Funafuti in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Funafuti

31°C (88°F) High Temp

26°C (78°F) Low Temp

333 mm (13.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak season for Te Namo traditional fishing - locals share techniques with visitors and December catches are most abundant due to seasonal fish migrations
Strongest and most consistent trade winds (15-20 knots) make lagoon activities like traditional sailing and windsurfing ideal, with afternoon breezes providing natural cooling
Fatele season reaches its peak - December features the most elaborate traditional dance performances during community celebrations, with practices held openly on most evenings
Clearest water visibility (20-25 m/65-82 ft) in the lagoon due to reduced algae bloom, making snorkeling and underwater photography optimal

Considerations

Highest accommodation demand with only 16 beds total on the island - book minimum 3-4 months ahead or risk no availability
Most expensive supply flights - December Air Fiji connections can cost 40-60% more than off-season due to holiday demand and weather delays
Afternoon thunderstorms intensify to 30-45 minute downpours on 10+ days, requiring significant indoor time and limiting outdoor photography

Best Activities in December

Traditional Lagoon Sailing with Local Fishermen

December's consistent trade winds (15-20 knots) create perfect conditions for learning traditional Tuvaluan sailing techniques. Local fishermen are most active during this season due to abundant fish migrations, and many welcome visitors to join morning expeditions. The cultural exchange is authentic - you'll learn traditional navigation methods still used today. Water is calmest 6-8am before afternoon winds pick up.

Booking Tip: Arrange through your accommodation host 2-3 days ahead. No formal tour operators exist - this is community-based. Typically free but bring small gifts (tea, biscuits from the shop). Morning departures essential before winds strengthen at 10am.

Lagoon Snorkeling and Marine Life Photography

December offers the year's clearest water visibility (20-25 m/65-82 ft) due to reduced algae and settled sediment from consistent trade patterns. Marine life is most active with seasonal visitors like manta rays occasionally spotted. The protected lagoon stays calm even when outer reef has swells. UV is intense (index 8) but water temperature is perfect at 28-29°C (82-84°F).

Booking Tip: Rent basic gear from Vaiaku Lagi Hotel or bring your own - no formal snorkel tour operators. Best spots are 20-minute walks along eastern lagoon shore. Local guides available informally through accommodation for 2-3 hour sessions, typically A$30-50.

Cultural Fatele Dance Learning Sessions

December is peak Fatele season when communities prepare for New Year celebrations. Evening practice sessions (7-9pm) welcome respectful visitors to learn traditional Tuvaluan dance and music. These aren't tourist performances - they're genuine community gatherings preparing for important cultural events. You'll learn the stories behind each dance while contributing to cultural preservation.

Booking Tip: Ask at your accommodation about current practice schedules - they vary by week. No booking required, just show up respectfully dressed (cover shoulders/knees). Contribution to community fund appreciated (A$10-20). Bring insect repellent for outdoor sessions.

Climate Change Education Tours with Local Experts

December's varied weather patterns provide ideal teaching moments for understanding sea level rise impacts. Local environmental officers offer informal walking tours showing king tide markers, coastal erosion sites, and adaptation projects. This is serious educational tourism - you'll see climate change frontlines firsthand while supporting community awareness programs.

Booking Tip: Contact Tuvalu Environment Department through your accommodation 4-5 days ahead. Tours run 2-3 hours during cooler morning period (8-11am). Sliding scale A$20-50 supports local climate adaptation projects. Wear sun protection and sturdy sandals for reef walking.

Traditional Food Preparation and Island Cuisine

December brings seasonal ingredients like breadfruit and specific fish varieties. Local families sometimes offer cooking lessons featuring traditional earth oven (umu) techniques and coconut-based dishes. You'll learn food preservation methods essential for atoll living while sharing meals with families. Most authentic cultural exchange possible on the island.

Booking Tip: Arrange through accommodation hosts who can connect you with interested families. Usually 3-4 hour experience including shopping at local stores and cooking. Typical cost A$40-80 covers ingredients and instruction. Bring appetite and willingness to try everything offered.

Historical World War II Site Exploration

December's clearer skies provide better photography conditions for exploring WWII remnants including the runway (now main road) and scattered military artifacts. The historical significance becomes more apparent when local elders share stories. Walking tours cover 3-4 km (1.9 miles) of sites across the narrow atoll, best done in early morning before heat intensifies.

Booking Tip: Self-guided with basic map from accommodation, or arrange informal guide through community contacts. Elder storytellers sometimes available for A$20-30 for 2-hour historical sessions. Bring water, hat, and camera. Best timing is 7-10am before temperatures peak.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December, typically evenings

Community Fatele Dance Preparations

Traditional dance groups practice intensively throughout December preparing for New Year celebrations. These aren't tourist events but genuine cultural preparations where visitors can respectfully observe and sometimes participate. Evening sessions feature traditional music, storytelling, and dance instruction.

Early to mid December

Traditional Fishing Season Peak Activities

December marks the peak of Te Namo fishing season when community fishing expeditions are most frequent. While not a formal event, the increased activity creates opportunities for cultural exchange as fishing knowledge is shared between generations and with respectful visitors.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches 8 and water reflection intensifies exposure during lagoon activities

Quick-dry synthetic clothing - 70% humidity means cotton takes hours to dry, synthetic dries in 30-45 minutes

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - December afternoon thunderstorms last 30-45 minutes with intense rainfall

Reef shoes or sturdy water sandals - essential for walking on coral surfaces and protecting feet in lagoon

Insect repellent with DEET - evening cultural activities often held outdoors where mosquitoes are active

Portable phone charger/power bank - limited electricity and you'll use camera extensively in unique cultural settings

Small gifts for hosts (tea, biscuits, small souvenirs) - community-based activities rely on relationship building

Hat with chin strap - consistent trade winds at 15-20 knots will blow off loose hats during boat activities

Waterproof bag for electronics - lagoon activities and sudden rain showers require protection for cameras/phones

Basic first aid kit - nearest medical facility has limited supplies and flights to Fiji can be delayed by weather

Insider Knowledge

The main store (only one) restocks irregularly depending on supply flights - buy essentials immediately upon arrival as shortages happen frequently in December

Lagoon tide patterns change daily by 45-60 minutes - ask locals for current timing as some snorkeling spots become too shallow at low tide

Evening community gatherings happen most nights but locations rotate between families - your host can guide you to current venues rather than wandering around

Wi-fi at Vaiaku Lagi Hotel works best early morning (6-9am) before daily usage peaks - plan communication and bookings for this window

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming formal tour operators exist - most activities are community-based and arranged through personal connections rather than booking systems

Bringing only cotton clothing - the 70% humidity means cotton stays damp all day, making synthetic fabrics essential for comfort

Not confirming return flights 48-72 hours ahead - December weather delays are common and Air Fiji has limited rebooking options from Funafuti