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Chad - Things to Do in Chad in December

Things to Do in Chad in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Chad

32°C (90°F) High Temp
15°C (59°F) Low Temp
trace amounts (less than 1 mm / 0.04 inches) Rainfall
25% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect Sahara conditions - December is the absolute sweet spot for desert exploration. Daytime temps around 28-32°C (82-90°F) mean you can actually trek without risking heatstroke, and the complete absence of rain means every track is passable. The sand is firm enough for 4x4s to reach places that become inaccessible in the hot season.
  • Zakouma National Park peaks in December - This is when the dry season concentrates wildlife around remaining water sources. You'll see massive elephant herds (400+ individuals), and predator sightings jump because animals can't hide in sparse vegetation. Bird migrations are also in full swing, with over 370 species recorded in the park during this window.
  • Comfortable travel conditions across the country - The extreme heat hasn't kicked in yet (that comes February-May), so long drives and outdoor markets are actually pleasant. Locals call this 'le bon temps' - the good season - and you'll understand why when you're walking through N'Djamena's Grand Marché without feeling like you're melting.
  • Cultural calendar is active - The harvest is done, so there's actually time for celebrations. The Gerewol festival (if it falls in December, which varies) is one of the most visually stunning cultural events in Africa, and various regional celebrations happen as communities have surplus food and free time before the hot season work begins.

Considerations

  • Extreme temperature swings - That 15°C (59°F) nighttime low is no joke in the desert. I've seen travelers seriously underprepared for how cold Saharan nights get. You'll go from wearing a t-shirt at 2pm to needing a proper jacket and long pants by 8pm. Hotels outside major cities often lack heating entirely.
  • Peak pricing and limited availability - December is high season, which means tour operators charge 30-40% more than shoulder months, and the handful of decent accommodations in places like Faya-Largeau or near Zakouma book out 2-3 months ahead. If you're planning a Sahara expedition, operators are already taking December 2026 bookings now.
  • Dust and harmattan winds - December marks the start of harmattan season, when dry winds blow Saharan dust southward. Visibility can drop dramatically, flights occasionally get delayed, and if you have respiratory issues, the airborne dust is genuinely uncomfortable. Locals wrap scarves around their faces for good reason - you'll want to do the same.

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Best Activities in December

Sahara Desert expeditions to Ennedi Massif

December offers the only truly comfortable window for multi-day desert trips. The Ennedi Massif, with its sandstone arches, ancient rock art (some dating 7,000 years), and seasonal guelta pools, is accessible without the brutal 45°C (113°F) heat of summer. You'll camp under impossibly clear skies - the lack of humidity and zero light pollution means you see the Milky Way in detail that's rare anywhere on Earth. The rock art sites at Niola Doa and Archei Gorge are best visited now before the hot season makes midday exploration genuinely dangerous.

Booking Tip: Multi-day Sahara expeditions typically cost 800,000-1,200,000 CFA francs per person (roughly 1,300-2,000 USD) for 5-7 days, all-inclusive. Book at least 3-4 months ahead through N'Djamena-based operators who handle permits for the Ennedi region. Look for operators providing proper camping gear rated for cold nights, experienced Toubou guides who know water sources, and 4x4s with satellite phones. See current tour options in the booking section below for available expeditions.

Wildlife safaris in Zakouma National Park

This is peak season for Central Africa's most successful conservation story. December's dry conditions concentrate elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and predators around permanent water, making wildlife viewing dramatically better than wet season months. Morning game drives starting at 6am take advantage of animal activity before midday heat, and the park's relatively small size (3,000 sq km / 1,158 sq miles) means you cover productive ground quickly. Bird migrations are in full swing - you'll spot Abdim's storks, European bee-eaters, and if you're lucky, the critically endangered black crowned crane.

Booking Tip: Zakouma packages run 600,000-900,000 CFA francs (roughly 1,000-1,500 USD) for 3-4 days including park fees, accommodation at Camp Nomade or Camp Tinga, meals, and guided drives. Book 8-10 weeks minimum ahead - the park limits visitor numbers and camps fill up. The park manages bookings directly through African Parks, which ensures your money supports conservation. Flights from N'Djamena to the park's airstrip cost extra but save 12+ hours of rough driving.

Cultural tours to Guelta d'Archei

The Guelta d'Archei is one of the Sahara's permanent water sources where desert-adapted crocodiles still survive - a population that's been isolated for thousands of years. December means the guelta has reliable water after any autumn rains, and the cooler temps make the approach hike (about 2 km / 1.2 miles through a canyon) manageable. You'll also encounter Toubou herders bringing camels to drink, creating scenes that look unchanged from centuries past. The surrounding rock formations and petroglyphs add layers to the experience.

Booking Tip: Guelta d'Archei visits are typically part of broader Ennedi expeditions rather than standalone trips, given the remote location (roughly 560 km / 348 miles northeast of Faya-Largeau). If booking separately through Faya-based guides, expect 200,000-350,000 CFA francs (roughly 330-580 USD) for a 2-3 day trip including 4x4 transport, guide, and basic camping. The area requires special permits that your operator should arrange. December is ideal because water levels are stable and heat is tolerable.

N'Djamena city cultural experiences

Chad's capital is more functional than beautiful, but December's comfortable evenings (around 20-22°C / 68-72°F) make it pleasant to explore the Grand Marché, where you'll find everything from Saharan salt blocks to West African textiles. The Musée National shows Chad's archaeological wealth, including artifacts from the Sao civilization. December also means the Chari River waterfront is active with locals escaping daytime heat - sunset views across to Cameroon are worth the taxi ride. The city's Lebanese and French restaurants have outdoor seating that's actually usable this time of year.

Booking Tip: N'Djamena experiences work as day activities between longer trips or during arrival/departure days. Hiring a local guide through your hotel runs 15,000-25,000 CFA francs (roughly 25-40 USD) for a half-day and provides context you'd miss otherwise, plus navigation help in a city with few street signs. The Grand Marché is best visited in early morning (7-9am) before crowds peak. Museum entry is minimal (around 2,000 CFA francs / 3 USD) but photography permits cost extra.

Lakes region exploration around Lake Chad

December's dry season makes the southern wetlands and Lake Chad's remaining waters accessible by boat and 4x4. The lake has shrunk dramatically (it's now about 10% of its 1960s size), but the remaining ecosystem supports fishing communities and waterbirds. The cultural aspect is significant - you'll encounter Buduma people who've lived on lake islands for generations, and see how communities adapt to environmental change. It's sobering but fascinating, and December's lower water levels mean you can reach areas that flood during wetter months.

Booking Tip: Lake Chad access requires security clearances given the region's instability - work only with N'Djamena operators who have current local contacts and security assessments. Trips typically cost 400,000-700,000 CFA francs (roughly 660-1,160 USD) for 3-4 days including permits, local guides, boat transport, and camping or basic guesthouse accommodation. The security situation changes, so confirm viability 4-6 weeks before your trip. December is the most stable season weather-wise, but regional security matters more than climate for this destination.

Rock art and archaeology tours in Tibesti Mountains

The Tibesti region in far northern Chad contains some of the Sahara's most impressive volcanic landscapes and prehistoric rock art sites. December offers the only reasonable weather window - summer temps exceed 45°C (113°F) and make exploration genuinely dangerous. You'll see Emi Koussi (3,415 m / 11,204 ft), the Sahara's highest peak, and rock art sites showing ancient Saharan peoples when the region was green savanna. This is extremely remote travel - you're multiple days from any real infrastructure - but for adventurous travelers, it's unmatched.

Booking Tip: Tibesti expeditions are serious undertakings requiring 10-14 days and costing 1,500,000-2,500,000 CFA francs (roughly 2,500-4,150 USD) per person for small groups. Book 4-6 months ahead minimum. You need experienced operators with Toubou guides who know water sources and have security clearances - the region borders Libya and requires military escorts in some areas. Confirm current security status thoroughly. December is the only viable month for most travelers given extreme summer heat and occasional winter cold snaps that can hit freezing at altitude.

December Events & Festivals

Variable - sometimes late December, but confirm with local contacts 4-6 weeks before travel

Gerewol Festival (date varies)

The Gerewol is a courtship ceremony of the Wodaabe Fulani people where young men dress in elaborate makeup and costumes, then dance and compete for women's attention. It's visually stunning - think hours of synchronized dancing, singing, and facial expressions designed to show off white teeth and eyes. The festival timing follows the rainy season harvest and varies by clan location, so it sometimes falls in late December but more often happens September-November. If you're lucky enough to catch it in December 2026, it's worth rearranging your entire itinerary. The festival moves between locations in the Sahel belt south of Lake Chad.

December 1st

Independence Day celebrations

December 1st marks Chad's independence from France in 1960. N'Djamena hosts military parades, cultural performances, and public gatherings. It's more of a local affair than a tourist event, but if you're in the capital around this date, you'll see the city decorated and feel the national pride. Government buildings around Place de la Nation host ceremonies, and there's usually traditional music and dance at various venues. Hotels and restaurants may have special events or be fully booked, so plan accordingly.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system for extreme temperature swings - You need clothes for 32°C (90°F) days AND 15°C (59°F) nights. Pack lightweight long pants and a fleece or light down jacket for evenings. The temperature drops fast after sunset in the desert, and most accommodations lack heating.
Dust protection gear - A good scarf or shemagh is essential for harmattan winds. Wrap it around your face when dust kicks up. Also bring a small microfiber cloth for cleaning camera lenses and sunglasses constantly. The fine Saharan dust gets into everything.
SPF 50+ sunscreen and quality sunglasses - The UV index hits 9, and there's zero shade in desert environments. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours during outdoor activities. I've seen travelers get genuinely burned through light clothing, so don't underestimate Saharan sun even in December.
Closed-toe hiking shoes or boots - Essential for desert terrain with sharp rocks and thorny vegetation. The Ennedi region especially has rough ground. Sandals are fine for N'Djamena but useless for actual exploration. Break in your boots before the trip.
Headlamp with extra batteries - Power cuts are common outside major cities, and desert camps have no electricity. A headlamp leaves your hands free for setting up tents or navigating at night. Bring backup batteries since they're hard to find locally.
Water purification tablets or filter - Bottled water is available in cities but scarce in remote areas. Your tour operator should provide water on expeditions, but having backup purification gives peace of mind. Dehydration is a real risk in 25% humidity.
Basic first aid kit with anti-diarrheal medication - Medical facilities are extremely limited outside N'Djamena. Bring immodium, oral rehydration salts, basic bandages, and any prescription medications with extra supply. Stomach issues are common for first-time visitors.
Power bank and solar charger - Electricity is unreliable, and you'll go days without outlets on desert trips. A high-capacity power bank (20,000+ mAh) keeps phones and cameras charged. Solar chargers work well given the constant sunshine but charge slowly.
Cash in CFA francs - Chad is almost entirely cash-based. ATMs in N'Djamena are unreliable and often empty. Bring enough CFA francs (West African or Central African, both work) or euros to exchange. Credit cards are useless outside major hotels. Carry small bills for markets and tips.
Lightweight long-sleeved shirts - Better than t-shirts for sun protection and cultural respect. Cotton or merino wool breathes better than synthetic in dry heat. Light colors reflect heat. You'll want at least 3-4 shirts for a week-long trip since laundry services are limited.

Insider Knowledge

Book internal logistics through N'Djamena operators, not international companies - Chad tourism infrastructure is minimal, and the handful of experienced local operators (who arrange permits, security clearances, and ground logistics) don't typically work with international booking platforms. Contact them directly 4-6 months ahead for December travel. They'll handle the bureaucratic maze that would take you weeks to navigate independently.
The harmattan dust affects photography - that hazy atmosphere you'll notice isn't humidity or pollution, it's suspended Saharan dust. It creates beautiful golden-hour light but reduces contrast and sharpness in midday shots. Shoot early morning or late afternoon for clearer images, and bring lens cleaning supplies. Locals will tell you the harmattan 'eats' the sun, and you'll see what they mean.
Fuel availability determines desert routes - Your tour operator plans routes around fuel caches and reliable supply points, not just interesting destinations. This is why you can't just rent a 4x4 and explore independently. Fuel stations outside major towns are sporadic and often run dry. December sees increased demand from other expeditions, so experienced operators cache fuel along routes weeks ahead.
Zakouma's success story is recent - The park was nearly destroyed by poaching in the 2000s (elephant populations dropped from 4,000 to 450), but African Parks' management since 2010 has brought remarkable recovery. Understanding this context makes your visit more meaningful - you're seeing conservation that actually works. The rangers you'll meet are genuinely proud of what they've achieved, and their stories add depth beyond just wildlife viewing.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold desert nights get - Travelers pack for hot weather and then freeze after sunset. That 15°C (59°F) low feels colder than you'd expect because of the temperature drop speed and lack of humidity to hold heat. I've seen people trying to sleep in just a sleeping bag liner and regretting it by 3am. Bring actual warm layers.
Arriving without sufficient cash - Chad's banking system is unreliable at best. ATMs in N'Djamena frequently have no money, especially around month-end when locals get paid. International cards rarely work. Bring enough CFA francs or euros for your entire trip, plus 30% extra for contingencies. Running out of cash in Faya-Largeau or Zakouma isn't fixable quickly.
Booking too close to travel dates - December is high season, and Chad has very limited tourist infrastructure. The few decent hotels, the handful of experienced tour operators, and Zakouma's camps all book out 2-3 months ahead minimum. I've seen travelers arrive in N'Djamena in December expecting to arrange a Sahara trip and finding nothing available for weeks. Book by August 2026 for December travel.

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November

Travel guide for November

January

Travel guide for January

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Weather and seasonal patterns for Chad

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