In December 1942, Suzukaze continued in transport operations to Guadalcanal, suffering from minor damage in an air raid on 1 January 1943, necessitating repairs at Truk at the end of the month, and return to Sasebo in February. Repairs completed by mid-June, Suzukaze escorted the cruisers  and  to Truk and on to Rabaul by the end of June.
In December 1942, Suzukaze continued transport operations to Guadalcanal, suffering minor damage from an air raid on January 1, 1943. Repairs were needed at Truk by the end of the month and she returned to Sasebo in February. By mid-June, repairs were completed, and Suzukaze escorted the cruisers and to Truk and then to Rabaul.