the Marshall Islands
The best time to visit
When to go to the Marshall Islands
Go from January to March, the driest months, when northeast trades keep the lagoons calm for diving and boat trips. September to November is the wettest stretch, and it is hot, humid and shower-prone the whole year round.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Majuro. Higher is better. Some links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Feb.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
Rainy season.
In short
The year at a glance
The Marshall Islands are pure atoll country: 29 rings of coral scattered over a million square kilometres of Pacific, none more than a few metres high. Majuro, the capital atoll, is the base; beyond it lie lagoon wrecks, empty islets and some of the world's least-visited waters.
January to March is the pick: monthly rain drops to 160 to 200 mm, the northeast trades blow steadily and lagoons settle for diving and the long boat runs. From May the rain builds, peaking September to November above 300 mm a month. Typhoon risk is low, highest late in the year, and the heat barely moves off 30 degrees all year.
Month by month
the Marshall Islands month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Majuro.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C / 86°F | 25°C / 77°F | 200 mm | Good 50 | Hot and wet. |
| February | 30°C / 86°F | 25°C / 77°F | 160 mm | Good 55 | Hot and wet. |
| March | 30°C / 86°F | 25°C / 77°F | 180 mm | Good 53 | Hot and wet. |
| April | 30°C / 86°F | 25°C / 77°F | 220 mm | Good 47 | Hot and very wet. |
| May | 31°C / 88°F | 25°C / 77°F | 250 mm | Fair 42 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| June | 31°C / 88°F | 25°C / 77°F | 280 mm | Fair 37 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| July | 31°C / 88°F | 25°C / 77°F | 300 mm | Fair 35 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| August | 31°C / 88°F | 25°C / 77°F | 300 mm | Fair 35 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| September | 31°C / 88°F | 25°C / 77°F | 310 mm | Fair 33 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| October | 31°C / 88°F | 25°C / 77°F | 330 mm | Fair 30 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| November | 31°C / 88°F | 25°C / 77°F | 300 mm | Fair 35 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| December | 30°C / 86°F | 25°C / 77°F | 270 mm | Fair 40 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
By region
Where you go changes when you go
Majuro
The capital atoll: a 50 km ribbon of islets around a huge lagoon, with day trips to quiet Eneko islet.
Arno and the outer atolls
Traditional atoll life a lagoon away from Majuro, reached by small boat in settled weather.
The wreck lagoons
WWII wrecks in Majuro and Kwajalein lagoons, and storied Bikini for expedition divers when trips run.
Go for
Best time to visit the Marshall Islands for
Diving and snorkelling
December to April, for calm lagoons, better visibility and comfortable boat crossings.
Fishing
Year round for tuna and reef species, with the calm early months easiest on small boats.
Atoll hopping
January to March, when trades are steady and outer-atoll boat runs are at their most reliable.
Having a lagoon to yourself
Any month. The Marshalls see only a few thousand visitors a year.
On the calendar
What is on, and when
Trade-wind season, Dec to Apr
The driest, steadiest months, with January to March the pick.
Lagoon season
Calm early-year water opens up the wrecks and islet picnic runs.
Rainy season
all year.
Where to stay
Where to stay in the Marshall Islands
Compare hotels and rentals around Majuro, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
Prefer to sort flights first? Compare flights
Questions