Equatorialguinea in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Equatorialguinea

30°C (86°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

120mm (4.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season transition brings consistent winds perfect for sailing and water sports around Corisco Bay - visibility for snorkeling reaches 15m (49 feet)
December marks peak turtle nesting season at Playa de Arena Blanca - witness leatherback turtles laying eggs between 9pm-midnight without crowds
Harmattan winds from the Sahara create spectacular sunsets and clear mountain views of this destination - visibility extends 50km (31 miles) on clear days
Local fishing season peaks in December - markets overflow with fresh catch and traditional celebrations include communal fish roasts every weekend

Considerations

December is peak government travel season - many hotels in Malabo book solid with official delegations, driving accommodation prices up 40-60%
Road conditions deteriorate after November rains - expect 3-hour journeys to take 5 hours, especially routes to Equatorial Guinea requiring 4WD vehicles
Banking systems often experience delays during year-end processing - ATMs frequently empty and card payments unreliable for 3-5 day periods

Best Activities in December

Bioko Island Volcanic Hiking

December's dry conditions make this destination accessible via the southern route. Early morning starts (5am) avoid afternoon cloud cover that reduces visibility to 10m (33 feet). Trail conditions are optimal - muddy sections from November rains have dried but vegetation remains lush. Wildlife spotting peaks as animals gather near remaining water sources.

Booking Tip: Book with certified mountain guides 2-3 weeks ahead. Tours typically cost 45,000-65,000 CFA (75-110 USD). Ensure guides carry emergency communications - cell coverage drops above 1,500m (4,921 feet). Reference booking section below for current operator availability.

Monte Alén National Park Primate Tracking

Dry season concentrates primates around permanent water sources, increasing sighting success rates to 85%. December mornings (6-9am) offer best visibility before humidity builds. Mandrill groups are most active during fruit season. Trail accessibility improves significantly - river crossings that require boats in rainy season become walkable.

Booking Tip: Reserve permits through park authorities 10-14 days minimum. Full-day experiences range 35,000-55,000 CFA (60-95 USD) including guide and permits. Ensure guides have current primate behavior certification. Check current tour options in booking widget below.

Corisco Bay Maritime Adventures

December brings optimal sea conditions - wave heights average 0.5-1m (1.6-3.3 feet) with consistent 15-20 knot winds. Water temperature holds steady at 26°C (79°F). Fishing success peaks as species migrate closer to shore. Dolphin pods are frequently spotted during 7-9am and 5-7pm feeding times.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed maritime operators 7-10 days ahead. Half-day trips cost 25,000-40,000 CFA (40-70 USD), full-day adventures 50,000-75,000 CFA (85-125 USD). Verify boats carry VHF radios and safety equipment. Current options available in booking section.

Malabo Colonial Architecture Walking Tours

December's lower humidity makes extended walking comfortable. Morning tours (8-11am) avoid peak sun exposure. Many colonial buildings undergo year-end maintenance, offering unique glimpses of restoration techniques. Local guides share stories passed down through families who lived through Spanish colonial period.

Booking Tip: Walking tours typically cost 15,000-25,000 CFA (25-40 USD) for 3-4 hours. Book with guides certified by Ministry of Tourism. Group sizes limited to 8 people for quality interaction. Reference current tour availability below.

Traditional Market and Cooking Experiences

December markets feature seasonal specialties - palm wine is freshest, and cocoa harvest brings premium chocolate-making demonstrations. Morning market visits (6-9am) offer best selection before midday heat. Learn traditional preparation of Equatoguinean dishes using December's abundant fresh fish and seasonal vegetables.

Booking Tip: Cultural experiences range 20,000-35,000 CFA (35-60 USD) including ingredients and meals. Book with culturally certified guides who speak local Fang or Bubi languages. Experiences typically run 4-5 hours. Current options in booking widget.

December Events & Festivals

December 12

Independence Day Celebrations

Major national holiday featuring traditional music, dance performances, and cultural exhibitions across major cities. Local communities organize street festivals with authentic Fang and Bubi cultural displays rarely seen by tourists.

Late December

Year-end Fishing Festivals

Coastal communities celebrate peak fishing season with traditional canoe races, communal fish roasts, and storytelling sessions. Participants welcome respectful observers to learn traditional fishing techniques and sample regional preparations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts in natural fabrics - protect against UV index 8 while managing 70% humidity

Waterproof hiking boots - trails remain muddy in sections, river crossings common on nature excursions

High SPF reef-safe sunscreen (50+) - marine areas are environmentally protected, standard sunscreens often prohibited

Insect repellent with 25-30% DEET - December mosquito activity peaks during evening hours (5-8pm)

Portable battery bank - power outages common, especially during peak demand periods in December

Cash in CFA francs - ATMs unreliable during year-end banking system maintenance periods

Lightweight rain poncho - afternoon showers brief but intense, lasting 15-30 minutes

Binoculars (8x32 minimum) - wildlife viewing distances average 20-50m (66-164 feet) in dense forest

Water purification tablets - bottled water expensive and limited availability outside major centers

Quick-dry clothing for multiple activities - laundry services limited, hand-washing common

Insider Knowledge

Government workers receive December bonuses, flooding markets with cash - negotiate prices early in month before inflation kicks in mid-December

Spanish colonial buildings offer free shade and rest stops - many have public courtyards open during daylight hours that tourists never discover

Local fishing boats return to harbor between 6-8am and 4-6pm - best times to buy fresh catch directly from fishermen at 50% market prices

December marks traditional medicine gathering season - local healers collect seasonal plants, offering unique cultural learning opportunities for respectful visitors

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming credit cards work everywhere - only major hotels and some restaurants accept cards, cash remains essential for 80% of transactions

Packing only summer clothes - December nights drop to 22°C (72°F) and air conditioning is aggressive in hotels, pack light layers

Not booking domestic flights early - December government travel fills internal flights between Malabo and Equatorial Guinea weeks in advance