Fiji Weather in December 🌞

What is the Weather Like in Fiji in December?

Looking to spoil yourself and your loved ones this Christmas? Then a December holiday in one of the most relaxing group of islands in the world would definitely be one way to go about it. Sure, December in Fiji is warm and humid but there are plenty of reasons to cool yourself off in the pool or the crystal clear waters teeming with tropical fish. A trip to Fiji in December not only means soaking in the sun (and a few showers, as it’s the wet season), but it means seeing how the family-orientated locals celebrate this festive time of the year. Expect creative decorations made with natural materials found around the islands, as well as regular choruses of singing coming from churches all across Fiji. As for the Fiji weather in December, continue reading to get an idea of the typical temperatures, rainfall and more.

Before we jump into this weather guide for December, be sure to bookmark Fiji Weather, Seasons & Climate + Fiji Weather by Month, as well as The Best Time to Visit Fiji: A Month-by-Month Guide for more advice.

5 Tips for Visiting Fiji in December

Book early! Christmas is a popular time of year for both locals and internationals to explore Fiji
Wear high-factor sunscreen to protect yourself from the high UV levels experienced in Fiji during December
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
Want to avoid the rain as much as possible during the wet season? Consider heading to the Yasawa Islands where the climate is drier.
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.

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, 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:

Nadi, Viti Levu – The average maximum temperature is 31°C / 88°F and the average minimum temperature is 22°C / 72°F
Suva, Viti Levu – The average maximum temperature is 30°C / 86°F and the average minimum temperature is 23°C / 73°F
Mamanuca Islands – The average maximum temperature is 31°C / 88°F and the average minimum temperature 22°C / 72°F
Yasawa Islands – The average maximum temperature is 31°C / 88°F and the average minimum temperature 22°C / 72°F
Labasa, Vanua Levu – The average maximum temperature is 31°C / 88°F and the average minimum temperature 20°C / 68°F
Taveuni – The average maximum temperature is 31°C / 88°F and the average minimum temperature 23°C / 73°F.

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.

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.

UV Levels During December

While it’s advised to wear sunscreen all year round in Fiji, wearing sunscreen is particularly important during December when the UV levels are at some of their highest. UV levels can reach up to 11 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 length of daylight hours during December in Fiji is 13 hours each day.

Sunrise: 6:21 am at the beginning of December and 6:33 am at the end of December
Sunset: 7:29 pm at the beginning of December and 7:45 pm at the end of December.

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 most other months of the year.

The rainfall pattern during the wet season is often described as “liquid sunshine” meaning that there are short periods of intense rain followed by sunny spells. Fiji’s larger islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu receive the highest quantities of rainfall, while the smaller and more isolated island groups like the Yasawa Islands receive the least amount of rainfall.

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:

Nadi, Viti Levu – The average rainfall in December is 159 mm / 6.3 in
Suva, Viti Levu – The average rainfall in December is 263 mm / 10.4 in
Mamanuca Islands – The average rainfall in December is 174 mm / 6.9 in
Yasawa Islands – The average rainfall in December is 183 mm / 7.2 in
Labasa, Vanua Levu – The average rainfall in December is 255 mm / 10 in
Taveuni – The average rainfall in December is 264 mm / 10.4 in.

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 peopler 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.

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 makes 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.

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!

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.

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 advisable. 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.

More About the Weather in Fiji in December

That’s it for our complete guide to the weather and climate in Fiji in December. Check out the following articles for more weather advice:

Finally, enjoy a comprehensive guide to planning a trip to Fiji in The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji: Plan a Trip the Easy Way.

Author

Robin C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

Contact Robin via our contact page