Nassau in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Nassau

28°C (82°F) High Temp

21°C (70°F) Low Temp

89 mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather with consistent 26-28°C (79-82°F) temperatures and steady trade winds keeping humidity comfortable - this is Nassau's absolute sweet spot for outdoor activities
Lowest rainfall of the year at just 89mm (3.5 inches) across 10 days, with most showers brief and refreshing rather than disruptive
Crystal-clear water visibility reaching 30m (98 ft) for diving and snorkeling - December offers the year's best underwater conditions before spring plankton blooms
Peak conch season means freshest local seafood, plus December brings traditional Junkanoo festival preparations creating authentic cultural experiences

Considerations

High season pricing with hotel rates 40-60% higher than summer months, and flights from North America booking up 8-10 weeks in advance
Crowds at major attractions like Atlantis and this destination reach yearly peaks, with snorkeling tours often fully booked 2 weeks ahead
Strong trade winds averaging 25-30 km/h (15-19 mph) can make smaller boat excursions choppy and occasionally cancel sailing trips

Best Activities in December

Blue Holes and Reef Diving Expeditions

December offers Nassau's clearest water visibility at 30m+ (98+ ft) with calm seas and 26°C (79°F) water temperatures. The famous Dean's Blue Hole and Thunderball Reef provide world-class diving conditions without summer storm disruptions. Visibility is so exceptional that even beginner divers can appreciate the full reef ecosystem.

Booking Tip: Book certified dive operators 10-14 days ahead during peak season. Full-day trips typically cost BSD 120-180, half-day BSD 80-120. Look for PADI-certified guides and boats with emergency oxygen. See current dive tour options in the booking section below.

Conch Bar and Rum Trail Experiences

December coincides with peak conch season, making this the ideal time for authentic Bahamian culinary tours. Local conch is at its sweetest, and December's comfortable 21-28°C (70-82°F) temperatures make walking between traditional conch stands and historic rum distilleries enjoyable. Many establishments offer special holiday rum punches unavailable other months.

Booking Tip: Food walking tours cost BSD 65-95 and run 3-4 hours. Book through operators offering small groups (max 12 people) for authentic local access. Many tours include complimentary rum tastings. Reference booking widget below for current culinary tour options.

Exuma Cays Swimming Pig Adventures

December's calm seas and minimal rainfall create perfect conditions for full-day Exuma trips. The 2-hour boat ride is smoothest during these months, and December's clear skies provide impressive photography conditions. Pig Beach and Iguana Cay are less crowded on weekday departures, and the swimming conditions are ideal at 26°C (79°F).

Booking Tip: Full-day Exuma tours range BSD 200-280 and depart early (7:30am typical). Book 2 weeks ahead for December dates. Choose tours including lunch and snorkel gear. Avoid weekend departures for smaller crowds. Check current Exuma tour availability in booking section below.

Historical Nassau Walking and Cycling Routes

December's low humidity (70% vs 85%+ in summer) and comfortable temperatures make exploring downtown Nassau's colonial architecture and historic forts highly enjoyable. Early morning and late afternoon offer perfect conditions for this destination and Fort Fincastle visits, with clear harbor views stretching 15+ km (9+ miles).

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking maps cost BSD 5-10 from visitor centers. Guided historical tours run BSD 35-55 for 2-3 hours. Bike rentals available at BSD 25-35 per day. Book morning tours (9am-noon) for cooler temperatures and better photos. See current historical tour options below.

great destination Island Resort Day Passes and Beach Clubs

December offers ideal beach weather with minimal rain disrupting outdoor resort activities. Day passes to major resorts provide access to pools, beaches, and water parks during peak comfort conditions. The steady trade winds keep temperatures feeling closer to 24°C (75°F) despite 28°C (82°F) actual temps.

Booking Tip: Resort day passes range BSD 45-120 depending on inclusions. Book directly online for 10-15% savings vs gate prices. Weekday passes offer better value and smaller crowds. Many include lunch credits. Current resort day pass options available in booking widget below.

Junkanoo Festival Preparation Workshops

December is the only month offering authentic Junkanoo preparation experiences, as groups practice for Boxing Day and New Year performances. Visitors can join costume-making workshops and rhythm sessions in local community centers. This provides genuine cultural immersion unavailable during other months.

Booking Tip: Cultural workshops cost BSD 25-45 per session and run 2-3 hours. Contact local cultural centers directly or book through community tourism operators. Sessions typically run evenings (6-8pm). Limited availability requires booking upon arrival. Check current cultural experience options below.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December, culminating December 26 and January 1

Junkanoo Festival Preparations and Parades

December features intensive Junkanoo preparation culminating in Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year's Day parades. Community groups practice nightly throughout December, offering visitors authentic cultural experiences. The elaborate costume competitions and musical rehearsals provide unique insights into Bahamian heritage.

Every Saturday in December

Nassau Yacht Haven Holiday Market

Weekly artisan markets throughout December featuring local crafts, conch specialties, and holiday-themed Bahamian goods. Located at Nassau Yacht Haven, this market combines shopping with harbor views and runs every Saturday in December with extended evening hours.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts for evening - temperatures drop to 21°C (70°F) and trade winds make it feel cooler, especially on boats

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches 8 even in December, and reflection off white sand intensifies exposure

Light rain jacket or packable poncho - brief showers occur on 10 days, typically lasting 15-20 minutes in late afternoon

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - December's lower humidity makes walking tours enjoyable, but limestone surfaces can be slippery when wet

Quick-dry swimwear and cover-ups - you'll be in and out of water frequently, and December's breezy conditions help with rapid drying

Insect repellent for evening activities - December sees fewer mosquitoes than summer, but they're still present during sunset hours

Light sweater or cardigan for air-conditioned spaces - restaurants and shops often over-cool to combat humidity

Waterproof phone case - essential for swimming with pigs tours and snorkeling excursions in December's active adventure season

Hat with chin strap - trade winds averaging 25 km/h (15 mph) will blow off loose hats during boat trips

Cash in small bills (BSD 5-20) - many local conch stands and cultural experiences prefer cash, and December is peak conch season

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by October 15th for December visits - Nassau hotels implement 'Christmas pricing' and availability drops dramatically after Halloween, with beachfront properties often fully booked by November 1st

Visit Arawak Cay (Fish Fry) on Thursday evenings in December for authentic Junkanoo practice sessions - local groups rehearse here weekly and welcome respectful observers, providing free cultural entertainment most tourists never discover

Take advantage of 'locals pricing' at dive shops by showing extended stay proof - stays over 5 days often qualify for resident rates, saving 20-30% on multiple dive packages during expensive December period

Nassau's water taxi services run extended December schedules with evening service to great destination Island until 11pm - this saves BSD 15-25 compared to resort taxis and provides scenic harbor views during golden hour

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking last-minute accommodation in December - peak season means limited options and inflated walk-in rates, often 70-100% higher than advance bookings made in September-October

Scheduling outdoor activities during midday (11am-3pm) without considering cumulative sun exposure - December's clear skies and minimal cloud cover create intense UV conditions that catch visitors off-guard

Assuming all-inclusive resort stays provide authentic Bahamian experiences - December is ideal for exploring local culture through Junkanoo preparations, but resort-bound visitors miss this once-yearly opportunity