Christmas in Monrovia brings warm, tropical weather—definitely a big change from the chilly holiday scenes you might picture elsewhere.
Daytime highs usually hit around 29°C (84°F), and nights stay close to 25°C (77°F). Rainfall is light compared to the heavy wet season.
This holiday period falls during the city’s drier months, so you get more comfort for outdoor gatherings and travel.
Humidity sticks around, but it’s nowhere near as intense as during peak rainy months.
Sunshine hours go up, so you get brighter days and clearer skies. The city feels more open and inviting.
With this combo of warmth, less rain, and longer sunshine, December really stands out as one of the best times to experience Monrovia’s tropical climate.
If you plan to spend Christmas at the beach, in the city, or exploring nearby, the weather’s on your side.
Calmer winds and less rain make for reliable conditions. Both relaxation and activity feel easier, setting the scene for a festive, comfortable holiday.
Typical Christmas Weather in Monrovia
In December, Monrovia enters its dry season. That means less rain, more sun, and warm, steady temperatures.
Expect hot afternoons and humid nights. Heavy storms drop off compared to the middle of the year.
Average Temperatures in December
December counts as one of Monrovia’s warmer months, but the heat doesn’t go overboard.
Daytime highs hit about 29°C (84–85°F). Nights settle near 25°C (76–77°F).
Temperatures stay pretty consistent, so you won’t see wild swings from week to week.
This narrow range makes the climate predictable. You can plan outdoor stuff without worrying about sudden cold spells.
Even at night, the air stays warm. You won’t need extra layers.
If you’re used to colder holidays, the tropical warmth might feel strange at first. Still, the steady weather makes December a comfortable month for sightseeing and local events.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Humidity in December usually sits around 75–80%. It’s lower than during the peak rainy season, but you might still feel sticky during the day.
Warmth plus moisture can feel heavy, especially if you’re walking far.
Evenings bring some relief. Breezes from the Atlantic help, especially near the coast.
Fans or air conditioning indoors make a big difference in comfort.
Because of the humidity, staying hydrated matters.
Wear light, breathable clothes to handle the tropical conditions. Most people find the climate manageable if they pace themselves and take breaks in the shade.
Chance of Rain and Cloud Cover
Rainfall drops sharply in December compared to previous months.
On average, Monrovia gets about 50–60 mm (2 inches) of rain, spread over just a handful of days.
Showers are short and not that common, so you’ll see lots of dry stretches.
Cloud cover goes down, too, giving you more sunshine.
Daylight lasts about 12 hours, and sunshine averages 7–9 hours each day.
Rain can still happen, but it’s usually quick bursts, not long storms.
Outdoor activities, beach visits, or sightseeing are easy to plan without big interruptions.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
December sits firmly in Monrovia’s short dry season. Rain falls less often and in lighter amounts, so outdoor activities become easier to manage.
December Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall in December averages about 80–90 mm for the whole month. That’s a big drop from the heavy rains in mid-year.
Rain usually shows up in short bursts, not all-day downpours.
Showers tend to be scattered, with dry gaps of several days.
Monrovia’s tropical monsoon climate means you shouldn’t expect a totally rain-free month, even in the dry season.
A light rain jacket or small umbrella still makes sense to pack.
Rainy Days and Dry Spells
December usually brings 2 to 4 rainy days.
That’s way lower than the 20–25 wet days you’d get in the rainiest months.
Longer dry spells mean more clear skies and extended sunshine.
These breaks in rain are what define the short dry season along Liberia’s coast.
Humidity stays high, but less rain makes travel easier.
Roads are more passable, and outdoor markets and beaches get busier than during rainy months.
Comparison to Other Months
If you stack December up against peak rainy months like June, August, or September, the difference is huge.
Rainfall in those months can soar past 500–600 mm, with heavy daily showers.
January gets even drier than December, averaging around 80 mm and even fewer rainy days.
February keeps the dry streak going until rains pick up again in March.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| June | ~650 mm | 25–28 |
| September | ~550 mm | 24–26 |
| December | ~85 mm | 2–4 |
| January | ~80 mm | 2 |
December and January are your best bets for dry weather in Monrovia.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
In December, Monrovia gets a mix of short sunshine periods, steady daylight hours, and moderate visibility.
Cloud cover can still pop up, shaping your outdoor experience.
Average Sunshine Hours in December
December comes right after the rainy season, so you’ll still see a fair bit of cloudiness.
On average, expect about 4 to 5 hours of sunshine per day.
That’s less than sunnier months like March or January, which can go over 6 hours daily.
Total sunshine for December usually lands between 120 and 150 hours.
That’s enough for outdoor plans, but you might need to work around cloudy mornings or afternoons.
Sunshine often comes in bursts, not long stretches, so flexibility helps if you want to catch clear skies.
Compared to other West African cities, Monrovia gets less sun in December because of its coastal location and humid air.
If you’re visiting, expect brighter days than August, but not as sunny as peak dry season.
Daylight Duration
Daylight in Monrovia stays pretty steady year-round since it’s close to the equator.
In December, you get about 11 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours 40 minutes of daylight each day.
Sunrise usually happens around 6:30 a.m., and sunset is near 6:00 p.m.
Unlike places farther from the equator, you won’t notice big changes in day length.
This steady daylight makes daily planning easier—no super short winter days to worry about.
Daylight hours stay stable, but actual sunshine hours drop because of cloud cover.
So, you might have long daylight periods that still feel a bit dim or overcast.
Cloudiness and Visibility
In December, Monrovia’s skies are often partly to mostly cloudy, with breaks that let sunlight through.
Humidity stays high, adding a hazy look, especially in the mornings.
Visibility usually runs moderate, around 6 to 10 kilometers.
Heavy rain or mist can drop it lower, but coastal breezes sometimes help clear the air.
That mix of cloudiness, humidity, and occasional rain means you shouldn’t expect crystal-clear skies every day.
Still, visibility is usually good enough for travel, sightseeing, and outdoor fun without big problems.
Monrovia’s Tropical Climate Overview
You’ll feel steady warmth in Monrovia, with only small changes in temperature through the year.
Rainfall, humidity, and cloud cover shift the most, shaped by the Atlantic Ocean and the monsoon cycle.
Tropical Climate Characteristics
Monrovia has a tropical rainforest climate (Af)—high humidity and warm temperatures all year.
Average daily temperatures usually run between 74°F and 88°F (23°C – 31°C), with little difference between day and night.
You won’t see big seasonal swings like in temperate zones.
Instead, rainfall brings the bigger changes.
The city gets more than 180 inches (over 4,600 mm) of rain a year, making it one of the wetter capitals in West Africa.
Humidity stays high, with about 98% of days feeling muggy or oppressive.
Even in the driest months, the air feels heavy and warm.
This constant moisture keeps vegetation lush and gives Monrovia its green look.
Influence of the Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean shapes Monrovia’s weather in a big way.
Its coastal spot keeps temperatures from swinging wildly.
You rarely see readings below 70°F (21°C) or above 91°F (33°C).
The ocean powers the West African monsoon, bringing moist air inland during the wet season.
From April through October, winds carry lots of moisture from the sea, fueling heavy rains and cloud cover.
During the drier months, November to March, the ocean still brings humidity, but with fewer storms.
Sea breezes help moderate the heat, especially compared to areas farther inland.
That makes coastal Monrovia feel more stable in temperature than the country’s interior.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
You can split Monrovia’s year into two main seasons: wet and dry.
- Wet season (April–October): Expect frequent rain, especially in August and September when average rainfall peaks around 11 inches per month. Cloud cover is thick, and sunshine is scarce.
- Dry season (November–March): Rainfall drops off fast, with January averaging only 0.4 inches. Skies clear up, and outdoor activities are easier.
The hottest stretch usually falls between December and April, with highs near 88°F (31°C).
The coolest period is around July to September, when highs dip closer to 80°F (27°C).
No matter the month, you’ll feel warm, humid air all year.
Travel and Outdoor Activities at Christmas
December in Monrovia brings warm temperatures, moderate humidity, and very little rain.
These conditions create great weather for sightseeing, outdoor gatherings, and travel around the city.
You can plan your activities with less risk of storms or heavy downpours.
Best Times for Outdoor Events
Daytime temperatures in December usually stay around 27–29°C (80–84°F). Evenings cool off just a bit.
Rainfall stays low, averaging less than 20 mm for the month.
Christmas is one of the best times of year for outdoor events.
You can hit the beach, browse open-air markets, and enjoy cultural festivals without the constant threat of rain.
The air is humid but not overwhelming, so walking tours and sightseeing feel doable.
If you want the most comfortable hours, aim for mornings or late afternoons.
Midday sun can feel strong, even with the breeze.
Bring water and take breaks in the shade to stay comfortable.
What to Pack for Christmas in Monrovia
Pack light, breathable clothes like cotton shirts, shorts, and dresses.
The weather is warm, and humidity makes thick fabrics uncomfortable.
For evenings, a light layer might come in handy, but you won’t need anything heavy.
Bring comfortable walking shoes for city exploring and sandals for the beach.
Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen—the sun still packs a punch in December.
Rain is rare, but a compact umbrella or light rain jacket could be useful.
Brief showers can still pop up, and having a backup keeps you ready without weighing you down.
Weather-Related Travel Tips
Road conditions usually improve in December since heavy rains rarely show up. You’ll find travel by car or taxi more predictable than during the wet season.
Flooding doesn’t cause as many problems, and most routes stay open.
Flights run into fewer weather-related delays because storms just don’t happen much. Still, it’s smart to double-check schedules during the holidays, especially around Christmas when everyone seems to be on the move.
The sun can be sneaky this time of year. Even if the sky looks partly cloudy, UV levels stay high. Don’t forget sunscreen, and keep a water bottle handy if you’re outdoors for long stretches.
How Christmas Weather in Monrovia Compares Regionally
Christmas in Monrovia usually brings warm days, sticky air, and almost no rain. The weather shifts a bit across Liberia and along the West African coast, especially between inland and coastal spots. That can really change how you experience the holidays.
Weather Differences Across Liberia
If you head out of Monrovia at Christmas, you’ll notice the temperature and rainfall change. Coastal cities like Buchanan and Harper feel a lot like Monrovia, with highs around 86–88°F (30–31°C) and lows near 74–76°F (23–24°C). These places stay humid, but December brings much less rain than the heavy wet season.
Inland areas like Gbarnga or Nimba County cool down a bit more at night. Temperatures can drop closer to 70°F (21°C), and the air doesn’t feel as heavy. Rain barely shows up, though you might see more clouds hanging around than you do on the coast.
The biggest difference inland? The daily temperature swing feels stronger. Coastal areas stay steady and humid, but higher elevations cool off quickly after sunset. Inland Christmas evenings can actually feel pretty comfortable, especially if you like less humidity.
Monrovia Compared to Other Coastal Cities
When you look at Monrovia’s Christmas weather and stack it up against other West African coastal cities, you’ll probably spot more similarities than differences. Cities like Freetown in Sierra Leone or Conakry in Guinea usually hit highs in the mid-80s°F (29–30°C), with warm nights and less rain in December.
Monrovia stands out because it stays a bit more humid. Even when the dry season rolls around, you still end up spending most days in muggy air.
Accra in Ghana, on the other hand, feels drier and breezier at Christmas. The coastal winds pick up there, and you get less cloud cover.
If you’re used to colder holiday weather, Monrovia’s Christmas feels steady and warm, without any sudden drops in temperature. Unlike some coastal capitals farther east, Monrovia misses out on those strong Harmattan winds, so the air here stays more humid and isn’t as dusty.