islands Weather by Month, as well as The Best Time to Visit the Marshall Islands: A Month-by-Month Guide for more advice.

This article is based on real on-the-ground research, not on AI scraping old content from the internet. Learn how we use AI!

5 Tips for Visiting Marshall Islands in September

  1. Keep outer-atoll travel flexible. Showers, wind and sea conditions can affect boat transfers and local flight schedules.
  2. Pack a dry bag for electronics, documents and spare clothes. September is not the month to trust a casual tote bag with your passport (it has done nothing to deserve that kind of pressure).
  3. Plan beach walks, town exploring and outdoor activities earlier in the day where possible, then use the hotter afternoon hours for shade, lunch or a slower pace.
  4. Bring strong sun protection even when it looks cloudy. Tropical UV can still be intense through cloud cover, so sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are non-negotiable.
  5. The first Friday of September and the last Friday are public holidays, so note that some businesses will be closed.
Beach Bridge Landscape SEB CREDIT MarshallIslandsPocketGuide.com
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Typical Temperatures in September

September is hot in the Marshall Islands, with daytime temperatures reaching around 86°F (30°C) and night-time temperatures sitting at about 77°F (25°C). In other words, it’s warm from breakfast to bedtime, so pack light clothing and plan your shade breaks wisely.

Temperatures Across the Marshall Islands

  • Majuro - The average maximum temperature is 86°F (30°C) and the minimum average temperature is 77°F (25°C)
  • Enewetak - The average maximum temperature is 87.8°F (31°C) and the minimum average temperature is 77°F (25°C)
  • Kwajalein - The average maximum temperature is 87.8°F (31°C) and the minimum average temperature is 77°F (25°C)

Sea Temperatures in September

The sea is beautifully warm at around 84°F (29°C), making September a comfortable month for swimming, snorkelling and lagoon-based activities.

Landscape Weather Islands between Emenamit and Bikendrik (1) SEB CREDIT MarshallIslandsPocketGuide.com
© MarshallIslandsPocketGuide.com

Hours of Sun in September

The Marshall Islands gets around 7 hours of bright sunshine per day in September, which works out to about 59% of daylight hours. With roughly 12 hours of daylight each day, there’s still plenty of time for lagoon trips, beach walks and lazy outdoor exploring.

That said, September is not cloud-free. The Marshall Islands is predominantly cloudy year-round, with overcast or mostly cloudy conditions averaging between 75% and 85% of the time.

You can expect some rainfall on around 18 days of the month, so the sunshine often comes between passing showers rather than in one flawless blue-sky stretch (tropical weather likes to keep things interesting).

UV Levels During September

The UV index can reach 11+ (Extreme), so even when clouds drift through, sun protection is essential. Wear sunscreen, cover up where you can and take shade breaks during the middle of the day.

For advice on what sunscreen to wear, see The Best Sunscreens for the Marshall Islands + Sun Protection Tips.

Sunrise and Sunset During September

September has daylight hours lasting about 12 hours a day in the Marshall Islands.

  • Sunrise: 6:27 am at the beginning of September and 6:23 am at the end of September
  • Sunset: 6:42 pm at the beginning of September and 6:27 pm at the end of September.
Eneko Snorkel Rain Couple (1) SEB CREDIT MarshallIslandsPocketGuide.com

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Rainfall in September

September is a showery month in the Marshall Islands and, we’re not going to beat around the bush, you should expect rain to make an appearance.

Nevertheless, tropical rainfall patterns are often swift, followed by sunshine, so a rainy morning doesn’t always mean the whole day is a write-off.

If you need a rainy day backup for a couple of hours, check out the ideas in 10 Things to Do in the Marshall Islands on a Rainy Day.

The Marshall Islands receives an average of 11.5 in (291 mm) of rainfall in the month of September, with around 18 days out of September experiencing some rain.

Average Rainfall Across the Marshall Islands

  • Majuro - The average rainfall in September is 11.5 in (291 mm)
  • Enewetak - The average rainfall in September is 10.7 in (273 mm)
  • Kwajalein - The average rainfall in September is 10.6 in (270 mm)
Typhoon Monument 1 CREDIT MarshallIslandsPocketGuide.com
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Tropical Storms in September

The Marshall Islands sits in the North Pacific typhoon region, and September falls within the broader period when tropical systems can develop in this part of the Pacific.

Tropical weather can bring heavy showers, squally winds, rough seas and disruption to boat or flight schedules, especially when travelling between atolls.

September is a month when travellers should pay close attention to forecasts and marine warnings, particularly if planning diving trips, lagoon excursions or inter-atoll travel.

However, weather can change quickly in this part of the Pacific, so it’s worth keeping an eye on local updates and taking any advice from accommodation hosts, boat operators or local authorities seriously.

For those planning to travel during September, be aware of what to do if there is a tropical storm or typhoon alert by following our guide, Typhoon Safety in the Marshall Islands: How to Prepare for a Typhoon in the Marshall Islands.

Mili Atoll Landscape Weather Flight (3) IC&C CREDIT MarshallIslandsPocketGuide.com
© MarshallIslandsPocketGuide.com

The Best Places to Visit in Marshall Islands in September

September remains part of the wetter and less predictable travel season, so it is wise to keep most of your plans close to Majuro Atoll. Nearby Arno is still the easiest outer-atoll escape, while Mili is best reserved for travellers with extra time and a taste for adventure.

You are likely to enjoy your trip wherever you go, but if we had to choose the best places to visit in the Marshall Islands in September, they would be the following.

Majuro Atoll: Majuro is the most practical base in September, with the country’s widest choice of accommodation, restaurants and activities. Museums, markets, murals and historic sites provide reliable options when showers arrive, while clearer spells are ideal for diving, snorkelling and lagoon trips.

When conditions allow, cross the lagoon to islands such as Eneko or Bokanbotin for swimming, beaches and an overnight escape from the main urban strip.

Compare your options in 5 Island Day Trips & Island-Hopping Tours in the Marshall Islands, then find more ideas in The Complete Travel Guide to Majuro and 30 Best Things to Do on Majuro.

Arno Atoll: Close to Majuro, Arno Atoll remains the most manageable choice for experiencing outer-atoll life in September. Its quiet beaches, village communities and broad lagoon scenery offer a rewarding change of pace without taking you too far from the capital.

Boat crossings are weather-dependent, so confirm the forecast, departure time and return arrangements before leaving. Plan the journey with Majuro to Arno Atoll by Boat: Fares, Schedules & Tips.

Mili Atoll: Feeling adventurous? Mili Atoll rewards determined travellers with remote beaches, village life and fascinating World War Two relics scattered across the atoll.

September is not the most dependable time to make the journey, so allow spare days and expect domestic flights or local transport to change at short notice. Learn more about Mili in The Atolls of the Marshall Islands & The Best to Visit.

The Best Snorkelling in Upolu: Top 10 Places to Snorkel

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September Packing List for the Marshall Islands

Be prepared for the Marshall Islands in September by packing these few seasonal essentials:

  • High-factor reef-safe sunscreen
  • Light bamboo, linen or merino layers (we like the sustainable bamboo clothing of Moso Morrow)
  • Light long-sleeved tops (to cover from sun and mosquitoes)
  • Light pants/trousers (to cover the knees when appropriate – villages, church service, etc.)
  • Sunhat
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • Swimwear
  • Rash vest (we like the UV-protecting Sharkskin rashies)
  • Closed walking shoes
  • Flip-flops/jandals/sandals
  • Drypack (protect electronics in case it rains - we recommend these from Sharkskin)

Get more ideas on what to pack with our guide, What to Pack for the Marshall Islands: the Marshall Islands Packing List.

More About the Weather in the Marshall Islands in September

That's it for our complete guide to the weather and climate in the Marshall Islands in September. Check out the following articles for more weather advice:

Finally, enjoy a comprehensive guide to planning a trip to the Marshall Islands in The Complete Travel Guide to the Marshall Islands.