When to go · New Caledonia
New Caledonia in December
Mixed month. Summer holidays start mid-month; hot, and the cyclone season opens.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Crowds
- High
- New Caledonia
- Prices
- High
- New Caledonia
Verdict
Summer holidays start mid-month; hot, and the cyclone season opens.
Weather in December
- Nouméa and the west coast · Nouméa, Bourail, La Foa, Konéhot
Drier side of Grande Terre; 30 °C and humid in the hot season, 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).
Festivals and holidays
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.
Cyclone season
Dec–Apr · Nouméa
Storms can close airports and cancel ferries; keep a buffer day.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · New Caledonia
- High
- Prices · New Caledonia
- High
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast