Majuro in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Majuro

187°F High Temp

172°F Low Temp

0.5 inches Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

December falls within the dry season with only 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) of rain across 10 days, making it ideal for lagoon activities and outer island exploration without frequent weather delays
Consistent northeast trade winds at 15-20 knots provide natural cooling and create perfect sailing conditions for traditional Marshallese proa boats and inter-atoll transfers
December aligns with the traditional pandanus harvest season, offering visitors authentic opportunities to participate in fruit processing and learn traditional preservation techniques from local families
Tourist numbers remain minimal in December (fewer than 50 visitors typically), ensuring genuine cultural interactions and no crowding at dive sites or cultural demonstrations

Considerations

Limited flight connections with Air Liberia Islands operating only Tuesday/Thursday schedules in December, requiring precise planning and potential 3-day minimum stays due to flight timing
December trade winds create choppy conditions on the ocean-side reef, limiting diving opportunities to the calmer lagoon sites and reducing underwater visibility to 15-18 m (49-59 ft)
Most government offices and some services operate on reduced holiday schedules from December 20-31, potentially affecting permit processing for outer atoll visits or research activities

Best Activities in December

Laura Beach Lagoon Exploration

December's calm lagoon conditions and minimal rainfall make this the optimal month for exploring Laura Beach's extensive shallow lagoon system. The consistent 27°C (81°F) water temperature and clear skies 80% of the time provide perfect conditions for snorkeling the lagoon's coral patches and observing juvenile fish populations. Trade winds keep the lagoon surface comfortable for extended water activities.

Booking Tip: Arrange transportation through your accommodation or local contacts - no formal tour operators exist. Expect to pay $40-60 USD for round-trip taxi transport from Delap-Uliga-Darrit. Visit during morning hours (8am-11am) when winds are lighter and water clarity is best.

Traditional Canoe Building Workshops

December coincides with the traditional boat-building season when families prepare vessels for the upcoming year. The dry conditions and moderate humidity (70%) create ideal wood-working conditions. Local master craftsmen offer hands-on instruction in traditional tipnol (outrigger canoe) construction using breadfruit wood and traditional lashing techniques.

Booking Tip: Contact the Alele Museum 2-3 weeks ahead to arrange connections with master craftsmen. Workshop fees typically range $80-120 USD per day including materials. Sessions run 4-6 hours daily and require minimum 3-day commitment.

WWII Wreck Diving Expeditions

December's consistent visibility of 15-18 m (49-59 ft) in lagoon waters provides optimal conditions for exploring Majuro's numerous WWII aircraft and ship wrecks. The stable weather patterns ensure 85% dive success rates compared to 60% during rougher months. Water temperature remains steady at 27-28°C (81-82°F) requiring only light thermal protection.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed dive operators 7-10 days ahead. Expect costs of $95-140 USD per two-tank dive including equipment. PADI certification required - no discover diving available on wreck sites for safety reasons. See current operators in booking section below.

Pandanus Fruit Harvesting Experience

December marks peak pandanus season when the large, pineapple-like fruits ripen across the atoll. This traditional activity involves climbing 8-10 m (26-33 ft) trees, fruit processing, and learning preservation techniques crucial to Marshallese culture. The dry weather ensures optimal fruit quality and traditional outdoor processing conditions.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local families via cultural centers - expect to pay $60-90 USD per person for full-day experiences including traditional meal preparation. Physical fitness required for tree climbing. Best organized through Alele Museum connections.

Inter-Atoll Trading Post Visits

December's favorable sailing conditions enable reliable access to outer atolls via traditional and modern vessels. Trade winds provide consistent 15-20 knot conditions ideal for experiencing traditional Marshallese navigation techniques and visiting family-operated copra and handicraft production sites on less populated islets.

Booking Tip: Requires 5-7 day minimum commitment and advance coordination through local boat owners. Costs range $200-300 USD per day including meals and basic accommodation. Weather dependent - maintain flexible schedule. Arrange through local contacts only.

December Events & Festivals

Late December

Kurijmoj Christmas Celebration

A uniquely Marshallese Christmas celebration blending Christian traditions with indigenous customs. Features traditional food preparation, community singing, and family gatherings across the atoll. Visitors can observe elaborate food exchanges and participate in community church services conducted in both Marshallese and English.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches 8 and reflection off water and white coral sand intensifies exposure significantly

Lightweight long-sleeve UV protection shirts - essential for lagoon activities where shade is nonexistent

Water shoes with sturdy soles - coral walking is unavoidable and sharp coral fragments cover most beaches

Quick-dry shorts and swimwear - multiple water activities per day make fast-drying fabrics essential in 70% humidity

Waterproof phone case - lagoon activities and occasional rain showers threaten electronics constantly

Insect repellent containing DEET - mosquitoes are active during evening hours despite ocean breezes

Lightweight rain jacket - brief showers occur on 10 days in December, typically lasting 20-30 minutes

Snorkeling gear if certified - rental options are limited and often poor quality

Cash in small US bills - credit cards rarely accepted and ATMs frequently empty or broken

Prescription medications plus extras - no reliable pharmaceutical supplies available on atoll

Insider Knowledge

Shop for groceries at Payless Market early morning (7-8am) when fresh shipments arrive - afternoon shelves are often bare and prices increase 20-30% for remaining items

December flights often experience weight restrictions due to holiday cargo - pack light and expect potential delays for excess baggage on the small Air Liberia Islands aircraft

Local families appreciate visitors who bring solar phone chargers or small LED lights as gifts - power outages are common and these items are expensive locally

The strongest phone signal on the atoll is near the hospital in Delap - download offline maps and entertainment before arriving as internet is unreliable throughout December

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming Western-style tour infrastructure exists - Majuro operates on personal connections and family networks, requiring flexibility and patience for activity arrangements

Underestimating the isolation factor - December's limited flight schedule means medical emergencies or urgent departures are nearly impossible to accommodate

Bringing excessive luggage or electronic equipment - humid salt air destroys electronics quickly and storage space in local accommodations is minimal