Gilbert Islands, Kiribati: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Gilbert Islands, Kiribati? If you're planning to go to Gilbert Islands, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Gilbert Islands, Kiribati

Based on the climate and weather in Gilbert Islands, Kiribati, the best time to go is October. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Gilbert Islands, Kiribati

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Gilbert Islands, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Gilbert Islands, Kiribati by month

January

If you vacation in Gilbert Islands during January, you may see that it is consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kiribati has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gilbert Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to find the right type. Many adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

February

February here is extremely hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kiribati has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gilbert Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to find the necessary kind. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

March

Traveling to Gilbert Islands in March, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kiribati has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gilbert Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

If you are traveling to Gilbert Islands in April, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kiribati has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gilbert Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to choose the right type. Most adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

May

May in Gilbert Islands is really hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kiribati has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gilbert Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to pick the right kind. Many adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

June

If you vacation in Gilbert Islands during June, you are likely to notice that it is consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kiribati has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gilbert Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you find the correct type. Many adapters available are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

July

If you visit Gilbert Islands during July, you may find that it can be sweltering. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kiribati has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gilbert Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you get the correct type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

August

August in Gilbert Islands is extremely hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kiribati has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gilbert Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you pick the right type. Most adapters available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

September

September in Gilbert Islands is constantly hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kiribati has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gilbert Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you get the necessary kind. Most adapters available online are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

October

October in Gilbert Islands is extremely hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kiribati has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gilbert Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to get the right kind. A lot of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

November

Traveling to Gilbert Islands in November, you will notice that it can be sweltering. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kiribati has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gilbert Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you choose the right kind. The majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

If you visit Gilbert Islands during December, you may find that it can be very hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kiribati has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gilbert Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you choose the correct type. Many adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

What to do in Gilbert Islands, Kiribati

The Gilbert Islands, also known as the Kiribati islands, are a cluster of 16 coral atolls that lie in the central Pacific Ocean. With its turquoise blue waters and pristine coral reefs, it is no wonder the islands have become a popular tourist destination.

Here are the top tourist attractions in the Gilbert Islands, Kiribati.

1. Betio Island

Betio Island, located on the western side of South Tarawa, is a must-visit for history buffs. It was the location of one of World War II's most intense battles, the Battle of Tarawa, in which thousands of Japanese and US soldiers lost their lives. Today, the island has been converted into a memorial park complete with a museum, trenches, and war relics.

2. Fanning Island

Fanning Island is a remote island located in the eastern part of the Gilbert Islands. The island is known for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and friendly locals. Visitors can participate in various activities such as snorkeling, fishing, and visiting the traditional villages.

3. Great Buariki

Great Buariki is a tiny island located in the northern part of the Gilbert Islands. It is a popular destination for scuba diving enthusiasts as it offers some of the most diverse marine life in the world. The island is surrounded by a huge coral reef, home to over 200 species of fish, turtles, and sea snakes.

4. Bairiki National Stadium

If you are a sports lover, then Bairiki National Stadium is a must-visit. It is the national stadium of Kiribati and is used for football and athletics events. The stadium can seat up to 2,500 spectators and gives a unique insight into the sporting culture of Kiribati.

5. Abaiang Island

Located in the central part of the Gilbert Islands, Abaiang is a small island that boasts scenic lagoons, white sandy beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the traditional villages, take part in local handicrafts, and watch cultural performances.

6. Tarawa Atoll

Tarawa Atoll is the capital city of Kiribati and a bustling hub of activity. The island is home to the Parliament Building, the Kiribati National Library and Archives, and the Kiribati Cultural Centre. Visitors can stroll along the beaches, visit local markets, or indulge in water sports.

7. Butaritari Island

Butaritari Island is a part of the northern Gilbert Islands and is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Kiribati. The island has a rich history and visitors can explore the ruins of an ancient village that dates back to 1200 AD.

In conclusion, the Gilbert Islands, Kiribati, offer a unique and exciting travel experience. With its pristine beaches, diverse marine life, and rich cultural heritage, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Spain, Spain, Kupang, Indonesia, Tiruchendur, India, Riau Islands, Indonesia, Krapina, Croatia, Antakya, Turkey, Vize, Turkey, Mambucaba, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Lausanne, Switzerland, Marker, Norway, and Fukuoka, Japan.