Things to Do in Micronesia in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Micronesia
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season conditions with calmer seas - December sits squarely in Micronesia's dry season, meaning visibility for diving regularly hits 30-40 m (100-130 ft) and inter-island boat transfers run on schedule. The northwest trade winds settle down compared to November, making channel crossings between Chuuk's lagoon islands or trips out to the outer atolls actually comfortable rather than white-knuckle experiences.
- Manta ray aggregations peak at cleaning stations - December through February is when mantas gather in massive numbers at specific sites in Yap and Pohnpei. You're looking at 15-20 mantas per dive at places like Mi'il Channel in Yap, compared to 3-5 during other months. Water temps hover around 28°C (82°F), so you'll be comfortable in a 3mm wetsuit for those 45-minute dives.
- Cultural calendar is active with stick dancing competitions and first fruit ceremonies - December coincides with harvest season across the islands, which means you'll catch village-level competitions and traditional ceremonies that tourists rarely witness. Pohnpei's sakau (kava) ceremonies happen more frequently as communities celebrate successful yam harvests, and Chuuk's traditional navigation demonstrations pick up as families prepare for inter-island voyages.
- Accommodation availability without peak pricing - Unlike the Christmas-New Year crush in most Pacific destinations, Micronesia sees moderate visitor numbers in early-to-mid December. Book before December 20th and you'll find rooms at standard rates, typically USD 90-150 per night for mid-range options. After December 23rd, prices jump 30-40% and availability drops as expat families return for holidays.
Considerations
- Limited flight connections mean you're locked into specific dates - United Airlines runs the only scheduled service through the region, and December sees reduced frequency on some island-hopper segments. Miss your connection in Guam or Honolulu and you might wait 3-4 days for the next available seat. This isn't like missing a flight in Bangkok where there's another option in six hours - plan buffer days and don't book tight connections.
- Afternoon humidity makes midday activities genuinely uncomfortable - That 70% humidity figure doesn't capture the reality of standing in direct sun at 1pm when it feels more like 35°C (95°F). Locals disappear between noon and 3pm for good reason. If you're planning jungle hikes to Pohnpei's waterfalls or exploring Nan Madol's ruins, you'll want to start at 7am or wait until 4pm. Dehydration happens faster than you'd expect.
- Some outer atolls become inaccessible due to unpredictable weather windows - While December is technically dry season, those 10 rainy days can cluster together and create 3-4 day stretches where small boat travel to places like Piis-Panewu or Oroluk Atoll gets cancelled. If you've built your entire trip around reaching a specific remote atoll, you need a backup plan and flexible dates.
Best Activities in December
Wreck diving in Chuuk Lagoon
December offers the best visibility of the year for exploring the 60-plus Japanese WWII wrecks in Truk Lagoon. Water clarity typically reaches 30 m (100 ft) compared to 15-20 m (50-65 ft) during summer months, and the calmer seas mean dive boats can access outer lagoon sites like the Heian Maru and San Francisco Maru without the rough crossings you'd face in July-August. Water temperature stays comfortable at 28-29°C (82-84°F), and you'll encounter fewer thermoclines than during the transitional months. The wreck penetration opportunities are safer with this visibility - you can actually see your exit points clearly in the holds and engine rooms.
Manta ray diving and snorkeling in Yap
Mi'il Channel and Goofnuw Channel see peak manta activity in December, with aggregations of 15-25 rays at the cleaning stations during incoming tides. The mantas are there year-round, but December brings the highest concentration as plankton blooms attract them in numbers you won't see during the May-September period. Visibility runs 20-30 m (65-100 ft), and the current flow is predictable enough that even intermediate divers can handle the drift. Morning dives from 8-10am tend to have the most manta activity as they feed before the sun gets high.
Exploring Nan Madol ruins
December's lower rainfall means the basalt structures at Nan Madol aren't as slippery as during wetter months, and the channels between the artificial islands are clearer for kayaking. Early morning visits from 7-9am avoid both the midday heat and the afternoon rain showers that still pop up occasionally. The site is genuinely impressive - 92 artificial islands built from massive basalt logs, and you'll have sections almost entirely to yourself if you go early. High tide is actually better for exploring by kayak, so check tide tables and plan accordingly. The walk from the parking area takes about 20 minutes through muddy forest trail.
Traditional navigation and sailing experiences
December marks the beginning of the traditional sailing season when families prepare for inter-island voyages using stick charts and celestial navigation. Several communities in the outer islands of Yap State and Chuuk offer hands-on experiences where you'll learn wave pattern reading and star compass techniques. The calmer December seas make this actually feasible for beginners, whereas attempting this during the rougher months is legitimately dangerous. You're looking at half-day to full-day outings on traditional outrigger canoes, and you'll work - this isn't a passive tour.
Jungle waterfall hikes in Pohnpei
Pohnpei's interior rainforest is accessible in December without the constant downpours you'd face in July-August. Trails to Kepirohi Waterfall and Liduduhniap Falls are muddy but manageable, and the waterfalls still have good flow from the periodic rain showers. Start hikes by 7am to avoid the midday heat - the temperature under the canopy stays around 26-28°C (79-82°F) but humidity is intense once the sun climbs. The trails involve stream crossings and some scrambling over roots and rocks, so you need decent mobility and proper footwear. Plan 3-4 hours round trip for most waterfall hikes.
Village cultural exchanges and sakau ceremonies
December harvest season means more frequent sakau ceremonies and traditional feasts in Pohnpei and Kosrae. These aren't staged tourist shows - you're participating in actual community events where kava is prepared using traditional stone methods and shared according to strict protocols. You'll sit on the ground for 2-3 hours, observe proper etiquette, and actually engage with local families. Some villages also demonstrate traditional cooking in earth ovens and weaving techniques. This is the most authentic cultural access you'll get, but it requires patience and cultural sensitivity.
December Events & Festivals
Yam harvest celebrations
Throughout December, villages across Pohnpei and Kosrae hold first fruit ceremonies marking the yam harvest. These involve traditional presentations of yams to chiefs, competitive displays of the largest yams grown, and communal feasts. The ceremonies vary by village and aren't on fixed tourist schedules - they happen when individual communities are ready. If you're staying on either island, ask your accommodation about upcoming celebrations. Visitors are generally welcome if you observe proper protocols and bring a small contribution.
Stick dancing competitions
Pohnpei communities hold traditional stick dancing competitions in December as part of harvest celebrations. Young men demonstrate combat techniques using wooden staffs in choreographed but genuinely athletic displays. These happen at village level rather than as organized tourist events, so timing depends on which community you're visiting. The competitions are intense and showcase skills that are still actively taught and practiced.