If you’re planning a holiday in Praia around Christmas, you’ll get warm, comfortable weather instead of the chilly winter that hits so many other places. Average daytime temperatures hover in the mid-70s °F (about 24°C), and evenings usually stay above 70°F (21°C). It’s a great time to hit the beaches or stroll the city—no extreme heat or heavy rain to worry about.
December rarely brings much rain, since the wet season wraps up by autumn. Skies might be partly cloudy, but you’ll still see a good amount of sunshine most days. The air isn’t as humid as late summer, so being outside just feels easier and more relaxed.
Trade winds sweep in a steady, refreshing breeze, and the Atlantic keeps the sea warm enough for a swim. With about 11 hours of daylight, you can wander the coastline, explore Praia’s streets, or just soak up the island’s slower holiday pace.
Typical December Temperatures in Praia
December brings steady, warm weather to Praia. You’ll notice mild changes between day and night, but things don’t really swing much as the month goes on.
Historical records show temperatures rarely get too hot or too cool, so you can count on comfortable weather for almost anything.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Range
During December, daytime temperatures in Praia usually reach 26–27°C (79–81°F). That’s plenty warm for walking, sightseeing, or hanging by the coast.
At night, the air cools just a bit and stays mild. Lows typically land at 21–23°C (70–73°F). You won’t need anything heavy—maybe just a light layer for the evening breeze.
Humidity averages around 70%, which makes the air feel a little warmer than the numbers say. With steady sunshine, the overall vibe is warm but not stifling.
Temperature Variations Through December
You won’t see big temperature swings in December. Early in the month, afternoons might feel a touch warmer, with highs closer to 27°C. By month’s end, highs usually settle around 25–26°C.
Nighttime lows shift gradually too, from about 23°C at the start down to near 21°C by late December. These changes are subtle and probably won’t affect your plans.
The sea stays around 25°C (77°F) all month. You can count on reliable, comfortable swimming whenever you visit.
Historical Highs and Lows
Long-term weather data shows Praia almost never gets extreme temperatures in December. The highest numbers for the month usually top out just under 29°C (84°F), and those are rare.
On the cooler side, historical lows sit around 20°C (68°F). It’s very unusual for it to drop below that.
This narrow range means you can expect Praia’s December weather to stay close to average, so you don’t have to stress over what to pack or whether you’ll need to change your plans.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
December in Praia brings very little rain. Most days stay dry and clear, so outdoor activities and travel aren’t likely to get interrupted.
Average December Rainfall
Praia records just 4–5 mm of rainfall for the whole month of December. That’s tiny compared to the annual average of about 200 mm.
If it does rain, it’s usually light and brief. You’ll probably go days or even weeks without seeing a drop. December really stands out as one of the driest, most predictable months in Praia.
For comparison, the wettest month, September, sees about 81 mm of rain. December sits at the tail end of the dry season, so the contrast is pretty dramatic.
Chance of Rainy Days
You can expect very few rainy days in Praia during December. Historical records suggest just 1–2 days with any measurable rain.
Even on those rare rainy days, showers don’t usually last long or mess up your plans. Unlike some tropical spots, Praia doesn’t get daily downpours in December—if it rains, it often happens overnight or in passing clouds.
With so few wet days, you can book walking tours, beach time, or island trips without worrying much about the weather.
Rainfall Trends Compared to Other Months
December falls squarely in Praia’s dry season. From November to May, rainfall is scarce, with most months getting less than 10 mm.
The wet season, which runs from August to October, brings almost all the annual rain. September alone can deliver over a third of the yearly total.
Just to give you a quick snapshot:
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~81 | ~7 |
| October | ~30–40 | ~4–5 |
| December | ~4–5 | ~1–2 |
| May | ~0.5 | ~3 |
So, December stands out with some of the driest and most stable weather Praia gets. It’s a safe bet for dry, sunny travel.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
In December, Praia’s air feels moderately humid but not overwhelming. The combination of temperature and moisture creates comfortable conditions for most people, though some might notice the humidity more than others.
Average Humidity in December
Praia’s average humidity in December sits around 65–68%. That’s lower than the late summer peak, when it can hit 76%.
With daytime highs near 25°C (77°F), the air feels pleasant. Evenings cool down to about 21°C (70°F), and the humidity keeps nights from feeling too dry.
For most visitors, this level of humidity strikes a nice balance. The air isn’t parched, but it’s not sticky either. If you’re sensitive to humidity, afternoons might feel a bit muggy, but overall, conditions are pretty manageable.
Quick facts for December in Praia:
- Average humidity: 65–68%
- Highest humidity: August (76%)
- Lowest humidity: March (62%)
Dew Point and Comfort Index
The dew point in December usually falls between 17°C and 19°C (63–66°F). That means the air carries some moisture, but it doesn’t get oppressive.
A dew point in this range puts Praia in the “comfortable to slightly humid” zone. With daytime highs in the mid-20s Celsius, the heat index stays pretty close to the actual air temperature. You generally won’t feel much hotter than what the thermometer says.
This is great for travelers. You can walk around or hang outside without that sticky, overwhelming heat you get in more humid places. Evenings are especially nice, since the dew point helps keep nights mild—perfect for dinner outdoors or a stroll.
In short, December’s comfort index is favorable. You might notice some humidity, but it rarely gets in the way of your plans.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
Around Christmas, Praia’s skies usually mix clear and partly cloudy days. You’ll get enough sunlight for outdoor activities even if a few clouds drift by.
Average Cloudiness During Christmas
Late December brings lighter cloud cover compared to the rainy season. On average, clouds cover about 30% to 40% of the sky. You’ll see blue skies and some cloudier stretches, but nothing too gloomy.
The dry season keeps heavy cloud layers away. Rain is minimal—usually around 1–3 mm—so clouds mostly just soften the sun instead of blocking it.
This level of cloudiness is pretty ideal for travelers. You avoid the harsh summer glare, but there’s still plenty of daylight for beach trips, sightseeing, or wandering around town.
Typical Daily Sunshine Duration
December days are a bit shorter than in summer, with about 11 hours and 20 minutes of daylight. Out of that, Praia usually gets 9 to 9.5 hours of actual sunshine per day. That’s plenty for most activities.
Compared to August, when clouds can cut sunshine down to 6–7 hours, December is much brighter. The mix of modest clouds and steady sun makes it one of the brighter months outside of spring.
The sun sits lower in the sky during winter, so the light feels softer and less harsh. You can spend time outside without the intense heat of July or September. December really works for both sightseeing and relaxing on the beach.
Wind Conditions and Sea Breezes
Winds shape Praia’s weather in December. You’ll feel steady breezes that affect both land comfort and sea conditions.
Average Wind Speeds
Winds in December usually blow at 15–25 km/h (9–15 mph), sometimes gusting higher in the afternoons. The land heats up, pressure changes, and the breeze picks up.
You’ll notice the wind most by the coast or in open spaces. Buildings and hills block some of it inland, so things feel calmer there.
The breeze helps keep the air from getting too humid, despite the warmth. It also cools things off at night, making evenings feel more pleasant.
If you’re into sailing, kitesurfing, or fishing, expect reliable wind most days. That consistency is one reason water sports are so popular here in winter.
Prevailing Wind Directions
In December, the northeast trade winds dominate Praia. These winds blow steadily from the Atlantic toward the islands and bring dry air, which keeps rain chances low.
Most days, you’ll feel the wind coming from the northeast to east-northeast. That’s typical for the season and doesn’t change much.
Because of this, the southern and western shores of Santiago Island, including Praia, get calmer seas compared to the windward side. That makes local beaches better for swimming or casual water fun.
If you’re sailing or kiteboarding, keep the wind direction in mind. Launching from northeast-facing beaches means stronger chop and rougher surf, while sheltered spots stay smoother.
Daylight Hours and Sunrise/Sunset Times
In late December, daylight in Praia stays steady and predictable. Sunrise and sunset times barely shift from day to day.
Length of Day Around Christmas
Around Christmas, Praia gets about 11 hours of daylight. The sun rises a bit after 7:00 a.m. and sets shortly after 6:00 p.m. That’s typical for winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
Compared to summer, when daylight lasts over 13 hours, December days definitely feel shorter. The change from late November to late December is less than an hour, though.
Twilight stretches out the usable light, so you’ve got some brightness before sunrise and after sunset. That makes it easy to fit in morning walks or evening plans, even outside the main daylight window.
If you’re planning outdoor trips, you can fit them comfortably inside this 11‑hour stretch. Daylight is reliable, and you don’t get any sudden seasonal surprises here.
Sunrise and Sunset Schedule
In Praia, sunrise in late December usually happens between 7:00 a.m. and 7:10 a.m. Sunset falls somewhere between 6:10 p.m. and 6:20 p.m. These times barely change during Christmas.
The sun hits its highest point at about 12:40 p.m. That’s just a bit later than noon on the clock, mostly because of where the island sits in its time zone.
Here’s a quick outline of what the daily schedule looks like:
| Event | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| First light | 6:40 a.m. |
| Sunrise | 7:05 a.m. |
| Solar noon | 12:40 p.m. |
| Sunset | 6:15 p.m. |
| Last light | 6:40 p.m. |
You might want to use these times to plan beach trips, tours, or evenings out. The steady schedule makes organizing your day pretty simple, honestly—no big surprises.
Sea Temperatures and Coastal Conditions
The waters around Praia in December stay warm and steady, which makes swimming and other coastal activities pretty reliable. You’ll notice only minor changes from the start to the end of the month. The sea usually stays calm, with just a touch of seasonal wind.
Average Sea Temperature in December
In December, the sea around Praia usually sits between 24°C and 26°C (75°F–79°F). Early in the month, the water can reach 26°C (79°F). Later on, it trends closer to 25°C (77°F).
Most days, the water feels consistently warm. For the Atlantic, that’s actually quite high, so Praia feels like a solid pick if you love swimming in warmer seas.
Daytime air temperatures average around 26°C (78°F). Nights cool off to about 21°C (69°F). So the sea and the air feel pretty similar, and you won’t get that chilly shock you might find elsewhere.
Humidity usually hangs around 73%. Rainfall barely shows up, with just 2 mm for the whole month. That keeps the coast dry, so the sea conditions don’t really get affected much.
Suitability for Swimming and Water Activities
In December, Praia’s sea temperature feels very comfortable for swimming. The water usually sits between 24 and 26°C. You can stay in the ocean for a long time without feeling chilly. Honestly, there’s no need for a wetsuit, even if you love spending hours in the water.
Calm waves and steady conditions usually welcome casual swimmers, snorkelers, and anyone up for paddleboarding. Winds come in at around 20 km/h (12 mph), so you might notice a little surface chop, but it doesn’t really mess with your beach plans.
The climate stays stable, so you’ll get reliable swimming all month. The water’s warmth and predictability make it perfect for anyone hoping to plan a holiday around the coast.