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Papeete - Things to Do in Papeete in December

Things to Do in Papeete in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Papeete

30°C (86°F) High Temp
23°C (73°F) Low Temp
396 mm (15.6 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

  • December sits right at the start of French Polynesia's dry season, meaning you'll catch mostly sunny mornings with just enough afternoon showers to cool things down - typically 20-30 minute bursts rather than all-day washouts. The humidity at 70% is actually manageable compared to the 80%+ you'd deal with January through March.
  • Tiare Tahiti flowers are in full bloom throughout December, and the scent genuinely fills the streets of downtown Papeete around the municipal market. Locals wear fresh flower crowns daily during this period, and you'll see women weaving them on street corners near the cathedral - it's peak season for the island's signature flower.
  • December falls just after Heiva i Tahiti season ends, which means professional dance troupes are still performing regularly at hotels and cultural centers, but the massive tourist crowds from July have cleared out. You get the cultural performances without fighting for seats or paying inflated accommodation rates.
  • Water visibility for snorkeling and diving reaches 25-30 m (82-98 ft) in December as the plankton blooms settle down. The lagoon temperature hovers around 27°C (81°F) - warm enough that you won't need a wetsuit for casual swimming but cool enough that you're not overheating in snorkel gear.

Considerations

  • December is technically shoulder season transitioning into high season, which creates unpredictable pricing - some hotels drop rates early in the month then spike them around Christmas week. If you're visiting December 20-31, expect to pay 40-60% more than the first two weeks, and book at least 8-10 weeks ahead or you'll find limited availability.
  • The 10 rainy days spread throughout December means you can't really predict which days will be clear. Unlike the true dry season in August-September where you get consistent sun, December weather shifts quickly - mornings might be brilliant then clouds roll in by 2pm. This makes planning day trips to outer islands slightly risky.
  • Cruise ships dock at Papeete harbor 2-3 times weekly in December, dumping 2,000-3,000 passengers into downtown between 8am-4pm. The municipal market becomes uncomfortably crowded, and waterfront restaurants jack up prices on cruise days. Locals avoid downtown entirely when ships are in port.

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Best Activities in December

Lagoon snorkeling and swimming at Tahiti's public beaches

December water clarity is exceptional - the 25-30 m (82-98 ft) visibility means you'll actually see the coral formations and reef fish clearly without specialized gear. The lagoon stays calm most mornings before trade winds pick up around 1pm. Water temperature at 27°C (81°F) is perfect for spending 60-90 minutes in the water without getting cold. Public beaches like Plage de Toaroto on the east coast are nearly empty on weekdays since locals work and cruise passengers rarely venture beyond downtown.

Booking Tip: Public beach access is free, but if you want guided snorkel tours to better coral areas, book 5-7 days ahead through operators at the marina. Tours typically run 8,000-12,000 XPF per person for half-day trips including gear. Morning departures at 8am or 9am give you the calmest water and best light for underwater visibility. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Papeete Municipal Market and waterfront food vendors

December brings peak season for local fruits - you'll find rambutan, mangosteen, and the prized pamplemousse tahitien at the market. The upstairs food court opens at 5am and serves poisson cru made with fish caught that morning - the freshness genuinely makes a difference compared to restaurant versions. Go before 8am to avoid cruise ship crowds, or after 4pm when ships depart and vendors drop prices on remaining produce. The humidity makes morning visits more comfortable than midday.

Booking Tip: No booking needed, but bring small bills - many vendors don't make change for 5,000 or 10,000 XPF notes. Budget 2,000-3,000 XPF for a substantial breakfast upstairs, or 500-1,000 XPF for fruit and snacks to take with you. The market is closed Sundays, and Mondays are slower with less selection since fishing boats don't go out Sundays.

Coastal road cycling to Point Venus and the north coast

December mornings are perfect for the 15 km (9.3 mile) ride from Papeete to Point Venus - temperatures stay around 24-26°C (75-79°F) until 10am, and the coastal road is relatively flat with dedicated bike lanes most of the way. The black sand beaches along this route are stunning in morning light, and you'll pass through local neighborhoods where people are genuinely friendly rather than tourist-weary. Point Venus lighthouse area has good shade and facilities for a break before riding back.

Booking Tip: Bike rental shops near the port charge 2,500-3,500 XPF per day for decent hybrid bikes. Book one day ahead if you want a specific bike size or style. Start no later than 7:30am to finish before afternoon heat and potential rain. Most rental places open at 7am and require passport as deposit. The ride takes 3-4 hours total with stops for photos and swimming.

Fautaua Valley waterfall hiking

The 396 mm (15.6 inches) of December rainfall keeps Fautaua Falls flowing strong - you'll actually see impressive water volume rather than the trickle you might get in drier months. The 5 km (3.1 mile) trail gains 200 m (656 ft) elevation through jungle that's lush but not overgrown yet. December temperatures make this hike manageable if you start early - the canopy provides shade and the humidity is offset by elevation. You need a permit from Papeete town hall, which most tourists don't realize.

Booking Tip: Get your hiking permit at the Papeete Mairie town hall at least one day before - it's free but requires showing passport and signing a waiver. The office is only open weekday mornings 7:30am-11:30am. The trailhead is 6 km (3.7 miles) from downtown, reachable by le truck public transport for 200 XPF or taxi for 2,000-2,500 XPF. Allow 4-5 hours total including the 90-minute hike each way and time at the falls.

Evening food trucks at Place Vaiete

December evenings at the roulottes are genuinely pleasant - the 23°C (73°F) nighttime temperatures and waterfront breeze make outdoor dining comfortable without the sticky heat of earlier months. The food truck scene peaks Friday and Saturday nights when locals come out, and you'll find everything from poisson cru to steak frites to Chinese noodles for 1,200-1,800 XPF per meal. This is where Papeete residents actually eat dinner, not at the tourist restaurants along Boulevard Pomare.

Booking Tip: No reservations needed - just show up after 6pm when trucks start opening. Peak crowds hit 7:30-9pm, so arrive earlier or later for easier seating. Bring cash in small bills, though some trucks now take cards. Budget 1,500-2,500 XPF per person including a drink. The trucks operate nightly except Sunday when most are closed, and some take Monday off as well.

Day trips to Moorea by ferry

December weather typically clears earlier on Moorea than Tahiti due to different wind patterns - if Papeete looks cloudy at 7am, Moorea might still have sun. The 30-minute ferry crossing is smooth in December since you're still in relatively calm season. Moorea's lagoon and mountain scenery make for better photos than Papeete itself, and you can rent scooters at the dock to circle the island in 4-5 hours. The ferry schedule allows for full day trips returning same evening.

Booking Tip: Ferry tickets run 1,500-2,000 XPF each way and can be purchased same-day at the terminal, though booking online one day ahead guarantees your preferred departure time. The 7am and 8am ferries get you there for full days, with returns at 3pm, 4pm, or 5pm. Scooter rentals at Moorea dock cost 5,000-7,000 XPF per day - reserve ahead during Christmas week but usually available same-day early December. See current tour packages in the booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Early December

Tiare Tahiti Flower Festival

Early December celebrates the tiare flower with demonstrations of traditional flower crown weaving, competitions for best arrangements, and performances at the cultural center. This is a local event rather than tourist-focused, which means you'll see authentic techniques and family participation. The municipal market extends hours and vendors sell fresh tiare by the dozen for 500-800 XPF.

December 24-25

Christmas celebrations with Polynesian traditions

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day blend French Catholic traditions with Polynesian culture - churches hold midnight mass with himene singing that's genuinely moving even if you're not religious. Families gather for outdoor feasts, and many hotels host special buffets mixing French and Polynesian dishes. The waterfront gets decorated with lights, though it's more understated than Western Christmas displays.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket that packs small - the afternoon showers hit quickly and last 20-30 minutes. The kind that stuffs into its own pocket works better than an umbrella since you'll be walking on uneven sidewalks. You want something breathable since the 70% humidity means non-breathable rain gear becomes a sauna.
Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50 or higher - the UV index of 8 is intense even on cloudy days, and French Polynesia has banned certain sunscreen chemicals to protect coral. Bring from home since local prices run 3,000-4,000 XPF for small bottles. Reapply every 90 minutes if you're near water.
Cotton or linen clothing, absolutely avoid polyester - synthetic fabrics trap heat in 70% humidity and you'll be miserable. Loose-fitting shirts and shorts dry faster after rain showers. Bring more shirts than you think since you'll want to change after sweating through morning activities.
Water shoes with good grip for reef walking and slippery boat docks - the coral and rocks around swimming areas are sharp, and boat ramps get covered in algae. Flip-flops don't cut it for actual water activities. These also work for the Fautaua Valley trail which crosses streams.
Small dry bag for phone and wallet - the quick rain showers catch people off guard, and humidity can damage electronics even without direct rain. A 5-liter roll-top bag fits in a daypack and protects essentials during boat trips and beach visits.
Insect repellent with DEET - December's rainfall creates standing water and mosquitoes breed quickly. Evenings near the waterfront and any jungle hiking need protection. The local mosquitoes can carry dengue, so this isn't optional. Apply before sunset when they're most active.
Cash in small denominations - many food trucks, market vendors, and le truck buses only take cash and don't make change for large bills. Get 500 and 1,000 XPF notes from ATMs. Credit cards work at hotels and major restaurants but nowhere else reliably.
Lightweight long pants and closed shoes for one outfit - some churches and upscale restaurants have dress codes, and you'll want coverage for air-conditioned spaces that blast AC to uncomfortable levels. The indoor market food court can be cold at 7am.
Reusable water bottle - tap water in Papeete is safe to drink despite what some guides say, and you'll save 300-400 XPF per bottle. The humidity and heat mean you need 3-4 liters daily. Fill up at your accommodation before heading out.
Small backpack rather than shoulder bag - you'll be carrying water, rain jacket, sunscreen, and purchases from the market. A backpack distributes weight better in the heat and keeps hands free for taking photos and holding railings on boats.

Insider Knowledge

Check cruise ship schedules online before planning your downtown days - when ships dock, the municipal market becomes unbearably crowded and waterfront restaurants raise prices knowing cruise passengers won't notice. The ships typically dock early morning and depart by 4pm, so you can plan around them entirely by visiting downtown after 5pm or on non-cruise days.
Le truck public buses run frequently along the coastal road for just 200-300 XPF, but tourists rarely use them because they're not well-marked. Look for trucks with destination signs and wave them down like a taxi - they stop anywhere along the route. Locals use these constantly and they're far cheaper than taxis which start at 1,500 XPF minimum.
The Papeete town hall requires permits for Fautaua Valley hiking, but the office is only open weekday mornings and most tourists don't know this exists. You can technically hike without a permit but risk a fine if rangers check. Getting the free permit takes 15 minutes and the staff speaks English - just bring your passport and go between 8-11am any weekday.
December accommodation pricing splits sharply between early month and Christmas week - if you're flexible on dates, visiting December 1-15 saves 40-60% compared to December 20-31. The weather is essentially identical but demand spikes for holiday travelers. Book early December if budget matters, or book Christmas week at least 10-12 weeks ahead.

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all December days will be sunny because it's dry season - you still get 10 rainy days spread throughout the month, and weather shifts quickly. Tourists book outdoor activities without backup plans then waste money on cancelled tours. Always have an indoor option ready, and book tours with flexible cancellation policies.
Exchanging money at the airport or cruise terminal - the rates are 8-10% worse than ATMs in town. Use ATMs at Banque de Tahiti or Banque Socredo branches for best rates, and withdraw larger amounts to minimize fees rather than small amounts daily. Your bank's foreign transaction fee matters more than the exchange rate.
Visiting Papeete as a beach destination - Tahiti's best beaches are on the east and north coasts, not in Papeete proper. The city is for culture, food, and logistics. Tourists who stay in downtown hotels expecting beach access end up disappointed. Stay in Papeete for convenience then travel to actual beach areas, or stay on Moorea instead.

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November

Travel guide for November

January

Travel guide for January

Climate Guide

Weather and seasonal patterns for Papeete

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