Nouméa Weather in December 2026: what to expect (8.1/10)

The month in detail

What to expect in December

December falls in the wet season in Nouméa. Showers are often brief but intense. With 50.0% of rainy days, always have indoor alternatives planned. A good balance between weather and crowds, even if November (8.1/10) remains theoretically better.

December is the best month of the year in Nouméa. Compared to November: +2°F daytime, 7 pts more rainy days.

This month's conditions

What it's like in December

UV index

9 · very high

protection essential

Feels like

muggy at times

21°

Sea

27°C

warm, ideal

Daylight

13.4h of daylight

Air quality

excellent

AQI 16

Compare

Is December the right month?

The best month in Nouméa is November (8.1/10), 0.0 pt higher than December.

See November →See all 12 months →

Context

Our verdict

Nouméa is the capital of New Caledonia (French overseas territory of the South Pacific): 100,000 inhabitants, "Nice of the Pacific" atmosphere, multicultural community (Europeans, Kanak Melanesians, Polynesians, Asians). November is my favorite month (8.5/10): 70-81°F, 43% rain, end of the austral spring, sea at 75°F.

Read Gilles' full review →

Book

Plan your trip

Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.

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Stay

Hotels & rentals · Nouméa

Expedia →

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Activities

Tours, tickets, experiences

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Flights

Multi-airline comparator

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🎟️ Activities & tours · Nouméa

GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation

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Affiliate link · GetYourGuide

Practical info

What you need to know before you go

Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a tropical stay.

Country · New Caledonia

🗣️LanguageFrench

💶CurrencyFranc CFP (F)

🚗DrivingRight-hand

🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5

💰Cost of living ⓘVery expensive · 5/5

🌡️ Climate

🌍Climate typeTropical

📈Climate trend ⓘStable

🔥Hottest monthJanuary · 84°F

❄️Coolest monthAugust · 72°F

🌧️Rainiest month ⓘFebruary · 70%

🏝️ Tropical stay

🌞Dry season ⓘMay → Sep

🌧️Wet season ⓘDec → Mar

🌀Cyclones ⓘSeason Nov-Apr

Explore

Other destinations in December

If December doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.

Similar climate

New CaledoniaNew Caledonia

VanuatuVanuatu

RarotongaCook Islands

Cook IslandsCook Islands

MauiUnited States

Nearby

FijiFiji1307 km

Gold CoastAustralia1457 km

BrisbaneAustralia1471 km

HoniaraSolomon Islands1585 km

Other top picks

Gold CoastAustralia8.1

🗺️ See all 754 destinations on the map

Location

Where is Nouméa ?

Global position + regional geographic context.

🌍 World

🔍 Geographic context

New Caledonia

Tropical climate with a 8.1 → 4.9 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.

22.28°S · 166.46°E

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Nouméa?

November is the best month with 81°F highs, 70°F lows, 8.4h of sunshine and 43.0% rainy days. The months of November & September offer comparable conditions.

How many hours of sunshine does Nouméa get in November?

Nouméa averages 8.4 sunshine hours per day in November. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.6/10.

What is the rainiest month in Nouméa?

February is the most unfavourable month with February has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.

What are the temperatures at night in Nouméa in November?

In November, overnight lows reach 70°F, while afternoon highs average 81°F.

Is Nouméa good in winter?

In winter (December-February), Nouméa scores 6.5/10 on average — Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains November with a score of 7.6/10.

When should you avoid Nouméa?

February is the most difficult month to visit Nouméa, with February has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.

Can you swim in Nouméa in December?

In December, the sea averages 81°F in Nouméa: warm, ideal. Ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling.

Do you need sun protection in Nouméa in December?

The average UV index reaches 9 in December in Nouméa (very high), with about 13.4h of daylight. Protection essential.