Niue Weather in December

What about spending Christmas in paradise? Spending it in one of the most relaxed places on Earth will take away any stress you may have with buying presents and cooking for 20 relatives. Picture yourself floating on Niue’s turquoise waters amongst colourful fish and spending your evening sipping cocktails by the pool… That’s what December has in stock for you in Niue. In all truth, you may experience a few tropical showers during Niue’s wet season, but they offer relief from the hot temperatures. We will be covering temperature, precipitation, UV levels and much more, in this guide to Niue weather in December.

Before we dive into this guide to the Niue weather in December, be sure to bookmark Niue Weather by Month: What is the Weather Like in Niue? and The Best Time to Visit Niue for more climate advice.

6 Tips for Travelling Niue in December

It’s not because it is the wet season that you can forget about sunscreen. In fact, the UV levels are higher now than in the dry season so apply sunscreen regularly!
The first couple of weeks of December are usually heavily discounted but over Christmas and New Year, don’t expect many discounts
Don’t be put off by the heat – most accommodations are equipped with either air-conditioning or ceiling fans to keep you cool at night
December is in the heart of the wet season, which means that mosquito activity is on the rise. It’s not “that” bad, but we still suggest checking out our articles on 10 Ways to Avoid Mosquito Bites in Niue
Christmas Day and Boxing Day are both public holidays in Niue, so during those days, plan to just relax by the pool or go on a self-guided tour, as almost every business will be closed on those two days
Whatever the season, look out for rough sea warnings issued by the Niue Met Service and National Disaster Management Office via radio or their Facebook Pages; these are usually days to avoid swimming.

Typical Temperatures in December

It’s getting hot! Although not as hot as the first few months of the year, December sees a real shift in temperature from previous months’. Travelling in Niue in December is all about embracing a whole new world, and the hot days and cooler nights are sure to help enhance that feeling of being so far from home. Sea temperatures are high too, giving further reason to jump in the water… Like if you needed a reason anyway!

The temperatures in Niue in December average highs of 28°C / 82°F during the day in and cool down to an average of 23°C / 81°F at night.

Temperatures in Alofi

Average maximum temperature: 28°C / 82°F
Average temperature: 26°C / 79°F
Average minimum temperature: 23°C / 73°F

Sea Temperature in December

With an average sea temperature in December of 27°C / 81°F, the wet season brings an unparalleled swimming experience. The wet season in Niue is renowned to offer the warmest waters of the year, although December waters are not as warm as between January and April.

Hours of Sun in December

December will not disappoint when it comes to the sun. The days are long and hot and the sun rises early in the morning. Early birds will get to do plenty during the cool morning, while easily finding ways to cool down by the pool or by swimming at the end of one of the sea tracks when the sun reaches its zenith.

An average day in Niue in November lasts about 13 hours and features up to 6 hours of bright sunshine. Applying sunscreen and wearing sunglasses and a sunhat is a must at this time of the year. Plus, it’s a Christmas look that will make everybody jealous back at the office!

UV Levels During December

As mentioned earlier, UV levels in December are at their highest, peaking at 12 on the UV index. Those levels are classified as “extreme” meaning that visitors are advised to apply sunscreen regularly, after every couple of hours or after going in the water. For the palest skin, consider investing in UV-protective clothing – they are a great way to deal with this kind of sun.

We’ve got a lot of information to help you better deal with the Niuean sun. First, a Reef-Safe Sunscreens List that will keep your skin and the amazing corals of the island safe, and second, a List of the Best Sunscreens for Kids.

Sunrise and Sunset During December

The average amount of daylight in December in Niue is 13 hours.

Sunrise: 5:35 am at the beginning of December and 5:45 am at the end of December
Sunset: 6:45 pm at the beginning of December and 7:00 pm at the end of December.

Rainfall in December

December benefits from a precipitation pattern very different from previous months, with similar precipitation levels but about twice more rainy days. This means that showers are incredibly short but more regular. It is not uncommon in December to see torrential rain come for literally only 15 minutes! This is due to the fact that Niue is such a flat island with its highest peak being only 69 m (200 ft) high, ensuring the weather passes over as if the island was the open ocean.

In December in Niue, the average rainfall is 161 mm / 6.3 in spread over 12 days. It means that on average in December, 12 days will experience some kind of rain.

Rainfall in Alofi

Average rainfall in November: 161 mm / 6.3 in
Average rain days: 12.

Tropical Storms in December

The South Pacific cyclone season starts in November and ends in April, making December a month with a higher risk of tropical storms.

Historically, December cyclones that affected Niue occurred in 1930, 1946, 1948 and 1965. In 2001, Category 4 Cyclone Waka caused a storm surge of up to 8 m (26 ft) and left numerous fallen trees and power lines.

Rest assured, Niue is very well prepared for this kind of weather event. A testament to that was Category 5 Cyclone Heta which hit Niue in 2004 and caused only minimal loss of life. If any weather warning is issued during your stay, your accommodation or tour staff will escort you to safe zones on higher ground and issue further instructions. Plus, check out How to Prepare for a Cyclone in Niue for more advice.

The Best Things to Do in December

December in Niue will keep you on your toes, but let’s be fair, a short warm rainy session won’t really stop you from enjoying your holiday. With warm waters and a lot of sun hours to spare, you will be able to pack your trip as full or as empty as you choose. Let’s go over a few suggestions for things to do in December, just in case you need a bit of inspiration on how to make your Christmas break even more memorable.

Fishing Charter – If you want to be the one catching Christmas dinner, get on one of the many fishing charters and get your big game on! That’s right, Niue has some of the best fishing experiences that you will likely ever have. The local skippers are incredibly knowledgeable and you are sure to bring a few good tips back home.

“Mountain” Biking – Looking to challenge yourself in the heat? Niue has a few bike trails that will take you from coastal roads to inland bush roads that show you stunning and unique landscapes. We love the Vinivini Bush Track that goes into the Huvalu Forest Conservation Area, which is stunning and offers plenty of shade.

Snorkelling – If you are travelling with kids, they will LOVE it! If you are a fully formed adult looking to see incredible sea life, well, you’ll love it too! What is not to love about vivid coral formations, rock pools full of life, and warm sea temperatures? Snorkelling in Niue is a winner whatever the season.

If that’s enough, take a look at the 101 Things to Do in Niue: The Ultimate List.

December Packing List for Niue

Check out this quick list of essentials to pack for a trip to Niue in December, just so you know you’ve got it all:

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 – church service, etc.)
Sunhat
Sunglasses
Insect repellent
Swimwear
Rash vest (we like the UV-protecting Sharkskin rashies)
Rain jacket or travel-sized umbrella
Closed walking shoes
Reef shoes
Sarong (paleu) or other light clothing to wear over your swimwear when passing through villages – see What are the Local Customs in Niue? for more information.

Are you after a comprehensive packing list for Niue? You’re in luck, we’ve got an Ultimate Packing List for Niue at the ready so you can hop on the plane knowing you’ve got it all.

More About the Weather in Niue in December

That’s it for our complete guide to the weather and climate in Niue in December. Check out the following articles for more weather advice:

Finally, enjoy a comprehensive guide to planning a trip to Niue in The Best Niue Travel Guide: Plan a Trip to Niue the EASY Way.

Author

Robin C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Niue Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. He is also consulting regularly with Niue Tourism to ensure content accuracy. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

Contact Robin via our contact page

Niue Weather in December