Nauru in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Nauru

30°C (86°F) High Temp

26°C (79°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

82% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Phosphate mining tours operate at full capacity - December is the only month when both active and historical mining sites are accessible due to equipment maintenance schedules
Sea temperatures peak at 29°C (84°F) making it ideal for snorkeling around the coral pinnacles on the island's eastern shore
Trade winds are strongest in December, providing natural cooling and making outdoor walking more comfortable despite the humidity
December marks spawning season for noddy terns - witness thousands of birds nesting on Nauru's coastal cliffs, a spectacular wildlife event that peaks mid-month

Considerations

Accommodation prices increase 40-60% due to Christmas holiday demand from Australian and New Zealand visitors - book 8+ weeks ahead
Afternoon thunderstorms occur 15+ days per month, often lasting 45-90 minutes and can disrupt outdoor activities between 2pm-5pm
Extreme UV index of 11+ requires constant sun protection - sunburn occurs in under 10 minutes of direct exposure

Best Activities in December

Phosphate Mining Heritage Tours

December is the only month when both active Ronphos operations and abandoned mining equipment are accessible. The wet season reveals the dramatic landscape transformation more clearly as vegetation grows rapidly around mining sites. Morning tours (7am-10am) avoid afternoon storms and intense heat.

Booking Tip: Tours run Tuesday-Friday only and must be booked through the Nauru Tourism Office at least 5 days ahead. Cost typically ranges AUD $45-65 per person including transport and safety equipment. Reference booking widget for current availability.

Coastal Snorkeling and Tide Pool Exploration

December's peak sea temperatures and strong trade winds create perfect conditions for snorkeling. The eastern coral shelves are most protected from December's prevailing winds. Low tide occurs mid-morning, revealing extensive tide pools with marine life. Best visibility is 6am-11am before afternoon rains.

Booking Tip: Equipment rental available from local operators for AUD $25-35 per day. No guided tours needed - locals recommend Anibare Bay's northern end. Check tide charts and avoid afternoons during storm season.

Island Circumnavigation by Motorcycle

December's frequent rains make the 19km (11.8 miles) coastal road dramatically green and reveal seasonal waterfalls. Early morning rides (6am-9am) avoid both heat and storms. The contrast between lush vegetation and stark mining landscapes is most pronounced in wet season.

Booking Tip: Motorcycle rental typically AUD $35-50 per day from local operators. International driving permit required. Fuel costs additional AUD $15-20. Complete circuit takes 2-3 hours with stops. Book through accommodation providers for best rates.

Traditional Fishing with Local Families

December's rough seas push fish closer to shore, making traditional line fishing more productive. Local families welcome visitors to join evening fishing sessions (5pm-7pm) after storms pass. Learn traditional Nauruan fishing techniques passed down for generations.

Booking Tip: Arrange through accommodation or approach families at Anibare Harbor around 4pm. Contribution typically AUD $20-30 includes equipment and fish sharing. No formal booking required - this is community-based cultural exchange.

Command Ridge War History Walks

December's cloud cover provides relief for exploring WWII Japanese fortifications and gun emplacements. Morning fog often reveals previously hidden bunker entrances. The elevated position offers panoramic views of the entire island when weather clears.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration free, but local guides available for AUD $30-40 for 2-hour tours. Wear sturdy shoes for rough terrain and bring headlamp for bunker exploration. Start early morning to avoid afternoon storms.

Buada Lagoon Freshwater Swimming

December rains keep Nauru's only freshwater lagoon at optimal levels. The brackish water stays cool even during hot afternoons. Surrounded by remaining native vegetation, it offers respite from saltwater and a glimpse of pre-mining Nauru ecosystems.

Booking Tip: Free access, no facilities or operators needed. Bring fresh water for rinsing and biodegradable soap only. Access via short 200m (656 ft) walk from coastal road. Best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December

Angam Day Celebrations

October 26th is Nauru's most significant cultural celebration, but December features community preparations and traditional food preparation workshops. Local families practice traditional dances and songs throughout December in preparation for the following year's celebrations.

December 24-25

Christmas Island Style Celebrations

Nauru's Christmas combines Christian traditions with Pacific Islander customs. Community feasts feature traditional foods like pandanus fruit and coconut crab. Church services incorporate traditional Nauruan hymns sung in local language.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ minimum - UV index reaches 11+ and reflection from white coral sand intensifies exposure

Quick-dry rain jacket with ventilation - afternoon storms dump 20-30mm (0.8-1.2 inches) in 45 minutes

Closed-toe water shoes essential - coral surfaces are extremely sharp and sea urchins common in shallow areas

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts with UPF rating - more effective than constant sunscreen reapplication in 82% humidity

Electrolyte replacement tablets - dehydration occurs rapidly in high humidity even when feeling cool from trade winds

Waterproof phone case and dry bag - protect electronics from sudden downpours and salt spray

Wide-brim hat with chin strap - December trade winds average 25-30 km/h (15-19 mph) and will blow off regular hats

Mosquito repellent with DEET 20%+ - standing water from rains increases mosquito populations significantly

Flashlight or headlamp - frequent power outages during storms and essential for exploring war bunkers

Cash in Australian dollars - credit cards not widely accepted and ATMs frequently out of service

Insider Knowledge

Local families fish from 5pm-7pm after storms pass - join them at Anibare Harbor for authentic cultural exchange and fresh dinner

December is fig season - locals harvest ripe figs from remaining native trees, often sharing with friendly visitors who ask politely

Power outages are common during December storms - restaurants and shops often close 2pm-6pm, so plan meals accordingly

The airport runway doubles as a social gathering spot in early evenings when flights aren't scheduled - locals congregate here to escape humidity with ocean breezes

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities for 2pm-5pm when afternoon storms are most frequent - schedule morning activities instead

Underestimating sun exposure due to cloud cover - UV penetrates clouds and coral sand reflection increases intensity by 15-20%

Expecting tropical resort amenities - Nauru is a working phosphate mining island with basic tourism infrastructure, not a vacation destination