Things to Do in Benin in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Benin
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- The Harmattan winds arrive in December, bringing dry air from the Sahara that actually makes the heat more bearable - locals call this the 'cool season' even though temperatures still hit 37°C (99°F). You'll notice the sky takes on a distinctive hazy quality, and mornings can be surprisingly pleasant at 21°C (70°F).
- Zero rainfall means you can plan outdoor activities without the afternoon downpours that define the wet season. The 10 rainy days listed in weather data are residual from the transition period - by mid-December, rain is essentially nonexistent. Roads to northern attractions like Pendjari National Park are fully accessible after being muddy nightmares in October-November.
- December marks the peak season for wildlife viewing at Pendjari. Animals congregate around water sources as the landscape dries out, making game drives significantly more productive. Safari operators report elephant sightings increase by roughly 60% compared to wet season months.
- The Festival Vodoun on January 10th casts its shadow backward into late December - you'll find practitioners preparing throughout the month, temples become more active, and if you know where to look in Ouidah and Abomey, you can witness rehearsals and preparations that tourists rarely see. The energy builds noticeably from Christmas onward.
Considerations
- The Harmattan brings fine Saharan dust that reduces visibility - some days you literally cannot see more than 2 km (1.2 miles) ahead. This affects photography, can irritate respiratory systems, and makes coastal sunsets less spectacular than you'd expect. If you have asthma or dust sensitivities, this is genuinely challenging.
- December is peak tourist season for the small but growing number of visitors Benin receives, which means accommodation prices in Cotonou, Ouidah, and near Pendjari increase by 30-50% compared to shoulder months. More critically, the handful of quality lodges near Pendjari fill up months in advance - if you're booking in November 2026 for December travel, options will be limited.
- The combination of 70% humidity and Harmattan dust creates a sticky, gritty feeling that takes adjustment. You'll shower twice daily and still feel slightly grimy. Locals adapt by using shea butter extensively, but newcomers often struggle with the texture of the air - it's not the refreshing dry heat you might expect when you hear 'dry season'.
Best Activities in December
Pendjari National Park Safari Tours
December is objectively the best month for wildlife viewing in West Africa's premier national park. The dry conditions concentrate animals around remaining water sources, and the reduced vegetation makes spotting significantly easier. Early morning drives starting at 6am offer the coolest temperatures around 23°C (73°F) and most active wildlife. You're looking at realistic chances of seeing elephants, lions, hippos, and various antelope species - something that's far less predictable during wet months when animals disperse.
Ouidah Historical Walking Tours
The former slave trade hub becomes more manageable in December's dry weather - the Route des Esclaves (Slave Route) to the beach is a 4 km (2.5 mile) walk that would be brutal in wet season mud but is perfectly navigable now. The Python Temple, Door of No Return, and various vodoun sites are best experienced in morning hours before 11am when temperatures are still reasonable. The Harmattan haze actually adds an eerie atmosphere to the historical sites that feels oddly appropriate given the heavy subject matter.
Ganvie Stilt Village Boat Tours
Africa's largest lake village is actually more photogenic in December's Harmattan light - the dust creates a soft, diffused quality that works beautifully for photography despite reducing distant visibility. The lake level drops slightly, making the stilts more prominent and the village structure more visually striking. Morning tours around 7-8am catch the floating market at its busiest and avoid the worst heat. The 90-minute boat ride from Abomey-Calavi is comfortable in December's conditions, whereas wet season tours can be choppy and uncomfortable.
Abomey Royal Palaces Exploration
The UNESCO World Heritage palaces of the former Dahomey Kingdom are best visited in December's dry conditions when you can properly explore the outdoor courtyards and grounds without mud. The museum complex requires 2-3 hours to see properly, and December's lower humidity makes the indoor exhibits more comfortable - many buildings lack air conditioning. The historical artifacts related to the Amazons (female warriors) and vodoun practices are genuinely world-class, yet this site sees maybe 50 visitors on a busy December day.
Cotonou Market and Street Food Tours
December's dry weather makes navigating Dantokpa Market - one of West Africa's largest - actually feasible. During wet months, sections flood and become impassable. The market sprawls across multiple zones covering everything from fetish objects for vodoun ceremonies to textiles to fresh produce. Street food is peak in December because vendors can operate without rain disruption - you'll find grilled fish, akassa (fermented corn paste), and wagasi (local cheese) at their best. Evening food tours starting around 5pm catch the cooler temperatures and most active vendor scene.
Northern Benin Cultural Village Visits
December's dry roads make the northern regions around Natitingou and the Atakora Mountains actually accessible - these areas become partially cut off during wet season. The Somba people's distinctive tata somba fortified houses are architectural marvels, and December timing means you might catch preparation activities for the Ditammari harvest celebrations. The landscape is dramatic, with baobab-dotted savannas and the Tanougou Falls still flowing from residual wet season water. Temperatures in the north are slightly cooler than the coast, making hiking more manageable.
December Events & Festivals
Festival Vodoun Preparations
While the main Festival Vodoun occurs January 10th, late December sees intensive preparations throughout Ouidah, Abomey, and Porto-Novo. Temples become more active, practitioners conduct preliminary ceremonies, and if you connect with knowledgeable guides, you can witness rehearsals and preparations that offer more intimate cultural access than the crowded festival day itself. This is not advertised or organized for tourists - you need local connections to experience it properly.
Christmas Celebrations
Benin's Christian population, particularly in southern regions, celebrates Christmas with distinctive local flavor. Churches hold elaborate services mixing Christian and traditional music styles, families prepare special meals often incorporating local ingredients like pounded yam and spicy sauces, and Cotonou's neighborhoods put up decorations. It's not a major tourist draw but offers genuine cultural insight if you're in-country during December 24-25.