Fiji Weather in December: Temperature, Rain, Packing List & More

5 Tips for Visiting Fiji in December

1. Book early! Christmas is a popular time of year for both locals and internationals to explore Fiji.
2. Wear high-factor sunscreen to protect yourself from the high UV levels experienced in Fiji during December.
3. Because it’s the wet season, there might be a few more mosquitoes about. Make sure you pack insect repellent and follow our tips in the 10 Ways to Avoid Mosquito Bites in Fiji.
4. Want to avoid the rain as much as possible during the wet season? Consider heading to the Yasawa Islands, where the climate is drier.
5. Don’t expect much activity to happen around the islands during Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve – it’s best to retreat to your resort or join the celebrations until services open again.

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Typical Temperatures in December

December is typically described as being in Fiji’s “summer”, so some of the warmest temperatures are experienced during this month. The maximum average temperature in December in Fiji is 29°C / 84°, while the minimum average temperature is 22°C / 72°F. However, in our experience, it can often feel even hotter with the high humidity experienced throughout the month. Sea temperatures are high too, giving further reason to jump in the water… Like if you needed a reason anyway!

Temperatures in December Across Fiji:

Sea Temperature in December

Sea temperatures in Fiji are warm year-round, but the sea temperatures are at some of their highest during December. Expect sea temperatures to be around 28°C / 82°F during December.

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Hours of Sun in December

Let’s be honest, everyone visiting Fiji wants to experience that famous Fijian sun! You’ll certainly experience long sunny days in December with an average of 6 hours of bright sunshine each day. In terms of daylight hours, December experiences an average of 13 daylight hours each day. Oh, and “happy hour” typically lasts for 3 hours…

UV Levels During December

While it’s advised to wear sunscreen all year round in Fiji, it is particularly important during December when the UV levels are at some of their highest. UV levels can reach up to 11 on the UV index during midday. Be sure to wear high-factor sunscreen and follow our advice in The Best Sunscreens for Fiji + Sun Protection Tips.

Sunrise and Sunset During December

The typical daylight hours during December in Fiji is 13 hours each day.

Find out more about the local time in our guide, What is the Fiji Time Zone?

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Rainfall in December

As you’ve already discovered, December falls during Fiji’s wet season. This means the amount of rainfall in Fiji is higher than in most other months of the year.

The rainfall pattern during the wet season is often described as “liquid sunshine”, meaning that sunny spells follow short periods of intense rain. Fiji’s larger islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu receive the highest amounts of rainfall, while smaller and more isolated island groups like the Yasawa Islands receive the least rainfall. We can certainly attest to that during our last trip to Fiji in December!

Fiji receives an average of 226 mm / 8.9 in of rainfall, with around 13 days out of December experiencing rain.

Rainfall in December Across Fiji:

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Tropical Storms in December

With the South Pacific cyclone season starting in November and ending in April, December is one of the months with the highest risk of being affected by tropical storms. On average, about 2% of December is affected by tropical storms.

How Often Has Fiji Been Affected by Cyclones in December?

Historically, December has been one of the worst months for cyclones affecting Fiji. Cyclones occurred in December 1873, 1879, 1881, 1883, 1890, 1890, 1892, 1892, 1901, 1902, 1911, 1914, 1917, 1922, 1923, 1926, 1929, 1939, 1941, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1963, 1964, 1986 (Cyclone Raja), 1992 (Cyclone Joni and Cyclone Kina), 1997 (Cyclone Susan), 2002 (Cyclone Zoe), 2007 (Cyclone Daman), 2009 (Cyclone Evan), 2015 (Cyclone Ula), 2019 (Cyclone Sarai) and 2020 (Cyclone Yasa).

Impacts of Cyclones in Fiji in December

Fiji’s cyclones have been very localised. For instance, Cyclone Daman caused significant damage on the island of Rotuma, while resorts had to be evacuated along the Coral Coast during Cyclone Evan. The main impacts of Cyclone Joni were confined to the Western Division, with the Yasawa Islands, Mamanuca Islands, Viti Levu, Kadavu and Vatulele being the worst affected areas. In 2019, Cyclone Sarai passed over Kadava, claiming two lives. Cyclone Ula caused flooding in Ba and heavy rain in the Western Division. In more recent years, Cyclone Yasa affected more than 10% of the Fijian population, with around 23,000 people required to go to evacuation centres. Cyclone Kina, one of the wettest cyclones in Fiji’s history, caused 23 deaths, mostly due to drowning or being struck by flying objects.

If you want to completely avoid the risk of cyclones in Fiji, it’s best to travel in the dry season. For those planning to travel during December, it’s still a good idea to be aware of what to do in a cyclone by following our guide, Cyclone Safety in Fiji.

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The Best Places to Visit in Fiji in December

December is a wonderful time of the year to visit Fiji, thanks to the cheer of the holiday season. Resorts are packed with families looking to escape the Christmas chill, and local customs are easy to observe everywhere, from the bustling cities to the remote island villages. Here are some places in Fiji worth discovering in December:

Denarau – The island attached to the mainland is a world of its own, packed with five-star resorts. All of the Denarau resorts put on something spectacular for their guests over the Christmas period, including mouthwatering buffets. Find out more about Denarau in The Complete Guide to Denarau.

Rotuma – An island that not many tourists think about visiting, Rotuma is definitely worth considering for a December holiday. The locals celebrate the month with Fara, an annual event where Fijian singers and dancers visit houses around the island to entertain their hosts.

Yasawa Islands – With most shops and services closed around Christmas time, you might as well escape to the islands for a few days. The Yasawas make a great choice in December for a few reasons. First, it’s the driest part of Fiji during the rainy season. Second, the Yasawas are packed with villages and churches where beautiful singing occurs a lot more often during the Christmas period. Third, the Yasawa Islands are damn stunning. Check out The Complete Guide to the Yasawa Islands for more inspiration.

For a comparison of all of Fiji’s main destinations, check out The Best Islands to Visit in Fiji.

Events in December

Christmas – An important Christian holiday, Christmas is celebrated in Fiji on 25 December, with Boxing Day (26 December) also observed as a public holiday. Resorts host special events, while Fijian villages come alive with Christmas choirs. For more details, see our guide on Fiji Christmas Ideas: How to Spend Christmas in Fiji.

Fara – In December, the isolated island of Rotuma celebrates Fara, showcasing its distinct culture. Local performers entertain families around the island, often attracting large groups of singers and dancers as they move from house to house.

For more events, check out The Top Events & Festivals in Fiji.

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December Packing List for Fiji

When travelling to Fiji in December, there are a few essential items to add to the packing list:

• Light clothing layers for the day (preferably linen, bamboo or merino so it is super light – we like the sustainable bamboo clothing of Moso Morrow)
• Light long-sleeved tops (to cover from sun and mosquitoes)
• Light pants/trousers/skirt (to cover the knees when appropriate – when visiting villages or to protect from mosquitoes when hiking, for example)
• Sunhat
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Rash vest (we like the UV-protecting Sharkskin rashies)
• Closed walking shoes
• Flip-flops/jandals/sandals
• Sarong (sulu – you can always buy one once you arrive in Fiji at The Best Places to Buy Souvenirs)
• Insect repellent
• High-factor sunscreen (that’s reef-safe and water-resistant)
• Light rain jacket/small umbrella
• A gift like stationary or small toys if visiting an orphanage or school.

For more inspiration on what to pack, check out our Full Packing List for Fiji!

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Fiji Weather in December

Still haven’t had your question about the Fiji weather in December answered yet? Perhaps these frequently asked questions about Fiji weather in December will help!

What can I expect from the weather in Fiji in December?

December marks the beginning of the wet season in Fiji, characterised by warmer temperatures and increased humidity. Expect daily highs around 31°C (88°F) and lows around 22°C (72°F). This month also sees more frequent rain showers, which can be heavy but are often short-lived, clearing up quickly (as we discovered on our last December trip to Fiji).

Is December a good time to visit Fiji?

Yes, December is still a popular time to visit Fiji despite being the start of the wet season. The islands remain vibrant and lush, and the warm weather is perfect for swimming and snorkelling. However, it’s also the beginning of the cyclone season, so it’s wise to check weather forecasts and travel advisories.

How much rain should I expect in December?

December is one of the wetter months in Fiji, with average rainfall increasing as the month progresses. Rainfall can vary significantly across different parts of the archipelago, but you can expect an average of about 150-250 mm (5.9-9.8 in) over the month. Rain usually comes in heavy showers that clear quickly.

Will cyclones affect my travel plans in December?

December is part of the cyclone season in Fiji, which runs until April. While cyclones are not a daily occurrence, it’s important to monitor local weather updates and follow any advice from local authorities. Travel insurance that covers natural disasters is recommended.

What should I wear in Fiji in December?

Given the warm and humid weather, lightweight and breathable clothing is definitely recommended! Pack clothes made from bamboo or linen, and don’t forget your swimwear, hats, sunglasses, and a high-SPF sunscreen. Also, consider bringing a waterproof jacket or umbrella for sudden showers.

Are there any special events in Fiji in December?

December is a festive time in Fiji, with Christmas and New Year’s Eve being celebrated widely across the islands. Expect lively festivities, cultural performances and fireworks displays. It’s a wonderful time to experience Fijian hospitality and traditions.

Is it safe to swim in the ocean in December?

Yes, it’s generally safe to swim in the ocean in December, but be mindful of weather conditions and heed local advice, especially during and after heavy rains, as currents can be stronger. Always swim in designated areas and wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine environment.