Guineabissau in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Guineabissau

32°C (90°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

15mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 15mm (0.6 inches) across the entire month, making island hopping and boat transfers reliable
Harmattan winds from the Sahara bring cooler evenings and excellent visibility for wildlife viewing, dropping humidity to 65% compared to 85% in wet season
Cashew harvest season creates busy local markets and fresh caju (cashew fruit) juice availability throughout the islands
Optimal conditions for the Bijagós Archipelago - calm seas, clear skies, and active marine life including manatees and hippos in coastal rivers

Considerations

Dust from harmattan winds creates hazy conditions and can irritate respiratory systems - air quality decreases significantly compared to wet months
Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% and advance booking essential, especially on Bubaque and Orango islands
Extreme UV exposure with index reaching 10+ and limited shade on islands - sunburn risk very high for unprepared visitors

Best Activities in December

Bijagós Archipelago Island Hopping

December offers perfect conditions for exploring Guinea-Bissau's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with calm seas and minimal rainfall. The dry season allows reliable boat transfers between islands like Bubaque, Orango, and João Vieira. Marine life is most active during cooler harmattan period, with excellent chances of spotting saltwater hippos and West African manatees.

Booking Tip: Book multi-day packages 3-4 weeks ahead through licensed operators in Bissau. Expect costs of $150-250 per day including accommodation and transfers. Look for operators with proper marine insurance and local community partnerships.

Bissau Cultural Walking Tours

The capital is most comfortable for walking in December with lower humidity and harmattan breezes cooling afternoon temperatures. Colonial Portuguese architecture photography is optimal with clear, dust-filtered light. Local markets like Mercado de Bandim showcase peak cashew season produce and traditional crafts.

Booking Tip: Half-day walking tours typically cost $25-40 per person. Book through hotels or licensed city guides 5-7 days ahead. Best scheduled for early morning (7-10am) or late afternoon (4-6pm) to avoid peak UV exposure.

Cantanhez Forest Reserve Trekking

Prime chimpanzee viewing season as dry conditions force wildlife to concentrate around remaining water sources. December's lower rainfall makes forest paths accessible while cooler morning temperatures (24°C/75°F) provide comfortable trekking conditions. Best month for spotting the endangered Western chimpanzees.

Booking Tip: Multi-day forest expeditions range $80-120 per day including guides and camping equipment. Requires 2-3 weeks advance booking through conservation organizations. Essential to use certified local guides familiar with chimpanzee behavior patterns.

Traditional Fishing Village Experiences

December marks peak fishing season as calm seas and clear weather create optimal conditions. Villages along the coast and islands showcase traditional fishing techniques, boat building, and fish smoking processes. Cultural exchanges most authentic during harvest celebrations combining fishing and cashew seasons.

Booking Tip: Community-based tourism experiences cost $30-60 per day including meals and basic accommodation. Book through local NGOs or community tourism networks 10-14 days ahead. Includes participation in daily fishing activities and traditional meal preparation.

Cacheu River Mangrove Expeditions

Low water levels in December concentrate wildlife in accessible areas of this historic slave trading region. Excellent for bird watching with migrant species present, and optimal conditions for exploring mangrove channels by dugout canoe. Combines natural beauty with important historical sites.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost $45-70 including traditional canoe transport and local guide. Book 1-2 weeks ahead through Cacheu town operators. Multi-day options available for $90-140 per day with riverside camping.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December

Cashew Harvest Festivals

Various communities celebrate the peak cashew season with traditional music, dancing, and caju (cashew fruit) juice ceremonies. Each village has its own celebration dates, featuring local musicians and communal feasts showcasing seasonal ingredients.

Mid to Late December

Bissau New Year Preparations

Month-long cultural preparations in the capital featuring traditional Gumbe music performances, Kampala, and food festivals. Street celebrations intensify through December culminating in New Year's Eve festivities at Praça dos Heróis Nacionais.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm - UV index reaches 10+ with intense reflection off water and sand surfaces

Lightweight dust mask or bandana - harmattan winds carry Saharan dust causing respiratory irritation

Quick-dry hiking pants and long sleeves - essential for forest treks and protection from UV exposure

Waterproof phone case and dry bags - boat transfers and humidity require electronic protection

Insect repellent with 30%+ DEET - mosquitoes remain active despite dry season, especially near water sources

Comfortable walking sandals with good grip - rocky coastlines and boat decks can be slippery

Lightweight rain jacket - brief afternoon showers still possible, especially on islands

Electrolyte supplements or rehydration salts - high temperatures and low humidity increase dehydration risk

Cash in euros or West African CFA francs - limited ATM availability outside Bissau city

Headlamp with extra batteries - irregular electricity in outer islands and early wildlife viewing

Insider Knowledge

Arrive in Bissau 2-3 days before island departures as domestic flights and boat schedules frequently change without notice, especially during harmattan dust events

Negotiate boat transfer prices in advance and confirm fuel costs are included - December's peak season sees 30-40% price increases for island transport

Purchase caju juice from local vendors for natural vitamin C and electrolyte replacement - much more effective than imported sports drinks and supports local cashew farmers

Book accommodations through local contacts rather than online platforms - many island guesthouses don't maintain websites but offer better rates and real feels through direct booking

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating UV exposure risk - many travelers suffer severe sunburn within 2-3 hours due to 10+ UV index and reflection off water surfaces

Not bringing enough cash - most islands have no banking facilities and card payments impossible outside central Bissau

Scheduling tight itineraries without buffer days - weather delays and transport changes are normal, especially for island connections during harmattan season