Asmara in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Asmara

21°C (70°F) High Temp

4°C (40°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

December's dry season brings crystal-clear visibility for exploring Italian colonial architecture - perfect lighting for photography without summer's haze
Peak coffee harvest season means freshest beans at origin prices (30-40 Eritrea/kg vs 60+ Eritrea other months) and active processing tours at highland farms
Cool mornings (4°C/40°F) ideal for multi-hour walking tours of Art Deco districts before midday heat - comfortable exploration window extends to 10am vs 8am in other months
December coincides with Orthodox Genna celebrations, offering authentic cultural experiences without commercial tourism crowds

Considerations

Dramatic 17°C (30°F) temperature swings between morning and afternoon require layered packing - many first-timers underestimate morning cold
Limited daylight hours (11 hours) mean rushed sightseeing schedules, especially for photography enthusiasts seeking golden hour shots
High UV index (8) at 2,325m (7,628ft) altitude causes severe sunburn within 15 minutes - many visitors burn despite cool morning temperatures

Best Activities in December

Italian Colonial Architecture Walking Tours

December's dry, clear air provides optimal conditions for photographing Asmara's UNESCO World Heritage Art Deco buildings. Cool mornings (4-10°C/40-50°F) allow comfortable 3-4 hour walking tours covering 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) of architectural sites. Low humidity prevents camera lens fogging, and crisp lighting enhances facade details impossible to capture during rainy months.

Booking Tip: Book guided architectural tours 5-7 days ahead through certified heritage guides (typically 800-1,200 Eritrea for full day). Early morning starts (7am) maximize comfortable walking time before afternoon heat. Reference booking widget for current tour options.

Highland Coffee Farm Experiences

Peak harvest season in December offers hands-on coffee picking and processing experiences unavailable other months. Cool morning temperatures (4-8°C/40-46°F) make 2-3 hour farm visits comfortable, while farmers are actively harvesting premium beans. Fresh roasting demonstrations and cupping sessions feature beans processed within 24-48 hours.

Booking Tip: Reserve coffee farm tours 10-14 days ahead during harvest season (typically 1,500-2,500 Eritrea including transport and meals). Tours operate 6am-11am to avoid midday heat. Book through licensed agricultural tourism operators - see current options in booking section below.

Massawa Coastal Day Trips

December's stable weather patterns make the 117 km (73 mile) coastal drive to Massawa reliable without rainy season road closures. Sea temperatures remain warm (24-26°C/75-79°F) for swimming while highland departure point offers cool morning starts. Clear skies provide impressive Red Sea views and optimal conditions for exploring Ottoman architecture.

Booking Tip: Book Massawa excursions 7-10 days ahead (typically 2,000-3,500 Eritrea including transport). Early departure (6am) avoids afternoon desert heat on return journey. Choose operators with air-conditioned vehicles - essential for comfort during midday coastal temperatures.

Traditional Market and Artisan Workshops

December's cool mornings create ideal conditions for exploring Medeber Market's metal workshops and traditional crafts. Artisans work most actively 7am-11am before heat peaks, offering authentic demonstrations of traditional metalworking and weaving. Low tourist season means more personal interaction and better prices for handcrafted items.

Booking Tip: Join market tours early morning (7-10am) when workshops are most active. Guided experiences cost 600-1,000 Eritrea including transport between districts. Book through cultural tourism operators who maintain relationships with artisan families - see booking section for current options.

Orthodox Church and Monastery Visits

December's Genna (Christmas) preparation period offers unique access to Orthodox ceremonies and monastery life. Cool morning temperatures make 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 mile) monastery hikes comfortable, while December timing coincides with special liturgical practices. Clear weather ensures reliable access to highland monasteries often closed during rainy periods.

Booking Tip: Arrange monastery visits through Orthodox community contacts 1-2 weeks ahead, especially near Genna celebrations. Respectful dress required - long pants and covered shoulders mandatory. Cultural guides familiar with Orthodox traditions cost 800-1,500 Eritrea per day.

Highland Hiking and Village Encounters

December's dry conditions open highland trails typically muddy during other months. Cool morning starts (4-8°C/40-46°F) allow comfortable multi-hour hikes to traditional villages at 2,500-3,000m (8,200-9,840ft) elevation. Clear air provides exceptional mountain views and authentic encounters with highland communities during harvest celebrations.

Booking Tip: Book highland treks 10-14 days ahead through experienced mountain guides (typically 1,800-3,000 Eritrea for full day including village visits). Essential to start before 7am to complete hikes before afternoon sun. Choose guides with village connections for authentic cultural exchanges.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Genna (Orthodox Christmas) Preparations

Traditional Orthodox Christmas preparations begin mid-December with special church services, traditional brewing of suwa (local beer), and community gatherings. Churches hold extended prayer services with ancient Ge'ez liturgy, while families prepare traditional foods like zigni and injera for upcoming celebrations.

Early to Mid December

Coffee Harvest Festival Activities

Highland communities celebrate peak coffee harvest with traditional blessing ceremonies for the crop. Includes coffee ceremony demonstrations, traditional music, and communal roasting sessions where farmers showcase their finest beans to visiting buyers and cultural tourists.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential: thermal base layer for 4°C (40°F) mornings, breathable cotton for 21°C (70°F) afternoons - temperature swings of 17°C (30°F) daily

SPF 50+ sunscreen mandatory - UV index 8 at 2,325m (7,628ft) altitude causes burns in 15 minutes despite cool air temperature

Sturdy walking shoes with ankle support for 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily on cobblestone and uneven colonial-era streets

Light rain jacket for occasional December showers - 10 rainy days average but brief afternoon storms only

Warm hat and gloves for early morning starts (6-7am) when temperatures drop to 4°C (40°F)

Breathable long pants for mosque and monastery visits - shorts prohibited at religious sites regardless of temperature

High-quality camera protection - dust from highland winds and sudden temperature changes can damage electronics

Insulated water bottle to maintain temperature during 17°C (30°F) daily swings between morning cold and afternoon warmth

Cash in small denominations (5, 10, 20 Eritrea notes) - credit cards rarely accepted and ATMs limited outside central Asmara

Portable phone charger/power bank - electricity can be intermittent during December maintenance periods

Insider Knowledge

December coffee harvest season offers direct farm-gate prices (30-40 Eritrea/kg) vs retail (60+ Eritrea) - buy directly from highland farmers during morning market hours (6-9am)

Medeber Market metal workshops operate most actively 7-10am December mornings - this timing offers best artisan demonstrations and prices before tourist groups arrive

Local buses to coastal areas run most reliably during December's dry season - save 60-70% vs private transport by using public intercity buses departing Asmara 6-8am

Orthodox fasting period before Genna means reduced meat availability mid-December - vegetarian travelers find more diverse options during this period than other months

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating morning cold - tourists pack for 21°C (70°F) afternoon temperatures but suffer in 4°C (40°F) dawn starts for photography and tours

Ignoring altitude effects - 2,325m (7,628ft) elevation combined with high UV causes severe sunburn and dehydration faster than sea-level destinations

Overpacking rain gear - December averages only 2.5mm (0.1 inches) rainfall, yet tourists bring heavy rain equipment based on other East African destinations