Kona (Big Island) in December

In December, Kona (Big Island) averages 25°C (77°F) during the day and 20°C (68°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 23 days of the month see precipitation (134 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

December offers comfortable temperatures in Kona (Big Island), with some rain to plan around.

25°C
Avg high
20°C
Avg low
23
Rain days
134 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Kona (Big Island)

9th
warmest month of the 12
10th
wettest month of the 12
6%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
10 h 57 min
daylight on the 15th

December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Kona (Big Island) (9th of 12) and one of the driest months (10th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (26°C). December runs 1°C cooler than November (26°C) and cools 1°C in January (25°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Kona (Big Island)

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:50 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
5:47 PM
Day length
10 h 57 min

Times shown for Kona (Big Island) local time (Pacific/Honolulu), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Kona (Big Island) — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Kona (Big Island)'s local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:50 AM – 6:30 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:30 AM – 7:30 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:07 PM – 6:07 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:07 PM – 6:47 PM

📅 When to book — Kona (Big Island) in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (High season) and Kona (Big Island)'s popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

December in United States — events that affect travel

Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.

🎄
US Christmas/New Year Window
Travel surge · high impact

Major travel surge plus widespread Dec 24-26 and Jan 1 business closures.

Plan: Book flights and hotels well ahead; expect many restaurants/shops closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.

Crowds & pricing — December in Kona (Big Island)

High season

This is a busy month in Kona (Big Island) — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Kona (Big Island)

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
8.7
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Sea temperature in Kona (Big Island) — December

26.1°C (79°F)
bath-warm
tropical and comfortable for hours

Across the year Kona (Big Island)'s sea swings from 25°C (March) to 27.3°C (September) — December sits at 26.1°C.

Kona (Big Island) in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 25°C / 76°F 19°C / 67°F 97 mm 23
February 25°C / 76°F 19°C / 67°F 118 mm 22
March 25°C / 77°F 20°C / 68°F 111 mm 23
April 25°C / 77°F 21°C / 69°F 207 mm 27
May 26°C / 78°F 21°C / 70°F 224 mm 28
June 26°C / 79°F 22°C / 71°F 301 mm 29
July 27°C / 81°F 23°C / 73°F 296 mm 30
August 27°C / 81°F 23°C / 73°F 278 mm 29
September 27°C / 81°F 23°C / 73°F 206 mm 27
October 27°C / 81°F 22°C / 72°F 138 mm 25
November 26°C / 80°F 21°C / 70°F 103 mm 22
December 25°C / 77°F 20°C / 68°F 134 mm 23

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Kona (Big Island) in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Kona (Big Island) in December?

In December, Kona (Big Island) averages a high of 25°C (77°F) and a low of 20°C (68°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Kona (Big Island) in December?

December is quite rainy in Kona (Big Island), with about 23 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Kona (Big Island)?

December is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Kona (Big Island) in December?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Kona (Big Island) for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Kona (Big Island) on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.