Things to Do in Liberia in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Liberia

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Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season peaks in December with only 10 rainy days and 150 mm (5.9 inches) of rainfall - perfect for beach trips, hiking Mount Nimba, and exploring Sapo National Park without muddy trails that plague July through October
Harmattan winds arrive mid-to-late December bringing cooler evening temperatures down to 23°C (73°F) and reducing humidity from the 85-90% experienced during rainy season, making outdoor exploration genuinely comfortable
Christmas and New Year celebrations transform Monrovia with street festivals, live music at Broad Street, and traditional fufu feasts - locals are in celebratory spirits and more welcoming to visitors than during the intense heat of March-April
Sea conditions are calmest December through February with 1-2 m (3-6 ft) swells, making it the only reliable window for boat trips to Monkey Island and surfing at Robertsport without dangerous rip currents

Considerations

December 20-January 5 sees peak diaspora returns with Liberians from the US visiting family - accommodation prices in Monrovia spike 40-60% and beachfront guesthouses in Robertsport book solid by November, requiring reservations 8-10 weeks minimum
Harmattan dust haze arrives late December reducing visibility to 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) and creating respiratory irritation - photographers get flat lighting and those with asthma need extra medication
Tourist infrastructure remains limited with only 3-4 reliable tour operators and inconsistent electricity even in Monrovia hotels - expect 4-6 hour daily power cuts and bring power banks, headlamps, and patience for West African timing

Best Activities in December

Sapo National Park Rainforest Treks

December marks the first month trails are reliably passable after rainy season mud. The 1,800 sq km (695 sq mile) park hosts pygmy hippos, forest elephants, and 590 bird species. Trails dry out but vegetation stays lush. Morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) make the 4-6 hour treks comfortable before midday heat. This is the ONLY season to reach interior camps without getting stuck in vehicle-swallowing mud that makes July-October access impossible.

Booking Tip: Book through Forestry Development Authority-licensed guides 3-4 weeks ahead. Multi-day treks cost USD 180-280 per person including camping gear, guide, and park fees. Insist on guides with FDA certification cards. December slots fill with researchers and serious wildlife photographers. Reference booking widget below for current tour availability.

Robertsport Surf Camps and Beach Stays

December brings consistent 1-1.5 m (3-5 ft) waves perfect for beginners, while Fisherman's Point delivers 2-3 m (6-10 ft) barrels for advanced surfers. Water temperature hits 27°C (81°F) - no wetsuit needed. The dry season means reliable road access on the 4-hour drive from Monrovia, which becomes treacherous during rains. Local fishing communities are active, and you will see traditional canoe launches at dawn. Book before December 18 when diaspora crowds arrive.

Booking Tip: Week-long surf packages run USD 350-550 including basic accommodation, board rental, and meals. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for December. Look for camps offering both Cassava Point (beginner-friendly beach break) and Fisherman's Point (experienced surfers only) access. See current options in booking section below.

Monrovia Historical Walking Tours

December mornings offer the coolest temperatures at 24-25°C (75-77°F) for exploring Providence Island, Ducor Palace Hotel ruins, and Waterside Market. The 3-4 hour walks cover 5-7 km (3.1-4.3 miles) through neighborhoods showing both civil war history and current rebuilding. Locals are out shopping for Christmas, creating vibrant street scenes. Late December Harmattan haze softens harsh tropical sun but reduces photo clarity. Go before 10am to avoid peak heat and catch fish market action.

Booking Tip: Historical walks cost USD 25-45 per person for 3-4 hours. Verify guides have legitimate historical knowledge - ask about specific civil war dates and Providence Society founding details. Many self-proclaimed guides lack real expertise. Book 1-2 weeks ahead. Check booking widget for verified tour options.

Firestone Plantation Heritage Tours

The world's largest rubber plantation operates 46 km (29 miles) from Monrovia with 8.1 million trees across 480 sq km (185 sq miles). December dry season allows access to interior sections closed during rains. Tours show 1920s-era tapping techniques still used, worker housing that reveals complex colonial labor history, and processing facilities. Controversial history makes this educational rather than celebratory. Morning tours at 8am avoid afternoon heat that makes walking rubber rows oppressive.

Booking Tip: Tours must be arranged through Firestone's community relations office 2-3 weeks ahead, costing USD 15-25 per person for 2-3 hour visits. Photography restrictions apply in processing areas. This is NOT a typical tourist attraction but offers unvarnished insight into Liberia's economic history. Independent visits are not permitted - official arrangement required.

Monkey Island Boat Excursions

December's calm seas with 1-2 m (3-6 ft) swells make boat trips feasible to this chimpanzee sanctuary 20 km (12.4 miles) off Monrovia coast. Six islands host 66 chimps retired from hepatitis research - ethically complex but fascinating. Trips take 90 minutes each way in motorized canoes. Rough seas July-October make this impossible, and March-April heat makes open boat travel miserable. December offers the sweet spot of navigable waters and tolerable temperatures.

Booking Tip: Full-day trips cost USD 120-180 per person including boat, guide, park fees, and lunch. Book 2-3 weeks ahead through operators with Liberian Maritime Authority permits. Trips cancel if swells exceed 2 m (6 ft) - December has 85% success rate versus 40% in rainy season. Maximum 6 people per boat for safety. See booking section for current operators.

Kpatawee Waterfall Hikes

Located 130 km (81 miles) from Monrovia in Bong County, this 15 m (49 ft) waterfall flows strongest in December with residual rainy season runoff before dropping to a trickle by March. The 45-minute hike from road covers 2.5 km (1.6 miles) through secondary forest. December trails are dry enough for regular shoes versus the rubber boots required October-November. Local Kpelle communities offer cultural demonstrations. Combine with Gbarnga market visits for full-day trips.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost USD 60-90 including transport from Monrovia, guide, and village fees. The 3-hour drive each way requires 4WD even in dry season due to road conditions. Book through operators with reliable vehicles - breakdowns are common. Pack lunch as no facilities exist. Verify current security conditions in Bong County before booking. Check widget below for available tours.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

National County Meet in Monrovia

Second week of December brings this athletic competition where all 15 counties send teams to compete in football, track, and traditional wrestling. Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex hosts events with intense local pride on display. Not tourist-oriented but offers authentic cultural immersion. Tickets cost USD 2-5. Evening football matches have best atmosphere with crowds of 5,000-8,000.

December 25-26

Christmas Beach Celebrations

December 25-26 sees massive beach gatherings at ELWA Beach, CeCe Beach, and Sugar Beach with sound systems, grilled fish, and all-day parties. Liberians pack beaches with extended families - expect crowds of 2,000-3,000 at popular spots. Bring cash for food vendors selling pepper soup, fried plantains, and Club Beer. Music is Afrobeats and gospel. Join rather than observe - locals welcome friendly visitors.

December 31

New Year's Eve Church Services and Street Parties

December 31 combines massive church watch night services (10pm-1am) with street celebrations on Broad Street and Tubman Boulevard. Churches are central to Liberian culture - attending a service at Providence Baptist or Trinity Cathedral offers genuine cultural insight. Post-midnight street parties feature live bands, fireworks (limited), and dancing until 3-4am. Dress modestly for church, bring party clothes for after.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 8 means burns in 15-20 minutes even with December's Harmattan haze reducing direct sun intensity

Lightweight long-sleeve cotton shirts in light colors - better than t-shirts for sun protection and culturally appropriate for visiting rural areas where exposed shoulders offend elders

Quick-dry hiking pants or zip-off convertibles - essential for Sapo National Park treks and protect against grass cuts on overgrown trails while drying fast after creek crossings

Closed-toe water shoes or sport sandals - Monrovia streets flood even in dry season from poor drainage, and beach areas have sharp rocks and sea urchins at low tide

High-capacity power bank (20,000+ mAh) and universal adapter - daily 4-6 hour power cuts mean your phone dies by afternoon without backup, and UK-style three-prong outlets are standard

Headlamp or flashlight - streetlights are non-existent outside central Monrovia and even hotels have dark corridors during power cuts, making navigation dangerous without personal lighting

Anti-malarial medication and DEET 30%+ repellent - December dry season reduces mosquito populations by 60% versus rainy season but risk remains high, especially at dusk near standing water

Dust mask or bandana for late December - Harmattan dust haze irritates throats and noses, particularly problematic for those with asthma or allergies when visibility drops below 3 km (1.9 miles)

Small bills in USD - bring USD 1, 5, and 10 bills as Liberian dollars fluctuate and change is perpetually unavailable, ATMs are unreliable outside Monrovia, and USD 20+ bills get rejected

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - even in dry season, 10 rainy days mean sudden afternoon showers, boat spray on coastal trips, and general humidity that damages electronics

Insider Knowledge

Harmattan timing is unpredictable - it typically arrives December 20-28 but can come early or late. Once it hits, visibility drops dramatically affecting flights, photography, and scenic views. If you are visiting for landscapes, aim for December 1-20 before haze arrives. If you hate heat, late December is actually more comfortable despite dust.

Diaspora pricing starts December 18 - hotels, taxis, and restaurants raise prices 30-50% when Liberians return from America for holidays. Book accommodation before this date or expect to pay USD 80-120 for rooms that cost USD 50-70 earlier in the month. Robertsport guesthouses book completely solid December 22-January 3.

Generator schedules matter more than hotel stars - a two-star hotel with 24-hour generator power beats a three-star with 6-hour daily outages. Specifically ask about generator hours and fuel reliability when booking. Hotels near embassies in Sinkor neighborhood get more consistent grid power than downtown Monrovia locations.

Beach safety requires local knowledge - rip currents at ELWA Beach and CeCe Beach kill several people yearly. Never swim alone, stay within 15 m (49 ft) of shore, and ask locals about current conditions. Lifeguards are non-existent. December's calmer seas are safer than rainy season but still dangerous for inexperienced swimmers unfamiliar with West African surf.