Khartoum in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Khartoum

32°C (89°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

35% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather with daytime temperatures around 32°C (89°F) and cool evenings at 18°C (64°F) - ideal for both outdoor exploration and comfortable sleeping
Zero rainfall makes December the driest month, perfect for walking tours of Old Khartoum and visiting outdoor archaeological sites without weather disruptions
Clear skies and excellent visibility provide optimal conditions for Nile confluence viewing and photography - you can clearly see where the Blue and White Niles merge
Cool mornings (18-22°C/64-72°F) are perfect for early starts at Souq al-Arabi before the midday heat, when locals do their shopping

Considerations

Harmattan winds from the Sahara bring dust storms 3-4 times per month, reducing visibility and affecting those with respiratory sensitivities
Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to summer months, with limited availability near Christmas and New Year
Midday sun is intense with UV index of 8 - outdoor activities between 11am-3pm can be uncomfortable without proper sun protection

Best Activities in December

Blue and White Nile Confluence River Tours

December's clear weather provides perfect visibility for viewing the dramatic color contrast where the Blue and White Niles meet. Morning tours (7-9am) offer the best lighting and coolest temperatures. The dry season means stable water levels and calm conditions ideal for photography.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed river operators. Tours typically cost 15,000-25,000 SDG per person. Morning departures (7am) offer best visibility before dust builds up. Look for operators with covered boats for sun protection.

Souq al-Arabi Traditional Market Exploration

December's dry weather means dust-free walking conditions through Africa's largest open-air market. Early morning visits (6-8am) when temperatures are 18-22°C (64-72°F) align with local shopping patterns and offer the freshest goods. No rain means all sections remain accessible.

Booking Tip: Self-guided or with local guides found at market entrance. Guide services typically 8,000-12,000 SDG for 2-3 hours. Visit Tuesday-Thursday for authentic local atmosphere, avoid Fridays when tourist groups dominate.

Republican Palace Museum and Architecture Tours

Cool December mornings are perfect for exploring Khartoum's colonial and independence-era architecture. The dry season means clear views of building details and comfortable walking between sites. Photography conditions are optimal with clear skies and good natural lighting.

Booking Tip: Palace museum requires advance permission through tourism ministry. Cultural walking tours typically 20,000-30,000 SDG for half-day. Book through established cultural tour providers 5-7 days ahead for proper permits.

Traditional Sudanese Cooking Experiences

December's pleasant evenings are ideal for outdoor cooking classes and rooftop dining experiences. Local seasonal ingredients like fresh dates and winter vegetables are at peak availability. Cool nights make traditional clay oven cooking comfortable to observe and participate in.

Booking Tip: Home-based cooking classes through cultural centers typically 18,000-28,000 SDG including meal. Book 3-5 days ahead. Evening sessions (5-8pm) most comfortable in December weather. Look for experiences including traditional coffee ceremony.

Archaeological Site Day Trips

December's clear, dry conditions provide excellent access to nearby archaeological sites like Sudan pyramids (200 km/124 miles north). Comfortable daytime temperatures and zero rainfall make full-day excursions pleasant. Dust-free air offers clear views of ancient structures.

Booking Tip: Full-day archaeological tours typically 45,000-65,000 SDG including transport and guide. Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators with 4WD vehicles. Depart early (6am) to maximize cool weather time at sites.

Nile Sunset Boat Cruises

December's clear skies and calm winds create perfect conditions for evening Nile cruises. Comfortable temperatures around 25°C (77°F) at sunset make deck seating pleasant. The dry season's stable water levels ensure smooth sailing and consistent departure times.

Booking Tip: Evening cruises typically 12,000-20,000 SDG per person for 2-hour trips. Book Easttimor day or 1-2 days ahead. Depart around 4:30pm for optimal lighting. Choose operators with life jackets and covered seating areas.

December Events & Festivals

Late December

Sudanese Independence Day Celebrations

January 1st independence celebrations begin with December preparations including cultural performances, traditional music concerts, and craft exhibitions throughout Khartoum. Street festivals and parades provide authentic cultural immersion opportunities.

Mid to Late December

Traditional Winter Harvest Festivals

Local villages around Khartoum celebrate winter crop harvests with traditional dancing, local food festivals, and Kampala. These community celebrations offer genuine cultural experiences away from tourist areas.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeved cotton shirts - essential protection from UV index 8 sun and occasional dust storms while staying cool in 32°C (89°F) heat

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - critical for intense midday sun and to prevent loss during Harmattan wind gusts

High-quality dust mask or N95 - necessary during 3-4 monthly dust storms that reduce visibility significantly

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index 8 requires maximum protection, especially during river tours with reflected sunlight

Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes - essential for navigating Souq al-Arabi's uneven surfaces and protection from dust

Light jacket or fleece for evenings - temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F) and can feel cool after hot days

Sunglasses with UV protection - critical for outdoor activities and glare reduction from Nile water reflections

Reusable water bottle - dehydration happens quickly in dry air with 35% humidity, need 3-4 liters daily

Power bank and dust-proof phone case - frequent dust exposure can damage electronics and power outages are common

Cash in small denominations - most local experiences and market purchases require cash, ATMs can be unreliable

Insider Knowledge

Visit Souq al-Arabi between 6-8am when locals shop and before tourist groups arrive - you'll get better prices and more authentic interactions with vendors who speak Arabic

Book accommodations with backup generators - power outages increase in December due to higher electricity demand for cooling, especially in hotels without proper infrastructure

Carry tissues and wet wipes constantly - dust from Harmattan winds gets everywhere and public facilities often lack basic supplies for cleaning up

Learn basic Arabic greetings like 'As-salāmu ʿalaykum' - December brings many local cultural events where English is rarely spoken and respect for local customs opens doors

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking midday (11am-3pm) outdoor activities - locals avoid this time due to intense sun and heat, making it uncomfortable and potentially unsafe for extended exposure

Wearing white or light colors in dusty conditions - Harmattan dust storms will stain light clothing brown within hours, pack darker colors for outdoor activities

Expecting Western-style Christmas celebrations - Sudan is predominantly Muslim, December 25th is a regular working day with no special tourist services or holiday atmosphere