Tuvalu in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Tuvalu

31°C (87°F) High Temp

26°C (78°F) Low Temp

394 mm (15.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak lagoon visibility for snorkeling - December's variable weather creates perfect underwater conditions with 25-30m (82-98ft) visibility around Funafuti Conservation Area when seas calm between rain systems
Ideal fishing season coincides with traditional bonito runs - local fishermen report best catches from early morning to 10am, and you can join community fishing expeditions for authentic cultural exchange
Te Aso celebrations throughout the month feature traditional dancing and feast preparations - December marks important community gathering season before January's more formal ceremonies
Comfortable evening temperatures 26°C (78°F) make sunset activities perfect - the iconic Funafuti sunset viewing from airport runway happens during optimal weather window between 6-7pm daily

Considerations

Unpredictable rainfall patterns mean 394mm (15.5 inches) can fall in intense bursts rather than steady showers - this disrupts planned boat trips to outer atolls and requires flexible scheduling
Limited accommodation fills quickly during December community events - with only Vaiaku Lagi Hotel and few guesthouses, booking 8-12 weeks ahead is essential to secure any room
High humidity 70% combined with limited air conditioning in most buildings makes midday activities uncomfortable - plan indoor rest periods between 11am-3pm when possible

Best Activities in December

Funafuti Lagoon Snorkeling

December's variable weather creates ideal lagoon conditions with minimal current and exceptional visibility when seas are calm. The protected lagoon maintains 27-28°C (80-82°F) water temperature year-round, but December's weather patterns reduce sediment stirring. Best snorkeling happens during morning calm periods before afternoon weather builds.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local boat operators 3-5 days ahead (typically AUD $80-120 per person for half-day trips). Look for operators with local knowledge who can adjust timing based on daily weather patterns. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Traditional Fishing Expeditions

December marks peak bonito season when traditional fishing methods are most effective. Join community fishing trips departing 5:30am to experience authentic Tuvaluan maritime culture. The variable December weather creates ideal conditions for traditional line fishing techniques between weather systems.

Booking Tip: Contact local community leaders or guesthouse hosts to arrange participation (typically AUD $40-60 including equipment and breakfast). Book 5-7 days ahead as these are cultural exchanges, not commercial tours. Check booking options below for organized fishing experiences.

Outer Atoll Day Trips

December's weather windows allow access to uninhabited atolls like Tepuka and Fualakau for pristine beach experiences. The key is timing trips between weather systems - typically 2-3 day clear windows occur throughout December, offering spectacular isolation and untouched coral viewing.

Booking Tip: Requires chartered boat with experienced local captain (AUD $300-500 for full-day group trips up to 6 people). Book with 1-2 weeks flexibility to work around weather. Operators can be found through accommodation hosts or see booking section for current options.

Cultural Workshop Participation

December community preparations for New Year celebrations offer authentic cultural immersion opportunities. Participate in traditional mat weaving, learn Tuvaluan cooking techniques, or join in traditional dance practice sessions. The humid December weather makes these indoor cultural activities particularly appealing during midday hours.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local community centers or church groups (typically AUD $25-40 per workshop session). Contact arrangements usually made through accommodation hosts 3-5 days ahead. These are genuine cultural exchanges, not tourist performances.

Sunset Aviation Strip Walks

Funafuti's runway serves as the island's main promenade, and December's 6-7pm weather window provides perfect conditions for sunset viewing. The strip offers unobstructed 360-degree views, and December's variable cloud patterns create spectacular sunset colors. This is Tuvalu's most iconic daily ritual.

Booking Tip: Free activity requiring no booking, but check flight schedule at airport or accommodation - typically 2-3 flights per week require strip to be clear. December weather makes this most comfortable between 6-7:30pm when temperatures drop to 26°C (78°F).

Conservation Area Exploration

The Funafuti Conservation Area's terrestrial and marine components are most accessible in December when variable weather creates calm periods perfect for both land walks and marine exploration. December's conditions allow access to both the protected islet habitats and surrounding reef systems during optimal weather windows.

Booking Tip: Combine with snorkeling trips or arrange separate guided walks (typically AUD $30-50 for guided conservation tours). Local environmental groups can arrange specialized tours focusing on December's active bird migration patterns. See booking section for current conservation tour options.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December

Te Aso Community Gatherings

Traditional monthly community celebrations featuring feast preparation, traditional dancing, and storytelling. December gatherings focus on year-end gratitude and preparation for New Year celebrations. Experience authentic Tuvaluan culture through shared meals and traditional performances.

Early to Mid December

Bonito Fishing Season Celebrations

Community celebrations marking peak fishing season with traditional blessing ceremonies for fishing boats and shared community feasts featuring fresh bonito prepared in traditional earth ovens. These are working celebrations where visitors can participate in authentic cultural practices.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry shirts and shorts in breathable cotton or bamboo fiber - avoid polyester which becomes uncomfortable in 70% humidity and doesn't dry well after 15-20 minute afternoon showers

Lightweight rain poncho rather than umbrella - December's variable winds make umbrellas useless, and ponchos protect camera equipment during sudden weather changes

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ in large quantities - UV index reaches 8 and sunscreen costs 3x more locally than mainland Australia, if available at all

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - sudden December showers and boat spray require electronics protection for lagoon activities

Comfortable walking sandals with good grip - Funafuti's coral concrete paths become slippery when wet from frequent December showers

Lightweight long sleeves for evening mosquito protection - December's humidity increases mosquito activity, especially during calm periods between weather systems

Snorkeling gear if you own it - rental gear is limited and basic, and December's excellent visibility conditions reward bringing quality masks and fins

Cash in Australian dollars - ATMs are unreliable and credit cards rarely accepted, bring AUD $200+ per day for activities and meals

Insect repellent with DEET 20%+ - December's humidity and rainfall create ideal mosquito conditions, especially during evening hours

Reusable water bottle - stay hydrated in humid conditions and reduce plastic waste on this environmentally conscious atoll

Insider Knowledge

Local weather prediction: Ask fishermen about upcoming conditions - they read wave patterns and wind changes more accurately than any weather app for planning lagoon activities

December fishing schedule: Join community fishing expeditions departing 5:30am Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday for authentic cultural exchange and best bonito catches of the year

Accommodation strategy: Book Vaiaku Lagi Hotel 10+ weeks ahead for December, but also contact local families through church networks for homestay options that provide deeper cultural immersion

Currency reality: Bring 20% more cash than planned - December's community events and fishing season mean more opportunities for cultural activities and boat trips than other months, but everything requires cash payment

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking flights without accommodation confirmed first - December's limited beds fill up 8-12 weeks ahead, and being stranded with nowhere to sleep is a real possibility with only one small hotel

Planning rigid daily schedules - December's variable weather requires flexible timing, especially for boat trips and outer atoll visits that depend on weather windows lasting 6-8 hours

Expecting tourist infrastructure - Tuvalu has no tour operators, restaurant menus, or organized activities; everything requires personal arrangements through locals and accommodation hosts