Thinking about spending Christmas in Tripoli? You’ll find the weather mild and comfortable compared to lots of other places. Daytime temperatures around Christmas usually hover near 17°C (62°F), with highs reaching about 22°C (72°F) and lows dipping to 12°C (54°F).
Rain can show up, but it’s mostly just light showers, not heavy storms.
You’ll notice the days are shorter, and there’s more cloud cover than in summer. Humidity tends to stay moderate, and the Mediterranean breeze keeps the air feeling fresh.
The sea stays cool but not freezing, which really shapes Tripoli’s December vibe.
This mix of mild temperatures and the occasional rain makes Christmas in Tripoli feel different from those snowy holidays elsewhere.
You can get outside during the day, enjoy the season, and still avoid the summer heat.
Overview of December Weather in Tripoli
In December, you’ll get mild warmth during the day, cooler evenings, and more rainfall than in the earlier months.
The air often feels a bit damp, and breezes from the Mediterranean really add to the winter mood.
Typical Temperature Ranges
Daytime temperatures in Tripoli usually reach 18–20°C (64–68°F). Early December can feel a bit warmer, while it cools off by the end of the month.
Nights often dip to 12–13°C (54–55°F), so you’ll want a light jacket after sunset.
Shorter daylight hours change the city’s feel too. With the sun setting earlier, evenings cool down fast.
You won’t see frost like in northern places, and daytime warmth keeps outdoor plans comfortable.
Here’s a quick look at the numbers:
| Time of Day | Avg. Temp (°C) | Avg. Temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime High | 18–20 | 64–68 |
| Nighttime Low | 12–13 | 54–55 |
This mix of mild days and cooler nights makes December one of the more pleasant winter months in Tripoli.
Precipitation Patterns
December brings more rain, so it’s one of Tripoli’s wetter months. You can expect 8–10 rainy days and totals around 80–100 mm.
Showers are usually brief, but sometimes they get heavy and last a few hours.
Compared to summer’s clear skies, December has more clouds. Some days stay overcast, cutting down on sunshine.
Rain tends to spread out, so you’ll probably see a mix of wet and dry days.
If you’re walking around the old city or along the coast, carrying an umbrella or a light raincoat makes sense.
Streets can get slippery after a good shower.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Humidity in December often ranges from 60% to 75%, so the air can feel damp, especially at night.
The moisture comes right off the Mediterranean and really shapes Tripoli’s winter.
Winds are common, averaging 12–20 km/h (7–12 mph). They usually blow in from the north or northwest, bringing cooler air to the coast.
Storms can bring stronger gusts, though you’ll also get plenty of calm days.
Humidity plus wind can make it feel chillier than the numbers say. If you’re out at night, a windbreaker or light sweater will help.
Daily Weather Characteristics Around Christmas
Late December in Tripoli brings mild days, cooler nights, and the odd rain shower.
You’ll get a mix of sun and clouds, so outdoor activities feel comfortable but a little unpredictable.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Around Christmas, daytime temperatures usually reach about 18–20°C (64–68°F). Afternoons are nice for walking, sightseeing, or hanging out by the coast—no summer heat to worry about.
At night, it cools down to about 12–14°C (54–57°F). The Mediterranean breeze can make evenings feel a bit chilly.
A light jacket or sweater is usually enough.
Day and night temperatures differ, but not dramatically. You can plan most things outdoors without stressing about big swings.
Rainfall Frequency and Intensity
December is wetter than most months in Tripoli. Expect about 8–10 rainy days, with an average of 50–60 mm of rainfall.
Rain usually comes in short bursts, not long storms. Showers might be moderate, but they rarely last all day.
Streets can get slick, so waterproof shoes or a light rain jacket come in handy.
Even though it’s wetter than summer, rain doesn’t usually ruin plans. You’ll still get plenty of dry or only briefly wet days.
Hours of Sunshine
Tripoli gets around 5–6 hours of sunshine per day in late December. That adds up to about 160–180 hours for the month.
The city feels bright, but not blindingly so. There’s enough daylight to visit historic sites, markets, or the waterfront without feeling rushed.
Days are shorter, though. Sunset comes early, so plan outdoor stuff earlier if you want the most sun.
Cloud Cover and Sky Conditions
December brings more cloud cover than the dry summer months. Skies often bounce between partly cloudy and mostly clear, with some overcast spells when rain hits.
On average, a quarter to a third of the days might feel cloudy. Still, you’ll see plenty of blue sky and sunny breaks between showers.
After rain, the air clears up, giving you crisp views of the city and sea.
This mix of clouds and sun makes the atmosphere varied but still pretty comfortable for a trip.
Sea Conditions and Coastal Climate
The coast near Tripoli stays mild in December, with cooler air temperatures but stable sea conditions.
You’ll find moderate sea surface temperatures and calm to breezy winds along the shoreline.
Sea Surface Temperatures in December
In December, Mediterranean waters near Tripoli average 18°C to 20°C (64°F to 68°F). That’s cooler than summer, but still warmer than many northern Mediterranean coasts.
The sea doesn’t change much between day and night, so conditions stay steady.
Winds along the coast get stronger in winter, which can make the sea choppier than in summer.
Rain falls more often in December, with several days of light to moderate showers. These showers don’t usually last all day, but they can affect visibility and the surface.
Storms aren’t common, and the sea usually stays navigable for boats and ferries.
| Factor | December Average |
|---|---|
| Sea Temperature | 18–20°C (64–68°F) |
| Rainfall | 1.3 inches |
| Wind Speed | 11–13 mph |
| Cloud Cover | 30–33% |
Beach and Swimming Suitability
Tripoli’s beaches stay open all year, but December isn’t really swimming season.
The sea is cool, so most people skip long swims unless they’ve got wetsuits.
You can still enjoy beach walks, since the air stays mild with highs around 16–19°C (61–66°F).
There’s less daylight—about 10 hours—so if you want to be outside, aim for earlier in the day.
If you’re into water activities, sailing or fishing works better than swimming right now.
The sea is usually safe for boating, though afternoons can get breezier.
For most visitors, the coastline is more about relaxing walks than active swimming in December.
Weather Variability and Extremes
December weather in Tripoli usually stays mild, but sometimes you’ll get cold dips or rare weather shifts.
While extremes aren’t common, they can change your plans outdoors.
Unusual Cold Snaps
Tripoli has a Mediterranean climate, but you might catch a short cold spell in December.
Average daytime highs reach the mid-60s °F (around 18°C), but at night, it can drop into the upper 40s °F (about 9°C).
These colder nights show up when winds shift from the north, bringing in chillier air.
You’ll feel stronger breezes at these times, making it feel colder than it actually is.
Frost almost never happens in the city, but nearby inland areas might see a little on rare occasions.
For most people, it’s the evening chill that stands out after those mild afternoons.
A light jacket or sweater usually does the trick. Layering helps you deal with the quick changes between day and night.
Rare Weather Events in December
December brings more rain than summer, but it’s still moderate.
On average, Tripoli gets about 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain during the month, spread over a handful of days.
Heavy downpours can hit, but they don’t last long.
Streets might flood briefly because of poor drainage, so it’s smart to be careful after sudden showers.
Thunderstorms can happen, but not often. When they do, you’ll get short bursts of heavy rain and gusty wind.
No snow falls in Tripoli, though distant mountain areas in Libya might see some.
These unusual events usually pass quickly, but they can mess with travel plans. Keeping an eye on the forecast and staying flexible helps you avoid hassle.
Impact of Weather on Christmas Activities
Late December in Tripoli feels mild compared to many other places.
You’ll get cool evenings, limited rainfall, and comfortable daytime temperatures for planning holiday activities.
Outdoor Events and Sightseeing
Daytime temperatures around Christmas usually average about 19°C (67°F), with cooler nights near 8–10°C (46–50°F).
Rain is possible but not too frequent, averaging 60 mm across 9 days in December.
Most days stay dry and good for being outside.
You can explore spots like the Red Castle (Assaraya al-Hamra) or take a walk along the Mediterranean coast without bundling up.
A light jacket works during the day, and you might want a warmer layer in the evening.
Sunlight averages 5–6 hours per day, so it’s smart to plan sightseeing earlier to get the most out of the daylight.
The sea temperature sits at 19–20°C, which is too cold for most swimmers but nice for a waterfront stroll.
Outdoor gatherings, markets, and cultural visits are all doable, but keep an umbrella or raincoat nearby for the occasional shower.
Travel Considerations
Weather around Christmas doesn’t usually cause major travel problems in Tripoli.
Rain is moderate and rarely leads to flooding or closed roads.
Still, wet streets can get slick, so grippy shoes help.
Flights at Mitiga International Airport might get delayed by winter storms, but that’s not common.
Winds average 12–15 kph, so you’ll notice them, but they’re rarely a real issue for travel.
If you’re driving, visibility is usually good since December fog is rare.
Rental cars and taxis run as usual, and the roads stay open.
The mild weather makes intercity travel by bus or car easy, with no worries about snow or ice.
Just prepare for cool evenings and occasional rain, and you’ll get around Tripoli with no trouble during the holidays.
Comparing December Weather to Other Months
December in Tripoli, Libya brings cooler temperatures and more rainfall than much of the year.
If you want to understand these conditions, it helps to see how they stack up against the months before and after, and how they fit into the city’s overall climate pattern.
Differences from January and November
December usually brings daytime highs near 18–19°C (64–66°F). Nights can drop to around 9–10°C (48–50°F).
Rain falls the most in December, with an average of 60–65 mm throughout the month. Skies often stay partly cloudy.
Daylight shrinks to about 10 hours per day, which is the shortest stretch of the year.
When you get to January, temperatures don’t change much. Highs hover around 17°C, and lows dip to about 8°C.
Rainfall drops a bit, averaging 50–55 mm, so it feels just a little drier than December. You’ll also notice a slight bump in sunshine hours, which helps brighten up those chilly days.
If you look back at November, you’ll see December feels cooler and wetter. November highs usually reach 22–23°C (72–73°F), while lows settle near 14°C (57°F).
Rain doesn’t fall as much in November, with only about 45 mm on average. Daylight lasts longer too, at about 11 hours.
November really feels like a transition, doesn’t it? December, on the other hand, kicks off the true winter season in Tripoli.
Annual Climate Context
Tripoli’s climate basically fits a Mediterranean pattern. You’ll get hot, dry summers and then mild, wetter winters.
December really stands out. It brings the shortest days, cooler temperatures, and some of the heaviest rainfall you’ll see all year. If you’re traveling then, get ready for cooler evenings and the highest chance of rain.
In the summer, especially July and August, temperatures shoot up to 33–34°C (91–93°F). Rain is almost nonexistent.
The sun practically owns the sky, pouring down for up to 12 hours a day. December feels like another world compared to those mid-year months.
Spring, especially March to May, sees temperatures climb from 21°C to 29°C. Rainfall drops off fast.
You’ll notice spring is much drier and sunnier than December.
Autumn, with September and October, brings a steady drop in temperatures. Rainfall starts to pick up, hinting at the wetter December ahead.
If you look at the whole cycle, winter months really bring most of the city’s rain. The rest of the year? It’s mostly long, dry stretches with plenty of sunshine.