Togo in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Togo

25°C (77°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

51mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

December marks the beginning of the dry season with significantly reduced rainfall (51mm/2.0 inches vs 200mm+/7.9 inches+ in wet season months), making roads more accessible and outdoor activities reliable
Harmattan winds arrive in mid-December bringing cooler, drier air and improved visibility - perfect for climbing Mount Agou at 986m (3,235 ft) and wildlife spotting in Fazao-Malfakassa
December is harvest season for coffee, cocoa, and cashews - you'll experience fresh local produce, lower food prices, and can participate in traditional harvest celebrations in the plateaus region
Tourist crowds remain minimal year-round in Togo, but December offers the added advantage of comfortable temperatures for walking through Lomé's markets and exploring Koutammakou UNESCO site without the intense heat of February-April

Considerations

Harmattan dust storms can begin late December, creating hazy conditions and potential respiratory irritation for sensitive travelers - visibility for photography can be reduced significantly
December is peak season for domestic travel as Togolese return home for holidays, meaning accommodations in Kpalimé and Kara fill up quickly and prices increase 20-30% during Christmas week
Roads to northern regions like Dapaong can still have muddy sections from late rainy season, requiring 4WD vehicles and adding 2-3 hours to journey times from Lomé

Best Activities in December

Mount Agou Hiking and Plateaus Exploration

December's drier conditions and clearer skies make this the ideal time to tackle Togo's highest peak at 986m (3,235 ft). The Harmattan winds provide cooler temperatures for the 4-6 hour trek, and you'll have spectacular views across Ghana and Togo. Coffee plantations are in harvest season, offering fresh tastings and cultural interactions with local farmers.

Booking Tip: Arrange guides through Kpalimé guesthouses 3-5 days ahead. Expect to pay 15,000-25,000 CFA ($25-42) for a full-day guided hike including transport. Start early (6am) to avoid afternoon heat buildup. See current tour options in booking section below.

Koutammakou Cultural Tours

The UNESCO World Heritage Batammariba compounds (Tata Somba) are most comfortable to explore in December's moderate temperatures. Locals are often preparing for Dipri festival season, giving insight into traditional architecture and customs. The 18°C (64°F) morning temperatures are perfect for the 3-5km (1.9-3.1 mile) village walks.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed cultural guides in Nadoba village, typically 20,000-30,000 CFA ($33-50) for half-day tours including village entry fees. Required 48-hour advance notice for community permissions. Reference booking widget for current operators.

Lake Togo Pirogue Adventures

December's lower water levels reveal sandbanks perfect for bird watching, while reduced rainfall means calmer waters for traditional pirogue trips. You'll spot migrant birds arriving for the dry season, and fishing communities are active preparing nets for peak season. Water temperature remains warm at 24°C (75°F).

Booking Tip: Local fishermen in Lome village offer 2-3 hour trips for 8,000-15,000 CFA ($13-25). Best times are 6-9am or 4-6pm when wildlife is most active. No advance booking needed - negotiate directly at the lakeshore.

Fazao-Malfakassa National Park Wildlife Tracking

December marks the start of optimal wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources. Elephants, antelopes, and numerous bird species are easier to spot with reduced vegetation. Daytime temperatures of 25°C (77°F) make the 5-10km (3.1-6.2 mile) tracking walks manageable.

Booking Tip: Park entry requires advance permission through ICAT office in Lomé - contact 2 weeks ahead. Licensed guides cost 12,000-18,000 CFA ($20-30) per day plus park fees of 5,000 CFA ($8). Accommodation inside park should be booked 1 month ahead for December.

Lomé Grand Market and Voodoo Market Exploration

December's comfortable morning temperatures around 18°C (64°F) are ideal for navigating the crowded Lome and Marché des Fétiches. Harvest season brings fresh produce displays, and vendors are preparing for holiday celebrations with special crafts and traditional medicines. Afternoon heat is still manageable at 25°C (77°F).

Booking Tip: Early morning visits (7-10am) offer best photography light and cooler conditions. Cultural guides available for 8,000-12,000 CFA ($13-20) for 3-hour tours including voodoo market explanations. No advance booking needed - meet guides at main market entrance.

Aneho Colonial Architecture Tours

December's reduced humidity makes walking tours through Togo's former capital more comfortable. The German and Portuguese colonial buildings are best photographed in December's clearer light conditions, and local historians are available as the university is in session. The 2km (1.2 mile) walking circuit takes 2-3 hours in pleasant conditions.

Booking Tip: Contact Aneho Cultural Centre for qualified guides - typically 10,000-15,000 CFA ($17-25) for half-day tours. Wednesday and weekend tours are most complete when cultural centers are fully staffed. Book 3-5 days ahead during December's higher domestic tourism.

December Events & Festivals

Early to Mid December

Harvest Festivals in Coffee Regions

Traditional celebrations in Kpalimé and surrounding villages marking the coffee and cocoa harvest. Communities gather for dancing, drumming, and feast preparations. Visitors can participate in harvest activities and taste fresh coffee directly from farms.

Late December

Pre-Dipri Ritual Preparations

Glidji communities begin preparing for the important Dipri festival (held in early January) with purification ceremonies and traditional preparations. While not the main festival, these preparatory rituals offer cultural insight and are more accessible to visitors.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight, long-sleeved cotton shirts for protection against Harmattan dust and strong UV (index 8) while staying cool in 25°C (77°F) temperatures

Quality dust mask or bandana for late December Harmattan winds that can cause respiratory irritation and reduce visibility

Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support for Mount Agou's 986m (3,235 ft) trails and rocky terrain in Koutammakou

Quick-dry pants suitable for 18-25°C (64-77°F) range and occasional mud on northern roads

Light rain jacket for 10 rainy days averaging 20-30 minute afternoon showers - completely different from heavy wet season downpours

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat for UV index 8 conditions, especially important at higher elevations

Portable water filter or purification tablets for rural areas and national park visits where bottled water isn't always available

Cash in small CFA denominations (1,000-5,000 notes) as ATMs are scarce outside Lomé and card acceptance is minimal

Headlamp with extra batteries for early morning wildlife tracking and potential evening power outages in rural accommodations

Insect repellent with DEET despite cooler weather - mosquitoes remain active in Lake Togo and forest areas

Insider Knowledge

December is when Togolese living abroad return home, creating a lively atmosphere but also booking competition for mid-range accommodations in Kpalimé and Kara - book 3-4 weeks ahead, not just for Christmas week

Harvest season means incredibly fresh and cheap produce - a full meal at local 'chop bars' costs 1,500-2,500 CFA ($2.50-4.20) with seasonal specialties like fresh palm nut soup and new yam dishes

The Harmattan winds typically start around December 15th - plan photography-dependent activities like Mount Agou climbing and Koutammakou visits for early December when visibility is still excellent

University students are on break in December, making young educated locals available as informal guides and translators in cities like Lomé and Kara - rates are 30-50% lower than professional guides

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating the Harmattan dust impact on electronics and health - travelers often don't bring adequate protection for cameras and respiratory systems

Assuming all roads are accessible because it's 'dry season' - northern routes can still have muddy sections from late rains requiring 4WD vehicles

Not booking accommodations early enough for Christmas week (December 20-27) when prices surge 25-30% and availability drops significantly in popular areas like Kpalimé