Lome in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Lome

33°C (91°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

8mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

December marks the start of dry season - rainfall drops to just 8mm (0.3 inches) making it perfect for exploring markets and beaches without muddy conditions
Harmattan winds from the Sahara bring cooler evenings around 24°C (75°F), ideal for night market dining and beachfront walks after 6pm
December 31st brings massive New Year celebrations at Boulevard du Mono with live music, local bands, and fireworks - biggest party of the year
Atlantic Ocean temperatures peak at 27°C (81°F) in December, making swimming and water activities most comfortable of the year

Considerations

Tourist season kicks off meaning accommodation prices increase 40-60% from November rates, especially during last week of December
Harmattan winds carry Saharan dust creating hazy conditions that reduce visibility and can irritate sensitive airways
December 25-January 2 sees domestic tourism surge as Togolese diaspora returns home, crowding popular restaurants and beaches

Best Activities in December

Lomé Grand Market and Akodésséwa Fetish Market Tours

December's dry weather means comfortable walking through covered market stalls without mud or heavy rain interruptions. Morning temperatures around 26°C (79°F) are perfect for navigating crowded aisles. Fetish Market vendors are more active during tourist season with full displays of traditional medicine items.

Booking Tip: Visit markets between 8-11am before peak heat. Cultural walking tours typically cost 15,000-25,000 CFA francs ($25-40) for 3-4 hours. Book through licensed guides who can explain Vodou traditions properly. See current tour options in booking section below.

Kpalimé Mountain Hiking and Coffee Plantation Visits

December's lower humidity (70% vs 85% in rainy season) makes the 3-hour trek to Mount Agou summit at 986m (3,235 ft) much more comfortable. Clear Harmattan skies offer best visibility of the year across Ghana border. Coffee harvest season means plantation tours include fresh bean tastings.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Togo typically cost 35,000-50,000 CFA francs ($55-80) including transport. Start early (6am departure) to avoid afternoon heat. Book 5-7 days ahead as December is peak hiking season. See current mountain tour options in booking section below.

Aného Lagoon Canoe Tours and Fishing Village Visits

December's calm conditions on Lac Togo make traditional pirogue canoe trips ideal - no choppy waters from rainy season storms. Morning mists create atmospheric photography conditions. Local fishermen are most active in dry season, offering authentic cultural interactions at stilt villages.

Booking Tip: Half-day lagoon tours cost 20,000-30,000 CFA francs ($32-48) including canoe and guide. Best between 7-10am for wildlife spotting and comfortable temperatures. Book through eco-tourism cooperatives for community benefits. See current lagoon tour options in booking section below.

Boulevard du Mono Beach Activities and Water Sports

December's peak ocean temperatures of 27°C (81°F) and reduced Atlantic swells make swimming, bodyboarding, and beach volleyball most enjoyable. Evening sea breezes around sunset (6:15pm in December) cool temperatures to perfect levels for beachside dining at local maquis restaurants.

Booking Tip: Beach chair and umbrella rentals cost 2,000-3,000 CFA francs ($3-5) daily. Water sports equipment available from multiple operators along the beach. No advance booking needed - negotiate directly. See current beach activity options in booking section below.

Traditional Music and Dance Performances

December festival season brings regular Ewe and Kabyè cultural performances at Brazzaville and local venues. Cooler evening temperatures make outdoor traditional dance shows comfortable. Many visiting diaspora musicians perform special December concerts.

Booking Tip: Performance tickets typically cost 3,000-8,000 CFA francs ($5-13). Check weekly schedules at cultural centers. Some hotel lobbies host informal evening performances. Book dinner-show packages for best value. See current cultural event options in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

December 31

New Year's Eve Boulevard du Mono Celebration

Massive street party with live Togolese music, traditional drumming, fireworks at midnight over the ocean, and food vendors selling grilled fish and attieké. Draws 50,000+ people making it West Africa's biggest beachfront New Year celebration.

Mid December

Harmattan Festival Cultural Week

Week-long celebration of traditional arts, crafts demonstrations, storytelling sessions, and regional food specialties. Features artisans from across Togo showcasing pottery, weaving, and wood carving techniques passed down through generations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

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

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflects strongly off white sand beaches

Light scarf or bandana for Harmattan dust protection - fine Saharan particles can irritate throat and eyes

Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes for market visits - flip-flops inadequate for uneven surfaces and crowded areas

Quick-dry towel for beach activities - ocean temperatures of 27°C (81°F) make swimming irresistible

Insect repellent containing DEET - evening mosquitos increase around lagoon areas despite dry season

Light rain jacket or umbrella - brief afternoon showers occur on 10 days despite overall dry conditions

Portable water bottle with filter - staying hydrated crucial in 33°C (91°F) daytime temperatures

Cash in small denominations - many markets and local transport don't accept large bills or cards

Power bank for phone - capturing sunset photos at 6:15pm and extended market tours drain batteries quickly

Insider Knowledge

December mango season means street vendors sell incredibly sweet local varieties for 100-200 CFA francs each - try the kent and amélie varieties that don't exist outside West Africa

Shared taxi fares increase 25-50% during December tourist season - negotiate prices before getting in or use zémidjan motorcycle taxis for short distances at fixed rates

Many restaurants close December 25-26 for Christmas, but Muslim-owned establishments in Zongo Quarter remain open serving excellent Sahelian cuisine

Book accommodation by early November for December stays - many guesthouses fill with returning diaspora and prices can double during last week of December

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating Harmattan dust effects - visitors often skip bringing scarves or masks then struggle with respiratory irritation and poor visibility for photos

Expecting consistent December weather - while generally dry, 10 rainy days means sudden afternoon downpours can soak unprepared tourists

Overpacking warm clothes - many visitors bring sweaters thinking 'dry season equals cold' but temperatures rarely drop below 24°C (75°F) even at night