Liberia in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Liberia

25°C (77°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season peak with minimal rainfall - only 51 mm (2.0 inches) across 10 days means clear days for Sapo National Park wildlife viewing when animals gather at water sources
Harmattan winds from the Sahara create cooler evenings at 20°C (68°F), perfect for Monrovia's waterfront dining and night markets without the oppressive heat of other months
Sea turtle nesting season along Robertsport and Marshall beaches - December offers the best chances to witness leatherback and olive ridley turtles laying eggs during pre-dawn hours
Harvest season celebrations in rural communities - December brings palm wine festivals and traditional wrestling competitions as rice and cassava harvests are completed

Considerations

Peak tourist season pricing with accommodation rates 40-60% higher than wet season months, particularly around Christmas and New Year when flights to Roberts International can cost 2-3x normal rates
Harmattan dust reduces visibility for photography and can trigger respiratory issues - the Saharan dust creates hazy conditions that obscure mountain views in Nimba County
Crowded beaches and limited accommodation availability in Robertsport during international surfing season - book beachfront lodges minimum 8 weeks ahead or face $200+ nightly rates

Best Activities in December

Sapo National Park Wildlife Tracking

December's dry conditions concentrate wildlife around remaining water sources, making this the optimal month for spotting forest elephants, pygmy hippos, and over 590 bird species. Early morning tracks (6-10am) offer 80% higher wildlife sighting rates than wet season visits. The 1,804 sq km (697 sq miles) park's muddy trails become accessible by 4WD, and river crossings are manageable.

Booking Tip: Arrange through Forestry Development Authority certified guides 3-4 weeks ahead. Full-day expeditions typically cost $180-250 per person including park fees, transportation from Greenville, and packed meals. Multi-day camping permits require advance approval.

Robertsport Surfing and Beach Activities

December delivers consistent 4-6 foot swells with offshore winds creating clean breaks at Fisherman's Lake and Cotton Trees. Water temperature stays warm at 26°C (79°F) while air temperatures cool to comfortable levels. This is peak season for international surf competitions and local fishing tournaments. Dawn surf sessions avoid afternoon crowds and offer glassy conditions.

Booking Tip: Surf lessons and board rentals run $25-40 per day through beachside operators. Book accommodation 6-8 weeks ahead as options fill quickly. Look for operators offering both surfing and fishing combo packages typically priced $120-180 for full-day experiences.

Monrovia Cultural and Historical Walking Tours

December's lower humidity and cooler mornings make extensive walking tours of Monrovia's historic districts comfortable. The 20°C (68°F) morning temperatures are ideal for exploring this destination, Ducor Palace ruins, and this destination. Afternoon rains are brief - typically 15-20 minutes - allowing for indoor museum visits during weather breaks.

Booking Tip: Half-day walking tours cost $35-55 per person through licensed cultural guides. Start tours by 8am to avoid midday heat and afternoon showers. Combine with visits to Banjul and Kampala. Book through hotels or verified guide associations only.

Firestone Plantation and Rubber Farm Tours

December marks the end of tapping season, offering unique insights into rubber processing and the final harvest activities. The massive 480 sq km (185 sq miles) plantation is most accessible during dry season, with company-authorized tours showing century-old operations. Educational tours reveal both historical significance and modern sustainable practices.

Booking Tip: Official plantation tours must be arranged 10-14 days ahead through Firestone Liberia's community relations office. Tours cost $15-25 per person and include transportation within the plantation. Photography restrictions apply in processing areas. Combine with nearby Harbel town market visits.

Nimba Mountains Hiking and Iron Ore Mine Tours

December's clear weather provides optimal visibility for hiking the UNESCO World Heritage Nimba Range, reaching elevations of 1,362 m (4,469 ft). The dry season makes steep trails safer and offers panoramic views across Guinea and Ivory Coast borders. Mining heritage tours show the industrial history that shaped modern Liberia.

Booking Tip: Guided mountain hikes typically cost $80-120 per person for day trips from Yekepa town. Hire certified guides through mining company liaison offices or local tourism boards. Bring proper hiking boots rated for 1,400 m (4,593 ft) elevation and rocky terrain.

Traditional Fishing Village Homestays

December's calm seas create perfect conditions for traditional canoe fishing experiences in coastal communities like Marshall and Buchanan. Participate in net fishing, crab catching, and fish smoking processes while staying with local families. This is prime fishing season when communities welcome cultural exchange visitors.

Booking Tip: Homestay experiences cost $45-75 per night including meals and fishing activities. Arrange through established community tourism networks minimum 2 weeks ahead. Bring water purification tablets and basic medical supplies. Expect basic accommodation with shared facilities.

December Events & Festivals

Early to Mid December

National Rice Harvest Festival

Traditional celebration marking the completion of rice harvest season across rural Liberia. Features competitive rice threshing, traditional mask dancing, and communal feasts with palm wine. Each county celebrates on different dates based on local harvest completion.

Mid December

Christmas Beach Festival - Robertsport

Local surfing and cultural festival combining international surf competitions with traditional Liberian music, dance, and food. Features live palmwine music, traditional wrestling matches, and beachside fish roasting competitions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with good ventilation - December's 10 rainy days bring brief but intense downpours lasting 15-30 minutes

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 even during Harmattan season, intensified by sand reflection

Dust mask or scarf for Harmattan winds - Saharan dust reduces air quality and visibility, especially problematic for those with respiratory issues

Sturdy waterproof hiking boots rated for tropical conditions - essential for Sapo National Park's muddy trails and rocky Nimba Mountain terrain

Quick-dry cotton or linen clothing in light colors - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable, while light colors reflect heat

Insect repellent containing 30% DEET minimum - December's dry conditions concentrate mosquitoes around water sources

Portable water purification system or tablets - tap water quality varies significantly outside Monrovia

Power bank and universal adapter - electricity is intermittent outside major cities, and Liberia uses Type A, B, C, and F outlets

Cash in small US dollar bills - many rural areas don't accept cards, and small denominations are preferred for local transactions

Basic first aid kit including anti-malarial medication - medical facilities are limited outside Monrovia and major towns

Insider Knowledge

Liberian time runs 30-45 minutes behind scheduled times for most appointments and tours - build buffer time into daily plans and confirm timing day-before

December palm wine is at its peak quality as fresh palm trees are tapped for holiday celebrations - try it at source in rural communities rather than bottled versions in Monrovia

Fuel shortages are common in December due to increased holiday travel demand - rent vehicles with full tanks and carry extra fuel for trips outside Monrovia

Local markets offer best exchange rates for US dollars compared to banks or hotels - change money at established markets like this destination in Monrovia with visible security presence

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating travel time between cities due to December road conditions - factor in 2-3 hours longer than GPS estimates for journeys to Gbarnga or Buchanan

Booking internal flights too late - December domestic flights fill quickly with holiday travelers, and weather can cause 24-48 hour delays

Expecting Western-style Christmas celebrations - Liberian Christmas focuses on family gatherings and church services rather than commercial festivities