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Tarawa - Things to Do in Tarawa in December

Things to Do in Tarawa in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

Good time to visit Low Season · Budget Friendly

December Weather in Tarawa

Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance

87°F (30°C) High Temp
77°F (25°C) Low Temp
8.3 inches (211 mm) Rainfall
70% Humidity
⚠ Heavy rainfall expected, carry rain gear daily

Is December Right for You?

Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking

Advantages
  • + December in Tarawa lands between the dry season's furnace and the January downpours. It's the sweet lull for island hopping before the swell rises.
  • + Humidity lingers but rarely chokes. A sea breeze kicks up most afternoons along the lagoon.
  • + Tourists are thin on the ground. You can stand alone among Betio's WWII relics.
  • + Outrigger canoes slide out daily. December seas are calm enough for fishing yet lively enough to test skill.
Considerations
  • − That 211 mm (8.3 inches) of rain crashes down fast. Unpaved tracks turn to slick red mud.
  • − The UV index hits 8, which is brutal on pale skin, and the combination of high humidity and intense sun means you'll be seeking shade by mid-morning if you're not used to it.
  • − Inter-island boats watch the sky. Your Abaiang day-trip may vanish with one radio call.

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Best Activities in December

Top things to do during your visit

Lagoon and Atoll Edge Snorkeling Tours

Water clarity between squalls hits 15-20 meters (50-65 feet). Temperature hovers at 29°C (84°F). Pelagics patrol the drop-offs. Operators run morning departures before clouds stack up.

Booking Tip: Book licensed radio-equipped boats listed below. One day's notice works. Confirm at dawn.
WWII Battlefield and Relic Exploration on Betio

Betio's battle sites soften under December rain. Ironwood trees glow green. Bomb craters brim. Surf roars on the ocean side. Hire a guide for stories that turn rust into memory.

Booking Tip: Use Kiribati National Tourism Office guides. Half-day tours; closed shoes mandatory on sharp coral. Book two days ahead.
Traditional Outrigger Canoe Sailing

Feel pandanus flex beneath bare feet. December winds snap coconut-fiber sails tight across the turquoise lagoon. It's hands-on, not a pleasure cruise.

Booking Tip: Trips run through guesthouses or village councils. Ask early; tide and navigator availability rule.
Village Stilt House and Community Walkabouts

Walk the causeway villages at dawn. Smoke from cooking fires drifts past frangipani. December paths are muddy, not dusty, and Christmas prep is underway.

Booking Tip: Go with a resident. No online booking. A small village-fund gift is expected.

December Events & Festivals

What's happening during your visit

Throughout December, culminating December 24-25
Christmas Preparations and Community Feasts (*Te Bong* or *Botaki*)

Choirs rehearse every evening from 1 December. Villages pool food for the 25 December botaki feast. Tables sag under pig, clams, babai, rice. Accept an invitation and eat for hours.

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Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.

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Essential Tips

Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid

Insider Knowledge
Ask quietly for December bota. Sharing a shell at dawn is welcome. For inter-island transport, the pickup trucks that serve as shared taxis run on a rough per-kilometer rate. A short hop might be a couple of dollars. But negotiate the price before you get in. Do it. If a sudden rainstorm hits, don't retreat to your room. Head to the thatched-roof maneaba (community meeting house) in the nearest village. Sit, watch, listen to the rain drum on the thatch. It's one of the most peaceful experiences you'll have. The causeway connecting Betio to Bairiki is the island's main artery. Stand on the side in the late afternoon and you'll see the whole of Tarawa life roll by: trucks piled with coconuts, students in uniform, fishermen with the day's catch. It's the best free show in town.
Avoid These Mistakes
Assuming you can just show up and book a boat trip to an outer island. December weather makes schedules tentative. Build flexibility into your plans. Underestimating the sun. That 8 UV index will burn you through a t-shirt in under an hour, and the cool lagoon water masks the damage. Forgetting that Christmas is a full-stop family holiday. From December off the 24th through the 26th, almost everything closes, including shops and some guesthouse kitchens. Plan your meals and cash accordingly.
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Continue Planning Your Trip

November

Travel guide for November

January

Travel guide for January

Where to Stay in December

Accommodation guide for Tarawa in December

Climate Guide in December

Weather and seasonal patterns for Tarawa in December