New Caledonia in December

Summer holidays start mid-month; hot, and the cyclone season opens.

December is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

• MayGreatWarm days, cooler nights; good for hiking and islands.
• SeptemberGreatDry and warming; one of the best months for the lagoon and islands; whales until mid-September.
• OctoberGreatWarm, dry and calm: the pick of the year.
• NovemberGreatWarm and still mostly dry; flame trees bloom in Nouméa.

• Nouméa and the west coast · Nouméa, Bourail, La Foa, Konéhot

  Drier side of Grande Terre; 30 °C (86 °F) and humid in the hot season, 20–24 °C (68–75 °F) and windy in the cool season (June–August).Drier side of Grande Terre; 86 °F (30 °C) and humid in the hot season, 68–75 °F (20–24 °C) and windy in the cool season (June–August).

• East coast and the north · Hienghène, Poindimié, Thiorainy

  Wetter windward coast with lush valleys; roads can close after heavy rain.

• Loyalty Islands and Isle of Pines · Lifou, Maré, Ouvéa, Isle of Pineshot

  Lagoon swimming is best September–December and April–May; cool-season water is fresh (22–23 °C (72–73 °F)).Lagoon swimming is best September–December and April–May; cool-season water is fresh (72–73 °F (22–23 °C)).

• Nouméa30 °C (86 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 8 rain days86 °F (30 °C) / 73 °F (23 °C), 8 rain days

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Southern summer school holidays big impact

  Mid-December to mid-February

  Residents fill the Isle of Pines, Loyalty Islands and ferries; book early.

• All Saints, Armistice, Christmas

  1 Nov, 11 Nov, 25 Dec

  Public holidays.

• Christmas

  25 December · Nouméa

  Public holiday; shops closed; the start of the summer holidays.

• Cyclone season

  Dec–Apr · Nouméa

  Storms can close airports and cancel ferries; keep a buffer day.

Crowds · New Caledonia

High

Prices · New Caledonia

High

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in New Caledonia, side by side.

• Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

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