Gambia in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Gambia

89°F (32°C) High Temp

61°F (16°C) Low Temp

0.0 inches (0 mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season peak with zero precipitation makes this ideal for all outdoor activities - you can plan multi-day river excursions and upcountry camping without weather backup plans
Harmattan winds from the Sahara bring significantly cooler mornings at 16°C (61°F), making early wildlife viewing at Abuko Nature Reserve comfortable before afternoon heat kicks in
Perfect timing for bird migration season - over 540 species present including European migrants like bee-eaters and rollers that arrive in huge numbers along the River Gambia
Tourist season is just starting so accommodation prices haven't hit January-March peaks yet, and you'll avoid the overwhelming crowds that arrive after Christmas

Considerations

Afternoon temperatures soar to 32°C (89°F) with 70% humidity, making midday outdoor activities genuinely uncomfortable - locals retreat indoors between 11am-4pm
Harmattan winds carry Saharan dust that reduces visibility to 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) on some days, affecting photography and causing respiratory irritation for sensitive travelers
Despite being 'dry season', you'll still get 10 rainy days - these are unpredictable afternoon downpours that can trap you for hours with poor drainage in many areas

Best Activities in December

River Gambia Bird Watching Expeditions

December is peak migration season with over 540 species present. Morning temperatures of 16°C (61°F) make dawn river trips comfortable before heat builds. European bee-eaters, rollers, and raptors are at maximum numbers. The dry conditions mean birds concentrate around remaining water sources, making sightings predictable.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators. Expect to pay 800-1,500 dalasi ($15-30 USD) for full-day trips. Look for guides certified by Gambia Tourism Board. Early morning departures (6am) are essential - afternoon trips are too hot and less productive.

Atlantic Coast Fishing Charters

December marks peak season for barracuda, snapper, and seasonal tuna migrations. Calm seas with minimal rainfall make multi-hour trips comfortable. Local fishing communities are most active as this is their prime earning season before rough January-February seas.

Booking Tip: Book directly with Tanji or Gunjur fishing communities 3-5 days ahead. Half-day trips typically cost 1,200-2,000 dalasi ($25-40 USD). Avoid Friday afternoons due to prayers. Morning departures before 7am avoid afternoon heat and choppy conditions.

Upcountry Cultural Village Tours

Dry roads make remote villages like Janjanbureh and Kuntaur accessible by standard vehicles. December harvest celebrations showcase traditional music, dance, and local foods like benachin and domoda. Cooler mornings allow comfortable walking tours of compound life.

Booking Tip: Arrange through community tourism initiatives 1-2 weeks ahead. Full-day trips cost 1,500-2,500 dalasi ($30-50 USD) including meals. Travel early morning to reach villages by 9am before heat peaks. Check current road conditions after any rainfall.

Abuko Nature Reserve Wildlife Tracking

December's dry conditions concentrate wildlife around water sources, making animal sightings more predictable. Morning temperatures of 16°C (61°F) allow comfortable 3-4 hour walking safaris. Monkeys, crocodiles, and antelope are most active during cooler hours.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required - pay 25 dalasi ($0.50 USD) entry at gate. Arrive at 7am opening for best wildlife activity. Bring 2 liters (0.5 gallons) water per person. Guided tours available for additional 150 dalasi ($3 USD).

Senegambia Strip Night Market Experience

December evenings cool to pleasant temperatures perfect for outdoor dining and shopping. This is when local vendors set up extensive night markets selling textiles, crafts, and street food. The dry weather means consistent daily operations without rain cancellations.

Booking Tip: No booking needed - markets operate 6pm-midnight daily. Budget 500-1,000 dalasi ($10-20 USD) for food and shopping. Peak activity is 7-9pm when temperatures drop. Negotiate prices - expect to pay 40-60% of initial asking price.

Stone Circles Historical Site Tours

December's clear, dust-free days provide excellent photography conditions at Wassu and Ker Batch stone circles. Dry ground allows access to remote circle sites normally difficult to reach. Cool mornings make the 2-3 hour site explorations comfortable.

Booking Tip: Arrange transport through local guides 2-3 days ahead. Day trips cost 2,000-3,500 dalasi ($40-70 USD) including transport and guide. Start early (7am) to avoid afternoon heat. Bring sun protection - minimal shade at sites.

December Events & Festivals

Early to Mid December

Harvest Festival Celebrations

Rural communities celebrate successful groundnut and millet harvests with traditional drumming, dancing, and communal feasts. Villages welcome visitors to experience authentic Mandinka, Fula, and Wolof cultural practices

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which becomes unbearable in 70% humidity and 32°C (89°F) afternoon heat

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - those 10 rainy days bring sudden downpours lasting 30-60 minutes with poor drainage

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 with minimal cloud cover during dry season

Dust mask or scarf for face - Harmattan winds carry Saharan dust that irritates throats and reduces visibility

Closed-toe shoes for morning activities - dew makes grass slippery until 9am, especially around rivers and nature reserves

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes are still active despite dry season, particularly around remaining water sources

Light sweater for early mornings - 16°C (61°F) predawn temperatures feel genuinely cool after months of heat

Extra phone/camera batteries - dust and humidity drain electronics faster than expected

Water purification tablets - rural areas may have limited bottled water, especially during busy tourist season

Cash in small denominations - many village experiences and local guides don't accept cards or large bills

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation by mid-November - December marks the start of tourist season and beachfront hotels fill up quickly, especially around Christmas

Take advantage of 'shoulder pricing' in early December - rates jump 30-50% after December 20th when European holiday makers arrive

Plan outdoor activities for 6am-10am and after 4pm - locals know midday sun is dangerous and most businesses close 11am-3pm

Bring small gifts for village visits - school supplies, simple toys, or printed photos from your country are appreciated more than money

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities between 11am-4pm when even locals stay indoors - you'll be miserable and potentially risk heat exhaustion

Not carrying cash in small bills - most real feels require payment in dalasi and vendors rarely have change for large notes

Expecting consistent internet connectivity outside coastal areas - download offline maps and translation apps before heading upcountry