Kiribati in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Kiribati

30°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

Prime fishing season - wahoo, tuna, and mahi-mahi peak during December's calmer waters between weather systems
Christmas Island red crab migration reaches spectacular finale - millions of crabs complete their spawning cycle in lagoons
Traditional 'maneaba' community celebrations intensify during December's cooler evenings with storytelling and dancing
Quietest tourist month means private access to outer islands and undisturbed snorkeling at Bird Island sanctuary

Considerations

Unpredictable squalls can cancel inter-atoll flights with 2-3 day delays common in December's changeable weather patterns
Limited fresh food variety as supply ships face rough seas - expect more canned goods and fewer vegetables
High humidity 70% makes midday activities exhausting - most outdoor exploration limited to early morning and evening

Best Activities in December

Lagoon bonefishing expeditions

December's variable weather creates perfect bonefishing conditions as fish move into shallow lagoons seeking calmer water. Morning tides from 6-10am offer glass-calm flats before afternoon winds pick up. Local guides report December as peak season for 3-5 lb (1.4-2.3 kg) bonefish.

Booking Tip: Book through village cooperatives 2-3 weeks ahead. Expect costs of AUD $180-250 for half-day guided trips. Look for guides with traditional outrigger canoes for authentic shallow-water access. Weather flexibility essential - book multiple potential days.

Traditional outrigger sailing lessons

December's shifting wind patterns make this ideal for learning traditional I-Kiribati sailing techniques. Experienced sailors teach visitors to read weather signs and navigate using wave patterns - skills essential for inter-atoll travel. Morning sessions avoid afternoon squalls.

Booking Tip: Arrange through community cultural centers for AUD $80-120 per session. Traditional knowledge sharing requires advance notice and cultural protocol discussions. Sessions typically 3-4 hours including cultural context and safety briefing.

Bird Island seabird photography tours

December marks peak nesting season for red-footed boobies and frigatebirds. Variable cloud cover creates dramatic lighting conditions perfect for photography. Afternoon storms often clear to spectacular golden hour light around 6pm.

Booking Tip: Coordinate with Kiribati Wildlife Conservation for AUD $150-200 day trips including boat transport. Advance booking essential as visits limited to protect nesting birds. Waterproof camera gear mandatory given December's shower probability.

Copra plantation cultural immersion

December coconut harvest season allows visitors to participate in traditional copra production. Learn centuries-old techniques for coconut processing while supporting local communities. Work happens during cooler morning hours before humidity peaks.

Booking Tip: Arrange through outer island councils for AUD $100-150 including meals and transport. Requires 2+ day commitment and cultural sensitivity training. Physical work involved - fitness level important. Weather delays possible.

WWII battlefield exploration

December's lower temperatures make Tarawa's extensive WWII sites more comfortable to explore. Recent archaeological discoveries continue revealing artifacts. Variable weather creates moody atmosphere at historical locations like Red Beach and the Japanese command bunker.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration possible but local historians provide crucial context for AUD $60-100 per day. Best combined with cultural tours. Heat exhaustion risk lower in December but hydration still critical. Morning exploration recommended.

December Events & Festivals

December 24-26

Te Mauri Christmas Celebrations

Island-wide Christian celebrations blend traditional I-Kiribati customs with colonial influences. Communities gather in decorated maneaba for feast preparation, traditional games, and all-night singing. Visitors welcome to observe but cultural protocol important.

Late December

Year-end Fishing Competitions

Village competitions celebrate December's prime fishing season with traditional canoe races and catch contests. Winners determined by traditional methods including fish size, technique, and sustainable practices. Community feasts follow with fresh sashimi and coconut crab.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry UV protective clothing - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable and UV index 8 demands protection

Waterproof electronics cases - afternoon squalls can drench equipment in seconds with minimal warning

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - coral protection legally required and essential given equatorial sun intensity

Lightweight rain poncho - umbrellas useless in horizontal trade wind rain but ponchos allow continued activities

Insect repellent with DEET 30% - December's humidity increases mosquito activity especially around freshwater areas

Electrolyte supplements - constant sweating in 25-30°C (77-87°F) heat requires mineral replacement beyond water

Waterproof hiking sandals - coral cuts common and water activities frequent, closed shoes impractical

Portable phone charger - power outages increase during December weather and communication vital for transport

Cash in small denominations - card systems unreliable and outer islands operate cash-only economies

Basic first aid supplies - medical facilities limited and weather can delay emergency evacuations

Insider Knowledge

Book inter-atoll flights for early morning departures - afternoon weather buildups frequently cancel flights leaving passengers stranded for days

Participate in morning 'te botaki' (community fish sharing) at 6am near main wharf - locals share catch and visitors often gifted fresh fish

December's changeable weather creates brief windows of perfect conditions - flexibility with daily plans more important than rigid itineraries

Outer island visits require village elder permission and small gifts (cigarettes, tea, sugar) - cultural protocol not optional tourism courtesy

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking tight flight connections - weather delays cascade through December travel requiring 2-3 day buffers between international flights

Expecting restaurant dining - most meals community-based or self-prepared, limited commercial food service outside South Tarawa

Underestimating sun exposure - equatorial location and water reflection create severe burns even during cloudy December conditions