Roseau in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Roseau

30°C (86°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak whale watching season - Sperm whales migrate through Dominican waters December-April, with 90% sighting rates on morning tours departing 7:30am
Coolest temperatures of the year with consistent northeast trade winds keeping humidity comfortable for hiking Morne Trois Pitons trails
Hurricane season officially ends November 30th, meaning December offers the most reliable weather patterns with only brief afternoon showers
Carnival season begins with pre-Lenten celebrations starting mid-December, featuring traditional calypso competitions and costume workshops open to visitors

Considerations

Peak tourist season drives accommodation prices up 40-60% compared to September-November, with advance booking essential
Cruise ship arrivals peak at 3-4 ships per week, creating crowded conditions at Roseau waterfront and Dominica between 9am-4pm
Northeast trade winds create rough seas on the Atlantic coast, limiting snorkeling to calmer Caribbean side beaches only

Best Activities in December

Whale Watching Tours from Roseau Bay

December marks peak season for sperm whale sightings as they migrate through the deep Caribbean waters just 1.6 km (1 mile) offshore. Morning tours (7:30am departure) offer 90% success rates compared to 60% in other months. The calmer seas post-hurricane season make for comfortable 3-hour excursions with pilot whales and dolphins as frequent bonuses.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through DOWASCO-certified operators. Tours typically cost US$65-85 per person. Morning departures have higher success rates and calmer seas. Look for boats with hydrophones and experienced marine guides.

Morne Trois Pitons Rainforest Hiking

December's northeast trade winds and lower humidity make this UNESCO World Heritage site's challenging trails most comfortable. The 6-hour round trip to Dominica is manageable in cooler temperatures, while Valley of Desolation offers dramatic volcanic landscapes without oppressive heat. Rivers run clear after October rains subside.

Booking Tip: Hire certified guides through the Discover Dominica Authority - mandatory for Dominica trail (US$150-200 for groups up to 4). Start by 6:30am to avoid afternoon heat. Book guides 5-7 days ahead during peak season.

Trafalgar Falls and Emerald Pool Combinations

December's moderate rainfall keeps waterfalls flowing strongly without the dangerous flash flood risks of September-November. The 1.6 km (1 mile) Dominica trail takes 45 minutes each way through pristine rainforest, while Trafalgar's twin falls offer natural hot spring pools perfect for December's mild evenings.

Booking Tip: Visit early (7:00-8:00am) or late afternoon (4:00-5:00pm) to avoid cruise ship crowds. Entry fees US$5 per site. Combine both locations in half-day tours typically costing US$45-65 per person including transport from Roseau.

Champagne Reef Snorkeling and Diving

December's calm Caribbean coast waters offer 24-27°C (75-81°F) temperatures and 15-20m (49-66 ft) visibility. The underwater volcanic vents create unique bubble streams while protecting the site from December's northeast swells. Perfect conditions for both beginners and certified divers.

Booking Tip: Book with PADI-certified operators offering gear and transportation from Roseau (US$55-75 for snorkeling, US$85-110 for single-tank dives). Afternoon tours 1:00-5:00pm offer best visibility and warmest water temperatures.

Traditional Rum Distillery and Spice Garden Tours

December harvest season brings active spice processing at island plantations. Macoucherie Rum Distillery operates full production schedules, while nutmeg, cinnamon, and bay leaf processing peaks after November harvest. Cooler temperatures make walking tours through hillside gardens comfortable.

Booking Tip: Combine multiple locations in half-day cultural tours typically US$40-60 per person. Local guides offer better plantation access than cruise ship excursions. Book through Roseau tourism office for real feels avoiding tourist markup.

Kalinago Territory Cultural Experiences

December's dry weather allows full access to traditional village demonstrations and coastal walks along the 1.5 km (0.9 mile) heritage trail. Cooler temperatures make canoe building workshops and cassava bread making comfortable for visitors. The Kalinago Barana Autê village offers authentic cultural immersion.

Booking Tip: Day tours from Roseau typically cost US$70-95 including transport, guide, and cultural demonstrations. Visit midweek to avoid cruise ship crowds. Book directly with Kalinago Territory tourism office for most real feels.

December Events & Festivals

Late October weekend (sometimes extends into early December programming)

World Creole Music Festival

Three-day festival featuring Caribbean music genres from zouk to calypso, held at Windsor Park Stadium. International and local artists perform with food vendors offering traditional Dominican cuisine. Pre-festival events include instrument workshops and cultural exhibitions throughout Roseau.

Early December

Independence Day Celebrations

November 3rd celebrations often extend into December with cultural exhibitions, traditional dance performances, and local craft fairs throughout Roseau. The National Cultural Centre hosts evening performances featuring traditional quadrille dancing and storytelling.

Mid to Late December

Carnival Season Launch

Traditional Dominican Carnival begins preparations in December with calypso tent competitions, costume workshops, and street parade rehearsals. Visitors can join mask-making classes and learn traditional dances at community centers throughout Roseau.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - December afternoon showers occur 10 days per month lasting 20-30 minutes each

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflects strongly off water during whale watching tours

Hiking boots with ankle support - Rainforest trails remain muddy and slippery despite lower December rainfall

Quick-dry clothing in natural fabrics - 70% humidity makes synthetic materials uncomfortable for all-day wear

Waterproof phone case - Essential for whale watching tours and waterfall visits where spray is constant

Long-sleeve shirts for evening mosquito protection - December's mild temperatures make coverage comfortable after sunset

Reef-safe snorkel gear if you own it - Rental quality varies and personal gear ensures proper fit for multiple water activities

Cash in small denominations (US dollars accepted) - Many local guides and entrance fees require exact change

Reusable water bottle with purification tablets - Staying hydrated during hiking requires 3-4 liters (0.8-1.1 gallons) per person

Power bank for phones - Remote hiking locations and whale watching tours last 6-8 hours without charging access

Insider Knowledge

Book whale watching tours for Tuesday-Thursday when weekend crowds disperse and boats have more flexibility for longer searches

Visit Roseau's Saturday market by 6:30am for best selection of local produce and spices before cruise ship passengers arrive

December's northeast trade winds make the western (Caribbean) coast significantly calmer than eastern beaches - plan water activities accordingly

Local buses ('H' registration) cost EC$3-6 (US$1.25-2.25) versus tour shuttles at US$15-25 for Easttimor routes to major attractions

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking afternoon whale watching tours - morning departures have 30% higher success rates and calmer seas

Underestimating hiking difficulty in humid conditions - even December's cooler weather requires 50% more water than temperate climate hikes

Visiting popular attractions during 10am-3pm cruise ship windows - arrival times are posted at tourism office for crowd avoidance planning