Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island in December

Great time to visit

Summer's return brings heat, humidity, and holiday crowds. Still beautiful but expect to pay premium prices and deal with afternoon storms.

Weather

December marks early summer with hot days and warm nights. Humidity increases noticeably and afternoon thunderstorms return. Trade winds provide some relief from the building heat.

25°C high19°C low11 rain days

Crowds & Cost

high crowds
~$360/day average

Events & Festivals

  • Christmas festivities
  • Summer holiday season begins
  • New Year preparations

December Tips

  • Book everything well in advance - peak season approaches
  • Morning activities beat afternoon heat and storms
  • Expect premium pricing for holiday period

All Months

September through April gives you the warmest weather and calmest seas. Water temperature peaks at 24°C in February and March — perfect for extended snorkeling sessions. But this is also peak season, so book accommodation at least six months ahead. May through August brings cooler temperatures (18-22°C) and stronger trade winds. The upside? Fewer crowds and lower accommodation rates. You can still snorkel, but you'll want a wetsuit. This is actually the best time for hiking Mount Gower since the cooler weather makes the steep climb more bearable. Avoid visiting during school holidays if possible. Australian families flood the island during these periods, and the limited accommodation fills up fast. The island also closes to new bookings during certain conservation periods when seabirds are nesting.

Lord Howe Island Scores

Solo

6/10

Couples

9/10

Families

7/10

Adventure

8/10

Budget

2/10

Luxury

8/10

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