Sierra Leone in December: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for December
Average temperature across Sierra Leone in December.
City Weather in December
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freetown | 31° | 23° | 19 mm | very high | Warm |
| Bo, Sierra Leone | 32° | 20° | 18 mm | very high | Warm |
| Kenema | 32° | 19° | 48 mm | very high | Warm |
| Koidu | 33° | 16° | 36 mm | very high | Warm |
| Makeni | 33° | 20° | 26 mm | very high | Warm |
| Waterloo, Sierra Leone | 30° | 22° | 27 mm | very high | Warm |
| Lunsar | 31° | 21° | 24 mm | very high | Warm |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Freetown Peninsula & Western Area (Freetown, Lungi, Cotton Tree)
By December the peninsula is in the dry season with cool, pleasantly breezy nights, and Harmattan dust may return sporadically later in the month from the north. The cooler air makes hillside walks around Freetown and visits to places like the National Stadium more pleasant; holiday crowds increase around Christmas and New Year, so book ahead. The sea is calmer for swimming and boat trips, but bring a light layer for breezy evenings on the coast.
Coastal Lowlands & Islands (Lumley, Banana Island, Bonthe, Turtle Islands)
December is comfortably dry with steady breezes and warm, pleasant days ideal for beaches around Lumley and long walks on Bonthe. Holiday crowds increase toward Christmas, and evening seafood grills are common in coastal towns; nighttime temperatures are moderate. The dry, clear air makes boat-based dolphin and turtle-spotting trips more reliable, but pack a light jacket for breezy mornings on the water.
Southern Rainforest & Lowlands (Bo, Bonthe, Tiwai Island, Gbangbatoke)
December is comfortably dry and often cool at night in the southern lowlands, with clear mornings perfect for early jungle safaris on Tiwai Island and visits to coastal mangroves near Bonthe. Holiday travel increases slightly around Christmas, but trails and roads are at their most accessible for the year. Daytime warmth calls for light layers, and evenings may need a light jacket near rivers and on boat trips.
Eastern Highlands & Kono (Mount Bintumani, Koidu, Gola Hills)
December cools down further at altitude with clear skies and good visibility that make mountain photography rewarding; mornings can be cold on exposed ridges. Harmattan may occasionally sweep in, thinning humidity and dusting distant views, though the impact is less than on the northern plains. It’s a popular month for highland trekking - book guides and lodges ahead and pack a warm hat and a light down layer for evenings.
Northern Plains & Savanna (Makeni, Port Loko hinterland, Karene)
December is typically dry with clear skies and cool mornings across the northern plains; days remain sunny and pleasant for travel. Harmattan can bring dusty conditions but also excellent long-distance visibility for photography and landscape viewing. As the holiday season approaches, expect greater movement of people into regional centers - book transport early if traveling overland.