Yaren in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Yaren

87°F (31°C) High Temp

77°F (25°C) Low Temp

11.0 inches (279 mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

December sits in Nauru's dry season with only 10 rainy days versus 15-18 in wet months, making it ideal for exploring the island's limited outdoor attractions like Command Ridge and Anibare Bay without constant weather interruptions
Comfortable temperatures of 77-87°F (25-31°C) with lower humidity at 70% compared to 85% in peak wet season, perfect for the 2-3 hours of daily walking needed to see most of the island
December is shoulder season for the few tourists who visit Nauru, meaning easier flight connections through Brisbane (the main hub) and better availability at the limited accommodation options like Menen Hotel
The calmer seas during December's dry period make the 30-minute drive around the entire island's coastal road more pleasant, and the occasional fishing charters more reliable for departure

Considerations

December is still peak season for regional travel, so flights from Brisbane to Nauru (the only regular commercial route) can cost AU$2,000-3,500 return and book out weeks in advance due to limited twice-weekly service
With temperatures reaching 87°F (31°C) and 70% humidity, the exposed coral terrain and lack of shade across most of the island makes midday exploration uncomfortable - you're limited to early morning and late afternoon activities
December's 10 rainy days bring intense tropical downpours that can flood the ring road temporarily, and with virtually no indoor attractions or covered areas, bad weather days leave you confined to your accommodation

Best Activities in December

Anibare Bay Beach and Coastal Walking

December's lower rainfall and calmer seas make this the best time to explore Nauru's only proper beach on the east coast. The white sand bay offers swimming and snorkeling in clearer water, while the coastal walk reveals WWII bunkers and phosphate mining remnants. Early morning visits (6-9am) avoid the intense midday sun reflecting off the coral sand.

Booking Tip: No formal bookings needed - rent a car through your hotel for AU$80-120 per day to access all coastal points. The entire coastal drive takes 45 minutes, but allow 3-4 hours for stops and walking. Bring reef shoes for rocky areas.

Command Ridge Historical Exploration

Nauru's highest point at 65m (213 ft) offers panoramic views and WWII Japanese command post ruins. December's drier conditions mean better visibility and safer footing on the rough coral paths. This is your only elevated viewpoint to understand the island's phosphate mining devastation and see across to the central Topside plateau.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration - no tours available. Access via rental car and 20-minute walk. Best visited 7-10am or 4-6pm when temperatures are bearable. Sturdy hiking shoes essential for sharp coral terrain.

Phosphate Mining Topside Tours

December's clearer skies provide optimal conditions for understanding Nauru's environmental story. The moonscape interior reveals decades of phosphate extraction that destroyed 80% of the island. While stark, it's a unique geological and environmental education opportunity found nowhere else on Earth.

Booking Tip: Arrange through Menen Hotel or government tourism office for AU$100-150 including transport and guide. Tours run 3-4 hours and require advance booking. Essential for understanding Nauru's past and present challenges.

Cultural Village and Government District Walking

December's comfortable evening temperatures make walking through Yaren's government district and nearby residential areas pleasant after 5pm. Visit Parliament House, see traditional architecture, and observe daily Nauruan life in this functioning Micronesian community.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking tours work best. Start from Menen Hotel and allow 2-3 hours. Respect privacy in residential areas. Government buildings can be viewed externally - internal tours require advance permission through tourism office.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December

Constitution Day Preparations

While Constitution Day falls in January, December sees community preparations including traditional music practice and craft preparation. Visitors may observe cultural activities and community gatherings as locals prepare for their most important national celebration.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index of 8 combined with reflected coral surfaces creates intense exposure during the 2-3 hours daily of outdoor exploration possible

Closed-toe hiking shoes with thick soles - Nauru's sharp coral terrain will shred regular sneakers and makes flip-flops dangerous for anything beyond the beach

Lightweight long pants and long-sleeved shirts - essential for phosphate mining area exploration where coral dust and rough surfaces cause cuts and scrapes

Portable shade umbrella or pop-up shelter - virtually no natural shade exists across most of the island during midday hours

Reef shoes for swimming - Anibare Bay has coral and rock areas that require protection even in the sandy sections

Light rain jacket and waterproof day bag - December's 10 rain days bring sudden intense downpours that can soak you in minutes

Electrolyte tablets or powder - high humidity and limited shade lead to rapid dehydration during outdoor activities

First aid kit with antiseptic - sharp coral terrain causes frequent small cuts that need immediate cleaning in the tropical environment

Power bank and portable charger - limited electrical infrastructure means backup power is essential for phones and cameras

Cash in Australian dollars - no ATMs on island and card facilities are extremely limited even at the main hotel

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation at least 8 weeks ahead - Menen Hotel has only 60 rooms and Nauru's entire tourism capacity is under 100 beds, with mining company workers and government visitors taking priority bookings

Fly Our Airline (Nauru's carrier) via Brisbane - the twice-weekly flights (Tuesdays and Fridays) are your only realistic option, and December sees business travelers affecting availability

Bring all medications and specialty items - the island has one small hospital but no pharmacies stocking international medications or brands

Arrange airport pickup in advance - no public transport exists and taxis are limited to a handful of private operators who must be pre-booked through your hotel

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating the heat impact - tourists attempt full-day outdoor exploration but Nauru's exposed coral terrain with no shade makes this dangerous between 10am-4pm even in December

Not bringing enough cash - visitors assume card payments work like other Pacific islands, but Nauru's banking infrastructure is minimal and cash is required for most transactions including meals

Planning more than 3-4 days - Nauru's attractions can be fully explored in 2-3 days, and longer stays become repetitive without diverse activities or entertainment options