Gabon in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Gabon

26°C (79°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season means clearer skies and calmer Atlantic waters - perfect for whale watching at Loango National Park where humpback whales migrate through December waters
Forest visibility reaches its annual best with 60% less undergrowth, making wildlife spotting in Ivindo National Park significantly easier - gorilla tracking success rates peak at 85% in December
December marks peak nesting season for leatherback turtles at Mayumba National Park - witness 200-300kg (440-660lb) females laying eggs on pristine beaches with minimal tourist crowds
Cooler morning temperatures of 20-22°C (68-72°F) create ideal conditions for multi-day forest treks without the oppressive heat of other months

Considerations

International flight prices increase 40-60% due to Christmas holiday demand - book by September for reasonable rates or expect to pay €1,200-1,800 ($1,300-1,950) from Europe
December marks Gabonese summer holidays, meaning popular lodges in Loango book out 3-4 months ahead and prices rise 25-30% above shoulder season rates
Afternoon humidity can still reach 85% despite being dry season - outdoor activities after 2pm become uncomfortable for many visitors

Best Activities in December

Loango National Park Whale Watching

December offers the best whale watching in West Africa as humpback whales migrate through Gabon's coastal waters. Morning boat trips (6am-10am) provide calm seas and 80% sighting success rates. The cooler morning temperatures of 20-22°C (68-72°F) make boat rides comfortable, while afternoon swells would make trips rougher. Combine with beach walks to see hippos in surf - a phenomenon unique to Loango.

Booking Tip: Book 6-8 weeks ahead through established eco-lodges. Expect to pay €180-250 ($195-270) per person for half-day trips including transfers. Look for operators with marine biologist guides and zodiac boats rated for Atlantic swells. Multi-day packages typically cost €800-1,200 ($865-1,300) including accommodation.

Ivindo National Park Gorilla Trekking

Dry season forest conditions in December provide the clearest undergrowth for gorilla encounters. Success rates peak at 85% with morning treks starting at 6am when temperatures are coolest. The reduced rainfall means forest paths are most accessible, and gorillas spend more time in lower canopy areas searching for dry-season fruits. December's lower humidity makes the 4-6 hour treks more manageable.

Booking Tip: Permits must be secured 8-12 weeks ahead and cost €400-500 ($430-540) per person. Book through ANPN-certified operators only. Multi-day packages including Kongou Falls access range €1,200-1,800 ($1,300-1,950). Requires moderate fitness - 8km (5-mile) forest walks on uneven terrain.

Mayumba National Park Turtle Watching

Peak leatherback nesting season occurs in December, with 60-80 nesting females arriving nightly on the 60km (37-mile) pristine coastline. Evening tours start at 8pm when temperatures drop to comfortable 24°C (75°F). December offers the most consistent sightings as females return to the Easttimor beaches where they hatched 20-30 years ago. Witness 200-300kg (440-660lb) turtles in their natural habitat.

Booking Tip: Book through eco-lodges 4-6 weeks ahead for €120-180 ($130-195) per night tour. Look for guides trained by WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society). Accommodation packages range €600-900 ($650-975) for 3-day experiences. Night tours require red-filtered flashlights - most operators provide equipment.

Libreville Cultural Markets and Cuisine Tours

December's dry weather makes walking tours of Mont-Bouët Market and Quartier Louis more comfortable. Local seasonal fruits like safou and ditax are at peak ripeness, while December celebrations bring special Fang and Myéné dishes to market stalls. Morning tours (7am-11am) avoid afternoon heat and humidity spikes. Experience authentic Gabonese cuisine when locals are preparing for year-end festivities.

Booking Tip: Walking tours cost €40-60 ($43-65) per person for 4-hour experiences. Book through cultural associations or established guides with local language skills (Fang, French). Food tours including market visits and cooking classes range €80-120 ($87-130). Early morning starts essential during December heat.

Ogooué River Multi-day Expeditions

December's lower water levels expose more wildlife viewing opportunities along riverbanks. Forest elephants come to drink more predictably at dawn and dusk, while bird activity peaks during cooler morning hours 6am-9am. The 1,200km (746-mile) river system is most navigable in December with reduced current strength. Spot sitatunga antelopes, forest Buffalo, and over 400 bird species in optimal viewing conditions.

Booking Tip: Multi-day river expeditions cost €200-300 ($217-325) per day including meals and camping equipment. Book 6-8 weeks ahead through operators with proper river permits. Look for expeditions including Lopé National Park access. 3-5 day packages range €800-1,500 ($865-1,625) depending on group size and accommodation level.

Crystal Mountains Hiking and Waterfall Tours

December's reduced rainfall creates perfect conditions for accessing the Crystal Mountains' spectacular waterfalls including Kongou Falls - Central Africa's largest waterfall at 56m (184ft) high and 3km (1.9 miles) wide. Cooler morning temperatures and clearer forest paths make multi-day hikes feasible. December water levels are ideal - not too low to diminish waterfall power, not too high for safe swimming in natural pools.

Booking Tip: Multi-day hiking packages cost €150-250 ($163-270) per day including guides, camping gear, and meals. Book through ANPN-registered operators 4-6 weeks ahead. Moderate fitness required for 12-15km (7.5-9.3 mile) daily hikes. Waterfall access tours range €300-500 ($325-540) for 2-day experiences including transportation from Libreville.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December

Gabonese Summer Festival Season

Local communities across Gabon hold traditional celebration festivals during December school holidays. Experience authentic Bwiti ceremonies, traditional mask dancing, and seasonal fruit celebrations. These community-based festivals offer genuine cultural immersion away from tourist-focused events.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with ventilation zippers - afternoon showers last 30-45 minutes and occur 10 days in December

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 even during dry season cloud cover

Quick-dry hiking pants in neutral colors - essential for forest treks where wet undergrowth is still common in shaded areas

Insect repellent with 30% DEET minimum - tsetse flies and mosquitoes remain active despite dry conditions

Waterproof day pack (35-40L capacity) - protects camera equipment during unexpected showers and river crossings

Breathable cotton or merino wool shirts - avoid polyester which becomes uncomfortable in 70% humidity levels

Sturdy waterproof hiking boots rated for 15km (9.3-mile) forest walks - December trails can still have muddy sections

Portable water filtration system - remote national parks require 3-4L (0.8-1.1 gallons) daily intake during activities

Red-filtered headlamp for turtle watching and night wildlife viewing - white light disturbs nesting behaviors

Binoculars (8x42 minimum) for wildlife viewing at distances of 100-200m (328-656ft) common in December's clearer forest conditions

Insider Knowledge

Book internal flights with Afrijet or SN2AG at least 6 weeks ahead - December sees 40% increase in domestic travel demand from Gabonese returning home for holidays, often causing last-minute cancellations

Exchange money in Libreville before heading to national parks - remote areas only accept CFA francs cash, and ATMs in Port-Gentil and Franceville frequently run empty during December holiday season

Morning wildlife activities (6am-9am) in December offer 60% better sighting rates than afternoon sessions - animals retreat to shade once temperatures exceed 28°C (82°F) after 10am

Gabon's December 'petit saison' brings unique seasonal fruits like ditax and safou to markets - these nutrient-rich foods are unavailable other times of year and provide excellent energy for forest activities

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating December accommodation demand - popular eco-lodges in Loango and Ivindo book out 3-4 months ahead due to both international visitors and Gabonese holiday travelers

Scheduling outdoor activities after 2pm when humidity rises to 85% - most visitors find afternoon forest walks uncomfortable despite December being 'dry season'

Arriving without yellow fever vaccination certificate - Gabon strictly enforces this requirement and December sees increased airport delays due to holiday travel volume and additional health screenings