Things to Do in Dominica in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Dominica
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak whale watching season - humpback whales migrate through Dominican waters from late November through March, and December offers some of the most reliable sightings with calmer sea conditions than later months. Water visibility typically reaches 18-24 m (60-80 ft).
- Lush landscapes without extreme rainfall - the island gets enough precipitation to keep waterfalls flowing strong and rainforests vibrant, but you're past the September-November heavy rains. Those 150 mm (5.9 inches) spread across 10 days means brief showers rather than all-day downpours.
- Comfortable hiking temperatures - morning temperatures around 22-24°C (72-75°F) make early starts on trails like Boiling Lake or Morne Diablotin genuinely pleasant rather than punishing. The heat builds by midday but rarely becomes oppressive like July-August.
- Pre-Christmas pricing with post-hurricane season confidence - you're booking after the official hurricane season ends (November 30) but before the December 20-January 5 price spike when North American and European families descend. Accommodation runs 20-30% cheaper than peak weeks.
Considerations
- Unpredictable shower timing disrupts planning - those 10 rainy days don't follow a predictable afternoon pattern like some Caribbean islands. Rain can hit at 9am or 3pm or not at all, which makes scheduling boat trips or long hikes a bit of a gamble. You'll want flexible plans.
- Trade winds create choppy conditions on the Atlantic coast - the windward (eastern) side gets significantly rougher seas in December, with swells reaching 1.5-2.4 m (5-8 ft). This limits snorkeling and diving on that side and can make the drive along the coastal road genuinely uncomfortable if you're prone to motion sickness.
- Limited accommodation availability without advance booking - Dominica only has around 800 hotel rooms total across the entire island, and December sees increased demand from winter-sun seekers. Book at least 6-8 weeks ahead or you'll end up with whatever's left, which might mean paying premium rates for mediocre properties.
Best Activities in December
Whale and dolphin watching tours from the Caribbean coast
December sits right in the sweet spot of humpback whale season, with pods migrating through the deep waters just 800 m (0.5 miles) offshore. The Caribbean (leeward) side offers calmer conditions than the Atlantic, with success rates around 80-90% for sperm whale sightings year-round, plus December brings humpbacks. Morning departures typically 7:30-8am catch the calmest seas before trade winds pick up around 11am. The 70% humidity feels less oppressive on the water with wind in your face.
Rainforest hiking to waterfalls and volcanic sites
The landscape is absolutely alive in December - waterfalls like Trafalgar, Middleham, and Victoria run at impressive volume without the trail-flooding intensity of October-November. Morning starts around 6:30-7am give you 22-24°C (72-75°F) temperatures and usually clear conditions before afternoon clouds roll in. The Boiling Lake hike (13 km/8 miles round trip, 5-7 hours) is genuinely more manageable now than in summer heat. That said, trails stay muddy year-round - this is a rainforest - so the footing never gets easy.
Caribbean coast snorkeling and diving
The leeward coast from Scotts Head to Portsmouth offers protected waters in December while the Atlantic side gets pummeled by swells. Champagne Reef (named for volcanic bubbles rising through the seafloor) shows off best visibility this time of year - typically 18-21 m (60-70 ft). Water temperature hovers around 27-28°C (81-82°F), comfortable without a wetsuit though some divers prefer a 3mm for longer dives. Coral spawning happened in September-October, so December reefs look cleaned up and vibrant.
River tubing and gorge exploration
December water levels hit that Goldilocks zone - high enough from recent rains to keep things exciting but not the flash-flood risk of November. The Layou River and Titou Gorge (where they filmed Pirates of the Caribbean scenes) run clear and strong. Water temperature stays around 24-26°C (75-79°F), refreshingly cool against the air temperature. The 70% humidity actually feels great when you're planning to get soaked anyway. Afternoon showers sometimes enhance the experience rather than ruin it - you're already wet.
Hot springs and volcanic spa experiences
After hiking in that humidity, the hot springs scattered across the island feel genuinely restorative rather than just touristy. Wotten Waven area has several options ranging from free river spots to developed facilities. The volcanic-heated waters stay around 37-40°C (99-104°F) year-round, creating an interesting contrast with December's cooler evenings. The mineral content (sulfur, calcium, magnesium) is legitimately therapeutic for sore hiking muscles. Late afternoon visits around 4-5pm let you soak as temperatures drop into the comfortable low-20s°C (low-70s°F).
Heritage site tours and Kalinago Territory visits
December's variable weather makes having indoor-friendly cultural options smart planning. The Kalinago Territory on the eastern coast offers insight into the indigenous Caribbean people who gave the region its name. Kalinago Barana Autê cultural village demonstrates traditional canoe building, cassava processing, and basket weaving. December timing means you might catch preparations for Christmas celebrations that blend Kalinago and Christian traditions. The drive along the Atlantic coast can be rough with those 1.5-2.4 m (5-8 ft) swells visible from the road, but the cultural experience justifies the occasionally stomach-testing journey.
December Events & Festivals
Creole Christmas traditions and market season
December brings a fascinating blend of Caribbean and Catholic Christmas traditions. Markets in Roseau and Portsmouth expand with local craftspeople selling traditional items - bay leaf products, coconut oil, handwoven baskets, and seasonal foods like sorrel drink and black cake soaked in rum. The actual shopping experience gives more authentic interaction with locals than typical tourist transactions. Church services throughout December feature traditional carols sung in Creole patois alongside English versions.
Independence Day celebrations
November 3 is the official Independence Day, but some cultural programming and national pride events extend into early December, particularly in years with significant anniversaries. Worth noting if you arrive in the first week - you might catch extended cultural performances, traditional dance, and local music events, though the main festivities happen in November.