Thinking about visiting Yamoussoukro for Christmas? You’ll land right in the city’s dry season.
You can expect warm days, cooler nights, and barely any rain, so December feels like one of the best times to visit. Mornings usually start around the upper 60s °F (about 19°C), and afternoons heat up to the low 90s °F (about 33°C). There aren’t any wild temperature swings.
Rain barely makes an appearance in December, sometimes just a few millimeters for the whole month. You probably won’t worry about rain messing up your plans.
Sunshine sticks around for about seven hours a day, so you’ve got plenty of daylight to check out things like the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace or just hang out outside.
Christmas in Yamoussoukro stands out because the weather just feels reliable. The air’s less humid, skies stay brighter, and you get ideal conditions for sightseeing or joining in on cultural events.
If you’re after tropical warmth without the hassle of rain, December’s about as good as it gets.
Typical December Weather in Yamoussoukro
December brings warm days, cooler nights, and not much rain at all. You’ll find a nice mix of sunshine, mild humidity, and comfortable conditions that make exploring outdoors way easier than during the rainy season.
Average Temperatures During Christmas
Daytime temperatures in December usually hit 31–33°C (88–91°F). Nights cool down to around 18–20°C (64–68°F).
That day-night contrast is typical for the dry season, and honestly, it’s a relief after hot afternoons.
Sometimes, the hottest days get close to 35°C (95°F). The coldest nights might drop to 13–15°C (55–59°F), but that’s not too common.
On average, the daily mean temperature sits near 26°C (79°F). That’s a bit cooler than the peak heat you’d get in March or April.
Rainfall and Precipitation Levels
December falls into the dry season, so rain barely shows up. You might see only 20–30 mm of rain in the whole month, often spread over just 2–3 short days.
Compare that to the rainy months from May to September, when totals can shoot past 150 mm in a month. By December, those heavy downpours are long gone and the skies clear up.
Rain isn’t likely to mess with your travel. Roads and outdoor spots stay dry, and long stretches of clouds don’t really happen like they do in the wet season.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Humidity hovers around 70–75% in December, which is lower than the sticky rainy months that can hit over 80%. That drop makes the air feel lighter, even if the afternoons still get pretty warm.
You might notice a bit of stickiness in the sun during the day. But evenings cool off, and lighter breezes help a lot.
Sunshine usually sticks around for 5–6 hours per day. That gives you a good balance between bright skies and some shade.
With moderate humidity, December’s weather is easier to get used to if you’re not from the region.
Sunshine, Daylight, and UV Index in December
December brings some of the driest and sunniest weather Yamoussoukro gets all year. You’ll get warm days, not much rain, steady daylight, and a UV index that still deserves your attention if you’re outside.
Hours of Sunshine Around Christmas
In December, Yamoussoukro averages about 6 to 7 hours of sunshine per day. That’s more than you’ll get in the wet months, when clouds block out the sun.
Around Christmas, skies usually stay clear, so you get more bright hours to enjoy being outside.
It’s not wall-to-wall sunshine—sometimes thin clouds drift by—but the overall vibe is bright and warm. Compared to August, when you might only get three hours of sun, December really stands out.
If you’re planning tours or day trips, you’ll find there’s enough sunlight to explore without feeling rushed. Mornings and early afternoons are usually the brightest, which is perfect for photos or walking around.
Length of Daylight in Late December
Daylight in Yamoussoukro stays pretty steady all year thanks to its spot near the equator. In late December, you’ll get about 11.7 to 11.8 hours of daylight per day.
Sunrise happens close to 6:20 a.m., and sunset is around 6:00 p.m.
You won’t see those long winter nights that northern places get. Even in December, the shortest days are only about an hour less than the longest ones in June.
This steady daylight makes planning your day simple. Whether you’re hitting up cultural sites, markets, or just wandering, you’ll have nearly 12 hours of natural light to work with.
UV Index and Sun Protection
Even in December, the UV index in Yamoussoukro averages around 10. That’s very high, so you can burn fast if you’re out for long without protection.
Bring sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), sunglasses, and a hat. Light, protective clothes are a good call if you’ll be outdoors a lot.
The lower humidity and clearer skies in December might trick you into thinking the sun’s not so strong, but the UV rays don’t let up. Try to avoid direct sun between late morning and mid-afternoon to dodge sunburn and heat stress, but still enjoy the warm, dry weather.
Christmas Weather Compared to Other Months
December in Yamoussoukro brings drier skies and makes travel way more comfortable than the wetter months. It stays warm, but rain is much less of a problem, so planning outdoor activities and events gets easier.
How December Differs from the Rainy Season
During the rainy season, which usually runs from April to October, Yamoussoukro gets hammered by heavy downpours and high humidity. Rainfall often jumps past 150–200 mm per month, and storms can make travel tough.
Roads get muddy, and daily life slows down with all the showers.
By December, things change. Rainfall drops a lot, often down to 15–40 mm, and the air isn’t as muggy.
This makes walking tours, sightseeing, and outdoor holiday gatherings a lot more enjoyable.
Here’s a quick look at how the months compare:
| Month | Avg Rainfall (mm) | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| May | 180–200 | Heavy rain, humid |
| September | 150–170 | Wet, frequent storms |
| December | 15–40 | Dry, mild humidity |
If you visit in December, you dodge the heavy rain that takes over most of the year. That’s a big reason why Christmas feels more relaxed and manageable here.
Temperature Trends Before and After Christmas
Temperatures in Yamoussoukro don’t bounce around much month to month. Around Christmas, daily highs usually reach 27–30°C (81–86°F), and nights drop to about 19–21°C (66–70°F).
In November, just before Christmas, it’s a bit warmer and still shaking off the last of the rainy season. By January and February, things stay about the same, but the air gets even drier as rain stays low.
You won’t see big temperature swings like in some places. The main difference is how comfortable it feels—lower humidity in December makes the warmth a lot easier to handle compared to the sticky heat of June or July.
This mix of warm days and cooler nights gives you stable weather for holiday activities, whether you’re exploring or just relaxing outside in the evenings.
Ideal Conditions for Visiting Yamoussoukro at Christmas
December in Yamoussoukro means warm days, cool nights, and barely any rain. It’s one of the most comfortable months for checking out the city and spending time outdoors.
Outdoor Activities and Sightseeing
Expect daytime highs around 30–33°C (86–92°F) and nighttime lows near 19°C (66°F). The air isn’t as sticky as in the rainy months, and you get plenty of clear skies.
This makes for great visibility if you’re into sightseeing or photography.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, probably the city’s most famous spot, is way easier to visit when you don’t have to dodge rain.
Parks and gardens feel more inviting when everything’s dry.
With about 7 hours of sunshine per day, you’ve got lots of daylight to explore. Rain showers are rare, so you can plan things like market visits, walking tours, or day trips without constantly checking the weather.
Travel Tips for December Visitors
Pack light, breathable clothes for daytime comfort. A light jacket or sweater comes in handy for cool evenings.
Since the UV index is still high, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Rainfall is minimal in December, around 15–40 mm, so you probably won’t need heavy rain gear. Still, a small umbrella is smart to have just in case.
Travel conditions are usually good, with dry roads and easier navigation than during the rainy season.
If you’re heading to rural areas, the lack of rain makes getting around much simpler.
Hotels fill up faster around Christmas, so booking early helps you snag better spots. You’ll also find more local events and gatherings, which can add a nice cultural touch to your trip.
Climate Patterns and Influences in Yamoussoukro
Yamoussoukro, right in the center of Ivory Coast, stays warm pretty much all year. The bigger changes come in rainfall, sunshine, and humidity, which shape how December feels.
Tropical Savanna Climate Overview
Yamoussoukro has a tropical savanna climate (Aw) according to Köppen. You get a clear wet season and dry season, not four traditional seasons.
December sits in the dry season. Rainfall averages around 15–20 mm, making it one of the driest months. Skies clear up, and you can expect about 7 hours of sunshine per day.
Temperatures don’t swing much, usually from 19°C (66°F) in the morning to 33°C (92°F) in the afternoon. Humidity drops compared to the wet months, so the heat doesn’t feel as heavy.
Daylight sticks close to 11.7–11.8 hours, giving you a reliable window for outdoor plans.
Unlike the coast, Yamoussoukro doesn’t get strong sea breezes, so the weather feels more stable inland.
Regional Climate Factors Affecting December Weather
A few regional factors shape December weather in Yamoussoukro. Since the city sits inland, away from the Atlantic, the Harmattan winds from the Sahara often reach here.
These dry, dusty winds drop the humidity and can make the sky a little hazy.
Yamoussoukro’s central location keeps it away from the heavy rains that hit the southern coast. The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which drives the wet season, moves south by December, leaving things much drier.
You’ll also notice the UV index is a little lower than in the middle of the year. December usually sees a UV index near 10—still high, but not as intense as March or April.
With less rain and more sun, December gives you a great window for travel and getting outside.
Summary of December Weather in Yamoussoukro
In December, you’ll find warm daytime temperatures that usually reach about 32°C (89°F). At night, it cools down to around 18–20°C (64–68°F), so evenings feel a lot more comfortable.
Rain barely shows up this month. On average, only 15–22 mm (0.6–0.9 in) falls, and most days stay dry. December really marks the dry season in Yamoussoukro.
You get a steady dose of sunshine, with about 6–7 hours of sun per day. Clouds thin out compared to the rainy season, so clearer skies are the norm.
The UV index drops a bit from midyear, but honestly, it’s still pretty high. You’ll want to take some precautions if you plan to be outside for long stretches.
Here’s a quick look at December’s weather:
| Weather Element | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| High Temp | 31–33°C (88–92°F) | Hot but not extreme |
| Low Temp | 18–20°C (64–68°F) | Mild nights |
| Rainfall | 15–22 mm (0.6–0.9 in) | Very dry |
| Sunshine Hours | 6–7 hrs/day | Good daylight |
| UV Index | ~10 | Still strong |
Humidity drops compared to the wet months, so the heat feels easier to handle. The air gets more comfortable, less sticky—honestly, it’s a relief if you’ve been through the rainy season.
Long daylight hours and dry skies give you reliable weather for outdoor plans. Whether you’re checking out landmarks or just wandering the city, December makes it easy to get out and about.