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Timor-Leste in December: Weather and What to Expect

Wet season · Wet: plan for rain

Last verified: Climate normals from the national meteorological services; events from official sources

By David

Quick answer · as of October 2026

December is the start of the wet season, with about 142 mm of rain in Dili over 13 days and highs of 32°C. Christmas and the feast of the Immaculate Conception on 8 December are major celebrations. Expect afternoon downpours, slippery mountain roads and busy transport over the holidays.

Dili high / low
32°C / 24.2°C
Rainfall (Dili)
142 mm
Rainy days
13
Sea temperature
About 30°C
Sunshine
7.1 hours a day
Season
Wet season
On this page

Weather in December

December in Dili averages highs of 32°C and lows of 24.2°C, with 142 mm of rain over about 13 rainy days. For comparison, the hottest month averages 32.7°C and the wettest, January, gets 175 mm. Dili is one of the driest places in the country; the mountains and the south coast get more rain, and above 1,000 metres nights are cool all year.

Dili climate in December (1991–2020 averages)
MeasureDecember
Average high32°C
Average low24.2°C
Rainfall142.1 mm
Days with rain (1 mm or more)12.8
Sunshine7.1 hours a day
Humidity77%
Sea temperatureAbout 30°C
Source: Indonesian Agency for Meteorology (BMKG) and Timor-Leste's Directorate of Meteorology, via Wikipedia; sea temperatures from Climates to Travel.

What December is good for

  • Christmas and the Immaculate Conception (8 December)
  • Last of the whale season in early December

What to watch out for

  • Heavy rain and landslides
  • Busy roads and buses at Christmas
  • Mosquitoes and dengue

Holidays and events in December

Public holidays in December
DateHoliday
7 DecemberMemorial Day
8 DecemberImmaculate Conception, patroness of Timor-Leste
25 DecemberChristmas Day
31 DecemberNational Heroes Day
Festivals and events in December
DateEventWhere
8 DecemberImmaculate Conception masses and processionsDili Cathedral and nationwide

See all public holidays and festivals.

What to pack

  • Light, loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees, a hat and high-factor sunscreen.
  • A light rain jacket or umbrella, and quick-drying shoes.
  • A warm layer for the mountains.
  • Insect repellent: dengue occurs in Timor-Leste, most of all in the wet season.

See the full packing list and the best time to visit.

Frequently asked questions

Is December a good time to visit Timor-Leste?

It is possible, but December is in the wet season. Expect heavy afternoon rain, and keep your plans flexible.

Does it rain in Timor-Leste in December?

Dili averages 142 mm of rain over about 13 rainy days in December. The mountains and the south coast are usually wetter than Dili.

How hot is Timor-Leste in December?

In Dili, average highs are 32°C and lows 24.2°C, with the sea at about 30°C. It is much cooler in the mountains, especially at night.

Sources

Official sites, operators and references we checked for this page.

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