Eritrea in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Eritrea
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season with virtually no rainfall - only 5mm (0.2 inches) expected across the entire month, making it ideal for highland trekking and coastal exploration
- Comfortable temperature range 15-26°C (59-79°F) with cool mornings perfect for hiking and warm afternoons ideal for Red Sea diving in 27°C (81°F) water
- Crystal clear visibility for photography - dry air means impressive views of the Ethiopia and highland escarpments extend up to 50km (31 miles)
- Tourist low season means accommodation rates are 30-40% lower than European summer months, and archaeological sites like Adulis have minimal crowds
Considerations
- Strong northeastern winds (15-25 km/h or 9-16 mph) along the Red Sea coast can make boat trips choppy and affect snorkeling conditions on some days
- High UV index of 9 combined with thin highland air at 2,400m (7,874 ft) elevation in Asmara means sunburn risk is severe - locals avoid midday sun 11am-3pm
- Limited domestic flight schedules during December due to low tourist season - only 3 weekly flights to Massawa compared to 6 in peak months
Best Activities in December
Danakil Depression Geological Tours
December's dry conditions make the 4-day trek to Dallol sulfur springs and Erta Ale volcano safely accessible. Daytime temperatures reach 45°C (113°F) in the depression while highland camps are comfortable at 18°C (64°F). This is the only month when both sites are reliably accessible due to minimal rainfall blocking desert tracks.
Red Sea Coral Reef Diving
December offers the best underwater visibility of the year - up to 40m (131 ft) - with water temperatures at perfect 27°C (81°F). Coral spawning occurs mid-December, creating exceptional marine life activity. Surface conditions are calmer than summer months despite occasional wind.
Highland Coffee Origin Tours
December coincides with coffee processing season when beans from October harvest are being prepared. Visit working farms around Mendefera at 1,800m (5,906 ft) elevation where temperatures are ideal 20-24°C (68-75°F). Participate in traditional roasting ceremonies that are central to Eritrean culture.
Archaeological Site Explorations
Cool December weather makes extensive walking at sites like Adulis (ancient Red Sea port) and Qohaito (pre-Aksumite ruins) comfortable all day. Clear skies provide excellent photography conditions, and lack of summer heat stress allows for thorough exploration of petroglyphs and ancient structures.
Asmara Art Deco Architecture Walking Tours
December's comfortable temperatures 18-25°C (64-77°F) make walking the UNESCO World Heritage city center pleasant all day. Crystal clear highland air provides perfect lighting for photographing the world's largest collection of intact Art Deco buildings from the 1930s Italian colonial period.
Traditional Highland Village Experiences
December harvest celebrations in villages around Keren and Barentu showcase traditional Tigrinya and Kunama cultures. Cool mountain air at 1,500-2,000m (4,921-6,562 ft) makes walking between traditional tukuls (round houses) and participating in community activities comfortable.
December Events & Festivals
Orthodox Christmas Preparations (Genna)
Throughout December, Orthodox communities prepare for Genna (January 7th Christmas) with special church services and traditional brewing of sowa (honey wine). Witness ancient Ge'ez liturgical chanting in rock-hewn churches and participate in community preparations.
Coffee Roasting Season Ceremonies
December coffee processing season brings daily traditional coffee ceremonies in highland villages. Three-round ceremonies (abol, tona, baraka) become more elaborate during harvest processing, with special incense and traditional dress.