Things to Do in Papeete in December

December Weather in Papeete

86°F (30°C) High Temp

73°F (23°C) Low Temp

15.6 inches (396 mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

December is actually dry season in Tahiti despite the high rainfall total - rain comes in short 20-30 minute bursts followed by clear skies, perfect for island hopping between showers
Trade winds pick up in December keeping humidity more bearable than January-March, making walking around Papeete's markets and waterfront much more comfortable
December marks the start of mango season - local varieties like 'mangue pain' are at peak ripeness and sold fresh at Marché de Papeete for 200-300 XPF ($2-3 USD) each
Water visibility is at its annual best (25-30 m / 82-98 ft) for lagoon snorkeling as December winds clear out sediment from the summer months

Considerations

December is peak tourist season coinciding with French summer holidays - expect hotel rates 40-60% higher than May-October and advance bookings essential
Airport transfers and inter-island flights often delayed due to afternoon thunderstorms between 2-5pm, affecting same-day connections to Moorea or Bora Bora
Many local businesses close December 20-January 5 for extended Christmas holidays, limiting authentic Tahitian cultural experiences during peak travel period

Best Activities in December

Lagoon Snorkeling Tours

December offers the clearest water visibility of the year (25-30 m / 82-98 ft) as trade winds settle ocean sediment. Morning tours 8-11am avoid afternoon storms and have calmer waters. The 70% humidity makes wet activities more comfortable than land-based sightseeing during midday heat.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead through licensed operators - tours typically cost 8,000-12,000 XPF ($80-120 USD). Morning departures are most reliable in December weather. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Papeete Market Food Tours

December brings peak mango, breadfruit, and vanilla seasons to Marché de Papeete. Early morning tours (6-9am) avoid both crowds and afternoon heat while vendors have best selection. The covered market provides perfect shelter during December's brief but frequent rain showers.

Booking Tip: Walking food tours cost 6,000-9,000 XPF ($60-90 USD) and should be booked 1-2 weeks ahead. Choose tours starting before 8am to beat heat and crowds. Reference booking widget for current culinary tour options.

Venus Point Coastal Walks

December's trade winds make coastal walking bearable despite high temperatures. The black sand beaches are cooler underfoot in early morning (6-8am) and offer spectacular sunrise views. December swells create dramatic wave action at Venus Point lighthouse perfect for photography.

Booking Tip: Self-guided activity - no booking required. Best done independently 6-8am or 5-6pm to avoid peak heat. Guided coastal tours available for 4,000-6,000 XPF ($40-60 USD) - see current options below.

Museum and Cultural Center Tours

December's frequent afternoon showers make indoor cultural activities essential backup plans. Musée de Tahiti et des Îles and Pearl Museum offer air-conditioned respite during 2-5pm storm periods while providing authentic Polynesian history missing from beach-focused tourism.

Booking Tip: Museum entry 1,000-1,500 XPF ($10-15 USD). Guided cultural tours combining multiple sites cost 5,000-8,000 XPF ($50-80 USD). Book morning tours with indoor afternoon components. Check booking section for current cultural experiences.

Fautaua Valley Hiking

December rains fill Fautaua Falls to its most impressive flow of the year. Morning hikes (6-10am) avoid afternoon storms and offer cooler temperatures for the steep 3 km (1.9 mile) climb gaining 200 m (656 ft) elevation. Trail can be muddy but December's moderate humidity makes exertion more manageable.

Booking Tip: Guided hikes cost 7,000-10,000 XPF ($70-100 USD) including transport from Papeete. Book 1 week ahead and confirm weather conditions day-of. Independent hiking requires permits - guided tours handle logistics. See current hiking tours in booking section.

December Events & Festivals

Weekends throughout December

Tiurai Festival Extended Celebrations

December sees continuation of traditional dance and music performances at Place Vaiete every weekend, featuring authentic Tahitian tamure dancing and local food vendors. More intimate and authentic than July's massive tourist-focused Tiurai.

December 24-25

Christmas Island Style (Noël à la Tahitienne)

Local families celebrate with traditional earth oven (tamaaraa) feasts on beaches throughout December. Visitors can experience authentic Polynesian Christmas traditions mixing French colonial influence with indigenous customs.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic shirts - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable and slow to dry between rain showers

Waterproof phone case rated IPX8 - December's sudden downpours can destroy electronics in seconds

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index of 8 causes burns in 15 minutes, and regular sunscreen damages coral reefs

Lightweight rain poncho - December averages 10 rainy days with sudden 20-30 minute downpours

Closed-toe water shoes - black volcanic sand reaches 50°C (122°F) by midday and coral cuts are common

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - December humidity increases mosquito activity especially near lagoons

Packable day backpack - need to carry rain gear, water, and sun protection for rapidly changing conditions

Long-sleeve rashguard - protects from both sun and coral while snorkeling in December's clear waters

Cash in small bills - many local vendors don't accept cards and XPF currency has limited ATM availability

Electrolyte tablets - high humidity and heat increase dehydration risk especially during outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

Local families shop at Marché de Papeete between 5-7am for best prices and selection - tourists who arrive by 6am get same deals and avoid crowds

December airline strikes (grèves) are common in French territories - book flights with 24+ hour buffers between connections and consider travel insurance

Roulottes (food trucks) at Place Vaiete serve dinner 5:30-9:30pm - December's early sunset at 6:30pm makes this perfect timing to eat outdoors before evening rains

French pharmacies stock European-strength medications unavailable elsewhere in Pacific - stock up on any prescriptions or specific health needs during December visit

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking afternoon activities 2-5pm when December thunderstorms are most likely - 60% chance of rain disrupting outdoor plans during these hours

Underestimating Christmas/New Year closure period - many authentic local restaurants and cultural sites close December 20-January 5 leaving only expensive tourist options

Packing only beach clothes - December requires layers for air-conditioned indoor spaces, rain protection, and evening temperatures that drop to 73°F (23°C)