If you’re planning to spend Christmas in Lome, get ready for warm, tropical weather instead of the cold, snowy scenes that usually come with the holiday season.
Average daytime temperatures hover near 31°C (about 88°F), and nights only cool down a bit to around 24°C (75°F). The air feels humid, but rainfall stays low compared to the wetter months, making it easier to enjoy being outside.
By December, the dry season has settled in. You’ll notice fewer rainy days and more clear skies.
Humidity drops compared to the peak rainy season, so the air feels lighter. The sea stays warm, inviting you to the coast without those pesky storms.
With steady warmth, not much rain, and calm coastal weather, the holiday climate feels both reliable and pleasant. Whether you’re thinking of beach trips, city walks, or joining local celebrations, the weather gives you plenty of options.
Overview of Christmas Weather in Lome
Around Christmas, Lome gets hot days, warm nights, and barely any rain. Skies are often partly cloudy, humidity stays high, and the nearby ocean keeps temperatures steady.
Typical Weather Patterns in December
December falls in the dry season, so rain is rare. You’ll usually see about 0.3 inches of rain for the whole month.
The chance of a rainy day drops from 6% at the beginning of December to about 3% by the end.
Daytime highs average 88–89°F (31–32°C), and nighttime lows stick close to 75–76°F (24°C). These numbers barely budge, so the weather feels consistent all month.
Humidity stays high, but it does ease a bit as December goes on. Early in the month, it can feel muggy, with humidity around 98%, but by the end it drops to about 87%.
Sunlight hours hardly change. Around Christmas, you get roughly 11 hours and 46 minutes of daylight, with sunrise close to 6:00 AM and sunset just before 5:45 PM.
How Christmas Weather Compares to Other Months
December stands out as one of the driest times of year, especially next to wetter months like May, June, and September. In June, rain can top 10 inches, but December averages less than half an inch.
Temperatures don’t swing much throughout the year. December is a bit cooler than the hottest months.
February usually hits highs around 90°F (32°C), while August, the coolest month, sees highs closer to 82°F (28°C).
Humidity shifts too. April is the muggiest, but January and December feel a bit less sticky.
Wind speeds in December are moderate, averaging about 6–7 mph. It’s calmer than the breezier mid-year months, which helps keep the holiday weather steady.
Climatic Influences on Holiday Weather
Lome’s tropical climate comes from its spot on the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa. The ocean keeps things stable, stopping extreme heat during the day and limiting how much it cools at night.
The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) shapes rainfall patterns here. When the ITCZ moves north, rains arrive in the middle of the year. By December, it shifts south, and Lome gets drier.
Coastal breezes from the south help control both temperature and humidity. These winds also explain why December feels calmer, unlike the gustier winds of July and August.
With all these factors, Christmas weather in Lome brings warm, steady days, hardly any rain, and moderate humidity.
Temperature Trends During Christmas
During Christmas in Lome, Togo, the weather stays hot and humid, with only small shifts between day and night. You’ll feel steady warmth all day and after sunset, and December is one of the drier months.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime temperatures around Christmas in Lome usually reach about 31°C (88°F). It’s typical for December and makes outdoor plans comfortable, especially if you go out early or later in the day.
At night, temperatures dip only a little. Lows often land around 23–26°C (73–79°F).
Evenings stay warm and humid, so most people need air conditioning or a fan to sleep well.
The small difference between day and night temperatures gives the city a steady, warm vibe. Unlike places with cool nights, you can expect heat to stick around.
Temperature Fluctuations Throughout December
December is deep in the dry season, so rain is rare. That means temperatures stay more stable than during the rainy months.
The start and end of December feel almost the same. Daytime highs sit between 30–32°C (86–90°F), and nighttime lows rarely drop below 23°C (73°F).
With less cloud cover in December, afternoons can feel sunnier and a touch warmer than during the wet season. But honestly, the changes are pretty minor, and most days feel much the same.
Comparison to Annual Temperature Averages
Compared to the yearly climate, December sticks close to Lome’s long-term averages. Daytime highs all year usually range from 28°C to 32°C (82–90°F), and December’s 31°C fits right in the middle.
Nighttime lows in December, usually 23–26°C, also match the city’s typical pattern. Lows throughout the year stay between 23°C and 27°C (74–81°F).
Christmas in Lome doesn’t bring any weather surprises. It’s just classic tropical warmth, with hardly any seasonal contrast compared to other places.
Rainfall and Humidity Conditions
December in Lomé is part of the dry season in Togo’s tropical climate. Rain barely makes an appearance, and while humidity is still there, it’s not as intense as during the wet months.
That makes the weather more stable for travel and outdoor plans.
Probability of Rain Around Christmas
Rainfall in Lomé during December is minimal, especially compared to the heavy rains of May through July. On average, the city gets about 20–25 mm of rain spread over just 1–3 days for the whole month.
So, the chance of rain at Christmas is pretty low. If it does rain, showers tend to be short and light rather than long storms.
You’ll see dry skies most days, making December a reliable month for outdoor plans. Unlike the peak rainy season, when over 200 mm can fall in a month, December is much drier.
Humidity Levels in December
Humidity in Lomé during December stays moderately high, but it’s not as overwhelming as in the rainiest months. Average relative humidity sits between 75% and 80%.
Mornings and evenings can feel more humid because of the cooler air, while afternoons are a bit less heavy. Nights remain warm, with lows around 23°C (73°F), which can make sleeping without air conditioning a struggle for some.
Even though the humidity isn’t extreme, you’ll still notice a tropical feel in the air. Paired with daytime highs near 31°C (88°F), things can get sticky, especially if you’re active outside.
Impact of Rainfall on Outdoor Activities
Since rain is so rare in December, you can plan most outdoor activities with little worry about the weather. Beaches, city tours, and coastal trips usually go off without a hitch.
The persistent humidity can affect your comfort, though. Light clothes, sunscreen, and plenty of water are smart if you’ll be outside for a while.
If a quick shower does come, it usually passes fast, and the rest of the day stays dry. December is a good month for exploring Lomé’s markets, cultural spots, and beaches without constant weather interruptions.
With low rainfall and manageable humidity, you get favorable conditions for both travel and daily life around Christmas.
Sea Temperature and Coastal Conditions
Expect warm sea temperatures and generally calm coastal weather in Lome during December. The water stays comfortable for swimming, and the air remains hot and humid, so the coast is a solid pick for outdoor fun.
Average Sea Temperature in December
In December, the sea temperature in Lome averages about 28°C (82°F). This warmth holds steady all month, with only small daily changes.
Records show the water can range from 26°C to 29.6°C, keeping it in a stable, warm range.
December isn’t the hottest or coolest month for the sea. August is usually cooler, while March is often the warmest. By December, the ocean has warmed up enough to feel pleasant, without big swings.
The air temperature by the coast helps, too. Daytime highs reach 31–32°C, while nights dip to about 23–26°C. With high humidity, the water doesn’t cool off much overnight.
Suitability for Swimming and Water Activities
The sea in December feels warm enough for long swims without any chill. At around 28°C, you can stay in the water as long as you like.
Wave conditions along Lome’s coast are usually moderate. Wave heights rarely stop people from swimming, but it’s always smart to check local advisories.
Rain falls on just 2 days in December, and you get about 7 hours of sunshine daily. The UV index is near 10, so sunburn is a real risk. If you’re at the beach or in the water, don’t forget sunscreen or protective clothing.
With warm water, calm seas, and little rain, December is a great time to enjoy Lome’s coast.
Sunshine, Daylight, and Wind Patterns
Around Christmas in Lome, you’ll get steady daylight, decent sunshine hours, and light coastal winds. These details shape how comfortable it feels outside and what kind of activities you can enjoy.
Daily Sunshine Hours
December is part of the dry season, so skies are clearer than in the rainy months. You’ll typically see 6 to 7 hours of sunshine per day, though some days might be cloudier.
Lower humidity makes the sun feel less harsh, even when temperatures climb above 30°C (86°F). This mix of heat and manageable sun makes outdoor plans more pleasant.
If you’re out for a while, sun protection is a must. The sun isn’t at its yearly peak, but the UV index in West Africa always stays high.
Daylight Duration During Christmas
Daylight hours in Lome barely change because it’s so close to the equator. Around Christmas, you get about 11.7 to 11.9 hours of daylight each day.
Sunrise is close to 6:00 AM, and sunset is around 6:00 PM.
This steady cycle means you don’t have to fuss with changing your schedule much between seasons. Planning morning or evening activities is simple.
For travelers, this predictability makes it easy to organize day trips or beach time. You can count on nearly equal day and night all year.
Wind Speeds and Direction
Winds in December stay light to moderate in Lome. Average speeds run from 8 to 12 km/h (5 to 7 mph), with the occasional stronger breeze along the coast.
The main winds come from the northeast, thanks to the Harmattan, a dry trade wind blowing across West Africa. It sometimes brings fine dust, but in coastal Lome, the effect is usually pretty mild compared to northern Togo.
These breezes help lower humidity and make the warm air feel more comfortable. If you’re near the ocean, that breeze can be a real relief during the hottest hours.
Weather Forecasting and Travel Planning
You can expect warm and humid weather in Lomé during December, with barely any rain. To make the most of your trip, check updated forecasts regularly and pack clothes and gear that work for both the heat and the humidity.
How to Check the Latest Weather Forecast
When you check the weather forecast for Lomé, don’t just stick to one source. I usually bounce between local meteorological services, global sites like AccuWeather or Weather.com, and sometimes even travel blogs for daily updates.
These places lay out the basics—temperature ranges, chances of rain, wind speeds, and humidity levels.
If you want to know what’s coming hour by hour, go for hourly forecasts. They let you see how the day might unfold, which is super handy for outdoor activities.
Rain can show up out of nowhere, even during the dry season, so checking ahead can save you some headaches.
For those who like to plan further out, check out monthly climate averages. These give you a general idea of what to expect around Christmas—usually highs near 32 °C and lows around 24 °C.
Don’t forget about the UV index. Lomé’s right on the coast, so the sun can be pretty intense, even in December.
I’d suggest taking a quick peek at the forecast before you leave your hotel each morning. It’s a simple way to stay ready for whatever the day throws at you.
Tips for Packing and Preparing for Christmas in Lome
When you’re packing for Lomé in December, stick with light, breathable fabrics. I’d go for cotton and linen shirts, shorts, or dresses to handle that daytime heat.
Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat and some decent sunglasses, since the sun can get pretty intense. Sandals or lightweight shoes will keep your feet happy as you walk around.
December usually brings low rainfall, but honestly, tossing a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket in your bag isn’t a bad idea. Humidity tends to stay high, so quick-dry clothing really comes in handy.
Pack high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle for your health and comfort. You’ll want to stay hydrated in that warm weather.
If you’re thinking about swimming, bring a swimsuit—the sea’s around 28°C and perfect for a dip. Maybe add a light sweater for the evenings, although it rarely gets cold enough to really need it.