Christmas on La Digue feels like a true escape—warm tropical air, lush scenery, and that laid-back island vibe you probably picture when you dream of a holiday getaway. Daytime highs hover around 29°C (84°F), and nights stay pretty mild at about 26°C (79°F). The air’s humid, and rain showers show up often, but the sun still manages to break through enough for you to enjoy the beaches or get outside.
December belongs to the wetter season, so frequent rainfall is part of the deal. Showers tend to come in bursts, leaving you plenty of time to explore between them. On average, about 21 days bring rain, so you’ll probably get some short downpours and stretches of clear sky during your stay.
The mix of sunshine, warm sea water, and that special holiday buzz turns this time of year into something unique. There’s a balance between lively island life and the slow pace of nature, setting the scene for a Christmas that feels festive but still relaxed.
Typical December Weather in La Digue
December in La Digue means warm tropical temps, regular rainfall, and plenty of humidity. Days are long enough for adventures, with sunrise and sunset times that barely change as the month goes on.
Temperature Ranges During Christmas
During December, La Digue’s daytime temperatures usually top out around 29°C (84°F). Nights cool off just a bit, averaging near 26°C (79°F), so it stays warm even after dark.
Because humidity runs high, the heat index feels warmer than the thermometer says. Lightweight, breathable clothes are your best bet for staying comfy.
The sea stays warm too, often around 28–29°C, making swimming and snorkeling a pleasure. With steady warmth, layers aren’t really necessary, not even in the evening.
Rainfall Patterns and Humidity
December counts as one of La Digue’s wettest months. You’ll see about 200–270 mm of rain spread over 20–22 days. Showers usually hit hard and fast, but sometimes they last longer.
Humidity sits around 80–85%, so the air feels damp and heavy. Outdoor activities can feel more tiring in the afternoon.
Even with all that rain, sunshine pops through between showers. Bringing a light poncho or umbrella just makes sense, since rain can surprise you. Trails and paths get slick, so step carefully.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
Since La Digue sits close to the equator, daylight hours stay steady in December. Sunrise is around 6:00 AM, and sunset lands close to 6:30 PM. That gives you about 12.5 hours of daylight every day.
Sunrise and sunset times barely budge, so planning’s simple. Mornings brighten up fast, and evenings get dark pretty quickly after sunset.
Clouds often roll in, especially in the afternoon, so you won’t always catch a perfect sunrise or sunset. Still, the reliable daylight makes it easy to schedule tours, beach days, or boat trips.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
La Digue keeps things warm around Christmas. There’s not much difference between day and night, so afternoons are hot and evenings only cool off a touch.
Average Daytime Highs
December days usually reach 28–29°C (82–84°F). The heat feels steady, not extreme, but high humidity can make it seem even warmer outside.
The sun breaks through between showers, so you’ll notice a mix of bright and overcast spells. On average, you get about 6 hours of sunshine per day, so there’s still plenty of time to hit the beach.
Day-to-day, temperatures don’t jump around much. The tropical climate keeps things predictable for planning.
If you’re sensitive to heat, drink water and find shade during the hottest part of the afternoon. Many people prefer mornings or late afternoons for outdoor fun.
Typical Nighttime Lows
At night, it stays warm—usually 25–26°C (77–79°F). That’s only a couple degrees cooler than the day, so evenings don’t really offer big relief from the heat.
Humidity sticks around after dark, making the air feel a bit heavy. Good ventilation or air conditioning helps if you like it cooler for sleeping.
Rain showers often show up in the evening or at night. They can cool things off for a bit, but not by much.
If you plan to walk or eat outside at night, light clothing is still just right. Jackets or layers aren’t necessary, even late.
Rainfall and Cloud Cover in December
December turns La Digue wet and humid. Showers are frequent, heavy downpours are common, and cloud cover often limits sunshine.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rain really dominates December. On average, 20 to 22 days see measurable rain, so expect wet weather most days you’re there.
Monthly totals usually land between 200 mm and 270 mm, which is a lot. Showers tend to be brief but intense, coming in bursts instead of a steady drizzle.
Humidity stays high, often 80% or more, which makes the air feel warmer. Prepare for damp conditions if you’re heading outside.
Rain often falls at night or in the afternoon, leaving short dry windows. Long stretches without any rain are rare.
Cloudiness and Sunshine Hours
Clouds roll in a lot during December. The sky is overcast or mostly cloudy for much of the day, with cloudiness between 55% and over 70% of the time.
Still, you’ll catch some sunshine. La Digue averages 5 to 6 hours of sun per day, so that’s about 170 to 180 hours for the month.
Clouds and sun mix together, so you’ll get bright moments, but they don’t last long. When the sun does break through, it feels intense—bring sun protection.
If you’re planning to hit the beach, be ready for quick changes in the sky. A clear morning can turn into heavy showers and thick clouds by afternoon.
Sunrise, Sunset, and Daylight Hours
In December, sunrise and sunset times barely change. La Digue’s spot near the equator means daylight hours stay steady all month, including Christmas.
Daily Sunrise and Sunset Schedule
Late December brings sunrise just after 6:00 a.m. and sunset around 6:25–6:30 p.m.. Sunrise shifts slowly from about 5:55 a.m. to 6:08 a.m., and sunset stretches from 6:16 p.m. to 6:31 p.m..
This makes early morning activities like cycling or snorkeling easy to plan. Evenings give you time for the beach or dinner outside before it gets dark.
Here’s a quick look at times around Christmas:
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 24 | 06:06 | 18:29 |
| Dec 25 | 06:06 | 18:30 |
| Dec 26 | 06:07 | 18:30 |
These steady times make it easy to plan your days.
Length of Daylight Around Christmas
You get close to 12 hours of daylight each day in December. Around Christmas, daylight runs from about 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., so days feel long and balanced.
Actual sunshine is less than daylight, though. December brings about 6 hours of direct sun daily, thanks to cloud cover and showers, even if the daylight period is twice that.
This steady daylight lets you spread out activities—morning, afternoon, or early evening, take your pick. You won’t deal with the short days that winter brings in many other places.
Because sunrise and sunset barely shift, you can count on a stable daily rhythm for holiday plans.
Travel Considerations for Christmas in La Digue
If you visit La Digue at Christmas, expect warm sea temps, high humidity, and frequent rain showers. Swimming and lazy beach time are great, but you’ll want to plan around wet weather and strong sun exposure.
Weather Impact on Outdoor Activities
December brings average highs around 30°C (86°F) with humidity near 80%. The sea stays warm at about 28°C (82°F), and rain falls on more than 20 days. These showers are usually quick, tropical bursts, not all-day storms.
Swimming, snorkeling, and cycling are all still possible, but you might need to adjust your plans if a shower rolls in. Early mornings often offer the clearest skies, while afternoons tend to be wetter. Hiking trails get muddy and slippery, so bring sturdy shoes if you plan to explore inland.
Sun exposure stays strong, with a UV index that can get pretty extreme. Even when it’s cloudy, protect your skin and eyes. Some beaches don’t have much shade, so plan indoor breaks or find cover during peak sun.
Packing Tips for December Visits
Pack light, breathable clothes—cotton or linen are good choices. A light rain jacket or compact umbrella comes in handy for sudden showers, especially if you’ll be biking around.
For the beach, bring reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Sandals work for the beach, but grab closed shoes with grip for hiking or walking inland.
Most guesthouses have air conditioning, so a light sweater might be nice for cooler nights indoors. Insect repellent is a must, since mosquitoes love the humidity. A dry bag helps keep electronics and documents safe during boat rides or rain.
Comparing December Weather to Other Months
December in La Digue serves up warm temps and frequent rain. Comparing it to drier months helps you figure out when conditions are best for outdoor activities or beach trips.
How December Differs From July and August
In December, expect highs around 29°C and lows near 26°C. Rainfall is heavy, averaging 209 mm over about 21 days, so you’ll run into frequent showers. Humidity sticks around 82%, making things feel damp.
July and August fall in the drier southeast trade wind season. Highs stay close to 28°C, but rainfall drops, often below 100 mm for the month. Stronger breezes blow in, so even with humidity, it feels more comfortable.
Sunshine is another difference. December gets about 176 hours of sun, while July and August usually see more clear skies and longer dry spells. Mid-year months are better for beach days, snorkeling, and cycling around.
If calm seas are your thing, December offers slightly warmer water, but you’ll see rougher conditions because of the rain. July and August seas can be choppier from wind, but they get less daily rain.
Annual Weather Trends in La Digue
La Digue’s climate stays warm all year. Average temperatures usually sit between 26°C and 30°C.
You’ll notice the biggest changes in rainfall and wind, not temperature.
From December to March, the northwest monsoon sweeps in with wetter weather. Rainfall often tops 200 mm per month, and the humidity really sticks around.
These months can feel a bit unpredictable. One minute you get heavy showers, and the next, the sun pops out for a bit.
From May to September, the southeast trade winds take over. Rain falls less often, skies clear up, and the air feels a little less muggy.
People usually count on these months for the best beach days and outdoor adventures.
Transitional months like April and October offer something in between. You get moderate rain and lighter winds.
A lot of travelers say these periods feel just right, since they dodge the worst of both the rain and the wind.