Libya in December: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect

Season
High Season
Temperature
8-18°C (46-64°F)
Crowds
High
Prices
High
Winter returns with cooler, wetter coastal weather and chilly nights in the interior desert. Coastal cultural sites remain accessible with fewer tourists than in summer. Travelers should be prepared for occasional rain and reduced daylight hours.

Climate Map for December

Libya average temperature in December
-30°-20°-10° 10°20°30°40°

Average temperature across Libya in December.

City Weather in December

City High Low Rain UV Feels
Tripoli, Libya 18° 10° 76 mm low Cool
Benghazi 19° 11° 61 mm low Cool
Misrata 19° 11° 56 mm low Cool
Zliten 20° 11° 52 mm low Cool
Al-Khums 19° 11° 58 mm low Cool
Az Zāwīyah 18° 65 mm low Cool
Zawiya, Libya 18° 65 mm low Cool

High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.

Tripolitania / Western Coast (Tripoli to Sabratha)

December closes the year with cool, damp weather and frequent cloudy days along the Tripolitanian shore; daytime highs hover around the mid-teens while nights are chilly. Sea spray and wind make the coast feel colder than inland, so bring a warm coat and windproof layer for evening walks. Visitor numbers are low, so museums and restaurants are quieter and advance booking is rarely needed.

Jabal Nafusa (Nafusa Mountains and Hinterland)

December is a chilly, wetter month in the Jabal Nafusa with raw northwesterly winds and shortened days, and temperatures often drop below freezing overnight at altitude. The mountain air is sharp and clean, and stone villages feel remote and atmospheric - but services are limited and some rural lodgings may winterize. Pack a warm coat, hat and gloves if you plan dawn walks or overnight camping.

Cyrenaica / Eastern Coast & Jabal al Akhdar (Benghazi to Derna)

December is cool, damp and windy along the eastern coast and in the Green Mountain region; the highlands see the most frequent rainfall in Libya and can be noticeably colder than the coast. Sea-spray and gusts make exposed headlands feel raw, and some higher slopes may see occasional snow flurries in colder winters. Museums and indoor sites are good alternatives on wet days, and local hospitality is at its coziest.

Fezzan & Central Sahara (Sabha, Ghat, Murzuq)

December has crisp mornings, bright days and cold nights across Fezzan; frost is possible on the coldest nights at higher desert plateaus, and campfire evenings are genuinely chilly. Daytime exploring is pleasant and many visitors arrange multi-day treks or archaeological tours from Sabha in this cooler weather. Ensure warm clothing for evenings and early mornings, and confirm vehicle heating or sheltered camp options when booking.

Kufra & Southeastern Oases (Kufra, Jalu, Tazerbo)

December returns crisp mornings and pleasantly warm daytime temperatures across the Kufra basin; the contrast between day and night is sharp and invigorating. Desert camps are comfortable with warm blankets and clear skies - excellent for astrophotography - while roads between settlements remain stable if maintained. Keep warm clothing for evenings and plan logistics carefully given the sparse infrastructure.

Events & Festivals in December

Independence Day
December 24 marks Libya's independence day and is observed nationally.