Things to Do in Palikir in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Palikir
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- December sits right in Palikir's drier season, which means you'll still get rain (this is Micronesia, after all), but it's typically brief afternoon showers rather than the all-day soakers you'd face June through October. Those 10 rainy days spread across the month usually means quick 20-30 minute downpours that clear up fast.
- The humidity drops to around 70% in December, which might still sound high but it's actually the most comfortable you'll find Palikir all year. Mornings are genuinely pleasant for walking around, and evenings cool down enough that you'll actually want to sit outside at the waterfront restaurants locals favor.
- December is shoulder season here, which works in your favor. You'll avoid the small but noticeable bump of visitors that comes January through March when Americans escape winter, but you still get decent weather. Hotel rates typically run 15-20% lower than peak months, and you won't be competing for restaurant tables or dive boat spots.
- This is sakau harvest season, and if you're interested in Pohnpeian culture, December offers the best chance to see traditional ceremonies. The cooler evenings mean more community gatherings, and locals are generally in good spirits with the holiday season blending traditional and Western celebrations in interesting ways.
Considerations
- Those 391 mm (15.4 inches) of rain still represent real precipitation, even if it's less than other months. You'll likely face at least one day where your outdoor plans get disrupted, and the forecast here is notoriously unreliable beyond 24 hours. Pack with the assumption you'll get rained on at least once.
- December is when Palikir basically shuts down for the last two weeks. Government offices close, many local restaurants take family time, and from December 20th onward you'll find limited services. If you're arriving after December 18th, book everything in advance because you won't have many options for changing plans on the fly.
- The UV index of 8 is no joke this close to the equator, and the variable cloud cover tricks people into thinking they're protected when they're not. You'll burn faster than you expect, and the humidity makes reapplying sunscreen feel gross but absolutely necessary. Budget for going through sunscreen quickly.
Best Activities in December
Nan Madol ruins exploration
December's lower rainfall means the boat channels around Nan Madol are clearer and calmer, making this the best month to visit Micronesia's most significant archaeological site. The ancient stone city built on artificial islands is accessible by boat or kayak, and morning visits (6am-9am) offer the best light and coolest temperatures. The site is genuinely impressive, not overhyped, with 92 artificial islets connected by canals. December's conditions mean you can actually climb around the basalt structures without everything being slippery from constant rain.
Kepirohi Waterfall and highland trekking
December is actually ideal for Pohnpei's interior waterfalls because there's enough recent rain to keep them flowing strong, but trails aren't the muddy disasters they become during peak wet season. Kepirohi Falls is the most accessible major waterfall, about 45 minutes of moderate hiking through rainforest. The water temperature stays constant year-round at around 22°C (72°F), which feels refreshing after the humid hike. Local guides know which streams are safe for swimming and which harbor freshwater jellyfish (harmless but startling).
Lagoon kayaking and mangrove channels
The protected lagoon stays calm in December, and the slightly lower humidity makes paddling genuinely pleasant rather than exhausting. The mangrove channels on Pohnpei's east side are best explored in the early morning (6am-8am) when you'll see kingfishers, herons, and occasionally fruit bats heading back from night feeding. December's clearer water means better visibility for spotting fish and rays in the shallows. Rental kayaks are basic but functional, and the lagoon is forgiving for beginners.
Traditional sakau ceremonies
December is harvest time for sakau (kava), and you'll find more community ceremonies happening than most other months. These aren't tourist shows but actual cultural practices, though respectful visitors are generally welcomed if properly introduced. The ceremonies involve elaborate pounding of the sakau root on a stone platform, and the drink has mild sedative effects. It's an acquired taste (muddy water is the common description), but the cultural context makes it worthwhile. Evening ceremonies usually start around 6pm-7pm and can run several hours.
Diving the outer reef and pass systems
December offers some of the year's best visibility for diving, often reaching 25-30 meters (80-100 feet) on good days. The pass dives at Palikir Pass and Mwahnd Pass feature strong currents that bring in pelagics, including occasional manta rays and reef sharks. Water temperature hovers around 28°C (82°F), so a 3mm wetsuit is plenty. The outer reef wall drops to ridiculous depths and features healthy hard coral systems that haven't been bleached like many Pacific reefs. December's calmer seas mean more consistent access to the best sites.
Local market exploration and Pohnpeian cooking
December brings seasonal produce to Kolonia's main market, including breadfruit varieties you won't see other times of year. The market runs early morning (5am-10am) and offers the best glimpse into daily Pohnpeian life. December is when you'll find the prized karat (giant yams), some weighing over 90 kg (200 lbs), which hold cultural significance. Some locals offer informal cooking demonstrations or will walk you through preparing traditional dishes like uht (breadfruit pounded with coconut milk). The market itself is not touristy; you'll be one of very few non-locals.
December Events & Festivals
Pohnpei Liberation Day
September 11th is the official date, but community celebrations and traditional events often extend through the year. December sometimes features delayed cultural festivals and canoe races that were postponed from earlier months. These aren't scheduled far in advance, so check with the Pohnpei Visitors Bureau when you arrive. When they happen, they involve traditional canoe racing, sakau ceremonies, and community feasts. Worth attending if timing works out, but don't plan your trip around it.
Christmas and New Year celebrations
Pohnpei blends Christian and traditional customs in interesting ways during late December. Church services feature beautiful hymn singing in Pohnpeian, and many communities host shared feasts. December 25th and January 1st see most businesses closed, but it's a genuine cultural experience rather than a tourist event. Expect limited restaurant options but potentially invitations to family gatherings if you've made local connections. The waterfront in Kolonia sometimes has informal gatherings on New Year's Eve, though nothing elaborate.