Freetown in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Freetown

29°C (85°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 10 rainy days compared to 22+ in other months, making beach trips and outdoor markets consistently enjoyable
Harmattan winds bring clearer skies and reduced humidity from the Sahara, creating the year's best visibility for Cotton Tree sunrise views and peninsula photography
Christmas season brings busy street festivals and extended market hours - vendors stay open until 10pm instead of the usual 7pm, perfect for evening shopping
Cooler morning temperatures (24°C/75°F) make early hiking to Leicester Peak comfortable before the 29°C/85°F afternoon heat kicks in

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to May-October, with beachfront guesthouses jumping from $25 to $40+ per night
Harmattan dust can trigger respiratory issues and creates hazy afternoons, limiting photography between 2-5pm when visibility drops significantly
Christmas crowds at popular spots like this destination and the Cotton Tree mean arriving before 8am is essential for good photos and peaceful experiences

Best Activities in December

Peninsula Beach Island Hopping

December's calm seas and minimal rainfall make this the ideal month for exploring Banana Island and Sierraleone. Morning departures (7-8am) avoid afternoon crowds and offer the calmest waters. The dry season means consistent boat schedules with 95% trip completion rate versus 60% during rainy months.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through waterfront operators near Aberdeen Ferry Terminal. Tours typically cost $45-65 USD including lunch and snorkel gear. Look for operators with life jackets and radio communication - avoid unmarked boats.

Historical City Walking Tours

The 24°C (75°F) morning temperatures and reduced afternoon humidity make December perfect for exploring downtown Freetown's colonial architecture. King Jimmy Market buzzes with Christmas preparations, and the Banjul extends December hours to 6pm daily.

Booking Tip: Self-guided or local guide tours cost $15-25 USD for 3-4 hours. Start at 8am to avoid midday heat and crowds at Cotton Tree. Book accommodation transfers in advance as December traffic increases significantly.

Mount Aureol Sunrise Hiking

Clear December mornings offer unobstructed views across the Atlantic - visibility reaches 15 km (9.3 miles) compared to 5 km (3.1 miles) in rainy season. The 600m (1,968 ft) climb takes 2-3 hours and morning temperatures stay comfortable until 10am.

Booking Tip: Join local hiking groups departing at 5:30am for sunrise views. Guide fees typically $10-20 USD. Bring headlamp for pre-dawn start and plenty of water - temperatures rise quickly after sunrise.

River Number Two Beach Day Trips

December's dry roads make the 30 km (18.6 miles) journey comfortable, taking just 45 minutes versus 1.5 hours in rainy season. The beach sees fewer crowds on weekdays, and local fishing boats offer fresh catches prepared beachside.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost $35-50 USD including transport and lunch. Depart by 9am to secure beach shelter before afternoon sun intensifies. Licensed transport operators display permits - avoid unmarked vehicles on this route.

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary Visits

The sanctuary's 1-hour mountain location benefits from December's clearer skies and stable weather. Chimps are most active during cooler morning hours (8-11am), and the 45-minute drive through Western Area Forest offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities.

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead as December visitor limits fill quickly. Entry costs $25-30 USD including guided tour. Morning slots (9am, 10am) offer best chimp viewing. Transport arrangements typically add $15-20 USD from central Freetown.

Traditional Christmas Market Tours

December transforms Freetown's markets with extended hours, special Christmas foods, and cultural performances. Big Market and PZ become evening destinations with music, local crafts, and seasonal specialties like plassas and ginger beer unavailable other months.

Booking Tip: Self-guided market exploration requires no booking. Budget $20-30 USD for food sampling and craft purchases. Evening visits (6-9pm) offer the best atmosphere but bring small bills - vendors rarely have change for large denominations.

December Events & Festivals

December 20-26

Freetown Christmas Festival

Street parades, traditional music performances, and extended market celebrations throughout the city center. Local communities organize dance competitions and food festivals, particularly busy around Cotton Tree and central downtown areas.

December 31

New Year Beach Celebrations

this destination and Aberdeen Beach host community gatherings with local bands, traditional drumming, and midnight fireworks. These organic celebrations offer authentic cultural experiences alongside tourist festivities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as it traps moisture and becomes uncomfortable quickly

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 with limited cloud cover during dry season

Light rain jacket or umbrella - brief afternoon showers occur on 10 days but last only 15-30 minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - morning dew makes surfaces slippery until 9am

Dust mask or scarf for Harmattan winds - fine Sahara dust reduces air quality on windy afternoons

Insect repellent for early morning and evening activities - mosquitoes remain active despite dry conditions

Portable water bottle (1.5L minimum) - dehydration happens quickly in morning heat combined with humidity

Cash in small denominations - ATMs become unreliable during peak tourist season, vendors prefer exact change

Headlamp or flashlight - power outages increase with December demand, street lighting remains inconsistent

Quick-dry towel for beach activities - sand sticks to damp cotton towels, synthetic materials shake clean easily

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation by late October - December prices jump 40-60% after November 15, and beachfront properties fill completely by December 10

Shop at local markets before 8am or after 6pm to avoid peak heat and crowds - vendors offer better prices during slow periods and fresher produce arrives early morning

Carry exact change in small denominations - the December cash shortage means even restaurants struggle with change for 100,000 Leone notes

Download offline maps before arriving - mobile data becomes congested during peak season, and GPS accuracy drops during Harmattan dust storms

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating December accommodation demand - travelers arrive expecting availability and find beachfront properties booked solid, forcing expensive last-minute alternatives

Planning outdoor activities during afternoon hours (2-5pm) when Harmattan dust reduces visibility and temperatures peak at 29°C (85°F)

Bringing only summer clothes without considering morning coolness - 24°C (75°F) morning temperatures require light layers for comfort