Suva in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Suva

30°C (86°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

345 mm (13.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak mango season - local markets overflow with over 12 varieties including the prized Totapuri, sold at their cheapest prices (FJ$2-4/kg vs FJ$8-12 other months)
Optimal diving visibility at 20-25m (65-82 ft) as cyclone season hasn't yet stirred up sediments, making December the last clear-water month before January storms
School holidays mean local cultural events are in full swing - village Christmas concerts, traditional meke performances, and community fundraising events where visitors are genuinely welcomed
Trade winds provide natural cooling 4-6 hours daily (typically 2-6pm), making outdoor activities comfortable despite high temperatures

Considerations

Cyclone season officially begins December 1st - while rare in December, when storms do hit they can cancel inter-island transport for 2-3 days with little warning
Accommodation prices surge 40-60% during the two-week Christmas/New Year period, with many properties requiring 5-7 night minimum stays
Afternoon humidity peaks at 85-90% between 1-4pm, making midday outdoor activities genuinely uncomfortable for those unaccustomed to tropical climates

Best Activities in December

Beqa Lagoon Shark Diving Expeditions

December offers the year's clearest water with 20-25m (65-82 ft) visibility and calm seas before cyclone season peaks. Bull sharks, tiger sharks, and nurse sharks are most active in warmer December waters. The lagoon's protected status means consistent marine life encounters.

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead as December is peak season. Full-day expeditions typically cost FJ$280-380 including equipment. Look for PADI-certified operators with medical oxygen on board. Weather windows can close quickly, so maintain flexible dates.

Mamanuca Islands Day Cruises

Southeast trade winds in December create perfect sailing conditions with 15-20 knot winds and minimal swell. Water temperature reaches 28°C (82°F) - ideal for snorkeling without wetsuits. December's longer daylight hours (13+ hours) maximize island-hopping time.

Booking Tip: Catamaran day trips range FJ$140-220 per person. Book Tuesday-Thursday departures for smaller crowds and better snorkeling spots. Operators typically include Monuriki (Cast Away island) and Mana Island stops. See current sailing schedules in booking section below.

Coral Coast Cultural Village Tours

December school holidays activate village life - children perform traditional dances, elders share kava ceremonies, and families prepare earth ovens (lovo) for community gatherings. The dry morning hours (7-11am) offer comfortable walking temperatures around 26°C (79°F).

Booking Tip: Half-day village tours cost FJ$85-125 including traditional lunch. Morning departures avoid afternoon heat and humidity. Genuine cultural experiences require advance coordination with village chiefs - book through established cultural tourism operators at least one week ahead.

Suva Municipal Market Food Adventures

December brings peak tropical fruit season - rambutans, jackfruit, dragon fruit, and 12+ mango varieties flood the market at harvest prices. Early morning visits (6-8am) feature the freshest catches from overnight fishing and comfortable 24°C (75°F) temperatures before crowds arrive.

Booking Tip: Self-guided market exploration costs FJ$20-40 for extensive tastings. Guided food tours run FJ$65-95 and include cooking demonstrations. Visit Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday for largest vendor selection. Bring cash in small denominations (FJ$1-5 notes).

Colo-I-Suva Forest Park Rainforest Hikes

December rains create spectacular waterfall flows while morning temperatures of 22-24°C (72-75°F) at 120m (394 ft) elevation provide relief from coastal heat. Native bird activity peaks during early morning hours with increased insect availability after night rains.

Booking Tip: Park entry is FJ$10 for adults. Guided nature walks cost FJ$45-65 for 2-3 hours. Start hikes by 7am to avoid afternoon humidity and rain. Trails can become slippery within hours of rainfall - check conditions at visitor center before heading out.

Kava Bar Evening Experiences

December's social calendar revolves around Christmas fundraising and year-end celebrations, making kava bars particularly lively. Evening temperatures drop to comfortable 26°C (79°F) around 7pm when locals gather for traditional storytelling and community updates after hot daytime work.

Booking Tip: Traditional kava sessions cost FJ$5-15 per person for evening participation. Join organized cultural evenings (FJ$25-45) that include protocol explanations and traditional snacks. Best experiences happen Monday, Wednesday, Friday when working locals participate most actively.

December Events & Festivals

Early to Late December

Suva Christmas Festival

A month-long celebration featuring nightly concerts at Albert Park, traditional Fijian carol services, and the famous Christmas float parade down Victoria Parade. Local choirs perform fusion Indo-Fijian and Methodist hymns unique to Fiji's multicultural heritage.

December 26th

Boxing Day Village Competitions

Inter-village rugby sevens tournaments and traditional games (coconut husking, fire walking demonstrations) held across greater Suva. Visitors can observe authentic community celebrations rather than tourist-focused performances.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic shirts - cotton stays damp in 70-85% humidity and takes 6+ hours to dry after afternoon showers

Reef-safe mineral sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days, and chemical sunscreens are banned at marine parks

Waterproof phone pouch - sudden 20-30 minute downpours happen 60% of December days with little warning

Lightweight rain jacket with ventilation - umbrellas are useless in tropical downpours with 25+ mph winds

Closed-toe water shoes - coral cuts are common and Fiji's medical facilities charge FJ$150+ for wound cleaning

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - dengue-carrying Aedes mosquitoes are most active during December's warm, humid evenings

Small dry bag (10-20L) - essential for boat transfers to islands where gear gets soaked despite 'waterproof' boat covers

Merino wool underwear - synthetic materials become uncomfortable in high humidity, while merino regulates temperature naturally

Portable phone charger - power outages during storms can last 4-8 hours, especially in outer areas of Suva

Cash in small bills (FJ$5, FJ$10, FJ$20) - card readers fail during humid weather and many cultural activities are cash-only

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by October 15th for December stays - after this date, remaining properties increase rates by 25-40% and impose minimum stay requirements during Christmas/New Year weeks

Schedule flights for morning departures - afternoon thunderstorms can delay or cancel evening flights, and Nadi Airport has limited overnight facilities if you're stranded

Withdraw cash before visiting outer islands or villages - ATMs in tourist areas run empty during peak season and internet connectivity for card payments becomes unreliable during storms

Learn basic Fijian greetings ('Bula vinaka' for hello, 'Vinaka' for thank you) - December's community focus means locals especially appreciate visitors who make cultural effort during their most social month

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only swimwear for boat trips - even covered boats get passengers soaked during December's rough inter-island crossings, and sun exposure reflects off water at dangerous levels

Booking back-to-back island day trips - weather can cancel transport with 2-4 hours notice, and attempting to maintain rigid December schedules leads to disappointment and additional costs

Assuming air conditioning will be reliable - power grids struggle during December's peak demand, and backup generators often fail in high humidity, making heat tolerance essential