Things to Do in Accra in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
Shoulder Season · Good Value
December Weather in Accra
Long-run averages for December
90°F (32°C)
High Temp
76°F (24°C)
Low Temp
1.1 inches (28 mm)
Rainfall
78%
Humidity
8
Sunny-Day UV
⚠ UV index 8 requires SPF 50+ and reapplication every 90 minutes - burn time under 15 minutes at midday
Making the most of December in Accra? Browse tours and activities in Accra on GetYourGuide.
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + Harmattan season brings drier air and less humidity. The 70% humidity feels almost refreshing compared to March's 85%. Locals call it Ghana's natural air-conditioning. Worth it.
- + Evena Beach parties and outdoor concerts happen every weekend in December. Labadi Beach turns into Ghana's biggest dance floor under moonlight. The bass carries across the sand until sunrise. Bring cash.
- + Fresh mango season overlaps with December. Roadside stands on the Tema Motorway sell well ripe Kent mangoes that drip sticky sweetness down your chin. Buy extra. Napkins optional.
- + Christmas street decorations transform Oxford Street in Osu into a neon wonderland that locals embrace rather than endure. Strings of lights crisscross above traffic. Vendors sell Santa hats in kente patterns.
Considerations
- − Harmattan haze can reduce visibility to 2 km (1.2 miles) some mornings. The coastal breeze usually clears it by 10am but morning flights sometimes delay. Photographers love the golden hour filter. Pack patience.
- − December 20-January 3 becomes peak pricing for everything. Hotels near Independence Square triple rates and taxi drivers start negotiations at double the usual fare. Book early. Haggle harder.
- − The UV index of 8 means you'll burn in 15 minutes without protection. Even Ghanaian locals complain about the intensity of December sun. Shade becomes currency. SPF 50+ mandatory.
Settled on December? Compare hotel prices in Accra for your dates on Trip.com.
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
Jamestown Heritage Walking Tours
December's morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) make exploring the fishing community pleasant. The 350-year-old district's coral-pink lighthouse opens at 6am, and by 7am you'll watch fishermen haul nets onto Jamestown Beach while the smell of kenkey steaming in banana leaves drifts from family compounds. Afternoon tours are brutal. Stick to sunrise walks when Harmattan breeze cuts through the humidity.
Booking Tip: Book 2-3 days ahead through licensed guides only. Look for operators registered with the Ghana Tourism Authority. Morning tours typically start 6:30am from the lighthouse base. Check credentials. Tip well.
Labadi Beach Nightlife Experiences
December transforms Accra's main beach into an outdoor club that doesn't quit until 4am. The sand stays warm from daytime sun while ocean breezes keep temperatures around 26°C (79°F). Good for dancing barefoot to Afrobeats at beach bars like Kokrobitey. Weekend crowds get thick after 10pm. But weeknight parties feel like private gatherings with locals who'll teach you Azonto dance moves.
Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for beach bars. Just show up with cash for drinks. Weekend table reservations recommended for beach clubs through hotel concierges. Bring small bills. Dance shoes optional.
Osu Night Market Food Tours
December evenings cool to 27°C (81°F). Comfortable enough to graze through 30+ food stalls without melting. The night market spreads along Oxford Street from 6pm, where women fan charcoal grills sending smoke signals that smell like spiced plantain and grilled tilapia. Try kelewele (spicy fried plantain) while it's still screaming hot. The ginger-pepper coating tastes different when December's dry air hasn't soaked up the spices yet.
Booking Tip: Join organized food tours or explore independently. Both work in December. Start 7pm when stalls are fully set up but crowds haven't peaked. Bring wet wipes. Arrive hungry.
Aburi Botanical Gardens Nature Walks
The 40-minute drive to Aburi happens the temperature drop 5°C (9°F). From Accra's 32°C (90°F) to the garden's 27°C (81°F) thanks to 460m (1,509 ft) elevation. December's Harmattan creates crystal-clear views across the Accra plains, and the canopy walk stays dry unlike other months when afternoon storms make boards slippery. The gardens open 8am. Arrive early before Kumasi tour buses.
Booking Tip: Hire a private driver for the half-day trip. Public transport involves multiple changes and takes 2+ hours each way. Book driver through hotel or guesthouse. Negotiate waiting time. Bring snacks.
National Theatre Traditional Performances
December's cultural calendar packs the National Theatre every weekend. Air conditioning provides relief when outside hits 33°C (91°F) but inside stays 22°C (72°F).
Booking Tip: Tickets typically available day-of at the box office for weekend shows. Friday evening performances draw smaller crowds than Saturday spectacles. Cash preferred. Clap on beat.
Where to Stay in Accra in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
Public Holidays in December
Dates that affect opening hours, transport and crowds
Farmers' Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Christmas Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Boxing Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Farmers' Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Christmas Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Boxing Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Farmers' Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Christmas Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Boxing Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Packing Checklist
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View Accra Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Download the 'TroTro' app before arriving. December's tro-tro routes change slightly due to holiday traffic patterns, and drivers won't explain detours to foreigners. Study routes. Ask locals.
The real Christmas shopping happens at Makola Market December 15-23. Vendors from northern Ghana bring crafts unavailable other months. But prices double after December 20. Go early. Bargain hard.
Beach bars expect you to buy drinks if using their chairs - order at least one drink per hour or they'll ask you to leave, even if half the chairs stay empty
Harmattan haze makes golden hour photography spectacular - the dust particles create natural filtering that turns sunset photos orange-pink around 5:45pm
Taxi drivers quote prices in old Ghana cedis during December - when they say 'fifty' they mean 50 pesewas (half a cedi), not 50 cedis
Avoid These Mistakes
Booking beachfront hotels for December - the ocean breeze can't compete with 90°F heat, and you'll pay premium for location that's too hot to enjoy midday
Assuming Christmas Day closures - most restaurants and attractions stay open since Ghanaians celebrate with family meals, not commercial shutdowns
Wearing new shoes for walking tours - December's humidity swells feet, and cobblestone streets in Jamestown will destroy unprepared footwear
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