December is dry with warm days and cooler nights inland; coastal areas are comfortable for beach activities. This period sees increased visitor activity as travelers enjoy reliable weather. Bookings around year-end holidays may be busier in major cities and resorts.
Axe derivative work: Jjtkk CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Ivory Coast in December.
Lagoon and Gulf shore
Late February returns to the pre-rain warmth and rising humidity; by month’s end you’ll notice thicker air and sporadic showers signalling the approaching long rains. Abidjan’s nightlife and café culture operate at full tilt before the rains slow outdoor activities, so you can comfortably sightsee without the mud of later months. Travelers should schedule any inland excursions before April when road conditions deteriorate with sustained heavy rains.
description”:”The southern rainforest belt - from San‑Pédro through Taï and the Cavally - is the wettest part of the country, with a pronounced long rainy season (April-July) and a short resurgence in September-October. Elevation and thick canopy create frequent mists and consistently high humidity; trails become slippery or impassable during peak rains. Visit in the drier windows of November-February for hiking and wildlife watching, and expect heavy rain gear and flexible transport arrangements during the wet months.”
Man, Tonkoui & La Dent
description”:”The western highlands around Man, including Mount Tonkoui and La Dent, sit higher and are noticeably cooler than the plains, with persistent cloud and heavier rainfall during the wet seasons. Elevation produces cooler nights year-round and misty conditions during the rains (April-July and again Sept-Oct), making July-August and December-February the most reliable windows for hiking. Trails can be treacherous in peak rains and some secondary roads close temporarily.”
Yamoussoukro, Bouaké
description”:”The Central Plateau around Yamoussoukro and Bouaké is transitional - less humid than the coast but with a clear wet season from April to October and a dry season with Harmattan influence in December-February. Elevation and inland position give cooler nights and more pronounced seasonal swings; the plateau is easiest to explore during the dry months of November-March when roads are most reliable and outdoor sites are accessible.”
Korhogo, Ferkessédougou
description”:”Northern Ivory Coast is a single‑rainfall savannah zone with a distinct dry season (November-April) and a wet season (May-September). The Harmattan (Dec-Feb) brings dusty, cool mornings, while March-April can be extremely hot before the rains arrive. Travelling is easiest in the dry months for overland access and cultural visits; the wet season turns the landscape green but makes some secondary roads impassable and increases insect activity.”
Independence Day on August 7 is Ivory Coast's national holiday; note that key national festivities happen in August.
See how December compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.