Somalia in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Somalia
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season with only 3 rainy days and 45mm (1.8 inches) of rainfall - ideal for coastal exploration and outdoor activities
- Coolest temperatures of the year at 24-29°C (75-84°F) with lower humidity at 65%, making daytime activities comfortable
- Northeast monsoon brings calm seas along the northern coast - perfect for boat trips to Zeila ruins and Berbera beaches
- Livestock export season creates busy activity in ports like Berbera and Bosaso - witness Somalia's largest economic sector in full swing
Considerations
- High tourist season (relative to other months) means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to wet season rates
- Harmattan winds from the Arabian Peninsula can create dusty conditions lasting 2-3 days, reducing visibility for photography
- Extremely high UV index of 9 requires constant sun protection - locals avoid midday sun 11am-3pm for good reason
Best Activities in December
Mogadishu Historical District Walking Tours
December's cooler morning temperatures (24°C/75°F) make exploring the rebuilt this destination, Cathedral ruins, and Turkish-reconstructed infrastructure comfortable. The dry weather means dusty streets are at their most manageable, and clear skies provide excellent lighting for the Italian colonial architecture photography.
Berbera Port and Beach Excursions
The northeast monsoon creates the calmest sea conditions of the year along the northern coast. December offers perfect weather for exploring the Ottoman-era Berbera port, snorkeling in 27°C (81°F) water, and experiencing the livestock export operations that define modern Somalia's economy.
Hargeisa Cultural Immersion Experiences
December coincides with the post-Eid period when communities are most welcoming to visitors. The pleasant 22-28°C (72-82°F) temperatures make walking through the livestock markets, visiting traditional houses, and attending evening poetry sessions comfortable. This is when you'll experience authentic Somali hospitality.
Laas Geel Rock Art Site Visits
The dry season provides optimal conditions for accessing these 5,000-year-old cave paintings. December's low humidity (65%) helps preserve the site while the mild temperatures make the 45-minute hike from the parking area manageable even in midday sun.
Bosaso Frankincense Trade Routes
December marks peak frankincense harvesting season in the Puntland mountains. The dry weather allows access to traditional harvesting sites, and you can witness the ancient trade that made Somalia wealthy. Cool morning temperatures make mountain visits comfortable.
Traditional Dhow Sailing Adventures
The northeast monsoon winds are perfect for traditional dhow sailing along the coast. December offers the most reliable winds and calmest seas for multi-day sailing trips, fishing excursions, and visiting uninhabited islands along the 3,025 km (1,880 mile) coastline.
December Events & Festivals
Frankincense Harvest Festival
Local communities in Puntland celebrate the peak harvesting season with traditional ceremonies, frankincense blessing rituals, and demonstrations of ancient tapping techniques. Experience the trade that connected Somalia to ancient Egypt and Rome.
Berbera Maritime Heritage Days
Celebrating the port city's role as the ancient 'Gateway to Africa,' featuring traditional dhow races, Ottoman-era architecture tours, and exhibitions of maritime artifacts. Local fishing communities demonstrate traditional boat-building techniques.