East Timor in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in East Timor
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak diving season begins - visibility reaches 30m (98 feet) at Atauro Island with minimal currents and calm seas, perfect for both beginners and advanced divers
- Ideal hiking conditions with cooler morning temperatures of 22°C (72°F) until 10am, before afternoon heat sets in - perfect timing for Mount Ramelau summit attempts
- Coffee harvest season is in full swing - visit working plantations in Ermera and Aileu districts where farmers welcome visitors to see traditional processing methods
- Minimal tourist crowds and competitive accommodation rates, with guesthouses offering 30-40% lower rates than July-August peak season
Considerations
- Afternoon rain showers 60% of days between 2-4pm can disrupt outdoor plans, though they're typically brief and followed by clearing skies
- Road conditions deteriorate rapidly after rain - unpaved mountain roads to Maubisse and Ainaro become challenging without 4WD vehicle
- Some traditional markets close early (by 1pm) to avoid afternoon heat and rain, limiting shopping opportunities for handwoven tais textiles
Best Activities in December
Atauro Island Diving and Snorkeling
December marks the beginning of the best diving conditions with 25-30m (82-98 feet) visibility and water temperatures of 28°C (82°F). The protected waters around Atauro offer encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, and pristine coral reefs. Morning departures avoid afternoon weather and provide the calmest sea conditions.
Mount Ramelau Sunrise Trekking
At 2,986m (9,797 feet), East Timor's highest peak offers spectacular sunrise views in December's clear morning skies. Cool pre-dawn temperatures of 15°C (59°F) make the 3-4 hour ascent comfortable, and December's lower humidity reduces afternoon cloud cover that obscures views in other months.
Coffee Plantation Tours in Ermera
December is prime coffee harvest season when Timor's famous organic arabica beans are picked and processed. Visit working plantations where farmers demonstrate traditional sun-drying methods and you can participate in bean selection. The cooler mountain climate of 24°C (75°F) makes walking through plantations comfortable.
Traditional Village Homestays
December's comfortable temperatures and post-harvest season means villages are active with traditional ceremonies and cultural activities. Families have more time for visitors, and you'll experience authentic Timorese hospitality while learning traditional crafts like tais weaving and bamboo construction.
Cristo Rei Beach and Coastal Walking
The 27m (89-foot) Cristo Rei statue area offers excellent coastal walks with December's moderate humidity and cooling sea breezes. Low tide in morning hours reveals tide pools and coral formations. The nearby beaches have calm conditions perfect for swimming and the sunset views are unobstructed by rainy season clouds.
Dili Market and Street Food Tours
December brings seasonal fruits like rambutan and jackfruit to local markets. Early morning market visits (6-9am) offer the best selection before afternoon heat affects food quality. Traditional dishes like ikan sabuko (grilled fish) and batar da'an (corn with beans) are at their peak with fresh harvest ingredients.
December Events & Festivals
Coffee Harvest Festival
Local communities in Ermera and Aileu districts celebrate the coffee harvest with traditional dancing, bean roasting competitions, and cultural performances. Visitors can participate in traditional ceremonies and taste freshly processed beans.
Independence Day Preparations
Communities begin preparing decorations and practicing traditional dances for the May 20th Independence Day celebrations. December workshops in traditional arts like tais weaving and wood carving welcome visitors to learn alongside locals.