Abidjan in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Abidjan

30°C (86°F) High Temp

23°C (74°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season conditions - December marks the driest month with virtually no rainfall (0.0mm) making outdoor activities and beach time consistently reliable
Harmattan wind season brings cooler evening temperatures down to 23°C (74°F), creating perfect conditions for rooftop dining and night markets from 7pm onwards
Festival season peaks with traditional Ivorian celebrations and year-end events, plus the lagoon is at its calmest for boat excursions and water activities
Optimal visibility for photography and sightseeing - low humidity compared to rainy months means clearer skies and better views from Plateau's high-rises

Considerations

Harmattan dust from the Sahara creates hazy conditions mid-month, requiring daily eye drops and moisturizer - locals call this 'brouillard sec' (dry fog)
Peak tourist pricing for accommodations and flights as December coincides with both international visitors and diaspora returning for holidays - expect 40-60% higher rates
Midday heat reaches 30°C (86°F) with 70% humidity making 11am-3pm uncomfortable for walking tours in Treichville or Adjamé markets

Best Activities in December

Ébrié Lagoon Sunset Cruises

December's calm waters and clear evening skies create perfect conditions for lagoon boat tours. The dry season means consistent departures without weather cancellations, and you'll see Abidjan's skyline illuminated against clearer air. Harmattan winds provide natural cooling after 6pm, making sunset timing ideal. Local fishing communities are most active in dry season, offering authentic cultural encounters.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through marina operators at Port Bouet or Treichville. Tours typically cost 15,000-25,000 CFA per person for 2-hour sunset cruises. Look for operators with life jackets and VHF radios. December books quickly due to clear weather reliability.

Traditional Market Food Walking Tours

December's dry conditions make navigating Adjamé and Treichville markets comfortable, especially in early morning (7-9am) when temperatures are coolest. This is harvest season for many local ingredients, meaning peak freshness for street food experiences. No muddy pathways or rain delays, and vendors set up full displays without weather concerns.

Booking Tip: Start between 7-9am to avoid midday heat. Self-guided exploration works well, or book cultural guides through hotels 2-3 days ahead. Budget 5,000-8,000 CFA for food sampling across multiple stalls. Bring small CFA notes and reusable water bottle.

Basilica of Our Lady of Peace Day Trips

December's clear skies and minimal rainfall make the 240km (149 mile) journey to Yamoussoukro consistently reliable. Dry roads mean comfortable bus travel, and the basilica's dome offers spectacular views in crisp December air. This is pilgrimage season with special December services, adding cultural significance to architectural visits.

Booking Tip: Book bus transport through UTB or other licensed operators 3-5 days ahead. Day trips cost 35,000-50,000 CFA including transport and guide. Depart Abidjan by 7am to avoid midday heat at the basilica. Most tours return by 7pm with dinner stops.

Cocoa Plantation Cultural Tours

December marks harvest completion and processing season for cocoa, making this the most authentic time to visit working plantations within 100km (62 miles) of Abidjan. Dry weather ensures accessible rural roads, and farmers have time to demonstrate traditional processing methods post-harvest. You'll see beans drying in optimal December sunshine.

Booking Tip: Arrange through cultural tourism operators or hotels 7-10 days ahead. Full-day tours typically cost 40,000-60,000 CFA including transport, lunch, and farmer interactions. Choose tours that include multiple plantation visits and traditional village stays for real feels.

Plateau District Architecture Walks

December's lower humidity and clearer air create ideal conditions for photographing Abidjan's modern skyline and colonial architecture. Cooler morning temperatures (23°C/74°F) make 2-3 hour walking tours comfortable. The district's outdoor spaces and rooftop viewpoints are most enjoyable in dry season conditions without rain interruptions.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks work well using offline maps. Start by 8am to complete before midday heat. Professional architectural guides available through tourism office for 20,000-30,000 CFA for 3-hour tours. Bring sun hat and water - limited shade between buildings.

Grand-Bassam Colonial Heritage Tours

December's dry weather makes the coastal road to Grand-Bassam (43km/27 miles) consistently accessible, and the historic colonial buildings are best explored without rain concerns. Beach sections are most pleasant in December's moderate temperatures, and the old French colonial quarter offers shaded walking paths perfect for the season.

Booking Tip: Combine with beach time for full-day experiences. Bush taxis cost 2,000-3,000 CFA each way, or book private transport for 25,000-35,000 CFA roundtrip. Allow 6-8 hours total including travel time. Museum entry typically 1,500 CFA, guided tours add 10,000 CFA.

December Events & Festivals

Early December (biennial event - confirm 2025 schedule)

MASA (Marché des Arts et du Spectacle Africains)

Africa's largest performing arts market transforms Abidjan into a cultural epicenter with theater, dance, music, and visual arts from across the continent. International buyers, artists, and cultural enthusiasts gather for performances, workshops, and exhibitions throughout the city.

Mid to Late December

Festival des Musiques du Monde

International music festival featuring African and world music artists performing at venues across Abidjan. Combines traditional Ivorian music with contemporary world fusion, taking advantage of December's perfect outdoor concert weather at venues like Palais de la Culture.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester as 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable even in dry season

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 during December's clear skies with less atmospheric filtering

Eye drops and moisturizer for Harmattan dust - dry Saharan winds create dusty conditions mid-month causing eye and skin irritation

Light scarf or bandana - protects against dust and provides modest covering for religious sites and traditional areas

Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes - market areas have uneven surfaces and better protection than sandals in crowded spaces

Insect repellent with DEET - evening lagoon activities and outdoor dining require protection despite dry conditions

Reusable water bottle with filter - stay hydrated in 30°C (86°F) heat and ensure safe drinking water throughout the city

Light rain jacket - despite dry season, brief evening showers can occur and provide quick protection

Cash in small CFA denominations - markets and street vendors rarely have change for large bills

Portable phone charger - long days exploring in heat drain batteries faster, and power outages occasionally occur

Insider Knowledge

Avoid outdoor activities between 11am-3pm when temperatures peak at 30°C (86°F) - locals retreat indoors during these hours and resume activities after 4pm

December 15-25 sees highest diaspora return creating traffic congestion and fully booked restaurants - make reservations 48 hours ahead and allow extra travel time

Harmattan winds bring Saharan dust creating hazy photography conditions mid-month - plan important photos for early December or after December 20 when conditions clear

ATMs frequently run empty during December holidays - withdraw maximum daily limits when machines are stocked, typically early morning restocks happen Tuesday-Thursday

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating December heat - tourists assume 'dry season' means cooler temperatures but midday still reaches 30°C (86°F) requiring heat precautions

Not booking accommodation early enough - December sees 40-60% higher rates and limited availability due to holiday travelers and returning diaspora

Scheduling outdoor activities during midday heat (11am-3pm) instead of taking advantage of cooler morning temperatures starting from 7am