Things to Do in Angola in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Angola

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Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Prime dry season - December marks the peak of Angola's dry season with minimal rainfall (only 51mm/2.0 inches) making it ideal for exploring remote areas like Kissama National Park and the Kalandula Falls without muddy roads blocking access
Perfect wildlife viewing conditions - Animals congregate around water sources during the dry season, making December excellent for spotting elephants, antelopes, and birds at Kissama National Park and Cangandala National Park with visibility at its peak
Comfortable temperatures for exploration - Daily highs of 25°C (77°F) and lows of 20°C (68°F) create perfect conditions for walking through Luanda's historic Cidade Alta, exploring Benguela's colonial architecture, or trekking to remote waterfalls without extreme heat
Cacimbo season brings clear skies - The cool Cacimbo winds from the Atlantic create excellent visibility for photography, making December ideal for capturing the dramatic landscapes of Serra da Leba, Tundavala Gap, and the coastal desert meeting the ocean

Considerations

Peak tourism pricing - December coincides with both international holiday season and Angola's best weather, driving accommodation costs up 40-60% compared to rainy season months, particularly in Luanda where business hotels cater to both tourists and year-end corporate travel
Dusty conditions inland - The dry Cacimbo winds carry significant dust from the interior, creating hazy conditions in cities like Huambo and Lubango, requiring frequent cleaning of cameras and potentially irritating for those with respiratory sensitivities
Limited water-based activities - Rivers and some waterfalls run at lower volumes during peak dry season, making white-water activities less exciting and some swimming holes at places like Binga Falls less impressive than during wetter months

Best Activities in December

Kissama National Park Safari Tours

December offers the best wildlife viewing in Angola's premier national park. Animals concentrate around the Kwanza River and remaining water sources, making elephant, antelope, and bird sightings almost guaranteed. The dry conditions mean excellent road access via 4WD vehicles, and the 25°C (77°F) temperatures are perfect for early morning and late afternoon game drives when animals are most active.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead through licensed operators based in Luanda. Full-day tours typically cost $150-250 USD including transport, guide, and park fees. Look for operators with newer 4WD vehicles and experienced local guides. Reference booking widget below for current safari options.

Kalandula Falls Expeditions

While water levels are lower in December, this creates unique opportunities to access viewpoints and rock formations that are submerged during rainy season. The 105m (344 ft) falls are still spectacular, and the dry roads make the 420km (261 mile) journey from Luanda manageable in a day. December's clear skies provide perfect conditions for photography without the haze of rainy season.

Booking Tip: Multi-day trips work best, allowing overnight in Malanje. Tours typically range $300-500 USD for 2-3 days including transport, accommodation, and meals. Ensure your operator has experience with the remote road conditions. See current tour options in booking section below.

Tundavala Gap and Serra da Leba Scenic Tours

December's Cacimbo season brings crystal-clear visibility to these dramatic mountain viewpoints near Lubango. The famous hairpin bends of Serra da Leba and the 1,000m (3,280 ft) cliff drop at Tundavala Gap are at their most photogenic. Comfortable 20-25°C (68-77°F) temperatures make hiking to various viewpoints pleasant throughout the day.

Booking Tip: Day tours from Lubango typically cost $80-120 USD. Multi-day tours combining both locations with overnight accommodation range $200-350 USD. Book with operators who know the best sunrise and sunset viewpoints. Check booking widget for current mountain tour options.

Luanda Historical Walking Tours

December's moderate temperatures and low humidity make exploring Luanda's Cidade Alta (Upper City) comfortable during peak daylight hours. The UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Fortress of São Miguel and Igreja do Carmo, are best visited when temperatures hover around 25°C (77°F) rather than the scorching heat of other months.

Booking Tip: Half-day walking tours cost $40-80 USD and are best scheduled for early morning (8-11am) or late afternoon (3-6pm). Look for certified guides who speak Portuguese and English. Many tours include traditional lunch. Current city tour options available in booking section.

Benguela Colonial Architecture Tours

The coastal city of Benguela showcases Angola's best-preserved Portuguese colonial architecture, and December's pleasant temperatures make walking tours through the historic center comfortable. The dry season also means clearer coastal views and better conditions for photography of the colorful colonial buildings along the waterfront.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Luanda including transport, guide, and lunch typically cost $120-180 USD. Alternatively, stay overnight in Benguela for $60-100 USD tours focusing just on architecture and local culture. See current coastal tour options below.

Atlantic Coast Beach and Fishing Experiences

December offers calm seas and comfortable temperatures for exploring Angola's pristine coastline. Traditional fishing experiences with local communities near Namibe or Benguela provide cultural immersion, while the beaches offer excellent conditions for swimming and photography without the rough seas of other seasons.

Booking Tip: Multi-day coastal tours range $250-400 USD including accommodation and meals with fishing communities. Day trips to beaches near major cities cost $60-120 USD. Look for operators emphasizing cultural exchange and sustainable tourism. Current coastal experiences available in booking section.

December Events & Festivals

Early December

Luanda International Film Festival

This growing film festival typically occurs in early December, showcasing African cinema with particular focus on Lusophone countries. Screenings occur at various venues around Luanda including the restored cinema houses in Cidade Alta, offering visitors a chance to experience contemporary Angolan culture alongside international films.

Early December

Independence Day Celebrations

November 11th celebrations often extend into December with cultural events, traditional music performances, and local festivals throughout the country. Many communities organize extended celebrations featuring traditional Semba and Kizomba music, local food festivals, and craft exhibitions that continue into early December.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in breathable cotton - essential for protection from UV index 8 sun and evening dust, while staying cool in 25°C (77°F) temperatures

Quality dust mask or bandana - Cacimbo winds carry significant dust in inland areas like Lubango and Huambo, particularly important for those with respiratory sensitivities

Sturdy hiking boots - essential for uneven terrain at Tundavala Gap, Kalandula Falls viewpoints, and walking through Kissama National Park on foot

High-SPF sunscreen (50+) and wide-brimmed hat - December's clear skies and UV index of 8 create intense sun exposure, especially at high-altitude locations like Serra da Leba

Light rain jacket or poncho - while December is dry season, occasional brief showers occur on 10 days of the month, usually lasting 15-20 minutes

Portable phone charger/power bank - many remote locations like national parks and waterfall areas have limited electricity access for day-long excursions

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes remain active around water sources and in coastal areas despite the dry season

Comfortable walking sandals - for beach areas, hotel use, and casual exploration when hiking boots aren't necessary

Lightweight pants for evenings - temperatures drop to 20°C (68°F) at night, and pants provide protection from insects during outdoor dinners

Camera lens cleaning kit - dusty conditions require frequent cleaning of camera equipment, especially important for once-in-a-lifetime shots at scenic locations

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights early - LAM Mozambique Airlines and other carriers raise prices significantly in December due to increased demand from both tourists and Angolan diaspora returning for holidays

Carry USD cash in small bills - many tour operators, national parks, and remote accommodations prefer US dollars over kwanza, and ATMs outside Luanda can be unreliable

Start activities early morning - while temperatures are comfortable, the best wildlife viewing and photography light occurs between 6-9am before dust builds up from daily winds

Learn basic Portuguese phrases - English is less common outside Luanda, and showing effort to speak Portuguese dramatically improves interactions with locals, especially in rural areas near attractions like Kalandula Falls