Accra in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Accra

32°C (90°F) High Temp

24°C (76°F) Low Temp

28 mm (1.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak Harmattan season brings cooler temperatures and lower humidity compared to other months, making outdoor exploration comfortable from 6am-10am and 4pm-7pm
December marks the start of the main cultural season with traditional festivals, live music venues at peak activity, and the best street food availability as vendors capitalize on holiday crowds
Excellent beach conditions at Labadi and Kokrobite with consistent 3-4 foot waves, minimal rainfall (only 28mm total), and sea temperatures around 26°C (79°F)
Hotel rates are 15-25% lower than January-February peak season, while flight availability from Europe and North America is still good before Christmas rush

Considerations

Dusty Harmattan winds from the Sahara create hazy conditions that reduce visibility for photography and can irritate sensitive sinuses - air quality drops significantly mid-month
December 20-31 sees major price spikes (40-60% increases) for accommodations and tours as both international visitors and Ghanaian diaspora return for holidays
Afternoon heat still reaches 32°C (90°F) with 70% humidity, making midday outdoor activities uncomfortable - most locals retreat indoors 11am-3pm

Best Activities in December

Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Historical Tours

December's cooler mornings (24°C/76°F) make the emotionally heavy 2-3 hour castle tours more comfortable than in hotter months. The Harmattan season provides clearer coastal views, and this is when local guides have peak energy before January tourist rush. Tour groups are smaller than peak season but large enough for meaningful discussions.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed Heritage Tourism operators. Full-day tours including transport from Accra typically cost ₵300-450 ($50-75). Choose morning departures (8am-9am) to avoid afternoon heat and crowds. Look for guides certified by Ghana Museums and Monuments Board.

Kakum Canopy Walk Adventures

The 30m (98ft) high canopy walkways are perfect in December's lower humidity and stable weather patterns. Morning mist clears by 8am, providing excellent visibility through the rainforest. Wildlife is most active during December's cooler temperatures, and the 350m (1,148ft) walkway experiences less afternoon thunderstorm disruption.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead, especially for weekends. Entry fees are ₵25 ($4) for non-residents plus ₵150-250 ($25-42) for guided nature walks. Arrive by 7:30am for best wildlife viewing and temperature comfort. Transport packages from Accra typically cost ₵180-280 ($30-47).

Labadi Beach and Surfing Sessions

December brings consistent offshore winds creating ideal 3-4 foot waves for beginners, while sea temperatures remain warm at 26°C (79°F). Beach bars have live music setups for holiday season, and the lower rainfall (only 10 rainy days) means reliable beach days. Local surfers offer lessons during their peak availability.

Booking Tip: Surfboard rentals cost ₵80-120 ($13-20) per day, lessons ₵150-200 ($25-33) for 2 hours. Weekend beach entry is ₵10-15 ($1.50-2.50). Book surf lessons 2-3 days ahead through beach operators. Best conditions are early morning 6am-9am and late afternoon 4pm-6pm.

Makola Market Cultural Immersion

December is prime shopping season when the market overflows with traditional textiles, crafts, and holiday foods. Cooler morning temperatures make navigating the crowded 1.5km (0.9 mile) market complex comfortable. This is when you'll find the best kente cloth selections and seasonal specialties like palm wine and roasted plantain.

Booking Tip: Join cultural walking tours ₵100-180 ($17-30) for 3-4 hours with local guides who handle negotiations and cultural context. Independent visits are free but arrive by 8am before crowds peak. Bring small bills for purchases - budget ₵200-500 ($33-83) for quality textiles and crafts.

Lake Volta and Ada Foah River Expeditions

December's stable weather patterns and lower water levels make boat navigation safer on the world's largest artificial lake. Birdwatching is exceptional as migratory species arrive, and local fishing communities are most active during the cooler season. River mouth conditions at Ada Foah are ideal for kayaking.

Booking Tip: Full-day boat tours typically cost ₵400-600 ($67-100) including lunch and guide. Book 1-2 weeks ahead as boat availability is limited. Look for operators with life jackets and radio communication. Ada Foah accommodation should be booked early as options are limited.

Aburi Botanical Gardens and Mountain Villages

The 45-minute drive to 460m (1,509ft) elevation provides relief from coastal humidity, with temperatures 3-4°C cooler. December's clear skies offer spectacular views over Greater Accra region. The gardens showcase tropical plants at their peak, and mountain villages have craft markets with items unavailable in the city.

Booking Tip: Entry is ₵20 ($3.30) plus ₵150-250 ($25-42) for guided botanical tours. Transport costs ₵200-350 ($33-58) return including waiting time. Combine with nearby villages for full-day experiences costing ₵300-450 ($50-75) total. Best visited mornings when mountain air is coolest.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Chale Wote Street Art Festival

Annual celebration transforming James Town into an outdoor gallery with murals, installations, live music, and traditional performances. Local and international artists showcase contemporary African art while food vendors serve traditional dishes.

Early to Mid December

Homowo Festival Celebrations

Traditional Ga harvest festival featuring ceremonial food throwing, drumming, dancing, and cultural displays throughout Greater Accra. Each community celebrates on different dates with unique customs and feast preparations.

Throughout December

December Music Festival Circuit

Multiple venues across Accra host live highlife, hiplife, and afrobeats concerts as musicians capitalize on holiday crowds and diaspora visitors. Alliance Française and Prague anchor the formal events.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester as 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable and clingy

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even during 'cooler' December weather

Light scarf or bandana for Harmattan dust protection - Saharan winds create hazy, dusty conditions especially mid-month

Comfortable walking sandals with good grip - streets can be uneven and some beach walking is essential

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - 10 rainy days with brief but heavy afternoon showers

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes are active in humid evening conditions around 6pm-8pm

Power adapter (British 3-pin) and portable charger - power cuts are common and outlets may be scarce

Reusable water bottle with filtration capability - staying hydrated is crucial in 32°C (90°F) temperatures

Cash in small denominations (₵1, ₵5, ₵10 notes) - many vendors and transport options don't accept large bills

Basic first-aid supplies including anti-diarrheal medication - street food adventures require preparation

Insider Knowledge

Local 'trotro' minibuses run most frequently 6am-9am and 4pm-7pm when temperatures are comfortable - avoid midday travel when vehicles become ovens without air conditioning

December is palm wine season when fresh toddy flows best - try it at beach bars around 5pm when daily batches are ready but before fermentation makes it too strong

Ghanaian office workers and students take extended breaks mid-month for Christmas preparations, making government offices and universities less crowded but also slower for any administrative needs

The best kente cloth selections appear in markets during December as weavers prepare for holiday sales - prices are highest but quality and variety peak before January tourist season

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities during 11am-3pm when temperatures hit 32°C (90°F) with full sun - locals universally avoid this period and you should too

Wearing dark colors or heavy fabrics thinking December is 'cool season' - humidity remains at 70% making breathable, light-colored clothing essential

Expecting Christmas/New Year availability without booking ahead - December 20-31 sees massive price increases and sold-out accommodations as diaspora returns