Things to Do in Kiribati in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Kiribati
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- December sits right in the middle of Kiribati's wet season, which actually means the lagoons are at their most vibrant for fishing and the reef systems are thriving. Water visibility for snorkeling typically reaches 15-20 m (50-65 ft) between rain showers, and the marine life is incredibly active during this period.
- Tourist numbers are genuinely minimal in December - you might be the only visitor at some outer island sites. This means authentic interactions with I-Kiribati communities, no competition for guesthouse bookings, and the rare experience of having entire beaches and lagoons to yourself. Local families are more available for cultural exchanges since it's not a major holiday period.
- December weather creates ideal conditions for traditional outrigger canoe sailing. The variable winds and occasional squalls are actually what local sailors train in, and you can join fishing expeditions that leave early morning when seas are calmest. The rain also means coconut palms are producing heavily, so fresh toddy and the best kabubu (fermented toddy) are readily available.
- Flight prices from major hubs like Fiji and Hawaii tend to drop in December since it's not peak holiday travel yet for the Pacific region. You can often find connections through Nadi for 200-300 USD less than high season rates, and the few guesthouses that exist offer their standard rates without peak-season surcharges.
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days mean you need genuine flexibility in your plans. Rain squalls can last anywhere from 20 minutes to 3-4 hours, and they occasionally disrupt inter-island boat schedules. The domestic airline has been known to delay flights by a day when visibility drops, which matters if you're trying to reach outer islands like Tabiteuea or Abemama on a tight schedule.
- December humidity at 70% combined with 30.5°C (87°F) temperatures creates conditions that many visitors find exhausting. There's minimal air conditioning outside of Tarawa, and the heat can make even short walks feel draining. The kind of sticky warmth where your clothes never quite dry and you're constantly looking for shade.
- Some outer island guesthouses close or reduce services in December because it's harder to guarantee consistent boat access for supply runs. You might find that your first-choice accommodation on Abaiang or Butaritari isn't operating, or that food options become more limited to whatever's locally available that week.
Best Activities in December
Lagoon fishing expeditions with local families
December's variable weather creates perfect conditions for traditional lagoon fishing. The rain stirs up nutrients that bring baitfish into the shallows, and local fishermen head out in early morning (5-7am) when seas are flattest. You'll learn handline techniques that I-Kiribati have used for centuries, targeting trevally, grouper, and the prized te ika (milkfish). The experience includes learning to read weather patterns, understanding tide movements in the lagoon system, and usually sharing the catch in a traditional earth oven meal afterward. This isn't a polished tour - it's genuine participation in daily life.
WWII battlefield site exploration on Tarawa
December's cloud cover actually makes this more comfortable than the brutal sun of dry season. The Battle of Tarawa sites along Red Beach and Betio remain largely unchanged since 1943 - rusting landing craft in the lagoon, pillboxes along the shore, and the sobering Japanese bunker complex. Early morning visits (6-8am) before heat builds are ideal. The humidity means you'll want to move slowly, but the historical significance is profound. Local guides who are descendants of those who witnessed the battle provide context that no museum could match.
Traditional canoe building and sailing lessons
The wet season is actually when master canoe builders do detailed work under shelter, and December's variable winds create ideal learning conditions for outrigger sailing. You'll work with builders who still use traditional adze techniques and coconut fiber lashing, learning how these vessels are designed for Kiribati's specific lagoon and ocean conditions. Sailing lessons happen in protected lagoon areas where you can practice tacking and reading wind patterns without the intensity of dry season trade winds.
Village homestays on outer islands
December is ideal for authentic village immersion because it's not a peak agricultural or fishing season, so families have more time for cultural exchange. You'll participate in daily activities like toddy cutting, copra preparation, pandanus weaving, and traditional cooking. The rain creates natural breaks for storytelling sessions and learning traditional navigation techniques. Most meaningful is joining evening te kanieti (community gatherings) where you'll experience unfiltered I-Kiribati life - the singing, the storytelling, the genuine warmth that makes Kiribati special.
Birdwatching expeditions to seabird colonies
December marks active breeding season for many seabird species on Kiribati's outer islands and protected atolls. Red-tailed tropicbirds, frigatebirds, and various tern species are nesting, and the Phoenix Islands Protected Area sees peak activity. The variable weather actually concentrates birds near nesting sites between storms. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best viewing when birds are most active and the heat is manageable.
Snorkeling the lagoon reef systems
Between December rain showers, lagoon visibility opens up beautifully to 15-20 m (50-65 ft). The wet season nutrients mean reef fish are incredibly active, and you'll see juvenile fish that aren't present during dry months. The key is timing your snorkeling for mid-morning (9-11am) when any overnight rain has cleared but afternoon squalls haven't started. Water temperature stays comfortable at 28-29°C (82-84°F). The outer reef drop-offs near passages are where you'll find the most dramatic coral formations and larger fish species.
December Events & Festivals
Independence Day celebrations
July 12th is the main Independence Day, but December doesn't have major national celebrations. That said, individual villages often hold church fundraising events and community gatherings throughout the month. These aren't tourist events but genuine community moments - competitive canoe races, traditional dance performances, and massive shared meals. The informal nature means you might stumble upon something special, especially on weekends.