Marshall Islands Weather in December

December is hot in the Marshall Islands, with daytime temperatures reaching around 86°F (30°C) and night-time temperatures sitting at about 77°F (25°C). In other words, it’s warm from breakfast to bedtime, so pack light clothing and plan your shade breaks wisely.

Temperatures Across the Marshall Islands

• Majuro - The average maximum temperature is 86°F (30°C) and the minimum average temperature is 77°F (25°C)
• Enewetak - The average maximum temperature is 87.8°F (31°C) and the minimum average temperature is 77°F (25°C)
• Kwajalein - The average maximum temperature is 87.8°F (31°C) and the minimum average temperature is 77°F (25°C)

Sea Temperatures in December

The sea is beautifully warm at around 84°F (29°C), making December a comfortable month for swimming, snorkelling and lagoon-based activities.

The Marshall Islands gets around 6 hours of bright sunshine per day in December, which works out to about 53% of daylight hours. With roughly 12 hours of daylight each day, there’s still time for lagoon trips, beach walks and lazy outdoor exploring between the showers.

That said, December is not cloud-free. The Marshall Islands is predominantly cloudy year-round, with overcast or mostly cloudy conditions averaging between 75% and 85% of the time.

You can expect some rainfall on around 20 days of the month, so the sunshine often comes between passing showers rather than in one flawless blue-sky stretch (tropical weather likes to keep things interesting).

UV Levels During December

The UV index can reach 11 (Extreme), so even when clouds drift through, sun protection is essential. Wear sunscreen, cover up where you can and take shade breaks during the middle of the day.

For advice on what sunscreen to wear, see The Best Sunscreens for the Marshall Islands + Sun Protection Tips.

Sunrise and Sunset During December

December has daylight hours lasting about 12 hours a day in the Marshall Islands.

• Sunrise: 6:31 am at the beginning of December and 6:46 am at the end of December
• Sunset: 6:16 pm at the beginning of December and 6:29 pm at the end of December.

December is a wet and showery month in the Marshall Islands and, we’re not going to beat around the bush, you should expect rain to make an appearance.

Nevertheless, tropical rainfall patterns are often swift, followed by sunshine, so a rainy morning doesn’t always mean the whole day is a write-off.

If you need a rainy day backup for a couple of hours, check out the ideas in 10 Things to Do in the Marshall Islands on a Rainy Day.

The Marshall Islands receives an average of 10.7 in (273 mm) of rainfall in the month of December, with around 20 days out of December experiencing some rain.

Average Rainfall Across the Marshall Islands

• Majuro - The average rainfall in December is 10.7 in (273 mm)
• Enewetak - The average rainfall in December is 5 in (127 mm)
• Kwajalein - The average rainfall in December is 8.3 in (211 mm)

The Marshall Islands sits in the North Pacific typhoon region, and December falls within the broader period when tropical systems can develop in this part of the Pacific.

Tropical weather can bring heavy showers, squally winds, rough seas and disruption to boat or flight schedules, especially when travelling between atolls.

December is a month when travellers should pay close attention to forecasts and marine warnings, particularly if planning diving trips, lagoon excursions or inter-atoll travel.

Typhoon Paka struck the Marshall Islands as a tropical storm on 10 December 1997, strengthening into a typhoon before departing on 14 December. Wind gusts exceeded 47 mph (75 kph), and Jaluit Atoll recorded 12 in (300 mm) of rainfall in 30 hours. Flooding damaged crops and trees, 70% of houses on Ailinglaplap Atoll were destroyed, and total damages reached US$80 million, with no reported deaths or injuries.

However, weather can change quickly in this part of the Pacific, so it’s worth keeping an eye on local updates and taking any advice from accommodation hosts, boat operators or local authorities seriously.

For those planning to travel during December, be aware of what to do if there is a tropical storm or typhoon alert by following our guide, Typhoon Safety in the Marshall Islands: How to Prepare for a Typhoon in the Marshall Islands.

December brings improving weather, the return of the surf season and some of the year’s liveliest celebrations. It is a good month to combine an outer-atoll adventure with several days in Majuro, especially if your trip overlaps with Christmas or New Year.

You are likely to enjoy your trip wherever you go, but if we had to choose the best places to visit in the Marshall Islands in December, they would be the following.

Ailinglaplap Atoll: December marks the beginning of the surf and kitesports season at Beran Island Resort. Northern swells start reaching the atoll’s reef breaks, while reliable trade winds create opportunities for kitesurfing, wing foiling and hydro foiling.

Between sessions, visitors can go fishing, diving and snorkelling or simply settle into the rhythm of private-island life. Accommodation, activities and transport should be arranged well in advance, as this remote resort is not the sort of place you can casually reach after changing your plans over breakfast.

Learn more about the season and reef breaks in The Ultimate Guide to Surfing in the Marshall Islands, or compare Ailinglaplap with other destinations in The Atolls of the Marshall Islands & The Best to Visit.

Majuro Atoll: December is one of the most exciting times to experience Majuro. The capital comes alive with Christmas lights, festive gatherings and community celebrations, including the Christmas Lighting Event and Christmas Parade.

Stay through the end of the month and you may also catch the New Year Block Party, when music, food and celebrations take over part of the capital. Check local schedules after arrival, as event details can change from year to year.

Between festivities, Majuro offers museums, markets, restaurants, diving and lagoon trips to islands such as Eneko and Enemanit. Plan your stay with The Complete Travel Guide to Majuro, 30 Best Things to Do on Majuro and 5 Biggest Events & Festivals in the Marshall Islands.

Be prepared for the Marshall Islands in December by packing these few seasonal essentials:

• High-factor reef-safe sunscreen
• Light bamboo, linen or merino layers (we like the sustainable bamboo clothing of Moso Morrow)
• Light long-sleeved tops (to cover from sun and mosquitoes)
• Light pants/trousers (to cover the knees when appropriate – villages, church service, etc.)
• Sunhat
• Sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Swimwear
• Rash vest (we like the UV-protecting Sharkskin rashies)
• Closed walking shoes
• Flip-flops/jandals/sandals
• Drypack (protect electronics in case it rains - we recommend these from Sharkskin)

Get more ideas on what to pack with our guide, What to Pack for the Marshall Islands: the Marshall Islands Packing List.