December is busy in southern African beach destinations and island resorts as austral summer peak travel occurs. Conversely, parts of West and Central Africa experience heavy rains, and some national parks may have limited access.
December brings a return to cooler, wetter conditions on the northern coast and regular snow higher in the Atlas and the Tell range; daytimes in Casablanca and Tunis are mild but damp. Winter festivals and Christmas/New Year tourism swell coastal resorts and certain ski villages, while desert nights become chilly - sleeping under the stars needs warm sleeping bags. Plan for occasional travel delays in mountain passes and pack thermal layers for overnight desert or mountain stays.
Egypt & the Nile Valley
Egypt - Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea coast
December is mild and dry in much of Egypt, with crisp nights in desert and riverine areas; the Red Sea coast remains a warm refuge for winter sun and diving. Holiday travel can increase prices in popular resorts and on Nile cruises, so book early if you plan to travel over Christmas and New Year. Bring a warmer layer for cooler nights and for any desert camping excursions.
December usually combines dry, warm days along the coast with cool, clear nights inland; holiday-period travel can increase in capital cities and coastal resorts. Many cultural festivals and Christmas/New Year activities concentrate in towns and cities, while the Sahel is cool in the early morning and pleasant midday for excursions. Travelers should book ahead for the holiday season and bring both breathable clothes for daytime and a light jacket for cooler nights.
East Africa & the Great Lakes
Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi
December often brings settled, drier weather returning to many classic safari areas after the short rains, while coastal resorts see warm, humid conditions ideal for beaches and diving. Holiday travel increases: expect higher prices and busier lodges around Christmas/New Year, especially where safaris and beaches are combined. Early booking and bringing both sun protection and a light rain layer improve comfort across varied microclimates.
The Horn & Northern Highlands
Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia
December closes the year with crisp, dry highland weather and relatively cool nights across much of the Horn; Addis Ababa and Gondar are pleasant bases for cultural touring. Coastal regions stay warm and dry, making them a good escape from highland chill, while the Afar and Somali lowlands maintain arid heat. Layered clothing remains useful for wide diurnal swings, and plane or ferry schedules can be busier over holiday periods.
Southern Africa
South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi
December brings high summer heat and rain in much of the region-tropical downpours and potential cyclone impacts are possible along the Mozambique coast, while inland parks can be lush and green. Holiday travel increases around Christmas and New Year, especially in South African beach towns and safari lodges near Victoria Falls. Book early for holiday periods, pack lightweight clothing plus a compact waterproof, and prepare for increased humidity and insect levels.
December becomes warmer and more humid with a growing chance of heavy tropical showers or early cyclone formation in the southwest Indian Ocean-Madagascar and Mauritius can be directly affected. Seychelles is typically warm and still relatively stable but expect higher humidity and stronger afternoon breezes. Book holiday travel early, expect busier beaches and resorts, and bring light rain protection alongside swimwear.
Events & Festivals in December
Christmas and New Year
Major holidays across much of Africa; busy tourist season in southern beach destinations.
Planning a trip to Africa?
See how December compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.
