Samoa in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Samoa

30°C (86°F) High Temp

23°C (74°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season reliability - December has the lowest rainfall of any month with virtually zero precipitation, making it perfect for island hopping and outdoor adventures
Christmas season cultural fusion - Experience unique Samoan Christmas traditions where fa'a Samoa meets Christianity, including traditional umu feasts and village carol singing
Optimal ocean conditions - Trade winds create calm seas averaging 1-2m (3-6ft) swells, ideal for snorkeling, diving visibility up to 30m (98ft), and ferry travel between islands
School holiday energy - Local families are on break, creating busy community atmosphere with increased cultural performances and traditional games on village malae

Considerations

Peak season pricing - Accommodation rates increase 40-60% from November lows, and international flights from Australia/New Zealand cost 30% more than shoulder months
Tourist saturation at main sites - Popular spots like To Sua Ocean Trench and Lalomanu Beach see 3x normal visitor numbers, requiring early morning visits for photos
Intense UV exposure - With minimal cloud cover and UV index consistently at 8-9, sunburn happens in 15-20 minutes even with SPF 30, requiring constant reapplication

Best Activities in December

Upolu Island South Coast Tours

December's dry conditions make the rugged south coast road fully accessible, with crystal-clear visibility at To Sua Ocean Trench and perfect beach conditions at Lalomanu. Morning tours (7-11am) avoid both crowds and peak UV intensity. The calm seas allow safe swimming in natural pools that can be dangerous during wet season.

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead as December is peak season. Full-day tours typically cost WST$150-250 (US$55-90) per person. Look for operators with 4WD vehicles and reef-safe sunscreen policies. Check current tour availability in booking section below.

Savai'i Island Lava Field Adventures

The dry December weather provides optimal access to Savai'i's lava tubes and blowholes. No muddy trails mean you can explore Falealupo Canopy Walk and reach Sale'aula lava fields easily. Morning temperatures around 25°C (77°F) make hiking comfortable before afternoon heat peaks.

Booking Tip: Combine with overnight stays - Savai'i day trips are rushed. Two-day packages typically run WST$300-450 (US$110-165) including ferry, accommodation, and guided tours. Book ferry tickets separately 7 days ahead during December rush. See current ferry and tour combinations below.

Traditional Village Cultural Experiences

December brings heightened cultural activity with Christmas preparations blending Samoan traditions. Villages prepare elaborate umu (earth ovens) and practice traditional dances for holiday celebrations. The dry weather means outdoor fiafia nights happen reliably, and traditional fishing demonstrations occur in calm lagoon conditions.

Booking Tip: Authentic village experiences cost WST$80-150 (US$30-55) including traditional meals. Avoid 'tourist villages' - ask for family-run experiences through local operators. Sunday visits include church services but require modest dress. Current cultural tour options available in booking section.

Multi-Island Snorkeling Expeditions

December's exceptional water clarity and minimal rainfall create perfect conditions for exploring coral reefs around Namua Island and Aleipata marine sanctuary. Visibility reaches 30m (98ft), and calm conditions allow access to typically rough outer reef sites. Water temperature holds steady at 28°C (82°F).

Booking Tip: Full-day snorkeling tours range WST$180-280 (US$65-100) including equipment and lunch. Look for operators with marine biology guides and small group sizes (8-12 people). Afternoon tours (1-5pm) often have better visibility as morning boat traffic settles. Browse current snorkeling tours below.

Highland Waterfall Circuit Tours

While December is dry season, established waterfalls like Fuipisia Falls maintain flow from highland springs. Clear hiking conditions and reduced mud make trails accessible to all fitness levels. Morning hikes benefit from cool temperatures around 24°C (75°F) in elevated areas 200-400m (655-1,310ft) above sea level.

Booking Tip: Waterfall tours cost WST$120-200 (US$45-75) for half-day trips. Despite dry season, pools remain swimmable at major falls. Book early morning departures (7am) to avoid midday heat. Combination highland tours with plantation visits offer better value. Check current waterfall tour options below.

Deep Sea Fishing Charters

December marks peak season for yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, and marlin fishing. Calm seas and predictable trade wind patterns create ideal conditions for both half-day reef fishing and full-day deep water expeditions. Charter success rates exceed 80% in December compared to 60% during rough season months.

Booking Tip: Half-day charters (4 hours) run WST$600-900 (US$220-330) for up to 6 people, while full-day trips cost WST$1,200-1,800 (US$440-660). Book 2-3 weeks ahead as boats fill quickly in December. Look for operators offering fish cleaning and local preparation tips. View current fishing charter availability below.

December Events & Festivals

December 24-26

Samoan Christmas Celebrations

Villages across both islands host elaborate Christmas feasts featuring traditional umu cooking and modern Samoan carols. Churches hold special services combining Christian hymns with Samoan harmonies. Families welcome visitors to observe traditional gift exchanges and community dances.

December 31 - January 1

New Year Beach Festivals

Coastal villages organize traditional games, fire dancing performances, and community feasts. Lalomanu and Manase beaches host the largest celebrations with traditional Samoan sports competitions and cultural performances continuing past midnight.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen (minimum 200ml/7oz bottles) - UV index stays at 8-9 daily, requiring reapplication every 90 minutes

Lightweight long-sleeve UV shirts - better protection than constant sunscreen reapplication during 6+ hour tour days

Quick-dry hiking shorts with 20cm (8-inch) inseam minimum - village visits require knee coverage, traditional shorts too short

Water shoes with thick soles - coral beaches and lava rock coastal walks are standard, flip-flops inadequate

Packable rain jacket under 200g (7oz) - brief afternoon showers still occur 10 days monthly despite dry season

Insulated water bottle (1L/34oz minimum) - staying hydrated crucial in 70% humidity, local water safe to drink

Microfiber towel - regular towels won't dry in humid conditions, multiple beach/waterfall stops require quick-dry gear

Waterproof phone case - snorkeling tours and waterfall swims are daily activities, regular cases insufficient

Modest church clothing - lightweight pants and collared shirt essential for Sunday village visits and cultural experiences

Cash in small denominations - many local operators and village experiences only accept Samoan tala, ATMs limited outside Apia

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation by October 15th - December rates jump 50% after this date and waterfront properties sell out completely by November

Visit To Sua Ocean Trench before 8am - tour buses arrive by 9am creating hour-long photo queues, early access offers pristine swimming

Rent cars from local operators, not airports - save 30-40% on daily rates (WST$80 vs WST$120) and get better vehicle maintenance from family businesses

Carry reef-safe sunscreen certificates - Marine Protected Areas increasingly require proof of coral-safe products, enforcement strict during peak tourist season

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating sun intensity - tourists assume December means 'winter weather' and suffer severe burns within 2 hours of arrival

Booking same-day ferry tickets to Savai'i - December ferries sell out 48+ hours ahead, leaving travelers stranded in Apia with cancelled plans

Wearing inappropriate church attire - village cultural tours include Sunday services requiring long pants and covered shoulders, shorts denied entry