Cameroon in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Cameroon

32°C (90°F) High Temp

21°C (70°F) Low Temp

25 mm (1 inch) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season timing - only 3 rainy days all month with clear skies for wildlife viewing and mountain hiking
Harmattan winds from the Sahara bring cooler temperatures (21°C/70°F at night) making outdoor activities comfortable
Peak wildlife season in northern parks - animals congregate around water sources, making Waza and Bénoué perfect for game drives
Festival season begins with traditional ceremonies in the Grassfields and early preparations for New Year celebrations across the country

Considerations

Harmattan dust reduces visibility to 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) some days, affecting photography and mountain views
High season pricing kicks in mid-December with accommodation rates 40-60% higher than November
Dusty conditions aggravate respiratory issues - not ideal for travelers with asthma or allergies

Best Activities in December

Waza National Park Wildlife Safaris

December is absolutely prime time for Cameroon's premier northern park. The dry season forces elephants, lions, giraffes, and antelope to gather at remaining water holes, creating incredible wildlife density. Morning game drives (6-10am) offer the best sightings before animals retreat from midday heat. The dusty harmattan actually helps with animal tracking.

Booking Tip: Book safaris 3-4 weeks ahead as December fills up quickly. Tours typically cost 85,000-120,000 CFA (140-200 USD) for 2-day packages including park fees and basic accommodation. Look for operators with 4WD vehicles and experienced local guides who know current animal movements.

Mount Cameroon Hiking Expeditions

The dry harmattan season makes this the ideal time to tackle West Africa's highest peak at 4,095 m (13,435 ft). Clear morning skies before 10am offer impressive crater views that disappear behind afternoon haze. The cooler nighttime temperatures make camping more comfortable than the hot season.

Booking Tip: 3-4 day summit expeditions range 180,000-280,000 CFA (300-470 USD) including guides, porters, and mountain huts. Book through certified mountain guides association members only - verify insurance coverage. December books solid by mid-November.

Douala Fish Market and Street Food Tours

December's dry weather makes walking tours through Douala's chaotic central markets much more pleasant. This is peak season for fresh fish from the Atlantic, and vendors stay open later in the cooler evening temperatures. Perfect time to try grilled fish with plantains and spicy pepper sauce without battling rainy season mud.

Booking Tip: Half-day food tours cost 25,000-40,000 CFA (42-67 USD) including tastings. Morning tours (8-11am) avoid afternoon heat and offer the freshest selections. Look for guides who speak local languages and have established vendor relationships for real feels.

Limbe Beach and Botanical Garden Visits

December's lower humidity makes Limbe's black volcanic beaches more enjoyable than the sticky rainy months. The century-old botanical gardens are at their most walkable with drier paths and clearer views of Mount Cameroon. Afternoon sea breezes counter the harmattan dust perfectly.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Douala cost 35,000-55,000 CFA (58-92 USD) including transport and garden entry. Combine beach time with botanical gardens for full day experiences. Book vehicles with AC as dusty harmattan conditions make open windows uncomfortable.

Bamenda Ring Road Highland Tours

The grasslands region is spectacular in December with clear mountain views and comfortable hiking temperatures around 24°C (75°F) during the day. Traditional villages prepare for New Year festivities, offering authentic cultural encounters. The dry roads make the famous Ring Road actually navigable.

Booking Tip: 2-3 day highland tours range 95,000-150,000 CFA (158-250 USD) including local homestays and village visits. 4WD vehicles essential even in dry season. Book through Bamenda-based operators who understand mountain weather patterns and have village connections.

Kribi Beach Resort Relaxation

December offers the perfect balance for Cameroon's premier beach destination - dry enough for beach activities but not yet blazing hot. The Lobé Falls flowing directly into the Atlantic are at ideal levels, and fishing villages offer fresh catches daily. Evening temperatures around 25°C (77°F) make beachfront dining comfortable.

Booking Tip: Beach resort packages range 120,000-220,000 CFA (200-367 USD) per night in December high season. Book ocean-view rooms 6-8 weeks ahead. Look for resorts offering complimentary Lobé Falls transfers and village fishing experiences.

December Events & Festivals

Mid to Late December

Grassfields Traditional Ceremonies

December marks the beginning of the ceremonial season in the Northwest highlands, with village chiefs hosting traditional dances and cultural displays. These authentic events offer rare glimpses into Cameroon's diverse ethnic heritage with elaborate masks, drumming, and royal protocols.

Throughout December

Douala New Year Preparation Festivals

Throughout December, Douala's neighborhoods host community celebrations building toward New Year. Street parties, local music performances, and food festivals create an authentic urban African experience away from tourist areas.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight dust mask or bandana - harmattan winds carry Saharan dust that irritates throats and lungs

High SPF sunscreen (50+) - UV index reaches 9 and dust reflects additional sun exposure

Layers for temperature swings - 32°C (90°F) days drop to 21°C (70°F) nights, especially in highlands

Closed-toe shoes with good grip - dusty conditions make surfaces slippery, especially on volcanic rocks

Moisturizing lotion and lip balm - harmattan winds are extremely dry and crack exposed skin

Saline eye drops - dust and dry air irritate eyes, especially for contact lens wearers

Light rain jacket - though rare, December can have 2-3 surprise afternoon showers

Portable phone charger - dust affects electronics and power outages are more common in dry season

Cash in small CFA notes - December festivals and markets often don't accept cards or large bills

Insect repellent for evening use - mosquitos are less active but still present near water sources

Insider Knowledge

Book internal flights 48 hours ahead minimum in December - harmattan dust frequently delays or cancels flights, especially to northern destinations like Garoua and Maroua

Carry bottled water everywhere - the dry harmattan season dehydrates you faster than you realize, and locals increase water consumption by 40% during December

Shop for traditional crafts in December as artisans produce special New Year items not available other months - wooden masks and bronze work are particularly good

Use December's cooler mornings (6-9am) for serious photography - afternoon harmattan haze ruins landscape shots but creates dramatic silhouettes

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating the harmattan dust impact - tourists often skip masks then spend days coughing and struggling with irritated airways

Booking northern park visits after December 20th when guides take family time - wildlife viewing quality drops significantly with inexperienced substitute guides

Not carrying enough cash - December festivals and rural areas operate almost entirely on cash, and ATMs frequently run empty during high season