Djibouti in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Djibouti

29°C (84°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

15 mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

68% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak whale shark season at Arta Beach - visibility reaches 25-30 m (82-98 ft) in December's calm waters, with 80% chance of whale shark encounters during morning dives
Coolest temperatures of the year make desert hiking feasible - morning temps of 24°C (75°F) allow comfortable trekking in Forêt du Day National Park between 6-9 AM
Minimal rainfall means reliable access to remote salt lakes - only 2 rainy days typically, so Lac Assal and Lac Abbé expeditions rarely get cancelled
Northeast trade winds provide natural cooling and create ideal conditions for kitesurfing at Ghoubbet Bay with consistent 15-20 knot winds

Considerations

Afternoon temperatures still reach 29°C (84°F) making midday outdoor activities uncomfortable - most tours shut down between 11 AM and 3 PM
Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to summer months, with beachfront hotels booking out 8-10 weeks in advance
Harmattan dust winds can reduce visibility to 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) on some days, affecting photography and scenic drives to Grand Bara Desert

Best Activities in December

Whale Shark Diving at Arta Beach

December offers the best whale shark encounters of the year with 80% success rate during morning dives. Water temperature is 26°C (79°F) and visibility reaches 25-30 m (82-98 ft). The calm seas make this ideal for both beginners and experienced divers. December's dry conditions mean boats operate daily without weather cancellations.

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead as dive operators fill up quickly in December. Expect to pay 18,000-25,000 DJF ($100-140) for full-day trips including equipment. Look for operators with whale shark research permits and experienced marine biologists on board.

Desert Salt Lake Expeditions

December's minimal rainfall ensures reliable access to Lac Assal and Lac Abbé. Morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) make the 4-hour round trip to Lac Assal comfortable, while the dry season guarantees clear views of salt formations and flamingo colonies. Roads are in best condition after October maintenance.

Booking Tip: Full-day expeditions typically cost 15,000-22,000 DJF ($85-125) including 4WD vehicle and guide. Book through licensed tour operators with desert emergency equipment. Early morning departures (6 AM) are essential to avoid afternoon heat.

Forêt du Day Highland Hiking

The country's only forest becomes accessible in December with morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) at 1,500 m (4,921 ft) elevation. December's dry weather means clear trails and reliable access to Djibouti's highest peaks. Endemic Djibouti francolin birds are most active during December's cooler mornings.

Booking Tip: Guided hikes cost 8,000-12,000 DJF ($45-70) for half-day tours. Essential to start before 7 AM to complete hikes before midday heat. Look for guides certified by the Ministry of Tourism with knowledge of endemic flora and fauna.

Tadjoura Bay Snorkeling Tours

December's calm seas and minimal wind create perfect snorkeling conditions in the historic Gulf of Tadjoura. Water visibility reaches 20-25 m (66-82 ft) and the cooler air temperatures make boat trips comfortable. December offers the best chance to see dolphins and manta rays in the protected marine areas.

Booking Tip: Half-day snorkeling tours range from 12,000-18,000 DJF ($70-100). Book with operators that provide wetsuits and have marine park permits. Morning tours (8 AM-12 PM) offer best conditions before afternoon winds pick up.

Ghoubbet Bay Geological Tours

December's stable weather provides ideal conditions to explore the meeting point of three tectonic plates. Cool morning temperatures make hiking around the volcanic formations comfortable, while calm seas allow boat access to underwater volcanic vents. December offers clearest views of the Rift Valley geology.

Booking Tip: Combination land-sea geological tours cost 20,000-28,000 DJF ($110-155) for full-day experiences. Essential to book with guides who have geological training and can explain the unique tectonics. Tours typically run 8 AM-2 PM to avoid afternoon heat.

Moucha Island Beach Camping

December's low humidity (68%) and minimal rainfall make overnight camping on Moucha Island comfortable. Evening temperatures drop to 24°C (75°F) creating pleasant conditions for beach camping. December's calm seas ensure reliable boat transfers and excellent snorkeling around the coral gardens.

Booking Tip: Overnight camping packages cost 25,000-35,000 DJF ($140-195) including boat transfers, camping equipment, and meals. Book with operators providing proper tents and camping permits. Weekend slots fill up 3-4 weeks in advance.

December Events & Festivals

December 27

Djibouti Independence Day Celebrations

December 27th marks 48 years of independence with military parades, traditional Afar and Somali cultural performances, and local food festivals in Place Mahmoud Harbi. The celebrations showcase traditional oud music, frankincense ceremonies, and local dishes like skoudehkaris and lahoh bread.

Throughout December

Tadjoura Date Harvest Festival

Local communities in Tadjoura celebrate the date palm harvest throughout December with traditional markets selling fresh dates, date syrup, and palm wine. The festival includes traditional dancing and the opportunity to participate in date picking with local families.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every 90 minutes - UV index reaches 9 even in December's 'cooler' weather

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in light colors - essential for desert excursions and protection from both sun and blowing sand

Closed-toe hiking boots for salt lake walks - the crystallized salt formations can cut through sandals and the ground temperature reaches 45°C (113°F) by midday

Lightweight scarf or buff for dust protection - Harmattan winds can create sandstorm conditions lasting 2-3 hours

Insulated water bottle holding at least 2 liters (0.5 gallons) - essential for any outdoor activities, local shops charge 300 DJF ($1.70) for bottled water in tourist areas

Quick-dry shorts and pants - humidity drops to 40% in desert areas causing rapid moisture evaporation

Waterproof phone case for marine activities - salt spray from Red Sea can damage electronics during boat trips

Lightweight rain jacket - while only 2 rainy days expected, December showers can be intense for 30-45 minutes

Electrolyte tablets or powder - readily available brands are rare outside Djibouti City, temperatures cause rapid dehydration

Reef-safe sunscreen for marine activities - regular sunscreen damages the coral reefs around Moucha Island

Insider Knowledge

Local dive operators offer 30% discounts for afternoon whale shark tours (2-6 PM) when success rates drop to 40% - worth it if you're budget-conscious and don't mind the gamble

Khat markets in Djibouti City become extremely busy Thursday-Friday afternoons as locals prepare for weekend consumption - avoid these areas if you want to explore markets peacefully

Ethiopian Airlines often has Easttimor-day deals on Friday mornings for weekend flights - locals use this for quick trips to Addis Ababa, creating last-minute availability for tourists

The French military commissary in Djibouti City sells imported goods at duty-free prices - accessible to tourists with passport, great for snacks and drinks before desert expeditions

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling afternoon outdoor activities between 11 AM-3 PM when temperatures peak and most tour operators suspend operations - this wastes precious daylight hours in December's short season

Bringing only sandals for salt lake visits - the crystallized salt formations around Lac Assal can cause serious cuts, and surface temperatures reach 45°C (113°F) by midday

Not booking whale shark tours for early morning slots - afternoon tours have 40% lower success rates despite costing the Easttimor price, and morning seas are significantly calmer