Things to Do in Marshall Islands in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

Good time to visit Low Season · Budget Friendly

December Weather in Marshall Islands

Long-run averages for December in Kwajalein

83°F (28°C) High Temp

80°F (27°C) Low Temp

5.7 inches (145 mm) Rainfall

77% Humidity

14 Rainy Days

10 Sunny-Day UV

⚠ Sudden tropical squalls strike occasionally. They cancel flights and boats between atolls without warning. Build buffer days.

Is December Right for You?

Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking

Advantages

+ December is the calm before the storm,. The heavy rains of October and November have typically passed, leaving the lagoons a startling turquoise clarity good for spotting manta rays and reef sharks while snorkeling.
+ This is the tail end of the traditional sailing season. The trade winds, known locally as 'Epatok', are still steady enough for sailing charters but have lost their earlier bite, making for smoother passages between atolls.
+ You get a genuine slice of Marshallese life. The major holidays are over, and with the peak tourist season not yet arrived, you're more likely to be invited to share a pot of black tea and hear stories than be shuffled through a packaged experience.
+ The humidity, while ever-present, is less oppressive than in the wet season. The air feels lighter, carrying the salt-tinged breeze and the sweet, faintly floral scent of pandanus leaves drying in the sun.

Considerations

− This is shoulder season for a reason. While the rainfall drops, you're still gambling on tropical weather. Afternoon squalls can roll in with little warning, grounding island-hopping flights and boat tours for a day or two.
− Infrastructure is basic and seasonal. Some outer island guesthouses, which operate on family schedules, might be closed for maintenance or family gatherings. Confirming lodgings is absolutely essential, not just a suggestion.
− Don't expect a festive Christmas market scene. The Marshall Islands celebrates Christmas with church services and family gatherings at home. The public celebrations are subdued and local, which can feel isolating if you're seeking holiday cheer.

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Best Activities in December

Top things to do during your visit

Lagoon Snorkeling & Diving Expeditions

The water visibility in December is arguably the year's best. The runoff from the rainy season has settled, and the plankton blooms have diminished, offering crystal-clear views of Bikini Atoll's legendary wrecks (from a safe distance) and the lively coral gardens of Majuro's lagoon walls. The water temperature is a constant bath-like 27°C (81°F).

Booking Tip: Book through licensed dive operators at least two weeks in advance, for liveaboard trips to the northern atolls. They'll have the most current info on conditions. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Traditional Outrigger Canoe Sailing

This is the last good month for this before the winds shift. Feeling the pull of the canvas sail on a hand-carved korkor (outrigger canoe) across the flat, protected lagoon is a sensory immersion. The sound of the hull slicing water, the smell of wet hemp rope, the taste of salt spray. It connects you to the navigation heritage that defined these islands.

Booking Tip: These are often arranged through cultural centers or local community groups, not commercial tour desks. Inquire at the Alele Museum in Majuro for connections to reputable community guides.

Birdwatching on Remote Islets

December falls within the nesting season for several seabirds. The tiny, uninhabited motu (islets) surrounding the atolls become noisy, fragrant sanctuaries. You'll hear the squawks of black noddies and brown boobies, see their clumsy chicks, and smell the pungent, ammonia-tinged guano that fertilizes the coconut palms.

Booking Tip: Requires a chartered boat with a guide who knows the specific motu. Trips are weather-dependent and best booked a few days in advance once you've checked the forecast. Full-day excursions are the norm.

Cultural Weaving & Storytelling Workshops

With the intense heat of the dry season yet to come, December afternoons are good for sitting in a shaded maneaba (community meeting house). Here, you can feel the rough texture of pandanus leaves being stripped and learn the patterns of a jekaro (mat) while elders share stories of the trickster god Etao, their voices competing with the rustle of palm fronds.

Booking Tip: These are impromptu and community-based. Your best approach is to visit the Alele Museum or a local community center and express genuine interest. A small offering of betel nut or tobacco is a respectful gesture to initiate conversation.

Public Holidays in December

Dates that affect opening hours, transport and crowds

4 December 2026

Gospel Day