If you spend Christmas in Abidjan, you swap out cold winter air for warm tropical weather right on the Atlantic. Late December usually brings daytime highs near 31°C (88°F) and nighttime lows around 24°C (75°F). It’s hot and humid, but honestly, it’s pretty comfortable for being outside.
The air feels muggy, sure, but the sea breeze often helps take the edge off.
Rain falls less than during the wettest months, so you won’t deal with the heavy downpours that May or June can bring. Quick showers might sweep through, but they don’t usually ruin your plans.
You get more sunshine hours, which means extra time for beaches, lagoons, or wandering open-air markets.
The ocean stays warm, usually hovering around 28°C (82°F), so you’ll probably want to swim or try water sports.
With steady daylight and the city buzzing with holiday energy, the season gives you a mix of good weather and lively culture. Honestly, Abidjan feels like a pretty unique spot for the holidays.
Typical December Weather in Abidjan
December in Abidjan brings warm temperatures and high humidity. Rain still shows up, but it’s lighter than in the wettest months.
You’ll get short days with steady heat, mild nights, and the occasional shower that keeps the air moist.
General Climate Conditions
Abidjan sits right on the Gulf of Guinea, so it’s humid and tropical all year. In December, you’ll notice warm air, high humidity, and moderate rainfall.
Rain falls on many days, but you’ll see smaller amounts than during the rainy season. Average precipitation lands around 35–65 mm spread over 13–20 days.
Showers happen often, but they’re usually short and not too heavy.
Daylight lasts about 11 hours and 45 minutes—the shortest stretch of the year. Even with less daylight, the sun still feels strong, and skies flip between clear and cloudy.
Humidity usually stays around 75–80%, so the air feels damp even if it’s not raining.
Temperature Ranges During Christmas
December temperatures stay warm, with barely any difference between day and night. Daily highs usually hit 29–31°C (84–88°F), and nighttime lows rest around 24–26°C (75–78°F).
Afternoons around Christmas feel hot, but not unbearable. Nights remain warm and humid, so you’ll rarely need more than a T-shirt.
The sea temperature sits near 27–28°C (81–82°F), which is perfect for swimming.
Abidjan doesn’t get cold snaps or heatwaves in December. The warmth just sticks around. The main thing you’ll notice is the humidity, especially in the evenings after rain.
Comparison With Other Months
December marks a shift away from the heavy rains of May through July and the lighter rains of September to November. Rainfall drops, but showers don’t totally vanish.
December feels a little wetter and more humid than January or February. Those months are drier, with clearer skies and less frequent showers.
August is the coolest month, with highs around 27°C (81°F), while December brings highs closer to 30°C (86°F).
So, December sits in the middle—not as rainy as the wettest months, not as dry as the start of the year.
Rainfall and Humidity Patterns
December in Abidjan signals the start of the short dry season. Rain falls less often than earlier in the year, but humidity sticks around thanks to the city’s coastal spot and tropical vibe.
You’ll notice fewer showers, but the air stays moist and warm throughout the day.
Rainfall Amounts and Probability
December is one of the driest months in Abidjan. Average rainfall usually lands between 20–40 mm for the month. That’s a big drop compared to the wet season, when totals can top 300 mm.
Rain comes as short, light showers instead of long downpours. December usually sees 3 to 5 rainy days, while the wettest months get over 20.
Your odds of rain around Christmas are pretty low. Most days stay dry, and if it does rain, it’s usually brief and clears up fast.
Humidity Levels in December
Even though it rains less, humidity remains high. Average relative humidity in December ranges from 80% in the morning to about 70% in the afternoon. The coast keeps the air moist, even when rain is scarce.
You’ll probably feel the humidity most at night and early in the morning, when the air feels heavy. By midday, sea breezes help, but there’s still a dampness in the air.
If humidity bothers you, pack light, breathable clothes. Fans or air conditioning indoors can make a big difference. The humidity isn’t extreme, but it’s definitely a key part of December in Abidjan.
Sunshine, Daylight, and UV Index
Around Christmas, Abidjan gives you a mix of moderate sunshine, steady daylight, and a consistently high UV index that comes with the tropics. These factors really shape how comfortable your days feel and how much sun protection you’ll need.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
December brings moderate sunshine to Abidjan. On average, you get about 6 to 7 hours of bright sun per day. That’s less than the sunniest months like March or April, but still plenty for outdoor activities.
Clouds show up more often than in the dry season, so sunlight sometimes comes filtered through haze or thin clouds. That can make the light feel less harsh, but don’t skip the sunscreen.
If you’re heading outside, expect sunshine in shorter bursts rather than all-day blazing sun. The mix of sun and clouds helps keep things comfortable for sightseeing or hanging out near the coast.
Length of Daylight
Daylight hours in December stay pretty steady, since Abidjan is close to the equator. You’ll get about 11.8 to 12 hours of daylight every day. Sunrise happens around 6:15 AM, and sunset is close to 6:15 PM.
You won’t see big swings in daylight like you would in Europe or North America. Days in Abidjan stay long enough for a full schedule of activities.
This reliable daylight window means you can plan morning and afternoon outings without worrying about early darkness. Evening comes on quickly after sunset, so it’s smart to wrap up outdoor plans before night.
UV Index and Sun Protection
The UV index in Abidjan during December sits high to very high, usually between 8 and 10 at midday. Clouds don’t do much to block UV rays because the city is so close to the equator.
If you’re outside for a while, definitely take precautions. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), wear sunglasses with UV protection, and maybe try light, long-sleeved clothing to cut down on direct sun.
The sea breeze can make the sun feel less intense, but UV levels stay high regardless of temperature. Stick to the shade during peak hours—10 AM to 3 PM—to lower your risk of sunburn and heat stress.
Sea and Water Temperatures
Water along the Gulf of Guinea stays warm in December, with barely any daily change. You’ll find steady sea temperatures that make swimming easy throughout the holidays.
Average Sea Temperature
In December, the sea around Abidjan averages about 28°C (82–83°F). Records show a typical range between 27.5°C (82°F) at the coolest and 29.4°C (84°F) at the warmest.
You won’t notice big shifts between the start and end of the month. Water stays comfortably warm day and night.
Compared to other months, December is pretty much in the middle. May brings slightly warmer water, and August is a bit cooler, but the difference is small—usually just 2°C or so.
| Period | °C | °F |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 27.5 | 82 |
| Average | 28.4 | 83 |
| Maximum | 29.4 | 84 |
These numbers come from years of observation, so you can trust them when planning.
Suitability for Swimming and Water Activities
December’s sea temperature is warm enough for long swims without feeling chilly. You won’t need a wetsuit, and most people find the water inviting any time of day.
Calm conditions near the coast make it easy for swimming, snorkeling, or hopping on a short boat ride. The warmth also helps you avoid that post-swim chill.
If you’re into paddle boarding or kayaking, the steady temperatures mean you can stay out longer without worrying about cold currents.
Families with kids will like the mild water, since it stays comfy and safe for play. Honestly, the beaches around Abidjan are a solid bet for holiday fun.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions
Late December in Abidjan usually brings steady coastal breezes and stable air pressure. These factors shape how comfortable the weather feels and affect both outdoor plans and travel.
Wind Speeds and Directions
Winds around Christmas mostly come from the south and southwest. That’s pretty standard for a coastal city on the Gulf of Guinea, where sea breezes rule.
This ocean air keeps things humid but also helps take the edge off the heat.
Average wind speeds are light to moderate—usually 6–12 km/h (4–7 mph). Strong gusts almost never show up this time of year, so you don’t have to worry about wild weather.
The steady breeze matters more than the speed, since it helps with the humidity.
You might notice evenings feel calmer, with lighter winds than during the day. That makes it nice for walking or grabbing dinner outside.
Travelers often appreciate the natural ventilation from the sea breeze, especially when air conditioning isn’t always an option.
Atmospheric Pressure Trends
Atmospheric pressure in December stays pretty steady, usually around 1011–1013 hPa—basically standard sea-level pressure. This stability means weather changes are rare, and you won’t see sudden temperature swings.
Because pressure doesn’t jump around, storms are uncommon this time of year. Rain happens, but it’s usually light and scattered—not triggered by fast pressure drops.
Most visitors find the steady pressure makes for predictable, comfortable weather. If you’re sensitive to pressure changes, you’re less likely to get headaches or fatigue here compared to places with more volatile weather.
Travel Tips for Visiting Abidjan at Christmas
Expect warm days, humid conditions, and cooler evenings with a light breeze. You’ll need clothes for the heat, but something light for cooler nights too, and you’ll want to think about how the weather shapes your outdoor plans.
Recommended Clothing
Daytime temperatures often reach about 30°C (86°F), while nights cool to around 24°C (76°F). The Harmattan winds in December sometimes make mornings and evenings feel a bit less muggy than usual.
Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Short sleeves, loose trousers, and dresses are best. A hat and sunglasses help with the strong midday sun, and sunscreen is a must.
Bring a light jacket or long-sleeved shirt for evenings when the breeze picks up. Comfortable walking shoes or sandals work well in the city, but if you’re heading to places like Banco National Park, you’ll want sturdier shoes.
For beach trips to Bassam or Assinie, toss in swimwear, flip-flops, and a cover-up. Local customs lean toward modesty, so pack clothes that balance comfort with respect for the culture.
Outdoor Activities and Weather Considerations
December usually brings some of the driest weather in Abidjan, so you probably won’t have to worry about rain ruining your plans. The skies stay mostly clear, and the air feels warm, which is honestly perfect for outdoor markets, festivals, and concerts.
You’ll notice the humidity drops compared to the wet season. That makes wandering through the city or taking a walking tour a lot more comfortable.
People love getting out into nature. You might hike through Banco National Forest or wander around the botanical gardens. Some folks take a boat tour in Éhotilé National Park, which sounds pretty great with the dry weather keeping trails less muddy.
Still, don’t forget insect repellent if you’re heading into the forest.
This time of year, the beaches are hard to resist. The sea feels warm, and the weather usually holds steady for swimming or just hanging out by the coast.
If you’re sensitive to dust, the Harmattan winds might bother you a bit since they can blow fine particles from the Sahara. Packing a light scarf or mask could make things a lot easier.