Things to Do in Chad in December

December Weather in Chad

30°C (86°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0 inches) Rainfall

25% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with zero rainfall - dusty harmattan winds clear the air for exceptional visibility across the Sahara landscape and wildlife spotting
Cool morning temperatures 15-20°C (59-68°F) make early game drives in Zakouma National Park comfortable, while elephants and other wildlife gather at permanent water sources
Peak season for traditional Sao fishing festivals along the Chari River when communities celebrate the dry season catch with music, dancing, and local sorghum beer
Ideal overland travel conditions with dried roads allowing 4x4 access to remote areas like the Ennedi Plateau that become impassable during wet months

Considerations

Extreme temperature swings from 30°C (86°F) midday heat to 15°C (59°F) nights require multiple clothing layers and careful planning for outdoor activities
Harmattan dust storms can reduce visibility and cause respiratory irritation - flights may be delayed and photography conditions challenging
Peak tourist season means higher accommodation prices (40-60% above low season) and advance booking essential for decent lodging in N'Djamena and Zakouma

Best Activities in December

Zakouma National Park Wildlife Safaris

December offers Chad's premier wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around permanent water sources during the dry season. Elephant herds of 300+ gather at water holes, while early morning temperatures 15-20°C (59-68°F) make game drives comfortable. Clear harmattan conditions provide excellent photography light despite occasional dust haze.

Booking Tip: Book 4-6 weeks ahead through certified operators in N'Djamena. Full-day safaris typically cost 45,000-65,000 CFA ($75-108) including park fees. Multi-day packages with camping run 85,000-120,000 CFA ($140-200) per day. Ensure operators provide dust masks and extra water during harmattan season.

Ennedi Plateau Rock Formation Tours

Dry season access to Chad's UNESCO site with dramatic sandstone arches and ancient rock art. December's clear conditions and stable 25-30°C (77-86°F) daytime temperatures are perfect for multi-day camping expeditions. Roads are passable by 4x4, unlike wet season when routes flood completely.

Booking Tip: Requires 4x4 expedition operators with camping gear, typically 120,000-180,000 CFA ($200-300) per person for 3-4 day trips. Book through licensed N'Djamena operators who handle remote area permits. December availability fills quickly due to ideal weather window.

Lake Chad Fishing Village Cultural Tours

Traditional Buduma and Kotoko fishing communities are most active during December's low water season. Villages become accessible by boat or on foot, and December fishing festivals showcase traditional techniques, boat building, and local cuisine. Comfortable 20-25°C (68-77°F) temperatures ideal for full-day cultural immersion.

Booking Tip: Day tours cost 25,000-40,000 CFA ($42-67) through community-based tourism operators. Include traditional lunch and boat transport. Book 2-3 weeks ahead as December coincides with harvest festivals. Some operators offer overnight stays in traditional reed huts for cultural immersion.

N'Djamena Historical Walking Tours

Cool December mornings 15-20°C (59-68°F) are perfect for exploring Chad's capital on foot. Visit the Grand Mosque, Central Market, and colonial architecture before midday heat peaks. December's dry conditions mean dusty but clear exploration of the Chari River waterfront and traditional neighborhoods.

Booking Tip: Half-day guided tours run 15,000-25,000 CFA ($25-42) per person. Start early (7-8am) to avoid afternoon heat and dust. Independent walking possible but guides provide essential cultural context and language assistance. Book locally through hotels or cultural centers.

Sahara Desert Camel Trekking

December offers the only comfortable window for multi-day Sahara expeditions with manageable daytime temperatures and clear night skies perfect for astronomy. Traditional Toubou guides lead treks through remote dune systems accessible only during dry months when sand is stable for camel travel.

Booking Tip: 3-5 day treks typically cost 80,000-150,000 CFA ($133-250) per person including camels, guides, and camping equipment. Book through established operators in Faya or N'Djamena. December books fastest due to ideal conditions - reserve 6-8 weeks ahead for quality operators.

Chari River Sunset Boat Cruises

December's low water levels create perfect conditions for traditional pinasse boat trips along N'Djamena's waterfront. Cool evening temperatures 18-22°C (64-72°F) and clear harmattan skies provide stunning sunset photography opportunities while observing local fishing techniques and riverbank village life.

Booking Tip: 2-3 hour sunset cruises cost 8,000-15,000 CFA ($13-25) per person. Available daily but book same morning through riverfront operators near the Grand Mosque area. December's stable weather means reliable departures, unlike rainy season cancellations.

December Events & Festivals

Early to Mid December

Sao Fishing Festivals

Traditional celebrations along the Chari River marking the peak dry season fishing period. Communities gather for ceremonial net casting, traditional boat races, and evening celebrations with local music and sorghum beer. Authentic cultural experience showcasing Chad's riverine heritage.

Throughout December

Harmattan Season Celebrations

Northern communities celebrate the arrival of the dry harmattan winds with traditional ceremonies, storytelling, and desert survival demonstrations. Particularly vibrant in Faya and Tibesti region communities where the seasonal wind shift marks important calendar transitions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - lightweight long sleeves for 30°C (86°F) days, warm fleece for 15°C (59°F) nights, temperature swings are extreme

High-quality dust masks or bandanas - harmattan winds carry fine Sahara sand that irritates respiratory systems and equipment

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 10 with intense reflection off desert sand and minimal cloud cover

Sturdy hiking boots and gaiters for sandy terrain - essential for Ennedi Plateau and desert excursions where loose sand gets into everything

Headlamp with extra batteries - December has 11+ hour nights and power outages common outside N'Djamena

Electrolyte supplements and water purification tablets - 4+ liters daily needed in dry conditions, local water sources unreliable

Moisturizer and lip balm with SPF - 25% humidity and constant wind create severe skin dryness and cracking

Ziplock bags for electronics protection - fine dust penetrates normal cases and can damage cameras, phones, and charging ports

Warm sleeping bag rated to 10°C (50°F) - essential for camping and even some budget accommodations lack adequate heating

Cash in small CFA denominations - ATMs limited outside N'Djamena and cards rarely accepted, bring €200-400 equivalent minimum

Insider Knowledge

Book internal flights early morning (6-8am) to avoid harmattan dust storms that typically intensify after 10am and can ground aircraft for hours

Carry a 'cadeau' (small gift) like soap, pens, or tea for village visits - part of traditional courtesy and opens doors to authentic cultural exchanges

Learn basic Sara greetings beyond French - 'Lafia?' (how are you?) works across much of southern Chad and shows respect for local culture

Stock up on supplies in N'Djamena before heading to remote areas - December shortages common in Zakouma park shops and desert region towns due to seasonal demand spikes

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature swings - tourists pack for hot weather only and freeze during 15°C (59°F) nights, especially when camping in Zakouma or Ennedi

Not bringing enough cash - relying on cards outside N'Djamena leaves travelers stranded, ATMs frequently broken and mobile money systems unreliable

Planning back-to-back days of desert activities - harmattan dust exposure requires rest days to prevent respiratory issues, especially for those with allergies or asthma