Praia in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Praia

28°C (82°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

8 mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 8mm (0.3 inches) across the month, making it ideal for beach activities and coastal exploration without weather disruptions
Harmattan wind season brings cooler evening temperatures of 23°C (73°F), perfect for outdoor dining and evening walks along Quebra Antarctica Beach without the oppressive heat
December marks turtle nesting season at nearby beaches, offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities that aren't available during other months
Lower humidity at 70% compared to rainy season's 85%+, making outdoor activities more comfortable and reducing the sticky tropical feeling that deters many visitors

Considerations

December is peak tourist season for European visitors escaping winter, resulting in 40-60% higher accommodation prices and crowded beaches, especially around Christmas week
Strong Harmattan winds can create choppy sea conditions, limiting boat trips to outer islands and making swimming less pleasant on windward beaches
UV index peaks at 8 with minimal cloud cover, requiring constant sun protection and limiting comfortable outdoor activity hours to early morning and late afternoon

Best Activities in December

Cidade Velha Historical Tours

December's dry weather and cooler mornings make exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site comfortable. The 23°C (73°F) morning temperatures are perfect for walking the cobblestone streets and climbing to the fort ruins. Harmattan winds provide natural cooling while you explore Africa's first colonial city.

Booking Tip: Book cultural walking tours 5-7 days ahead through certified local guides. Tours typically cost 3,000-4,500 CVE ($30-45) for half-day experiences. Start at 8am to avoid midday heat. Look for guides certified by the Ministry of Tourism.

Santiago Island Highland Hiking

The dry season creates perfect conditions for exploring Pico da Antónia at 1,392m (4,567 ft). December's clear skies offer spectacular views across the archipelago, and the cooler highland temperatures make multi-hour treks comfortable. Mountain mist provides natural cooling at elevation.

Booking Tip: Mountain guides typically charge 4,000-6,000 CVE ($40-60) for full-day treks. Book 10-14 days ahead during peak season. Ensure guides provide proper safety equipment and mountain insurance coverage.

Traditional Music and Batuko Sessions

December coincides with increased cultural activities as diaspora Cape Verdeans return for holidays. Authentic batuko drumming sessions happen more frequently, and local tabancas (traditional groups) practice for New Year celebrations. Evening performances take advantage of cooler temperatures.

Booking Tip: Cultural experiences range from 2,000-3,500 CVE ($20-35) for evening sessions. Contact community cultural centers directly or book through hotel concierges. Weekend sessions are most authentic but book early as locals also attend.

Artisanal Fishing Village Tours

December's calm early morning seas allow fishing boats to venture further, and you can join dawn fishing expeditions from villages like Caboverde or Pedra Badejo. The dry season means unpaved coastal roads are accessible, and fishing communities welcome visitors during their most productive season.

Booking Tip: Fishing village tours cost 3,500-5,000 CVE ($35-50) including boat trips and traditional lunch. Book through community tourism cooperatives for real feels. Tours depend on sea conditions - Harmattan winds may affect scheduling.

Cape Verdean Cooking Classes with Market Visits

December brings seasonal ingredients like fresh coconuts and imported holiday specialties. Morning market tours in Sucupira Market take advantage of cooler temperatures, followed by cooking classes featuring cachupa and other traditional dishes. The dry weather makes outdoor cooking demonstrations comfortable.

Booking Tip: Cooking experiences typically cost 3,000-4,500 CVE ($30-45) including market tour and meal. Book with established culinary schools or highly-rated local chefs. Morning sessions (9am-1pm) avoid peak heat and feature freshest ingredients.

Coastal Photography and Sunset Tours

December's clear skies and dramatic Harmattan-driven cloud formations create exceptional photography conditions. The dry season ensures reliable sunset visibility, and cooler evening temperatures make golden hour shoots comfortable. Coastal winds create dynamic wave action for dramatic seascapes.

Booking Tip: Photography tours range from 2,500-4,000 CVE ($25-40) for half-day experiences. Look for photographers familiar with seasonal light conditions and tide patterns. Best results between 4pm-7pm when temperatures drop to comfortable levels.

December Events & Festivals

Mid to Late December

Festas do Natal (Christmas Celebrations)

Traditional Christmas celebrations blend Catholic traditions with African customs, featuring midnight mass at Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace, traditional food preparations, and family gatherings. Streets come alive with decorations and community celebrations throughout the month.

Throughout December

Festival de Batuko

Traditional drumming competitions and performances increase during December as communities prepare for year-end celebrations. Women's batuko groups perform traditional rhythms and songs that date back centuries, often in neighborhood gatherings and cultural centers.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts for sun protection - UV index reaches 8 with minimal cloud cover requiring constant coverage

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - Harmattan winds averaging 15-25 km/h (9-15 mph) can easily blow hats away

High-SPF sunscreen (50+) and lip balm with UV protection - reflection off white sand and water intensifies exposure

Light windbreaker or thin jacket for evening temperatures that drop to 23°C (73°F) - restaurants and cafes can feel cool

Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes for cobblestone streets in Caboverde and uneven coastal paths

Quick-dry pants or long skirts for highland excursions where temperatures drop 6-8°C (11-14°F) per 300m (984 ft) elevation

Reef-safe sunscreen for ocean activities - local reefs are protected and chemical sunscreens are discouraged

Insulated water bottle holding at least 1.5L (50 oz) - dehydration happens quickly in dry Harmattan conditions

Moisture-wicking undergarments - even at 70% humidity, walking in direct sun creates significant perspiration

Portable phone charger - photography opportunities in clear December weather drain batteries faster than expected

Insider Knowledge

December fish prices drop significantly as fishing conditions improve - lobster and fresh tuna cost 30-40% less than during rough sea months, making restaurant dining more affordable

Book accommodations before November 15th to avoid Christmas week price spikes of 60-80% - many properties have minimum stay requirements during the last week of December

Morning flights (before 10am) experience less turbulence during Harmattan season, while afternoon flights can be bumpy due to thermal currents and wind patterns

Local buses (hiace) run more frequently in December due to increased holiday travel, but routes to highland areas may be suspended during strong wind days for safety

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating sun exposure due to pleasant Harmattan breezes - the cooling wind masks UV intensity, leading to severe sunburn within 2-3 hours of unprotected exposure

Planning boat trips without checking wind forecasts - Harmattan winds can create 2-3m (6-10 ft) swells making trips to outer islands uncomfortable or impossible

Assuming all outdoor activities are comfortable all day - between 11am-4pm, temperatures feel like 32-35°C (90-95°F) due to direct sun and minimal shade