Palau in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Palau
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season visibility for diving - 30-40m (98-131ft) underwater visibility at sites like Micronesia makes December optimal for seeing large pelagics including manta rays and sharks
- Cooler northeast trade winds provide relief from humidity, making kayaking through Rock Islands comfortable during 8am-11am window before midday heat peaks
- December marks beginning of jellyfish migration season at Jellyfish Lake - population peaks between December-April with over 10 million golden jellies providing best snorkeling experience
- Tourist season hasn't peaked yet - accommodation rates 20-30% lower than January-March, and popular dive sites like German Channel have 40% fewer boats than high season
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms occur 10 days monthly - typically 2pm-4pm storms can cancel boat tours with 2-hour notice, disrupting tight itineraries
- Humidity stays constant at 70% even during 'dry' season - cotton clothing becomes damp within hours and requires anti-fungal treatment for camera equipment
- December wind patterns create choppy conditions on western dive sites 3-4 days weekly, limiting access to iconic sites like Ulong Channel
Best Activities in December
Rock Islands Kayaking Tours
December's northeast trade winds create perfect morning conditions for paddling through UNESCO World Heritage limestone karst formations. Water temperature stays at 28°C (82°F) with minimal chop before 11am. The 70% humidity is manageable during early morning starts, and you'll encounter fewer tour groups than peak season.
Blue Corner Wall Diving
December delivers Palau's best underwater visibility of 30-40m (98-131ft) due to reduced plankton blooms. Strong currents bring massive schools of barracuda, sharks, and eagle rays. Water temperature of 28°C (82°F) allows for comfortable 3-tank dive days without thick wetsuits.
Jellyfish Lake Snorkeling
December begins peak jellyfish population season with over 10 million golden jellies migrating to surface waters. Lake temperature reaches 30°C (86°F) creating comfortable snorkeling for 45-60 minutes. Population density increases monthly through April making December the start of optimal viewing.
German Channel Manta Ray Encounters
December cleaning station activity peaks as mantas prepare for January mating season. Water clarity of 35m (115ft) provides excellent photography conditions. Morning dives (8am-10am) offer calmest conditions before afternoon wind picks up from the east.
Ngardmau Waterfall Hiking
December's lower rainfall means easier access to Palau's tallest waterfall at 30m (98ft). Trail conditions are driest of the year though still muddy in sections. Temperature stays at 26°C (79°F) in jungle canopy providing relief from coastal humidity.
Palau Capitol Cultural Tours
December's comfortable morning temperatures make walking tours of Ngerulmud and traditional villages pleasant. Cultural centers operate full schedules before holiday closures in late December. Learn traditional navigation and stone money history during 70°F early morning temperatures.
December Events & Festivals
Palau Independence Day Celebrations
October 1st national holiday celebrations extend cultural performances through December at community centers. Traditional Palauan dancing, local food festivals, and handicraft demonstrations occur on weekends throughout the month.
Christmas Market at Koror
Local vendors set up weekend markets featuring Palauan crafts, traditional foods, and holiday decorations. Combines Western Christmas traditions with Pacific Islander cultural elements including coconut crab dishes and traditional woven gifts.