Things to Do in Guinea in December

December Weather in Guinea

35°C (96°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Cool dry harmattan winds from the Sahara provide relief from typical humidity - temperatures drop to 20°C (68°F) at night, perfect for comfortable sleep without excessive air conditioning costs
Waterfalls are at peak flow from recent wet season - Kinkon Falls near Pita and Ditinn Falls reach maximum volume, creating spectacular photography opportunities and refreshing swimming holes
Prime wildlife viewing season at Badiar National Park - animals congregate around water sources as dry season begins, offering 70% better spotting chances for chimpanzees and forest elephants
Post-harvest festival season brings authentic cultural experiences - villages celebrate with traditional drumming, dance competitions, and abundant local foods like fresh rice and palm wine

Considerations

Dusty harmattan winds can cause respiratory discomfort and significantly reduce visibility - flights to Conakry are delayed 30-40% more frequently due to dust storms during peak harmattan period
Rural road conditions deteriorate rapidly as clay roads dry and crack - journey times to destinations like Fouta Djalon can increase by 50% compared to wet season, with bone-jarring rides on unpaved sections
Water shortages begin affecting smaller towns and villages - some guesthouses outside major cities experience intermittent water supply, particularly in the Fouta Djalon highlands

Best Activities in December

Fouta Djalon Highland Trekking

December's cooler temperatures make multi-day hiking through Guinea's scenic highlands ideal - daytime temperatures stay below 30°C (86°F) with crystal-clear visibility before harmattan dust intensifies. Villages offer homestay experiences during post-harvest celebrations, and waterfalls run strong from October rains.

Booking Tip: Book through established guides in Dalaba or Mali-ville 7-10 days ahead. Trekking packages typically cost $40-60 per day including guide, meals, and basic accommodation. Look for guides certified by Guinea's Ministry of Tourism and carrying emergency communication devices.

Conakry Cultural District Walking Tours

December's lower humidity makes exploring the capital's markets and historic neighborhoods comfortable during morning hours. The National Museum and Palais du Peuple offer air-conditioned respites during midday heat, while evening temperatures around 22°C (72°F) are perfect for waterfront dining at Port Autonome.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration works well, or book local cultural guides through established guesthouses. Full-day guided tours typically range $25-40. Start early morning (7-9am) to avoid afternoon heat and dust.

Îles de Los Island Excursions

December brings optimal conditions for island-hopping - seas are calmer after storm season, visibility is excellent for snorkeling, and beach temperatures are comfortable without extreme heat. Islands offer historical colonial architecture exploration and pristine beaches with fewer crowds than peak European vacation months.

Booking Tip: Book boat transfers from Conakry Port through licensed operators 3-5 days ahead. Day trips typically cost $60-90 including transport and lunch. Choose operators with life jackets and communication equipment - see current options in booking section below.

Bafing River Source Expeditions

Cool December weather makes the challenging journey to Guinea's remote highlands bearable, where you can stand at the source of the Niger River. Post-rainy season ensures strong water flow and lush vegetation, while dry conditions improve access road quality compared to wet months.

Booking Tip: This requires serious planning - book through specialized adventure operators in Mali-ville or Faranah at least 14 days ahead. Multi-day expeditions cost $120-180 per day with 4WD transport, camping gear, and experienced guides with GPS navigation.

Traditional Mining Community Visits

December's dry season allows access to artisanal diamond and gold mining areas around Siguiri and Kouroussa that become inaccessible during rains. Cooler temperatures make underground mine visits more comfortable, while communities are active with year-end trading activities.

Booking Tip: Arrange through regional tourism offices or established cultural guides 10-14 days ahead. Community visit fees typically range $30-50 per day. Ensure guides have proper permissions and safety equipment for mine site visits.

Nimba Mountain Range Nature Photography

December offers exceptional conditions for photographing Guinea's highest peaks - clear harmattan air provides stunning long-distance visibility before dust intensifies, while cooler temperatures allow comfortable all-day hiking. Endemic species are most active during cooler dry season months.

Booking Tip: Book specialized nature guides through Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve offices 7-10 days ahead. Photography permits and guide services typically cost $45-70 per day. Choose guides familiar with wildlife patterns and carrying telephoto equipment recommendations.

December Events & Festivals

December 2

National Independence Day Celebrations

December 2nd marks Guinea's independence from France with elaborate celebrations in Conakry including military parades, traditional music performances, and cultural exhibitions at Stade du 28 Septembre. Provincial capitals host smaller but equally vibrant community festivities.

Early to Mid December

Post-Harvest Rice Festivals

Rural communities throughout Fouta Djalon and Forest Guinea celebrate successful harvests with multi-day festivals featuring traditional wrestling, drumming competitions, and communal feasts. Each village sets its own dates based on harvest completion.

Mid to Late December

Dry Season Market Festivals

Major markets in Kankan, Labé, and N'Zérékoré host special trading festivals as road conditions improve and cross-border commerce intensifies. These feature traditional crafts, regional foods, and cultural performances alongside commercial activities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight dust masks or bandanas - harmattan winds carry fine Sahara dust that can cause respiratory irritation and reduce visibility to 1 km (0.6 miles) during peak periods

High-factor sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches 8 even in cooler December weather, and reflection off dusty surfaces intensifies exposure

Breathable cotton or linen clothing in earth tones - synthetic fabrics trap humidity at 70% levels, while light colors show dust stains immediately

Sturdy waterproof hiking boots - essential for rocky Fouta Djalon terrain and muddy sections near waterfalls that remain wet despite dry season

Portable water purification tablets - rural areas experience water supply issues as dry season begins, affecting quality in smaller settlements

Lightweight rain jacket - 10 rainy days still occur in December, with afternoon showers lasting 30-45 minutes and potentially catching travelers unprepared

Power bank and extra batteries - electricity is unreliable outside major cities, and dust can affect solar charging equipment performance

Cash in small denominations - ATMs are scarce outside Conakry, and rural communities prefer small bills for market transactions and guide payments

Insect repellent containing DEET - mosquitoes remain active in shaded areas and near water sources despite cooler temperatures

Headlamp or flashlight - power outages are frequent, and rural accommodations may lack reliable lighting after sunset around 6:30pm

Insider Knowledge

Book internal flights early morning (7-9am departures) - harmattan dust storms typically worsen throughout the day, causing afternoon flight delays and cancellations at Conakry International Airport

Carry a 'dash' fund of small bills - small gifts or tips (typically 10,000-20,000 GNF) smooth interactions with local officials, guards, and community leaders, especially when visiting remote areas or cultural sites

Download offline maps before traveling - mobile coverage drops significantly outside major cities, and GPS accuracy decreases during heavy harmattan dust periods when satellites signals weaken

Time outdoor activities for 6-11am window - temperatures are coolest, dust levels lowest, and wildlife most active during early morning hours before harmattan winds intensify around midday

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating travel times on rural roads - December's dry conditions create deceptively rough surfaces that slow vehicles significantly, with journeys taking 2-3x longer than GPS estimates suggest

Assuming all accommodations have consistent water supply - book confirmed reservations at established guesthouses in smaller towns, as dry season water shortages affect many budget accommodations

Not carrying sufficient cash - Guinea's banking infrastructure is limited outside Conakry, and many cultural sites, guides, and local transportation only accept cash payments in Guinean francs