In the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) droughts generally occur during the first four to six months following an El Niño event. However, some places can also be affected by droughts during La Niña events. Analysis of Majuro and Kwajalein rainfall data records, back to 1982 and 1945 respectively, indicates that following severe El Niño events, rainfall in the Republic of Marshall Islands can be reduced by as much as 80%. During an El Niño event the dry season begins earlier and ends much later than normal.
In 1998 the whole RMI was affected by drought due to a strong El Niño event within the Pacific Ocean. Later in 2007, Majuro and other southern regions experienced a drought event, although Kwajalein and northern regions did not. However, early in 2013 Kwajalein and the northern islands experienced a drought event, but Majuro and the southern regions were not affected.

This study has found that the northern region of the Republic of Marshall Islands has experienced more drought events than the southern region. Additionally, the northern islands of the Republic of Marshall Islands experience droughts during both El Niño and La Niña events, while the southern islands typically only experience severe droughts during El Niño events.