Things to Do in Yaounde in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Yaounde
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season comfort - December sits right in Yaounde's main dry season (November through February), which means you're looking at mostly clear mornings and only occasional afternoon showers. The 18mm (0.7 inches) of rainfall across the month is genuinely minimal compared to the 150mm+ (6+ inches) you'd get during the rainy months, so outdoor plans actually stick.
- Pleasant temperature range for exploration - That 19-28°C (67-83°F) range is about as comfortable as Yaounde gets. Mornings start cool enough that you'll actually want a light layer, then warm up to pleasant rather than oppressive. The 70% humidity is still present but far more manageable than the 85%+ you'd experience mid-year.
- Festival energy without tourist chaos - December brings genuine local celebration around Christmas and New Year without the international tourist crowds you'd find in coastal Cameroon. You're experiencing the city as residents do, with decorated streets in neighborhoods like Bastos and Nlongkak, evening gatherings at places like Rond-Point Nlongkak, and a festive atmosphere that feels authentic rather than staged.
- Best visibility for Mount Febe and surrounding hills - The clearer skies mean those views from Mont Febe (1,221m / 4,006ft elevation) and the Mefou hills actually deliver. On a typical December morning, you can see across the entire valley, which just doesn't happen during cloudier months. Worth the early wake-up for sunrise from the Benedictine monastery area.
Considerations
- Harmattan dust can arrive late December - While not guaranteed, the Harmattan winds from the Sahara sometimes start pushing south in late December, bringing hazy skies and that fine dust that gets into everything. It's more common in January-February, but you might catch the beginning. Affects photography, respiratory comfort, and those panoramic views.
- Higher accommodation prices during holiday weeks - The two weeks around Christmas and New Year see prices jump 30-50% at hotels in Bastos, Centre Ville, and near the Hilton area as both diaspora Cameroonians and regional business travelers fill the city. If your dates are flexible, the first two weeks of December offer significantly better value than December 20-January 5.
- Reduced public transport on major holidays - December 25-26 and January 1 see most taxi services scale back, and the informal bus system around Mvan and Mokolo markets essentially shuts down. If you're planning day trips to places like Mefou National Park (45km / 28 miles south) or Ebogo on the Nyong River during these specific dates, you'll need to arrange private transport well ahead or face limited options.
Best Activities in December
Mefou National Park primate sanctuary visits
December's dry conditions make the trails at Mefou actually walkable - during rainy season, sections become genuine mud bogs. The 45-minute drive south from Yaounde (45km / 28 miles) on the Akonolinga road is also far more pleasant without the rain. You're looking at rescued gorillas, chimpanzees, and various monkey species in semi-wild enclosures. Morning visits work best as the primates are most active before midday heat, and the light through the forest canopy is excellent for photography. The sanctuary typically sees fewer visitors in early-to-mid December before the holiday rush.
Mont Febe hiking and monastery exploration
The dry season transforms this into Yaounde's best accessible outdoor activity. The trails up Mont Febe (1,221m / 4,006ft) are in good condition, and you actually get those views that make the climb worthwhile. Start at dawn - seriously, 6am departures - to avoid the midday heat and catch the city emerging from morning mist. The Benedictine monastery at the summit offers a peaceful stop, and the small museum there gives context to Cameroon's Catholic history. December mornings tend to be clear enough that you can see all the way to the Mefou valley. The descent takes you through residential neighborhoods where you'll see actual daily life rather than tourist zones.
Mvog-Betsi Zoo and botanical garden visits
Often overlooked but genuinely interesting in December when the grounds are green from recent rains but paths are dry. The zoo itself is modest by international standards but houses species you won't easily see elsewhere - including the rare mandrill population. The botanical sections showcase Central African plant species with decent labeling in French. It's a solid half-day activity that works well for the hottest part of the day since there's substantial shade. Located in the Mfoundi neighborhood, about 4km (2.5 miles) from Centre Ville. December sees local families visiting during school holidays, which adds energy without overwhelming crowds.
Reunification Monument and Centre Ville walking exploration
December mornings (7-10am) offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring downtown on foot. Start at the Reunification Monument, then work through the government district, past the Ministry buildings, and into the actual commercial heart around Avenue Kennedy. The architecture tells Yaounde's story - German colonial remnants, French administrative buildings, post-independence modernist structures, and current Chinese-built developments. Marche Central (central market) is worth the sensory overload for fabric, spices, and street food, though keep belongings secure. December sees the market decorated for Christmas with interesting local interpretations of holiday themes.
Ebogo forest and Nyong River canoe experiences
About 65km (40 miles) southeast of Yaounde, Ebogo offers the closest accessible rainforest and river experience. December's lower water levels on the Nyong River make the traditional canoe trips calmer and more suitable for non-experts, though you'll still see forest wildlife along the banks. The Pygmy community there offers cultural demonstrations and forest walks that feel relatively authentic compared to more touristy setups elsewhere. It's a full-day commitment with the drive each way taking 1.5-2 hours on roads that are actually passable in December (unlike rainy season when 4WD becomes necessary).
Evening food and nightlife exploration in Bastos and Nlongkak
December evenings bring out Yaounde's social side, particularly in the expat-friendly Bastos neighborhood and the livelier Nlongkak area. The 19°C (67°F) evening temperatures are genuinely pleasant for outdoor seating. You're looking at everything from traditional Cameroonian ndole and eru to Lebanese, French, and increasingly good Asian options. The beer scene centers around local brews - Castel, 33 Export, Beaufort. Nightlife ranges from relaxed terrace bars to actual clubs that don't really get going until midnight. December sees special holiday events and themed parties, though these can feel a bit forced. The scene is more about socializing than dancing for most venues.
December Events & Festivals
Christmas celebrations and street decorations
Yaounde takes Christmas seriously as a predominantly Christian city. Neighborhoods like Bastos, Nlongkak, and even parts of Centre Ville put up lights and decorations, though the aesthetic is distinctly Cameroonian rather than Western. Churches hold special services including midnight mass on December 24, with the Cathedral Notre-Dame des Victoires being the most significant. December 25-26 are public holidays with most businesses closed. The interesting part is seeing how local traditions blend with Christmas - expect lots of outdoor grilling, family gatherings in compounds, and traditional dress mixed with holiday themes.
New Year preparations and Réveillon celebrations
December 31 sees major celebrations called Réveillon, particularly at hotels and restaurants in Bastos and around the Hilton area. These are typically ticketed events with dinner, drinks, and entertainment running 25,000-75,000 CFA depending on venue. Street celebrations happen around Rond-Point Nlongkak and other gathering spots, with fireworks (somewhat sporadic) at midnight. It's more family-oriented than you might expect, with multi-generational groups out together. January 1 is a public holiday with reduced services.