Things to Do in Benin in December

December Weather in Benin

32°C (90°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

5 mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Driest month of the year with only 5 mm (0.2 inches) rainfall and minimal humidity at 45% - perfect for outdoor activities without the sticky discomfort of other seasons
Harmattan winds from the Sahara bring cooler evening temperatures down to 20°C (68°F), making nighttime exploration of markets and cultural sites comfortable
Peak tourist season means maximum availability of guided tours, cultural performances, and festival activities - though this also means higher prices
December 6th National Day celebrations and Christmas festivities create vibrant cultural experiences unique to this time of year, with traditional Fon and Yoruba performances in Cotonou

Considerations

Dusty conditions from Harmattan winds can irritate eyes and respiratory systems - visibility sometimes drops to 2 km (1.2 miles) during heavy dust periods
Peak season pricing means accommodation costs increase 40-60% compared to rainy season, with budget guesthouses jumping from 15,000 CFA to 25,000 CFA per night
Extreme fire danger in northern parks like Pendjari - some wildlife viewing areas may be temporarily closed, and campfires are strictly prohibited

Best Activities in December

Pendjari National Park Wildlife Safaris

December marks peak wildlife viewing season as animals congregate around remaining water sources. Morning temperatures of 20°C (68°F) make early game drives comfortable, while the dry conditions mean excellent road access throughout the park. Elephant, hippo, and antelope sightings reach 85% probability compared to 40% during rainy months.

Booking Tip: Book at least 3-4 weeks ahead as December is peak season. Safari packages typically cost 45,000-65,000 CFA per day including guide and park fees. Look for operators offering early morning departures at 5:30 AM to avoid midday heat of 32°C (90°F).

Royal Palace Cultural Tours in Abomey

December's low humidity makes exploring the UNESCO World Heritage palaces comfortable for the required 3-4 hours of walking. The dry season also coincides with traditional ceremonies and storytelling sessions that don't occur during rainy months. Palace courtyards become venues for cultural performances during Christmas season.

Booking Tip: Guided tours cost 8,000-12,000 CFA per person and should be booked 1-2 weeks ahead during peak season. Look for certified guides who speak multiple local languages including Fon. Tours typically run 9 AM-1 PM to avoid afternoon heat.

Ganvie Stilt Village Lake Tours

Lake Nokoue water levels are optimal in December - high enough for comfortable boat navigation but not flood-stage like in rainy season. Morning mist creates dramatic photography conditions, while afternoon temperatures stay comfortable at 28°C (82°F) on the water. December fishing activities provide authentic cultural interactions.

Booking Tip: Pirogue tours typically cost 3,000-5,000 CFA per person for 2-3 hours. Book morning departures between 7-9 AM for best conditions and cultural activities. Operators usually found at Calavi boat station - negotiate in advance, especially during peak season.

Cotonou Grand Marche Shopping and Food Tours

December brings seasonal specialties like palm wine and Christmas-influenced local dishes. The dry weather means comfortable walking through covered market sections for 2-3 hours without rain interruptions. Evening food markets along Boulevard St. Michel operate until 10 PM in pleasant 22°C (72°F) temperatures.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost 15,000-25,000 CFA per person including tastings. Peak season means more vendors and variety but also crowds. Schedule morning market visits 8-11 AM before heat peaks, or evening food walks after 5 PM.

Ouidah Slave Route Historical Walking Tours

December's comfortable temperatures make the emotional 4 km (2.5 mile) Door of No Return walking route manageable without heat exhaustion. The dry season ensures access to all memorial sites, including beach areas that flood during rains. December also brings diaspora visitors for cultural exchanges.

Booking Tip: Self-guided routes are free, but certified historical guides cost 8,000-15,000 CFA for 3-4 hours. Book guides through Ouidah Museum of History. Bring sun protection - limited shade on beach sections with UV index reaching 9.

Traditional Voodoo Ceremony Experiences

December features important voodoo calendar events, particularly ceremonies preparing for the new year. Dry conditions allow access to forest shrines typically unreachable during rainy season. Tourist-appropriate ceremonies occur more frequently during peak season to meet visitor demand.

Booking Tip: Authentic ceremony experiences cost 20,000-40,000 CFA per person through cultural centers. Book through established cultural associations only - avoid informal 'guides' offering cheap ceremonies. Respect photography restrictions and dress codes.

December Events & Festivals

December 6

National Day Celebrations

December 6th commemorates Benin's independence with parades, traditional music, and cultural displays throughout major cities. Military parades in Cotonou, traditional dancing competitions, and free cultural performances make this the most vibrant cultural day of the year.

Late December

Christmas and New Year Festivities

Unique blend of Christian celebrations with traditional African customs creates distinctive holiday atmosphere. Churches host special services with local music styles, while traditional festivals prepare for ancestral ceremonies entering the new year.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Dust masks or bandanas - Harmattan winds carry Sahara dust that can cause respiratory irritation and reduce visibility to 2 km (1.2 miles)

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 9 with minimal cloud cover during dry season

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts for evening - temperatures drop to 20°C (68°F) and provide protection from mosquitoes during peak activity hours

Sturdy walking shoes with good grip - dusty conditions make surfaces slippery, especially in markets and rural areas

Eye drops and saline nasal spray - dry Harmattan air and dust particles cause eye and nasal irritation

Portable water bottles (2+ liters) - low humidity is deceptive, dehydration occurs quickly in 32°C (90°F) heat

Cash in small CFA notes - December peak season means higher demand for tips and small purchases, ATMs may run low

Light rain jacket - despite being dry season, occasional brief showers still occur 1-2 days per month

Moisturizer and lip balm - 45% humidity is much lower than other months, skin dries out quickly

Flashlight or headlamp - power outages more common during peak usage in tourist areas

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation before November 15th - December prices jump 40-60% after that date as European winter vacation bookings finalize

Morning activities 6-10 AM offer the best conditions - temperatures are 20-25°C (68-77°F) and dust levels are lowest before Harmattan winds strengthen

Negotiate transport prices in advance - December peak season means moto-taxi and taxi rates increase 25-30% and drivers know tourists are willing to pay more

Stock up on bottled water early in your stay - December demand from increased tourist numbers sometimes creates temporary shortages in smaller towns like Abomey and Ouidah

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating the dust - many tourists don't bring eye protection and spend days with irritated, red eyes from Harmattan dust particles

Not booking Pendjari safaris early enough - December wildlife viewing is exceptional but popular, with many tours fully booked by mid-November

Assuming all outdoor sites stay open - northern parks sometimes close specific areas due to extreme fire danger during peak dry season