Things to Do in Ivory Coast in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Ivory Coast
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Prime dry season conditions - December sits right in the sweet spot of Ivory Coast's driest months (November through March), which means you'll actually get to explore without constant rain interruptions. Rainfall drops to around 35 mm (1.4 inches) for the entire month, with maybe 3 days seeing any precipitation at all, and even then it's usually brief morning drizzle rather than the afternoon downpours that define the wet season.
- Harmattan winds bring cooler evenings - While days are hot at 32°C (90°F), the Harmattan winds blowing from the Sahara create surprisingly pleasant evenings dropping to 24°C (75°F). This dusty wind also reduces humidity compared to other months, making outdoor activities genuinely comfortable after 4pm. Locals call this the 'best weather of the year' for a reason.
- Festival season peaks with authentic celebrations - December brings Fête de la Paix (Peace Day) on December 15th and Fête Nationale (Independence Day) on December 7th, plus numerous village harvest festivals across the interior. You'll see actual cultural celebrations rather than tourist-oriented events, with traditional mask dances in the Man region and Abissa preparation ceremonies starting in coastal areas.
- Wildlife viewing hits its stride - The dry season concentrates animals around water sources in Comoé National Park and Taï National Park. December specifically offers excellent chimpanzee tracking conditions in Taï because the forest floor is dry enough for comfortable hiking but vegetation hasn't become too sparse. Elephant sightings in Comoé peak during December-January as herds move predictably between remaining water holes.
Considerations
- Harmattan haze reduces photography quality and visibility - That same Saharan dust that cools evenings creates a persistent haze that photographers find frustrating. Expect muted colors and reduced visibility beyond 5 km (3.1 miles), especially mid-December through early January. If you're planning landscape photography or want those crisp coastal shots, November or late March offers clearer conditions.
- Holiday season pricing hits accommodations hard - December 20th through January 5th sees significant price increases (typically 30-50 percent above baseline) at mid-range and upscale hotels in Abidjan, Grand-Bassam, and Assinie. The French expat community returns for holidays, business travelers wrap up year-end deals, and regional tourists arrive. Book before October or accept shoulder-month rates.
- Extreme UV requires constant sun protection - UV index regularly hits 10-11 in December, which is 'extreme' category. The Harmattan haze makes it feel less intense than it actually is, so tourists routinely underestimate exposure. You'll need to reapply SPF 50-plus sunscreen every 90 minutes during outdoor activities, and the combination of sun and dust can irritate respiratory systems for people with sensitivities.
Best Activities in December
Tai National Park Chimpanzee Trekking
December offers ideal conditions for tracking wild chimpanzees in this UNESCO World Heritage rainforest. The dry forest floor means quieter hiking (you'll actually hear chimp calls from 800 m or 2,625 ft away) and reduced mud on the 4-6 hour treks. Morning temperatures around 26°C (79°F) make the physical effort manageable. Research stations report December has the highest success rate for sightings because chimp groups stay closer to established territories rather than ranging widely for food. The park sees maybe 15-20 international visitors total in December, so you'll have an authentic research-station experience rather than a crowded tour.
Grand-Bassam Colonial Architecture and Beach Combination
The former French colonial capital becomes genuinely pleasant in December when lower humidity makes walking the historic Quartier France district comfortable. You can actually explore the crumbling colonial buildings, craft markets, and museums during midday without wilting, then hit the beaches where December's calmer Atlantic conditions (compared to wet season surf) make swimming safer. The town fills with Abidjan residents on weekends but stays quiet Tuesday-Thursday. December also brings better visibility for photographing the distinctive colonial facades, though expect that Harmattan haze for distant shots.
Abidjan Street Food and Market Tours
December's drier weather makes exploring Abidjan's outdoor food scenes actually enjoyable rather than a sweaty ordeal. The Adjamé and Treichville markets operate in full swing without mud, and evening street food areas in Zone 4 and Marcory become lively as cooler temperatures arrive after 6pm. December brings seasonal specialties like fresh coconuts from the eastern plantations and grilled fish varieties that peak during dry-season fishing. The combination of comfortable evening temperatures (24°C/75°F) and lower rain risk means you can plan food tours without weather backup plans.
Yamoussoukro Basilica and Political Capital Exploration
The world's largest basilica becomes a December highlight because you can actually climb to the dome observation level (158 m or 518 ft high) without the oppressive humidity that makes it miserable other months. December's clear mornings offer the best visibility across the surrounding planned city, and the air-conditioned interior provides genuine relief during midday heat. The political capital sees almost no tourists in December, giving you an eerie, authentic experience of this unusual planned city. Worth combining with visits to Yamoussoukro's crocodile lake and the Presidential Palace grounds.
Assinie Beach Resort Area and Water Sports
December brings the calmest ocean conditions of the year to this beach resort area 100 km (62 miles) east of Abidjan, making it ideal for jet skiing, kayaking, and swimming that's genuinely safe (unlike the dangerous surf of June-September). The resort area caters to Abidjan's wealthy and expats, so expect developed infrastructure and higher prices than elsewhere. December's lower humidity and evening breezes make beach lounging pleasant rather than oppressive. Weekends see crowds from Abidjan, but Tuesday-Thursday you'll have beaches nearly to yourself.
Man Region Mountain Villages and Mask Dancing
The western mountains around Man become accessible in December when roads dry out and hiking trails firm up. This region offers the most dramatic scenery in Ivory Coast - waterfalls like Cascade de Man, vine bridges at Lianhoué, and villages where you'll see traditional stilt houses and mask dancing traditions still practiced authentically. December coincides with harvest celebrations in many Dan and Yacouba villages, meaning you might encounter actual ceremonies rather than performances staged for tourists. The cooler mountain temperatures (highs around 28°C or 82°F) make hiking genuinely pleasant.
December Events & Festivals
Fête Nationale (Independence Day)
December 7th marks Ivory Coast's independence from France in 1960. Expect military parades in Abidjan (particularly around the Plateau district), official ceremonies at the Presidential Palace in Yamoussoukro, and street celebrations with music and dancing in major cities. It's a genuine national holiday so government offices and many businesses close. The evening of December 7th brings concerts and public gatherings - Abidjan's Banco National Park often hosts free music events. Worth experiencing if you're in the country, though not worth planning your entire trip around.
Fête de la Paix (Peace Day)
December 15th commemorates the end of Ivory Coast's civil conflict with official ceremonies and peace-themed events. Less touristy than Independence Day but culturally significant. Abidjan sees concerts and public gatherings, while the day emphasizes national reconciliation themes. Many Ivorians attend church services or community events. Expect banks and government offices closed, though restaurants and tourist sites generally remain open.
Village Harvest Festivals
Throughout December, villages across the interior regions (particularly around Man, Korhogo, and Bondoukou) hold harvest celebrations featuring traditional mask dancing, drumming, and ceremonies. These aren't organized tourist events - they're authentic community celebrations that happen to coincide with the yam and rice harvest season. Timing varies by village and isn't published in advance. Your best chance of encountering one involves hiring local guides who maintain village connections and can arrange permissions for respectful observation. The Dan and Senufo regions offer the most accessible opportunities.