Sierraleone in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Sierraleone

30°C (86°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

25mm (1.0 inch) Rainfall

60% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season means guaranteed sunshine for beach activities and this destination visits - rain occurs only 2 days maximum with brief 15-20 minute showers
Harmattan winds from the Sahara create dramatic golden sunsets and cooler evening temperatures dropping to 23°C (73°F), perfect for Freetown Peninsula hiking
December marks peak season for sea turtle nesting at Tokeh Beach and River Number Two - 85% higher sighting chances than wet season months
Christmas celebrations blend Sierra Leonean traditions with spectacular street festivals in Freetown - locals prepare traditional groundnut stew and palm wine ceremonies throughout the month

Considerations

Harmattan dust reduces visibility to 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) some days, affecting photography and mountain views of the Peninsula Mountains
Peak tourist season drives accommodation prices up 40-60% - beachfront guesthouses in Tokeh jump from $25-35 to $45-60 per night
Extreme UV index of 10 requires constant sun protection - locals stay indoors 11am-3pm, limiting optimal sightseeing hours to early morning and late afternoon

Best Activities in December

Bunce Island Historical Tours

December's calm seas make the 30-minute boat journey to this former slave trading fort comfortable and reliable. Dry conditions mean you can explore the ruins without mud, and clearer skies provide better views back to Freetown. The island's baobab trees are in full leaf, creating natural shade for the 2-hour walking tour.

Booking Tip: Book through Sierra Leone National Tourist Board certified operators 5-7 days ahead. Tours cost 400,000-600,000 Leones ($20-30) including boat transport. Departure times are tide-dependent - morning tours (8am-11am) offer cooler temperatures and better photography light.

Freetown Peninsula Beach Hopping

December's dry weather makes the peninsula road accessible by 4WD to beaches like River Number Two and Tokeh. Sea turtle nesting season peaks now - evening walks at Tokeh Beach offer 85% chances of spotting hawksbill turtles. Calm seas perfect for swimming, and lower humidity makes beach walking comfortable.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost 300,000-500,000 Leones ($15-25) per person in shared vehicles. Book through licensed drivers at Congo Cross or Hill Station. Tours typically run 7am-6pm to avoid afternoon heat. Private 4WD rentals available for 800,000-1,200,000 Leones ($40-60) per day.

Cotton Tree and Central Freetown Cultural Walks

December's cooler morning temperatures (23-25°C/73-77°F) make walking tours of central Freetown comfortable until 10am. The Cotton Tree area buzzes with Christmas preparations - local artisans sell handcrafted ornaments and traditional gara tie-dye fabrics. Street food vendors offer seasonal specialties like benechin rice.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks work well, but hiring a local guide costs 50,000-100,000 Leones ($2.50-5) for 2-3 hours and provides cultural context. Start by 7am to beat crowds and heat. Guides available near Cotton Tree or through guesthouses. Avoid carrying valuables.

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary Visits

December's dry conditions make the 40-minute drive from Freetown on improved roads comfortable. Cooler morning temperatures mean chimps are more active during 9am-11am feeding times. Clear skies offer excellent views over the Western Area Forest Reserve from the sanctuary's elevated location at 400m (1,312 ft).

Booking Tip: Advance booking essential - only 20 visitors allowed per day. Entry costs 120,000 Leones ($6) plus 100,000 Leones ($5) transport from Freetown. Book directly through their office at Hill Station or online. Tours run twice daily (9am and 2pm) lasting 90 minutes each.

Banana Islands Overnight Excursions

December's calm Atlantic conditions make the 45-minute boat journey to Dublin and Ricketts Islands comfortable. Perfect weather for exploring the colonial ruins, snorkeling in clear 26°C (79°F) waters, and beach camping. Local fishermen offer the freshest catch, and night skies are clearest during Harmattan season.

Booking Tip: Two-day trips cost 600,000-900,000 Leones ($30-45) including boat, basic accommodation and meals. Book through operators at Government Wharf in Freetown. Bring camping gear if staying overnight - local guesthouses basic but clean. Boat schedules depend on tides - confirm departure times day before.

Regent and Hill Station Mountain Hiking

December offers the year's best hiking conditions with minimal rainfall and morning temperatures starting at 23°C (73°F). Trails to Sugarloaf Mountain and around Hill Station provide spectacular views over Freetown harbor. Harmattan dust creates dramatic layered mountain vistas, especially during golden hour photography.

Booking Tip: Day hikes cost 200,000-400,000 Leones ($10-20) with local guides who know safe routes. Start by 6am to complete 8-12 km (5-7.5 mile) routes before midday heat. Guides available through guesthouses or at Hill Station market. Bring 3-4 liters of water per person - dehydration risk high.

December Events & Festivals

December 20-25

Christmas Street Festivals

Freetown's neighborhoods organize elaborate street parties with traditional drumming, dancing, and communal cooking. Locals prepare massive pots of jollof rice and groundnut stew to share with visitors. Each district competes with decorative displays using local materials.

Late December

New Year Lantern Festival

Communities throughout Freetown release handmade paper lanterns at midnight on New Year's Eve. The tradition combines local craftsmanship with celebration - visitors can join lantern-making workshops in Cotton Tree area starting mid-December.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and zinc stick - UV index reaches dangerous 10 levels between 10am-4pm, reapply every 90 minutes

Lightweight dust mask or bandana - Harmattan winds carry Sahara dust reducing visibility some days to 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles)

Quick-dry hiking pants - protect against UV and dust while allowing airflow in 30°C (86°F) afternoon temperatures

Sturdy water shoes - rocky beaches and coral at Tokeh and River Number Two require foot protection

Headlamp with extra batteries - power outages common in December, essential for turtle watching after dark

Insect repellent with DEET 20%+ - mosquitoes active during brief evening hours despite dry season

Portable water purification tablets - tap water unsafe, bottled water costs 8,000-12,000 Leones ($0.40-0.60) per liter

Cotton long-sleeve shirt - protects from afternoon sun during boat trips and cultural site visits

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - essential for this destination and peninsula excursions with ocean breezes

Waterproof phone case - protects against dust and occasional boat spray during island transfers

Insider Knowledge

December turtle watching at Tokeh Beach works best during new moon periods (December 1-3 and December 30-31) when beaches are darkest - bring red-filtered flashlights to avoid disturbing nesting females

Harmattan winds peak between 6am-10am creating the year's most dramatic photography light, but dust storms can develop rapidly afternoon - check weather with locals each morning

Christmas season brings increased police checkpoints on peninsula roads - carry passport and yellow fever certificate, expect 15-20 minute delays but officers are friendly to tourists with proper documents

Local guesthouses offer 30-40% better rates than international booking sites, but December requires 2-3 weeks advance booking as Sierra Leonean diaspora returns for holidays creating accommodation squeeze

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating December heat despite being 'winter' - afternoon temperatures reach 30°C (86°F) with intense UV, many tourists get severe sunburn on first beach day

Planning outdoor activities during 11am-3pm peak heat hours when even locals stay indoors - schedule sightseeing for early morning (6-10am) or late afternoon (4-7pm)

Bringing too many clothes for humid weather - December has 60% humidity, much lower than wet season, but visitors pack for tropical humidity and overheat in extra layers