Where to go in December
December is summer in the southern hemisphere and dry season in much of the tropics, perfect for warm escapes, while Christmas markets light up cities in the north.
Places are ranked by their typical weather in December (comfortable daily highs and little rain) and by traveler ratings. Public holidays are listed with each place, as museums, shops and offices may be closed and popular places can be busy on them. Climate data from Meteostat.
26 places have good weather in December in Africa, showing the top 24.
Lalibela
4.58
Rock-hewn churches and pilgrimage site
Table Mountain
4.55
Flat-topped mountain overlooking Cape Town, known for its stunning views and rich biodiversity.
Simien Mountains
4.4
Dramatic mountain ecosystem
Knysna Heads
4.22
Dramatic coastal cliff formations marking the entrance to Knysna Lagoon, rich in natural beauty and maritime history.
Rock Churches of Tigray
4.06
Ancient churches carved into Tigray's rugged cliffs, embodying centuries of faith and Ethiopian history.
Gondar
3.81
City of medieval castles, Gondar is a historical gem with a rich cultural tapestry, set amidst the stunning landscapes of Ethiopia.
Aksum
3.75
Ancient capital with mysterious obelisks, rich in history and enigma, and site of the legendary Ark of the Covenant.
Bahir Dar
3.65
Lake monasteries and Blue Nile Falls
Volubilis
3.86
Roman ruins in countryside
Chinguetti
3.6
Historic Saharan city, guardian of medieval Islamic manuscripts and timeless architecture.
Kairouan
3.8
A historic Islamic city with rich cultural heritage, renowned for its ancient mosques and vibrant traditions.
Virunga Mountains
4.65
Volcanic range home to mountain gorillas, rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Leptis Magna
3.95
Roman city ruins on coast.
Timbuktu
3.54
Ancient center of Islamic learning, historically renowned for its role in scholarship and trade across Africa.
Ghadames
4.03
Ancient desert trading town known as the 'Pearl of the Desert,' rich in history, culture, and unique architecture.
Suakin
2.78
Ottoman coral building port with a rich historical legacy on Sudan's Red Sea coast.
El Jem
4.22
Massive Roman amphitheater.
Namib Desert
4.53
Ancient desert with towering orange dunes, rich in history and unique natural wonders.
Île de Gorée
4.03
Historic slave trade island, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflecting on a dark past through memorials and cultural festivals.
Omo Valley
4.03
A cultural tapestry of tribal traditions amidst breathtaking landscapes in Ethiopia's remote south.
Lake Natron
4.38
Red lake with flamingo colonies offering striking natural beauty and unique ecosystems, central to local Maasai culture. Home to the rare Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano.
Taroudant
3.5
Red-walled market town, a historic and cultural gem offering an authentic Moroccan experience.
Meroë Pyramids
4.25
Ancient Kushite royal cemetery showcasing architectural splendor and cultural heritage of a bygone civilization.
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Atlas Mountains
4.42
Mountain range featuring ancient kasbah trading routes including Dades Valley gorges as well as fortified mud-brick cities of Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate's film studios and historic caravan stops like Telouet Palace