The Best Time to Visit the Marshall Islands: A Month-by-Month Guide

When Is the Peak, Shoulder and Off-Season in the Marshall Islands?

The Marshall Islands does not experience a dramatic tourist season in the same way as many better-known tropical destinations. Visitor numbers remain relatively low throughout the year, so even the high season is unlikely to feel crowded.

That said, weather patterns, festive-season travel and the operating dates of remote resorts create three useful periods to consider: the high season, the low season and the shoulder months in between.

High Season (December to March)

The high season runs from December to March, when the islands experience their closest equivalent to a drier season. Rain is still possible, of course, but these months generally bring steadier tradewinds and somewhat lower rainfall than the middle of the year.

December is particularly popular due to Christmas and New Year travel. Marshallese living elsewhere may return to visit family, while residents also travel between atolls for the holidays, so flights and accommodation can become more limited.

This is also the main operating period for some of the country’s specialist resorts. Although the Marshall Islands never becomes conventionally busy, we recommend booking well ahead if you are travelling over the festive season or staying at one of the more remote island properties.

Low Season (May to October)

The low season runs from May to October, bringing wetter and often less predictable conditions. The weather remains hot and humid, as it does throughout the year, but rainfall tends to be heavier and more frequent during this period.

Tourist numbers are especially low, although that does not always translate into bargain resort rates. In fact, accommodations in the Marshall Islands don't do seasonal rates. Some remote accommodation and tour operations reduce their services or close completely, so check that your chosen stay is operating before arranging flights.

Shoulder Season (November and April)

November and April sit between the main high and low seasons. These months can offer a useful balance of lower visitor numbers and conditions that are generally more favourable than during the wetter middle of the year.

However, the Marshall Islands lie close to the equator, so there is no completely dry season. Expect warm temperatures, high humidity and the possibility of tropical showers whenever you visit (your rain jacket may get a holiday, but it should still receive an invitation).

Weather plays a huge role in deciding the best time to visit the Marshall Islands. There are two broad seasons to be aware of: the drier season from December to April and the wetter season from May to November.

Don’t take the word “drier” too literally, though. The islands are hot, humid and prone to tropical showers throughout the year, with rainfall rather than temperature creating the biggest difference between months.

January Weather

Average temperature: 86°F (30°C) in the day, 77°F (25°C) at night
Average sea temperature: 82°F (28°C)
Average rainfall: 7.4 in (189 mm)
Daylight hours: 12 hours
See Marshall Islands Weather in January for a full guide.

February Weather

Average temperature: 86°F (30°C) in the day, 77°F (25°C) at night
Average sea temperature: 82°F (28°C)
Average rainfall: 5.5 in (140 mm)
Daylight hours: 12 hours
See Marshall Islands Weather in February for a full guide.

March Weather

Average temperature: 86°F (30°C) in the day, 77°F (25°C) at night
Average sea temperature: 82°F (28°C)
Average rainfall: 6.9 in (174 mm)
Daylight hours: 12 hours
See Marshall Islands Weather in March for a full guide.

April Weather

Average temperature: 86°F (30°C) in the day, 77°F (25°C) at night
Average sea temperature: 82°F (28°C)
Average rainfall: 9.1 in (231 mm)
Daylight hours: 12 hours
See Marshall Islands Weather in April for a full guide.

May Weather

Average temperature: 86°F (30°C) in the day, 77°F (25°C) at night
Average sea temperature: 82°F (28°C)
Average rainfall: 9.8 in (248 mm)
Daylight hours: 12 hours
See Marshall Islands Weather in May for a full guide.

June Weather

Average temperature: 86°F (30°C) in the day, 77°F (25°C) at night
Average sea temperature: 84°F (29°C)
Average rainfall: 10.4 in (264 mm)
Daylight hours: 13 hours
See Marshall Islands Weather in June for a full guide.

July Weather

Average temperature: 86°F (30°C) in the day, 77°F (25°C) at night
Average sea temperature: 84°F (29°C)
Average rainfall: 11.3 in (288 mm)
Daylight hours: 12 hours
See Marshall Islands Weather in July for a full guide.

August Weather

Average temperature: 86°F (30°C) in the day, 77°F (25°C) at night
Average sea temperature: 84°F (29°C)
Average rainfall: 10.7 in (273 mm)
Daylight hours: 12 hours
See Marshall Islands Weather in August for a full guide.

September Weather

Average temperature: 86°F (30°C) in the day, 77°F (25°C) at night
Average sea temperature: 84°F (29°C)
Average rainfall: 11.5 in (291 mm)
Daylight hours: 12 hours
See Marshall Islands Weather in September for a full guide.

October Weather

Average temperature: 86°F (30°C) in the day, 77°F (25°C) at night
Average sea temperature: 84°F (29°C)
Average rainfall: 12.1 in (307 mm)
Daylight hours: 12 hours
See Marshall Islands Weather in October for a full guide.

November Weather

Average temperature: 86°F (30°C) in the day, 77°F (25°C) at night
Average sea temperature: 84°F (29°C)
Average rainfall: 11.7 in (297 mm)
Daylight hours: 12 hours
See Marshall Islands Weather in November for a full guide.

December Weather

Average temperature: 86°F (30°C) in the day, 77°F (25°C) at night
Average sea temperature: 84°F (29°C)
Average rainfall: 10.7 in (273 mm)
Daylight hours: 12 hours
See Marshall Islands Weather in December for a full guide.

For a complete rundown of temperatures, rainfall, humidity, daylight hours and seasonal conditions, head to Marshall Islands Weather, Seasons and Climate + Weather by Month.

If you’re visiting the Marshall Islands with a particular activity in mind, it pays to check the seasons before booking. Scuba diving, surfing, fishing, watersports and major festivals all have certain times of the year when conditions or availability are at their best.

The Best Time for Surfing and Kitesports in the Marshall Islands

The main surfing and kitesports season runs from November to April, when North Pacific swells reach the islands and specialist surf resorts are operating. This is the best period for experienced surfers looking for powerful, uncrowded reef breaks in remote atolls.

One of the main surf bases, Beran Island Resort, generally opens from November to April. Outside this season, access may only be available through a private-island booking, so spontaneous surf/kitesurf trips require a little more planning than simply turning up with a board under your arm.

See The Ultimate Guide to Surfing in the Marshall Islands for more on surf seasons, breaks and operators.

The Best Time for Scuba Diving in the Marshall Islands

There is good scuba diving in the Marshall Islands all year round. Because the islands are low-lying coral atolls with little surface runoff, rainfall generally has less impact on underwater visibility than it does in destinations with large rivers and mountainous islands.

That said, November to April is usually the most convenient period for a dedicated diving holiday. These months fall largely outside the main tropical storm period, while more remote watersports operators and resorts are open.

Dive operators around Majuro generally operate throughout the year, so travelling between May and October does not rule out diving. However, rough weather can occasionally affect boat trips and access to exposed dive sites, so keep your plans flexible.

See The Best Scuba Diving in the Marshall Islands and The Best Dive Shops & Operators in the Marshall Islands for dive sites, operators and practical planning advice.

The Best Time for Fishing in the Marshall Islands

Fishing is available year-round, with yellowfin tuna, skipjack tuna, wahoo, barracuda, Pacific blue marlin and giant trevally targeted throughout the year.

There are, however, some useful seasonal peaks:

Mahimahi: December to January
Sailfish: April to July

The Marshalls Billfish Club also runs tournaments throughout the year around Majuro, giving anglers another reason to check the local calendar before travelling.

For the full rundown, see The Ultimate Guide to Fishing in the Marshall Islands.

The Best Time for Events and Festivals in the Marshall Islands

Events take place throughout the year, although several of the country’s biggest celebrations fall between May and December.

Constitution Day on 1 May is one of the most important national celebrations, with sports, parades, cultural performances and community events. Fisherman’s Day takes place in early July, centred around a two-day fishing tournament and celebrations of the ocean’s importance to Marshallese life.

December is another lively time to visit, with community Christmas celebrations followed by the New Year’s Eve Block Party in Majuro. Accommodation and flights can be more limited during the festive season, so book ahead rather than relying on island time to perform a miracle.

Festival dates and programmes can change, so check 5 Biggest Events and Festivals in the Marshall Islands before finalising your trip.

The cost of visiting the Marshall Islands does not change dramatically throughout the year. Car rental rates generally stay the same, while accommodation prices also tend to remain consistent rather than following a clear high- and low-season pattern.

That means flights are likely to make the biggest difference to your overall travel budget.

The Best Time for Cheaper Flights

The best time to fly to the Marshall Islands for cheaper flights depends on where you are travelling from. There is no official low-season fare period from either of the country’s main international airlines, so prices are determined more by demand and the number of cheaper seats still available than by a published seasonal discount.

For United Airlines flights from Honolulu, February tends to offer some of the lowest fares, while June and the Christmas and New Year period can be more expensive.

For travellers using Nauru Airlines from Brisbane, Nadi or other South Pacific destinations, cheaper fares are more likely to appear from August to October.

Flights to the Marshall Islands operate only a few times per week, so prices can rise quickly once the cheapest seats are booked. Rather than waiting for last-minute deals, compare several travel dates and book well in advance, especially if travelling during June, July or the festive season.

Learn more about the routes available in Which Airlines Fly Directly to the Marshall Islands?

Finally, what are the most common questions travellers ask about the best time to visit the Marshall Islands? We answer some of them here!

What Is the Best Time to Visit the Marshall Islands?

Generally, the best time to visit the Marshall Islands is from November to April. This period offers the country’s drier weather, lower tropical storm risk and the widest choice of remote resorts and watersports operators.

What Is the Best Month to Visit the Marshall Islands?

If we had to narrow it down, February and March are the best months to visit the Marshall Islands for favourable weather.

February typically has one of the lowest monthly rainfall averages at around 5.5 in (140 mm), while March tends to offer some of the clearest skies.

What Are the Hottest Months in the Marshall Islands?

There is no dramatically hotter season in the Marshall Islands, as temperatures remain remarkably consistent throughout the year. Average daytime temperatures sit at around 86°F (30°C), while night-time temperatures hover around 77°F (25°C).

In other words, choosing a month is more about rainfall than temperature. Hot and humid conditions come included year-round, no upgrade required.

When Is the Rainy Season in the Marshall Islands?

The wetter season generally runs from May to October. Rainfall becomes heavier and more frequent during these months, with October typically recording one of the highest monthly rainfall averages at around 12.1 in (307 mm).

Tropical showers can still occur during the drier months, so no part of the year is completely dry. For more details, head to Marshall Islands Weather, Seasons and Climate + Weather by Month.

Is There a Bad Time to Visit the Marshall Islands?

There is no completely bad time to visit, but May to October is less convenient for travellers hoping to visit remote resorts or plan weather-dependent boat trips. These months fall within the wetter season and the broader North Pacific tropical storm period, while some specialist resorts and operators close.

Operators around Majuro generally continue running throughout the year, although rough seas or severe weather can occasionally disrupt trips between atolls.