Brazzaville in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Brazzaville

30°C (87°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

216 mm (8.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season begins - December marks the transition from rainy to dry season, with afternoon showers becoming shorter (20-30 minutes) and less frequent than November
Perfect river conditions - The Congo River is at ideal levels for boat excursions to Ile Mbamou, with clear visibility and calm waters after the rains settle
Festival season kicks off - Traditional music performances increase at cultural centers as communities prepare for New Year celebrations, offering authentic Congolese entertainment
Comfortable evening temperatures - Temperatures drop to 22°C (72°F) after sunset, making evening strolls along the Corniche pleasant and outdoor dining at local maquis enjoyable

Considerations

Lingering humidity from rainy season - 70% humidity combined with 30°C (87°F) days can feel oppressive between 11am-3pm, requiring midday breaks indoors
Unpredictable afternoon showers - While decreasing, sudden downpours still occur on 10 days of the month, often flooding streets temporarily and disrupting outdoor plans
Limited tourist infrastructure - December sees minimal international tourism, so English-speaking guides are scarce and restaurant menus rarely translated

Best Activities in December

Congo River Boat Excursions

December offers optimal river conditions after the rainy season settles. The Congo River runs clear and calm, perfect for half-day trips to Ile Mbamou or sunset cruises. Morning departures (7am-11am) avoid afternoon heat and potential storms. Local fishermen offer the most real feel, navigating traditional pirogues through quieter tributaries.

Booking Tip: Arrange through hotel concierges or at the Port of Brazzaville marina 1-2 days ahead. Expect to pay 15,000-25,000 CFA francs for half-day excursions. Verify boat safety equipment and captain licensing. Peak departure times are 7am and 4pm for optimal weather conditions.

Poto-Poto Art District Walking Tours

December's cooler mornings make exploring this busy neighborhood ideal between 8am-11am. Local artists are active preparing pieces for New Year exhibitions. The famous Poto-Poto School of Painting buzzes with activity, and street art reveals itself best in December's clearer post-rain light. Afternoon showers create dramatic photo opportunities with art reflecting in puddles.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration works best, but local art students often offer informal tours for 5,000-8,000 CFA francs. Start early morning (8am) to beat heat and catch artists at work. Allow 3-4 hours including gallery visits and refreshment stops at local cafés.

Lesio Louna Gorilla Reserve Day Trips

December dry season transition makes forest paths more accessible while maintaining lush vegetation. Gorillas are more active in cooler morning temperatures. The 150 km (93 miles) journey from Brazzaville takes 3 hours each way on improved December road conditions. Wildlife viewing peaks between 7am-10am when temperatures stay below 26°C (79°F).

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed eco-tourism operators. Full-day excursions cost 80,000-120,000 CFA francs including transportation and guide. Verify 4WD vehicles and experienced guides familiar with gorilla tracking protocols. Departure times are typically 5am to maximize wildlife viewing window.

Traditional Market Food Tours

December brings seasonal fruits like mangoes and papayas to Marché Total and Marché de Bacongo. Morning hours (6am-9am) offer the best selection before heat affects produce quality. Local specialties like saka-saka and pondu are prepared fresh daily. December's cultural preparation for New Year creates opportunities to sample traditional celebration foods being tested by vendors.

Booking Tip: Early morning visits (6am-9am) ensure best selection and cooler temperatures. Informal food tours with local contacts cost 8,000-15,000 CFA francs for 3-4 hours. Focus on vendors with high turnover for freshest options. Bring small CFA franc notes for multiple small purchases.

Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Mausoleum Cultural Visits

December's variable weather makes indoor cultural sites valuable backup plans. The mausoleum offers air-conditioned respite during hot afternoons while providing deep historical context. Guided tours in French reveal stories of colonial history and modern Congolese identity. December sees increased cultural programming as institutions prepare year-end exhibitions.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required. Entry fees are typically 2,000-3,000 CFA francs. French-speaking guides available on-site for 5,000 CFA francs per group. Plan visits during afternoon heat (1pm-4pm) to escape weather while other outdoor sites are uncomfortable. Allow 1.5-2 hours for complete visit.

Corniche Riverside Evening Walks

December evenings transform Brazzaville's riverside promenade into the city's social hub. Temperatures drop to comfortable 22°C (72°F) by 6pm, making the 3 km (1.9 miles) walkway perfect for sunset strolls. Local families gather, street food vendors emerge, and traditional musicians perform. Views across to Kinshasa are clearest in December's post-rain atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Free activity requiring no booking. Optimal times are 5:30pm-7:30pm for sunset views and social atmosphere. Street food costs 1,000-3,000 CFA francs per item. Walking the full length takes 45-60 minutes at leisurely pace. Combine with dinner at nearby restaurants for complete evening experience.

December Events & Festivals

Mid to Late December

Feux de Brazzaville Cultural Performances

Monthly cultural showcases intensify in December as artists prepare for New Year celebrations. Traditional Congolese music, dance, and storytelling performances occur at the French Cultural Center and local venues. December features special preview performances of pieces planned for New Year festivities.

Throughout December

Year-End Art Exhibitions

Local galleries and the Poto-Poto School of Painting host year-end exhibitions featuring works created throughout 2025. December openings provide opportunities to meet artists, purchase original works, and understand contemporary Congolese artistic expressions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket - December afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes but can be intense, and streets flood temporarily

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - Avoid polyester in 70% humidity; synthetic fabrics become uncomfortable quickly

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 despite cloud cover; equatorial sun burns rapidly

Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes - Streets can be muddy after rains, and many attractions involve uneven terrain

Lightweight long pants - Essential for evening mosquito protection and cultural site visits

Portable umbrella - More practical than rain jacket for sudden showers while maintaining mobility

Insect repellent with DEET - December humidity increases mosquito activity, especially near the river

Electrolyte supplements - High humidity and temperatures require extra hydration support

Small denomination CFA franc notes - Markets and local transport require exact change; ATMs dispense large bills

Portable phone charger - Power outages occur occasionally, and navigation apps are essential for getting around

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations near the city center - December flooding can make outlying areas temporarily inaccessible, and central locations offer walking alternatives when transport is disrupted

Exchange money at official bureaux de change near the Lome - Better rates than hotels and more reliable than street vendors, with current rates around 600 CFA francs per euro

Learn basic French greetings - English is extremely limited outside major hotels; simple French phrases dramatically improve interactions and service quality

Eat at busy local maquis between 12pm-2pm - High turnover ensures fresh food, and lunch is the main meal when selection is best; evening food may sit longer in heat

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities during afternoon heat (11am-3pm) - Locals take midday breaks; plan indoor activities or rest during peak heat and humidity

Carrying large CFA franc bills - Vendors, taxi drivers, and small businesses rarely have change for 10,000 CFA notes; exchange for smaller denominations immediately

Expecting Western-style tourism infrastructure - Brazzaville requires flexibility and patience; confirm arrangements multiple times and have backup plans for transport and activities