Libreville in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Libreville

29°C (84°F) High Temp

23°C (74°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season peak: December is Libreville's driest month with virtually zero rainfall (0 mm), perfect for outdoor activities and beach time without weather disruptions
Optimal temperature balance: Daily highs of 29°C (84°F) are hot enough for beach activities but not oppressively scorching, while 23°C (74°F) evenings are perfect for outdoor dining
Cultural calendar peak: December brings Gabon's most busy festivals including the National Day celebrations on December 31st and traditional Bwiti ceremonies welcoming the new year
Atlantic Ocean conditions: December marks the calmest ocean period with minimal swells, making it ideal for fishing, boat trips to Pointe-Denis, and coastal exploration

Considerations

Peak season pricing: Hotel rates increase 40-60% during December, and advance booking 6-8 weeks ahead is essential as many properties sell out completely
Harmattan dust intrusion: Periodic Saharan dust from the northeast can reduce visibility to 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) and create hazy conditions lasting 2-4 days
Tourist infrastructure strain: Limited tour operators and restaurant capacity means popular experiences book solid, and service quality can decline due to overwhelming demand

Best Activities in December

Pointe-Denis Beach Resort Day Trips

December's calm Atlantic conditions and dry weather make this the perfect month for the 20-minute ferry ride to Libreville's premier beach destination. Water temperatures reach 27°C (81°F), and the lack of rain means pristine white sand conditions. Morning departures at 8am avoid both crowds and afternoon UV intensity.

Booking Tip: Reserve ferry tickets and beach club access 10-14 days ahead through hotel concierges. Day packages typically cost 25,000-35,000 CFA francs including transport and lunch. Choose morning departure slots for best beach conditions and return by 4pm to avoid rough evening crossings.

Loango National Park Wildlife Expeditions

December's dry season transforms Loango into wildlife viewing great destination, with elephants gathering at coastal lagoons and hippos easily spotted in receding waters. The 2.5-hour drive south is dust-free, and hiking trails are firm and accessible. December is peak season for forest buffalo sightings and bird migration activity.

Booking Tip: Multi-day packages require booking 3-4 weeks ahead through licensed operators. Expect 80,000-120,000 CFA francs for 2-day guided expeditions including 4WD transport, park fees, and basic accommodation. Verify operator has current park permits and emergency communication equipment.

Libreville Cultural District Walking Tours

December's lower humidity (70% vs 85% in rainy months) makes exploring downtown's colonial architecture and local markets comfortable. Start at 7am when temperatures are 23°C (74°F), visiting the Bangui area, Banjul, and artisan quarters. December brings special holiday decorations and extended market hours.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours work well, but local guides offer cultural context worth 8,000-12,000 CFA francs for 3-4 hour experiences. Book through tourist information centers rather than street approaches. Carry 20,000+ CFA francs cash for market purchases as card acceptance is limited.

Estuaire Province Mangrove Boat Expeditions

December's dry conditions concentrate wildlife in remaining water sources, making mangrove channels ideal for spotting crocodiles, manatees, and 200+ bird species. Water levels are low enough to navigate smaller tributaries usually inaccessible. Morning tours benefit from glass-calm water conditions perfect for photography.

Booking Tip: Half-day guided boat tours cost 30,000-45,000 CFA francs per person through fishing cooperatives. Verify boats have safety equipment and GPS - December's low water can strand inexperienced operators. Book 7-10 days ahead as dry season demand is highest among locals and expats.

Equatorial Guinea Border Market Expeditions

December's excellent road conditions and dry weather make the 2-hour drive to border markets at Kye-Ossi highly worthwhile. This is peak season for specialty items like carved masks, textiles, and regional foods unavailable in Libreville. Border crossing is streamlined during December's holiday travel period.

Booking Tip: Organized day trips through local operators cost 40,000-55,000 CFA francs including transport, guide, and border documentation assistance. Ensure your guide has current border knowledge as procedures change frequently. Carry passport, yellow fever certificate, and 50,000+ CFA francs for purchases.

Cap Estérias Coastal Fishing Adventures

December marks peak fishing season with calm seas and optimal conditions for catching tarpon, marlin, and red snapper. Charter boats benefit from 6am-6pm daylight and minimal weather delays. Local fishing communities are most active, offering real feels beyond tourist-focused operations.

Booking Tip: Full-day fishing charters range 60,000-90,000 CFA francs for groups up to 6 people. Book directly with fishing cooperatives at Port Môle for real feels, or through hotels for standardized service. Verify inclusion of equipment, bait, and fish preparation services.

December Events & Festivals

Late December

Gabon National Day Celebrations

December 31st marks Gabon's Independence Day with street parades, traditional music performances, and cultural displays throughout Libreville. The main celebration occurs at Place de l'Indépendance with government ceremonies, followed by evening festivities in neighborhoods citywide.

Late December

Bwiti New Year Ceremonies

Traditional spiritual ceremonies marking the transition to the new year, featuring sacred music, dance, and community gatherings. These authentic cultural experiences occur in various neighborhoods and welcome respectful international visitors when properly introduced through local contacts.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 with intense equatorial sun reflecting off water and sand

Lightweight cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which traps moisture in 70% humidity conditions

Packable rain jacket - despite dry season, brief afternoon showers occur on 10 days throughout December

Closed-toe hiking shoes - for Gabon trails and protection against insects during nature walks

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - essential for boat trips where ocean breezes can be deceptive about sun exposure

Insect repellent with 25%+ DEET - December's dry conditions concentrate mosquitoes around remaining water sources

Portable water bottles (1.5L capacity) - staying hydrated in 29°C (84°F) heat requires 3+ liters daily consumption

Cash in CFA francs (50,000+ notes) - card acceptance outside major hotels is limited, especially at markets and local operators

Yellow fever vaccination certificate - required for entry and random checks occur at tourist sites and border crossings

Waterproof phone case - essential for boat trips and beach activities where sand and spray damage electronics frequently

Insider Knowledge

December flight prices to Libreville spike 50-70% after December 15th due to holiday travel - book international flights by November 1st for significant savings

Local restaurants extend hours during December celebrations, with some serving until 2am - take advantage of special holiday menus featuring traditional dishes like nyembwe and bongo

December's dry roads make renting a car worthwhile for the first time all year - daily rates drop to 35,000-45,000 CFA francs and fuel stations have reliable supplies

French colonial administration buildings offer free architecture tours on weekday mornings - December scheduling is most reliable as government workers are present before holiday breaks

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating December accommodation demand - popular hotels and guesthouses fill completely, leaving late bookers with substandard options at premium prices

Scheduling afternoon outdoor activities - December's UV intensity peaks between 11am-3pm making morning and late afternoon timing essential for comfort

Relying on credit cards outside major establishments - December's increased local commerce operates almost entirely on cash, stranding unprepared visitors