Spending Christmas in Douala throws you right into a warm, tropical climate, not the cool winter weather you might expect during the holidays. Daytime temperatures usually hover close to 88°F (31°C), and at night, they dip to around 76°F (24°C). High humidity makes the air feel even warmer and heavier.
This kind of consistency shapes a holiday atmosphere that’s more about sunshine and coastal breezes than cold air or snow.
December sits in the drier part of the year for Douala. Rain chances drop quickly, and by Christmas, showers become much less frequent than during the wet season.
Skies stay partly to mostly cloudy, but you’ll still get enough sun to enjoy outdoor activities or coastal trips without worrying too much about heavy rainfall.
Hot temperatures, sticky humidity, and easing rainfall all shape the holiday climate here. If you’re curious about comfort, daily life, or travel plans, the next sections break down temperature trends, rainfall, cloud cover, and wind.
Overview of Douala’s December Climate
In December, Douala gets hot and humid but with less rain than during the peak wet season. You’ll notice warm days, mild nights, and a mix of sunshine and clouds that actually make it a bit more comfortable for being outside.
General Weather Patterns
December kicks off the drier season in Douala. Rainfall drops a lot compared to the heavy showers of the middle months, though you’ll still get some rain.
On average, you might see about 5–14 days of rain, depending on the year.
Humidity stays high, usually above 80%, so the air feels heavy. Still, skies are brighter, with about 180–190 hours of sunshine scattered through the month.
Clouds stick around, but clear stretches break things up. This balance makes the weather more predictable and less likely to disrupt your plans.
Temperature Ranges
December days in Douala are hot. Highs usually hit around 31–32°C (88–90°F).
Evenings and nights don’t cool off much, with lows near 23–24°C (73–75°F).
The heat barely changes as the month goes on. Unlike desert climates where nights get chilly, Douala’s spot on the coast keeps things steady.
Because of the high humidity and warmth, the weather can feel intense. Lightweight clothes and staying hydrated help a lot.
Here’s a quick table:
| Time of Day | Average °C | Average °F |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime High | 31–32°C | 88–90°F |
| Nighttime Low | 23–24°C | 73–75°F |
Comparison With Other Months
December feels a lot drier and sunnier than July or August. Mid-year months bring over 200 mm of rain and lots of storms, but December usually gets just 20–100 mm depending on the source.
Temperatures barely change year-round in Douala, but December is more comfortable because there’s less rain and fewer gloomy days.
Humidity sticks around, but it’s less overwhelming than in the wettest months.
If you prefer less rain and more dependable sun, December is one of the best times to visit this coastal city.
Typical Temperatures Around Christmas
December in Douala brings warm, humid days and nights that don’t cool off much. You’ll notice steady tropical heat, and even after sunset, it rarely feels cool.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
During the day, highs usually climb to 29–31°C (84–88°F). The sun and humidity together make it feel even hotter, especially around midday.
Light clothing and finding shade go a long way if you’re outside.
At night, the temperature stays warm, averaging 23–24°C (73–75°F). Even mornings feel humid and mild.
You really won’t need a jacket or sweater—nights rarely get cool here.
The small gap between highs and lows keeps the warmth steady all December.
Temperature Variability During December
December doesn’t bring big temperature swings. The Atlantic Ocean nearby helps keep things stable.
Daily highs and lows don’t change much—just a few degrees up or down. You can plan outdoor activities without worrying about sudden heat spikes or chilly drops.
Rain is lower than during the wettest months, but humidity stays high. Sometimes, you’ll feel slightly cooler mornings after rain, but it’s a minor difference.
Most visitors find the weather reliably warm all month.
Historical Temperature Trends
Long-term records show that December temperatures in Douala barely budge over the years. Highs usually sit around 30°C (86°F), and lows are close to 23°C (73°F).
Douala doesn’t see big seasonal swings like some places. The main changes come from rainfall and clouds, not temperature.
You can expect December weather to repeat itself most years. That consistency makes travel planning easier, since Douala’s weather rarely surprises anyone during the holidays.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Humidity in Douala stays high year-round, and December isn’t any different. The air feels warm and sticky, which definitely affects how comfortable you’ll be outside.
Average Humidity in December
In December, relative humidity in Douala usually runs between 80% and 85%. That’s high, but still a bit lower than in July or August.
High humidity plus average temperatures around 26–27°C (79–81°F) makes the air feel even warmer. Sweat doesn’t evaporate quickly, so your body’s cooling system struggles.
Mornings and evenings often feel stickier because cooler air holds more moisture. By midday, it might ease a little, but don’t expect a big change.
If you’re sensitive to muggy weather, you’ll notice the heavy air, even when it’s not raining. For many visitors, this is the main comfort challenge in December.
Impact on Outdoor Activities
High humidity shapes how you plan your day in Douala. Walking or sightseeing during the hottest times can wear you out fast, since sweat evaporates slowly.
You might want to schedule outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon when it’s a bit less oppressive.
Sports and exercise outdoors get tougher too. The heat and moisture combo makes dehydration more likely, so drink water often and take breaks in the shade.
Clothing matters—a lot. Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen help you cope. Carrying a small towel or handkerchief is handy, since you’ll probably sweat more than usual.
Indoor spots with fans or air conditioning give you a break during the muggiest parts of the day. If you’re staying a while, you’ll probably end up adjusting your schedule to dodge the worst humidity and make things more comfortable.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
December in Douala signals a shift toward drier weather, but you’ll still get some measurable rain. Showers aren’t as common as during the peak wet season, yet the city doesn’t dry out completely.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall in December lightens up a lot compared to the middle of the year. On average, you’ll get about 70–80 mm for the month.
That’s a big drop from July, which can see 350 mm or more.
With less rain, planning outdoor activities gets easier. Showers still pop up, but they’re usually shorter and less intense.
You won’t get stuck in the long, heavy downpours that define the wettest months.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| July | ~350–390 mm |
| August | ~350 mm |
| December | ~70–80 mm |
| January | ~75 mm |
These numbers show how December kicks off a drier stretch in Douala.
Chance of Rainy Days
Even though December is drier, you should still expect some rain. Data shows about 5–7 rainy days in the month.
That’s a lot fewer than the 20+ rainy days you’d get in the peak wet season.
Rain usually comes in short bursts, not all-day events. Planning outdoor stuff for the morning or late afternoon can help you dodge the heaviest showers.
Sometimes, the air feels damp even when it’s not raining. The humidity sticks around, but it doesn’t always mean precipitation.
Rainfall Compared to Other Seasons
When you compare December to other parts of the year, the difference is clear. Wettest months like June through September bring over 300 mm of rain and nearly daily showers.
December stands out as one of the driest months.
That’s why many travelers choose to visit around Christmas. You get warm tropical weather, but without so many rain interruptions.
Rainfall stays low into January and February, making this the most reliable dry stretch. If you want to skip heavy rain but still enjoy Douala’s climate, December is a solid pick.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
December in Douala means drier conditions and less rain, but skies are still partly to mostly cloudy. Sunshine picks up compared to the wettest months, though cloud cover still affects how much daylight you actually see.
Typical Cloudiness in December
Cloud cover in December is moderate, with a mix of cloudy and clearer days. Skies are often hazy or partly overcast, but not as dark as in July or August.
Less rain means fewer thick storm clouds, though humidity keeps things looking hazy. December brings more breaks in the clouds, so you get brighter daylight more often.
Compared to mid-year months, when clouds can block out almost all daylight, December feels noticeably lighter.
You’ll still see gray skies sometimes, but they don’t last as long.
That makes December a better month for outdoor activities, since the clouds aren’t as oppressive—though they never totally clear out.
Average Daily Sunshine
Sunshine hours in December go up compared to the core rainy season. You can expect about 5 to 6 hours of sunshine per day, which is a big jump from the 1–2 hours you’d get in August.
Sunlight doesn’t last all day. It usually comes in shorter bursts between clouds.
Mornings and late afternoons often have the clearest skies.
So, for travelers, you get reliable daylight windows for your plans, though the weather can still shift. Carrying light rain gear is smart, but you’ll probably enjoy more consistent brightness.
January usually brings a bit more sunshine, but December still gives you enough daylight for sightseeing or a beach day.
Effect on Visibility and Mood
Cloud cover and sunshine change visibility in Douala. In December, you can see farther across the city and coastline than during the peak rainy season, when heavy clouds and rain cut visibility.
Humidity still makes things look a little hazy.
Better visibility helps with road conditions and getting around. Outdoor markets, beaches, and walking tours feel more open and less gloomy.
A bit more daylight also lifts the mood. The environment feels more inviting and less closed in than during the darkest, wettest months.
Even short bursts of sunshine help balance the humidity and make being outside more pleasant.
Wind Conditions and Their Effects
Around Christmas in Douala, the air feels heavy and humid. The wind plays a small but steady part in how comfortable things feel and what you can do outside.
Breezes stay light, but their direction and steadiness still shape outdoor plans and the overall feel of the season.
Average Wind Speeds
In December, you’ll typically get light winds, with average speeds hanging around 5 to 8 km/h (3 to 5 mph). Most days, the breeze barely picks up enough to matter.
Since the wind stays so calm, humidity and heat tend to stick around, which can make the air feel warmer than what the thermometer says. If you’re thinking of spending time outside, keep in mind that the lack of a breeze means less natural cooling.
Travelers might want to pack lightweight clothes and maybe even a small fan. Shade helps too, especially when the air just sits there.
Wind Direction Trends
In December, winds in Douala usually blow in from the southwest to west. The city’s spot along the Gulf of Guinea really shapes this pattern.
That ocean breeze brings in moist maritime air, and honestly, that’s why the humid conditions stick around during this time of year.
You probably won’t see many sudden shifts in wind direction. Instead, there’s a steady, almost predictable flow that just fits with the region’s tropical climate.
Since the wind blows in from the ocean, it brings moisture inland and keeps things feeling damp, even when it’s technically the drier season.
If you’re near the coast, you might notice evenings feel a bit cooler because of the sea breeze. The difference isn’t dramatic, but it’s there—just not as strong as in some other coastal places.