Dili in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Dili
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect dry season weather with minimal rainfall - only 10 rainy days compared to 20+ in wet season, making outdoor activities reliable
- Comfortable temperatures averaging 26°C (79°F) with cooling trade winds from the Timor Sea reducing the tropical heat
- Crystal clear diving visibility at Easttimor reaches 30m (98 ft) - the best underwater conditions of the year
- December marks mango and rambutan harvest season - local markets overflow with tropical fruits at rock-bottom prices
Considerations
- Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to wet season rates, especially around Christmas week
- Afternoon UV index of 8-9 requires careful sun protection - many first-time visitors underestimate equatorial sun intensity
- Occasional short power outages during peak air conditioning usage hours (12pm-3pm) as infrastructure struggles with tourist demand
Best Activities in December
Atauro Island Diving and Snorkeling
December offers the year's clearest waters with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility at sites like Beloi and Adara. Water temperature holds steady at 28°C (82°F) with minimal current. The dry season means reliable boat transfers and calm surface conditions perfect for beginners. Whale watching peaks as sperm whales migrate through Wetar Strait.
Cristo Rei Sunrise Hiking
December's dry conditions make the 3km (1.9 mile) coastal trail to Easttimor statue ideal for hiking. Start at 5:30am to reach the 27m (89 ft) statue for sunrise over Easttimor. The trail is dusty but stable, with no muddy sections typical in wet season. Clear skies offer unobstructed views of Dili Bay and Matebian Mountain.
Tais Traditional Weaving Workshops
December coincides with harvest festivals when master weavers demonstrate traditional tais cloth techniques. The dry season allows natural dye preparation using fresh plant materials unavailable during rains. Learn motifs representing Timorese clans and create small pieces using traditional backstrap looms in village cooperatives.
Tasitolu Salt Lake Birdwatching
The dry season concentrates migratory birds at this 50-hectare coastal wetland. December brings Australian pelicans, egrets, and endemic Timor sparrows to remaining water pools. Early morning (6-8am) offers coolest temperatures and peak bird activity before heat drives wildlife to shade.
Dare Mountain Coffee Plantation Tours
December marks peak coffee harvest season in Ermera highlands. Tours showcase organic arabica processing from cherry picking to roasting at 1,200m (3,937 ft) elevation. Cool mountain air provides relief from coastal humidity, with temperatures 8-10°C (14-18°F) cooler than Dili.
Areia Branca Beach Sunset Sessions
This black sand beach 6km (3.7 miles) west of Dili center offers swimming in calm waters during December's dry season. Local families gather for evening picnics and acoustic music sessions. The beach faces west for spectacular sunsets over Ombai Strait, with Easttimor silhouetted on horizon.
December Events & Festivals
Festa da Restauração da Independência
December 7th marks the anniversary of Indonesia's invasion, commemorated with cultural performances at Palácio do Governo and traditional ceremony at Santa Cruz Cemetery. Features tais textile displays, traditional dance competitions, and local food vendors throughout Dili center.
Christmas celebrations with Timorese traditions
Catholic Christmas blends with animist traditions featuring midnight mass at Motael Church followed by traditional ai-hulun ceremony. Local markets sell unique Christmas decorations made from palm fronds and traditional sweets like kue lapis.