Things to Do in Micronesia in December

December Weather in Micronesia

29°C (84°F) High Temp

26°C (79°F) Low Temp

89mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 89mm (3.5 inches) across 8 days, making it ideal for diving and island-hopping activities
Strongest northeast trade winds create optimal sailing conditions and provide natural cooling, making outdoor activities comfortable even in 85% humidity
Crystal clear visibility underwater averaging 30-40m (98-131 ft) due to reduced plankton during dry season - perfect for wreck diving at Truk Lagoon
Lowest typhoon risk of the year with December historically having zero tropical storm activity in the region

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation rates increase 40-60% compared to shoulder months and popular dive sites can have 8-12 boats daily
Strong trade winds create choppy conditions for smaller boats - expect 1.5-2m (5-6.5 ft) swells that can cause seasickness on longer transfers
Extremely intense UV with index reaching 9 - sunburn occurs in just 10-15 minutes without protection at midday

Best Activities in December

Truk Lagoon Wreck Diving

December offers the year's best visibility for exploring WWII wrecks, with 30-40m (98-131 ft) underwater visibility and minimal current. Water temperature stays comfortable at 28°C (82°F). The dry season means less surface chop, making boat transfers to dive sites more comfortable. This is when underwater photographers get their clearest shots of the 60+ wrecks.

Booking Tip: Book dive packages 6-8 weeks ahead as December fills up with serious divers. Expect to pay $150-200 per day for two-tank dives. Look for operators with nitrox certification and wreck penetration experience. See current dive tour options in the booking section below.

Yap Manta Ray Encounters

December is prime manta season when these giants gather at cleaning stations in predictable numbers. Northeast trade winds create nutrient upwelling that attracts plankton, drawing 15-30 mantas daily to sites like Mi'l Channel. Water clarity is exceptional, and the strong currents that bring food also provide thrilling drift diving conditions.

Booking Tip: Reserve manta diving 4-6 weeks ahead, with typical costs of $120-160 per two-tank dive. Choose operators familiar with manta behavior and current diving protocols. Best encounters happen on incoming tides between 8am-11am. Check current availability in the booking widget below.

Pohnpei Nan Madol Exploration

December's low rainfall makes accessing the ancient stone city much easier via traditional outrigger canoe or kayak. Water levels around the ruins are optimal for photography, and the reduced cloud cover provides better lighting for the basalt structures. Trade winds keep mosquito populations down in the mangrove channels.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost $80-120 per person including transport and guide. Book 2-3 weeks ahead as December sees increased cultural tourism. Look for guides certified by Pohnpei Historic Preservation Office. Morning tours (7am-12pm) offer best lighting and cooler temperatures.

Kosrae Reef Snorkeling

December brings the calmest conditions for accessing Kosrae's pristine coral reefs. The outer reefs are most accessible during this month due to reduced swells, and hard coral coverage reaches 90% in protected areas. Water temperature of 28°C (82°F) allows for comfortable extended snorkeling sessions without wetsuits.

Booking Tip: Snorkeling trips cost $60-90 per half-day with equipment included. Book through village-based operators 1-2 weeks ahead. Look for operators that include traditional island lunch and respect local reef conservation practices. Check current tour options in the booking section below.

Traditional Outrigger Sailing

December's consistent 15-20 knot northeast trade winds create perfect conditions for experiencing traditional Micronesian sailing techniques. Local boat builders and navigators offer the most authentic experiences during this windy season, teaching wayfinding methods used for centuries. Seas are predictable with 1-2m (3-6 ft) swells.

Booking Tip: Cultural sailing experiences range from $100-180 for half-day trips including traditional navigation instruction. Book 3-4 weeks ahead through cultural centers or village cooperatives. Best experiences include meal preparation and traditional fishing techniques. Look for certified traditional navigators.

Jungle Waterfall Hiking

December's drier conditions make forest trails more accessible on high islands like Pohnpei and Kosrae. Stream crossings are easier with lower water levels, and reduced rainfall means fewer muddy sections on steep trails. Mosquito activity is at its annual low due to trade winds and less standing water.

Booking Tip: Guided hikes cost $70-110 per person for full-day waterfall tours including transportation. Book 1-2 weeks ahead through certified eco-guides. Bring sturdy hiking boots for rocky stream beds and expect 4-6 hours of moderate hiking covering 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles). Check current guide availability below.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Yap Traditional Navigation Festival

Annual celebration featuring traditional sailing competitions, wayfinding demonstrations, and cultural performances. Local masters teach ancient navigation techniques using stars, swells, and bird behavior. Features traditional canoe races and stone money ceremonies.

Late December

Kosrae Christmas Cultural Festival

Blend of Christian celebrations with traditional Micronesian customs featuring traditional dance competitions, local food festivals, and community church services. Includes traditional weaving demonstrations and local craft markets.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen in large quantities - UV index of 9 causes burns in 10-15 minutes and regular sunscreen is expensive locally

Lightweight long-sleeve rash guards for extended water activities - protects against both sun and coral scrapes during snorkeling

Quick-dry pants and shirts - high humidity of 85% means cotton takes 12+ hours to dry completely

Reef-safe zinc sunscreen for face - many areas have strict reef protection laws and chemical sunscreens are prohibited

Waterproof phone case rated for 10m (33 ft) - essential for underwater photography and protection during boat transfers

Seasickness medication - 1.5-2m (5-6.5 ft) swells are common during December boat transfers between islands

Lightweight rain jacket - brief afternoon showers occur 8 days per month and can be intense when they hit

Reef shoes with good grip - essential for walking on sharp coral and slippery boat decks, local options are limited

Insect repellent with DEET - while mosquito activity is lowest in December, dawn and dusk still require protection

Prescription medications in original containers - remote locations mean no pharmacy access and customs require proper labeling

Insider Knowledge

Book inter-island flights immediately after confirming accommodation - United Island Hopper has limited seats and December is peak season with flights filling 8-10 weeks ahead

Bring cash in small denominations - ATMs are rare outside main towns and many family-run operations only accept cash payments of $20 bills or smaller

Learn basic respect protocols for traditional navigation sites - many locations are sacred and require permission from local chiefs before visiting

December flights often get cancelled due to mechanical issues - build 2-3 buffer days into your itinerary and avoid tight international connections

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating boat transfer times between dive sites - strong December trade winds can double travel time and cause rough conditions for those prone to seasickness

Not bringing enough reef-safe sunscreen - local prices are 3-4 times US mainland costs and selection is very limited in outer islands

Booking accommodation less than 6 weeks ahead - December is peak season when many small guesthouses and dive resorts fill up completely with repeat visitors