Tarawa in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Tarawa

31°C (87°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

211 mm (8.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Fewer crowds at lagoon sites - December is shoulder season with 30-40% fewer tourists than July-August peak, meaning better snorkeling visibility and easier access to popular spots like the Tarawa Lagoon Marine Protected Area
Optimal trade wind conditions - December brings consistent 15-20 knot easterly trades, perfect for traditional sailing on te wa (outrigger canoes) and kitesurfing on the lagoon side
Te Mauri season cultural immersion - December coincides with traditional fishing and copra harvesting seasons, offering authentic opportunities to join community activities and witness traditional Kiribati life
Perfect water temperatures - Lagoon temperatures average 28-29°C (82-84°F) with excellent visibility of 15-20 meters (49-66 feet), ideal for snorkeling the WWII wrecks and coral gardens

Considerations

Afternoon rainfall disrupts outdoor plans - Those 10 rainy days bring intense 20-30 minute downpours typically between 2-4 PM, forcing indoor breaks and potentially canceling boat trips
Limited flight flexibility - Air Pacific only operates 2-3 flights weekly in December, making last-minute changes expensive (rebooking fees typically AUD$300-500) and sometimes impossible
High humidity affects comfort - 70% humidity combined with 31°C (87°F) temperatures makes walking longer distances exhausting, especially for visitors not accustomed to tropical climates

Best Activities in December

WWII Historical Wreck Snorkeling

December's calm lagoon conditions and excellent 15-20 meter (49-66 feet) visibility make it perfect for exploring Betio's submerged Japanese defensive positions and the USS Saida wreck. Morning conditions are glass-calm before trade winds pick up around 11 AM. Water temperature averages 28°C (82°F) - comfortable without wetsuits.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed marine operators 7-10 days ahead (typically AUD$80-120 for half-day trips). Look for guides certified in WWII historical knowledge. Morning departures 7-10 AM avoid afternoon rain showers. See current snorkeling tour options in the booking section below.

Traditional Outrigger Sailing Experiences

December's consistent 15-20 knot easterly trades provide ideal conditions for learning traditional Kiribati sailing techniques. Local fishermen often welcome visitors during their evening fishing runs (4-7 PM) when winds are most reliable. This is peak season for te wa (outrigger) sailing.

Booking Tip: Arrange through community cultural centers rather than formal tour operators (typically AUD$40-80 per person). Book 5-7 days ahead as weather-dependent. Best times are late afternoon when trade winds are strongest. Check current cultural tour availability in booking section below.

Lagoon-side Village Cycling Tours

December's shoulder season means quieter villages and more authentic interactions with locals. The 70% humidity makes cycling challenging midday, but early morning (6-9 AM) and late afternoon (4-6 PM) rides along the lagoon causeway offer impressive views and cultural encounters during copra harvesting season.

Booking Tip: Rent quality bikes with good brakes for causeway riding (AUD$25-40 per day). Book accommodating guides who speak both Kiribati and English. Avoid midday rides due to heat and afternoon rain risk. Current cycling tour options available in booking section below.

Bonriki Marine Sanctuary Exploration

December offers the year's best conditions for exploring this protected area - minimal wave action, clear water, and active marine life preparing for spawning season. The 8-minute flight from Tarawa provides aerial views of the entire atoll system when weather is clear.

Booking Tip: Book inter-island flights 2-3 weeks ahead (AUD$200-300 return) as December has limited frequency. Combine with local fishing communities for real feels. Weather delays are common - build 1-2 buffer days into itinerary. See current island-hopping options in booking section below.

Traditional Maneaba Cultural Workshops

December coincides with community preparation for Christmas celebrations, offering unique opportunities to participate in traditional mat weaving, coconut husking, and te kai (traditional cooking) workshops. Evening sessions avoid the day's heat and humidity.

Booking Tip: Arrange through the Kiribati Cultural Center or local maneaba (community houses). Sessions typically run AUD$30-60 including materials and shared meal. Book 3-5 days ahead as workshop size is limited to 6-8 people. Current cultural workshop availability in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December

Te Mauri Traditional Fishing Season

Community-wide traditional fishing activities using ancient techniques coincide with December's optimal tidal conditions. Visitors can join dawn fishing expeditions and learn traditional net-making. Not a formal festival but a living cultural experience.

Early to Mid December

Christmas Island Style Preparations

Local communities begin traditional Christmas preparations in early December, including special earth oven (um) cooking demonstrations and community feast preparations. Authentic cultural exchange opportunity rather than tourist-focused event.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic clothing - Cotton takes hours to dry in 70% humidity, while synthetic fabrics dry in 30-45 minutes between afternoon showers

Reef-safe mineral sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index hits 8 even on cloudy days, and chemical sunscreens damage the coral systems you'll be snorkeling

Lightweight rain jacket with ventilation - December's 211 mm (8.3 inches) of rain comes in short, intense bursts requiring breathable waterproof protection

Sturdy water shoes with thick soles - Sharp coral, sea urchins, and rough causeway surfaces make flip-flops inadequate for reef walking

Electrolyte powder packets - 31°C (87°F) temperatures and high humidity cause rapid dehydration that water alone cannot address effectively

Waterproof phone case and camera housing - Essential for documenting underwater WWII sites and sudden afternoon downpours

Anti-chafing balm - High humidity and salt air cause friction issues during longer walking or cycling activities

Insect repellent with 20-30% DEET - December's rainfall creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes, particularly active during evening cultural activities

Lightweight long pants and sleeves - Essential for maneaba (traditional meeting house) visits and evening cultural events showing appropriate respect

Portable shade umbrella - Limited natural shade on causeways and lagoon areas where you'll spend significant time waiting for activities

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations on Betio or Bairiki areas specifically - these offer best access to lagoon activities and have backup power during the frequent December brownouts that affect outer areas

Carry Australian dollars in small bills (AUD$5-20) - many local operators cannot make change for larger denominations, and credit cards are accepted at fewer than 30% of relevant businesses

Plan major activities for 7-11 AM window - this avoids both the midday heat peak and the predictable 2-4 PM afternoon shower period when boat operators typically cancel trips

Learn basic Kiribati phrases 'Mauri' (hello) and 'Ko rabwa' (thank you) - December's cultural season means more interaction with elders who speak limited English but deeply appreciate language effort

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking only 2-3 days on Tarawa - December's weather delays and limited flight schedules mean you need 5-7 days minimum to experience key activities without rushing or missing connections due to cancellations

Expecting resort-style amenities - Tarawa offers authentic cultural immersion, not luxury tourism infrastructure. Prepare for basic accommodations and limited dining variety outside of local traditional foods

Scheduling tight connection flights - December weather causes 40-60% of inter-island flights to face delays, requiring minimum 24-hour buffers for international connections through Nadi or Brisbane