Ndjamena in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Ndjamena

33°C (92°F) High Temp

16°C (60°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect desert weather - 33°C (92°F) highs with 16°C (60°F) evenings ideal for outdoor exploration without extreme heat
Zero rainfall with 10 clear days makes December the driest month for consistent outdoor activities and desert camping
Peak wildlife viewing season at Chad - animals concentrate around water sources during dry season
Harmattan winds from the Sahara create excellent visibility (30+ km/19+ miles) for photography and clear skies for stargazing

Considerations

Dust storms from Harmattan winds can close N'Djamena Airport for 2-4 hours without warning, affecting flight schedules
Hotel rates increase 40-60% during December peak season, with many mid-range properties booking out by November
Extreme temperature swings of 17°C (31°F) between day and night require versatile clothing and can shock visitors

Best Activities in December

Chari River Sunset Cruises

December's low river levels create perfect conditions for traditional pirogue boat trips along the Chari River. With 70% humidity and gentle evening breezes, sunset cruises offer relief from daytime heat while providing exceptional hippo and bird watching opportunities. Clear Harmattan skies create impressive photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Book through hotel concierges or waterfront operators 3-5 days ahead. Trips typically cost 8,000-12,000 CFA per person for 2-hour excursions. Look for boats with shade covers and life jackets. Peak sunset timing is 6:15-6:45 PM.

Grand Mosque and Central Market Walking Tours

December's dry conditions and morning temperatures of 20-25°C (68-77°F) make early walking tours comfortable. The this destination's architecture is impressive in clear Harmattan light, while the this destination buzzes with seasonal dried fish and date harvests. Afternoon heat makes morning timing essential.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration works best - hire local guides at mosque entrance for 2,000-3,000 CFA for 90-minute tours. Start by 8 AM to avoid 33°C (92°F) midday heat. Friday prayers (12-2 PM) restrict mosque access for non-Muslims.

Traditional Pottery Village Excursions

December's dry season is peak pottery production time in villages like Guelendeng, 25 km (15.5 miles) from N'Djamena. Artisans work in optimal conditions with clay that's perfectly dried by Harmattan winds. Cool mornings and dustless roads make village visits most pleasant this month.

Booking Tip: Arrange through cultural centers or hotels for day trips typically costing 15,000-25,000 CFA including transport and guide. 4WD vehicles recommended despite dry roads. Bring cash for pottery purchases - pieces range 1,000-8,000 CFA.

Desert Camping Expeditions

December offers ideal desert camping weather with cool 16°C (60°F) nights perfect for sleeping outdoors and warm but not extreme 33°C (92°F) days. Zero rainfall ensures dry conditions, while clear Harmattan skies provide exceptional stargazing with minimal light pollution 50+ km (31+ miles) from city.

Booking Tip: Book with established operators offering 2-3 day packages for 35,000-55,000 CFA per person including meals and equipment. Verify operators provide adequate blankets for temperature drops. Book 2-3 weeks ahead during December peak season.

Lake Chad Fishing Village Tours

December's low water levels concentrate fish populations, making it peak fishing season. Traditional fishing techniques are most visible, and dried fish processing is at its annual peak. Cool mornings and stable weather patterns make the 60 km (37 mile) journey comfortable.

Booking Tip: Arrange through fishing cooperatives or tour operators for day trips typically 20,000-30,000 CFA per person. Include boat rides to active fishing areas. Bring sun protection - UV index reaches 8 with strong reflection off water.

Archaeological Site Explorations

December's dry conditions provide excellent access to archaeological sites like Sao culture remains near Gaoui. Clear visibility and firm ground conditions make exploration safer and more rewarding. Cooler mornings allow extended outdoor investigation without heat exhaustion.

Booking Tip: Coordinate with Banjul or cultural ministry for guided access. Half-day trips typically cost 12,000-18,000 CFA including expert guides. Sites require walking 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) on uneven terrain - sturdy footwear essential.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Festival of Arts and Culture

N'Djamena's premier cultural celebration featuring traditional music, dance performances, and artisan exhibitions. Local craftspeople display pottery, textiles, and jewelry while musicians perform sara, kanembu, and other ethnic traditions under comfortable December evening skies.

Late December

Dry Season Fishing Festivals

Chad fishing communities celebrate peak fishing season with traditional ceremonies, communal fishing expeditions, and fish preparation demonstrations. Visitors can participate in net-casting lessons and taste regional fish specialties.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve cotton shirts - protect against UV index 8 while staying cool in 33°C (92°F) heat and 70% humidity

Warm fleece or light jacket for 16°C (60°F) evenings - temperature drops 17°C (31°F) from day to night

Quality dust mask or bandana - Harmattan winds carry fine Sahara sand that irritates airways

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - intense desert sun with minimal cloud cover for 10+ consecutive days

Closed-toe walking shoes - protect feet from hot sand that can reach 50°C (122°F) by midday

Insect repellent with DEET - river areas maintain mosquito populations despite dry conditions

Water purification tablets - reliable bottled water scarce outside N'Djamena city center

Headlamp with extra batteries - frequent power outages and excellent stargazing opportunities in clear December skies

Cash in small CFA franc notes - credit cards not accepted outside major hotels, ATMs unreliable

Portable phone charger - dust can interfere with charging ports and power supply is inconsistent

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by early November - December is peak expat holiday season and quality hotels fill up completely, especially around Christmas week

Harmattan dust storms typically hit between 2-4 PM - plan indoor activities or rest during these hours when visibility drops to under 100 m (328 ft)

Local buses stop running during midday heat (12-3 PM) in December - plan transportation around morning and evening schedules when temps are below 30°C (86°F)

Bring gifts of dates or small electronics if visiting villages - December is traditionally a gift-giving season that coincides with post-harvest celebrations

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating nighttime cold - many tourists pack only for 33°C (92°F) days and suffer through 16°C (60°F) nights without warm layers

Flying on same-day connections - Harmattan dust storms cause frequent 2-4 hour airport delays in December, missing connecting flights

Drinking tap water outside hotels - December's low water levels concentrate bacteria and parasites in local water sources, causing severe stomach issues