Christmas in Yaoundé never brings snow or cold winds, but it does offer warm days and pleasant evenings. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 29–30°C (84–86°F), and nights cool off to about 19–20°C (66–68°F).
This balance makes the holiday season great for outdoor activities, family get-togethers, and exploring the city without the heavy rains you see in other months.
December sits in the dry season, so you’ll notice rainfall is lighter and less frequent than earlier in the year. Sunshine hours go up, and while humidity sticks around, it doesn’t feel as heavy as during the wettest months.
This shift brings a calmer vibe, making December one of the nicer times to hang out in Yaoundé.
If you’re thinking about celebrating Christmas in the city, the climate really supports both cultural events and leisure travel. Warm afternoons pair with cooler nights, and you won’t have to worry much about rain messing up your plans.
The holiday experience feels pretty different from classic winter destinations, but it’s still inviting and comfortable.
Overview of December Weather in Yaoundé
December brings warm days, cooler nights, and much less rain than other times of the year. Sunshine shows up more often, and humidity stays high but feels less overwhelming than in the rainy months.
Key Climate Characteristics
Daytime highs in December usually hit 29–30°C (83–86°F), while nights drop to about 19–21°C (66–70°F).
This day-night difference makes the weather feel more comfortable than during the peak rainy season.
Rain doesn’t show up much, averaging just 20–55 mm across 3–4 days for the month. December counts as one of the driest stretches in Yaoundé.
Humidity sits around 75–80%, but with less rain, it’s easier to handle.
Sunshine hours climb to about 180+ hours for December. You’ll get a mix of bright days and some cloudy spells.
Winds stay light, rarely more than 1 m/s, so you don’t get strong breezes.
With these steady conditions, you can expect warm afternoons, mild evenings, and only an occasional shower.
How December Compares to Other Months
Yaoundé’s tropical climate brings two rainy seasons and two drier stretches. December lands right in the short dry season, which runs from mid-November through February.
That’s a big change from the heavy rains of April–June and September–October.
Compared to November, December is drier and brings slightly cooler nights. January often feels similar, maybe just a bit drier.
If you stack December up against the wettest months, the difference is pretty huge. In the peak rainy periods, Yaoundé can get 200–300 mm of rain in a month—way more than December’s totals.
So, December really stands out as a good time to visit if you want to dodge heavy downpours but still enjoy warm tropical weather.
Temperature Patterns Around Christmas
Late December in Yaoundé brings warm days and mild nights, with only small changes between afternoon highs and evening lows. The weather stays steady, but there’s always a little variation depending on the time of day and what’s happening locally.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime temperatures around Christmas usually land at 28–30°C (82–86°F). The afternoons feel warm, but not scorching compared to hotter months.
Humidity can make the heat feel stronger, though it’s usually less intense than in the heart of the rainy season.
At night, temperatures fall to about 18–20°C (64–68°F). This cooler range makes evenings more comfortable, especially if you’re outside.
You probably won’t need heavy clothing, but a light layer helps if you’re sensitive to cool air after sunset.
The change between day and night is noticeable, but not dramatic. This balance makes both daytime and evening plans pretty pleasant.
Temperature Variability During the Festive Period
Temperatures around Christmas in Yaoundé don’t swing wildly from day to day. You’ll see a steady pattern with only minor shifts of 1–2°C.
That kind of stability makes it easy to plan outdoor events or travel without worrying about sudden heat or cold.
December is part of the dry season, so cloud cover is lighter than in the rainy months. More sunshine keeps daytime warmth steady, and nights cool off gradually.
If you spend time in open sunny spots, afternoons might feel a bit warmer. Shadier places and higher elevations around the city feel cooler, which gives you a small range of conditions in the same day.
Notable Highs and Lows
Most days stick close to the averages, but sometimes you’ll see highs near 31–32°C (88–90°F) in the afternoon. These warmer days aren’t extreme, but they can feel hotter if you’re active outdoors.
Nighttime lows rarely dip below 17°C (62°F). Cooler nights like that don’t happen often, but they’re possible when skies are especially clear.
With no sharp extremes, you almost never run into uncomfortable weather. Instead, you get a reliable range of warmth that supports both holiday events and everyday routines.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
In December, Yaoundé gets moderate rainfall with fewer wet days than in the big rainy months. Humidity sticks around, but it’s lower than during the wettest times, so outdoor activities feel more comfortable.
Rainfall Amounts in December
December lands in Yaoundé’s drier season, so rain totals drop compared to the heavy downpours of September and October. On average, you’ll see about 50–70 mm of rain during the month.
That’s a big drop from October, which can top 240 mm. The lighter rain means you’re more likely to get short showers instead of long storms.
Most of December’s rain falls in brief afternoon or evening bursts, so mornings usually stay clearer.
For perspective, Yaoundé’s annual average is around 1,600–1,700 mm. December only adds a small amount to that total, making it a good choice for travelers who want drier weather.
Number of Rainy Days
Rain in December spreads out over fewer days than in the really wet months. You can expect around 5 to 8 rainy days during the month.
October, by comparison, often brings more than 20 rainy days.
With less frequent rain, you’ll enjoy longer dry stretches. Showers, when they come, are usually short and don’t disrupt plans much.
This lower number of rainy days helps make December a reliable time for outdoor events and travel around Yaoundé.
Humidity Levels
Humidity stays high in Yaoundé all year, but December brings some relief. Relative humidity usually ranges between 70% and 80%.
The air still feels moist, but not as stifling as during peak rainy periods. Paired with clearer skies, this makes the weather more comfortable for walking, sightseeing, or joining outdoor gatherings.
Evenings tend to feel cooler and less sticky, especially compared to the muggy wet season. You’ll still get some humid afternoons, but overall, December is easier to manage.
Sunshine and Cloud Cover
Around Christmas, Yaoundé sees moderate sunshine and plenty of cloud cover. Expect a mix of bright spells and overcast skies, thanks to the city’s tropical climate and seasonal rainfall patterns.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
In December, you usually get about 5 to 6 hours of sunshine per day. That’s more than the mid-year rainy months, when sunlight can drop to just 3 hours daily.
The short rainy season wraps up by November, so December feels brighter.
Sunlight doesn’t spread evenly throughout the day. Mornings are often clearer, while afternoons can bring more clouds.
Planning your outdoor activities earlier in the day usually gives you the best shot at sunshine.
Compared to other months, December sits between the sunniest stretch in February and the cloudier peak of August. The mix of light and shade makes it easier to enjoy outdoor sightseeing without the harshest sun.
Typical Cloudiness
Cloud cover in Yaoundé during December is moderate to high, but not as thick as in the wettest months like October. Skies bounce between partly cloudy and mostly cloudy, with only short spells of totally clear skies.
Afternoons tend to see more cloud buildup because of lingering moisture, even though rain is less common.
Sometimes you’ll notice hazy conditions, which can soften the sun’s intensity.
While cloudiness means you don’t get long stretches of bright sun, it also keeps daytime temperatures from getting too hot. This mix of cloud and sun creates a more comfortable setting for walking tours, markets, or cultural visits compared to the hotter, clearer months.
Seasonal Factors and Tourist Activity
Weather and local traditions shape how December feels in Yaoundé. Warm temperatures, less rain, and festive celebrations all play a role in what you can do and how you experience the city.
Tourist Season During Christmas
December sits in the dry season in Yaoundé, so it’s one of the most comfortable times to visit. Average temperatures range from about 19.6°C at night to 29.2°C during the day, with very little rain—just 20 mm across 3 days.
That means you can count on good weather for sightseeing and outdoor fun.
With such nice weather, more visitors show up compared to the rainy months. Hotels and guesthouses often fill up, and prices might go up a bit.
It’s smart to book your transport and lodging ahead to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Daylight lasts almost 12 hours, and sunshine averages 6 hours per day, so you have plenty of time to explore. The lower humidity compared to the rainy season also makes walking tours and market visits more enjoyable.
Tourist activity usually centers on cultural landmarks, craft markets, and nearby nature spots. If you want a quieter trip, coming earlier in December can help you dodge the busiest holiday crowds.
Festive Atmosphere and Local Events
Christmas in Yaoundé mixes religious traditions with community gatherings. Many people attend church services, and you’ll see decorations, hear music, and find local foods marking the season.
Public spaces, especially central markets, get busier with stalls selling festive goods.
Family celebrations play a big role, but visitors are often welcomed at community events. You might run into open-air concerts, cultural dances, or local fairs, especially in neighborhoods where groups organize seasonal activities.
Restaurants and hotels often roll out special menus featuring Cameroonian dishes and some international favorites. Street vendors sell seasonal treats, so you get a chance to try local flavors.
Evenings are especially lively, with cooler weather and social gatherings creating a welcoming atmosphere. While you won’t find many big tourist festivals, the authentic, community-driven celebrations offer a unique cultural experience.
Tips for Visiting Yaoundé at Christmas
You’ll get warm days, cooler nights, and barely any rain at this time of year. Staying comfortable depends on what you pack and how you plan your outdoor time.
Recommended Clothing and Packing
Temperatures in Yaoundé in December usually reach 28–30°C (82–86°F) during the day and drop to about 19–20°C (66–68°F) at night.
Light, breathable clothing works best for daytime, while a light sweater or long sleeves help in the evenings.
Pack cotton or linen fabrics to stay cooler in humid weather. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses will help with the sun, and sunscreen with SPF 30 or above is a must since the UV index stays high.
Rain is rare in December, but a small umbrella or light rain jacket could still come in handy. Comfortable walking shoes are important for the city’s hills, and sandals are fine for casual outings.
Don’t forget insect repellent, especially for evenings, since mosquitoes are around all year. A reusable water bottle helps you stay hydrated in the heat.
Outdoor Activities and Sightseeing
December usually brings drier weather, so it’s honestly one of the best times to get out and explore Yaoundé. You’ll probably only deal with a couple days of light rain, which means you can stay outside longer without worrying about getting soaked.
People love checking out the National Museum of Cameroon or wandering through Mfoundi Market. Hiking in the surrounding hills is also a solid option. When the skies clear up, the views from the higher spots around the city get pretty impressive.
Parks and gardens like Mefou National Park feel more inviting when the trails aren’t muddy. Since the sun sets around 6 p.m., you’ll want to plan your outdoor adventures for the morning or early afternoon.
If you’re not a fan of the heat, it’s smart to skip intense activity at midday when the sun really beats down. That’s usually a good time to duck inside for a meal, check out an indoor spot, or just take a break.