Things to Do in Samoa in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Samoa
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
- + December lands right after the rainy shoulder-season, so the waterfalls around Upolu and Savai'i are still gushing yet the skies have mostly cleared, handing you postcard-blue water and emerald jungle in a single frame.
- + Village fale-style stays slash their rates by roughly half between mid-December and New Year, rooms that open straight onto the lagoon turn surprisingly affordable without booking six months out.
- + Mornings arrive glassy calm, good for 5:30 AM outrigger paddles from Maninoa Beach; you'll share the reef only with fishermen casting nets the way their grandfathers taught them.
- + Island buses still run on daylight time rather than tourist time, so you can circle Upolu for the price of a coffee and hop off anywhere that smells like breadfruit roasting roadside.
- − Afternoon humidity hovers around 70 % and feels like a warm towel pressed to your face, expect two shirt changes daily unless you're in air-conditioned digs.
- − Ten rain days doesn't sound like much. Yet the storms that do hit come fast and loud. Boat operators to the smaller islets cancel at short notice when swells top 2 m (6.5 ft).
- − Local kids are on school break, so Apia's central market and the Papaseea Sliding Rocks fill with families who know exactly how long the mango ice lasts before it melts.
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
December's southeast trades stay light enough that a coast-hugging ride from Apia to Lalomanu Beach won't feel like pedaling into a hair-dryer. Roadside stalls grill fresh palusami in banana leaves, and the reef edge glows turquoise even under scattered cloud. Rain showers cool the asphalt just long enough to release that hot-tar smell before the sun returns.
The Saleaula lava fields are solid underfoot again after November rains, and December sun bakes the black rock so you can feel the heat through your soles while the ocean crashes just 200 m (656 ft) away. Locals swear the contrast between scorched earth and green coconut palms is sharpest this month.
By 5 PM the humidity drops just enough for the night market behind the flea market to come alive. Smoke from banana-leaf-wrapped fish drifts under strings of colored bulbs while reggae spills from a single battered speaker. December evenings stretch long, so you can linger over oka (raw fish in lime and coconut) until the last bus leaves at 9 PM.
The strait between Upolu and tiny car-free Manono stays flat most December mornings. Paddling a rented kayak feels like sliding across rippled glass, with reef sharks gliding beneath and breadfruit leaves rattling overhead when wind picks up. The island path circles in exactly 90 minutes, perfect before the afternoon build-up.
December's tides align so the ladder down to this 30 m (98 ft) volcanic swimming hole isn't a waterfall, mid-morning the water's deep enough to jump but calm enough to float while staring up at pandanus roots. Salt spray keeps you cool even when the sun is directly overhead.
December Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
Early December sees the tail-end of Samoa's biggest cultural festival, with fire-knife dancers practicing on Mulinuū Peninsula and village choirs rehearsing in the evenings. You'll stumble across makeshift stages where the bass of wooden drums carries across the harbour.
Second Sunday in December every child in Samoa dresses in white and sings, village churches echo with harmonies loud enough to drown out the rain on tin roofs. Visitors are welcome, just sit on the right side and cover your shoulders.
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Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
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Top-rated things to do in Samoa this December
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See All Samoa Tours on ViatorFrequently Asked Questions
What is Samoa like in December?
December in Samoa marks the start of the wet season, with warm temperatures around 28-30°C and afternoon tropical showers that rarely last more than an hour or two. The rain keeps the islands lush and green, waterfalls are at their most impressive, and ocean visibility stays excellent for snorkeling most mornings. Humidity runs high. But steady trade winds and the fact that most rain falls in short bursts mean it's still a well good time to visit, if you're flexible with outdoor plans.
What's the weather like in Samoa in December?
Expect daytime highs around 30°C with warm nights rarely dropping below 24°C. December averages 250-300mm of rain across the month, concentrated in short afternoon downpours rather than all-day drizzle. The ocean stays warm at 28°C, and mornings are often sunny and clear before clouds build up around midday.
Is December a good time to visit Samoa?
Yes, if you don't mind occasional rain and prefer fewer tourists. December sits outside Samoa's peak tourist season (June to September), so resorts and tours are less crowded and sometimes offer better rates. The wet season means you'll see Samoa at its greenest, with thundering waterfalls like Togitogiga and Afu Aau in full flow, just pack a light rain jacket and plan water activities for the morning when conditions are calmest.
What events or festivals happen in Samoa in December?
December is relatively quiet for major festivals, though many villages hold Christmas church services and community feasts that welcome respectful visitors. White Sunday, Samoa's most important holiday, falls in October, so December doesn't have the same cultural calendar highlights. That said, New Year's Eve (which falls just after December) brings beachside celebrations and fireworks at resorts around Apia and the south coast.
Can you swim and snorkel in Samoa in December?
Absolutely, the ocean stays warm and calm enough for swimming and snorkeling, in the mornings before afternoon winds pick up. Palolo Deep Marine Reserve and the reefs off Savai'i offer excellent visibility most days, though plan water activities before 2pm when weather is most stable. After heavy rain, some coastal areas can get murky for a day or two, so ask locally about current conditions.
How crowded is Samoa in December?
December is moderately quiet compared to the winter high season (June-September). You'll find decent availability at resorts and beach fales without booking months ahead, though the Christmas and New Year's week (roughly December 20-January 5) sees a spike in visitors, mostly Kiwi and Australian families. Outside that window, beaches and attractions are peaceful.
What should I pack for Samoa in December?
Bring lightweight, breathable clothing that dries quickly, a compact rain jacket or umbrella, and reef-safe sunscreen (coral protection is taken seriously here). Waterproof sandals or water shoes are useful for rocky beaches and river hikes, and a small dry bag protects phones and cameras during boat trips or sudden showers. Most, pack modest clothing for village visits, knees and shoulders should be covered out of respect.
Are flights to Samoa cheaper in December?
Flight prices from Auckland, Sydney, and Brisbane tend to be moderate in early December, then jump sharply during the December 18-January 5 holiday window. If you're flexible, flying in the first two weeks of December or waiting until mid-January can save you 20-30% compared to peak Christmas travel. Check fares on Air New Zealand and Fiji Airways, which operate the most frequent routes.