Basseterre in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Basseterre

29°C (84°F) High Temp

23°C (74°F) Low Temp

109 mm (4.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather in the morning hours - temperatures around 24°C (75°F) at 7am make the Mount Liamuiga trail and rainforest walks comfortable before heat peaks
Cruise ship arrivals are lightest of the season - Port Zante sees 40% fewer ships than January-March, meaning shorter lines at Romney Manor and Brimstone Hill
Trade winds pick up strength, making beach days at South Friars Bay and Cockleshell Beach significantly more comfortable than October-November
Local Christmas preparations create authentic cultural experiences - calypso rehearsals, traditional cooking demonstrations, and decorated chattel houses throughout the villages

Considerations

Afternoon rainfall happens 10 days of the month, typically 2pm-4pm, which can disrupt outdoor lunch plans and beach activities during peak hours
Humidity stays consistently at 70% even with trade winds, making air-conditioned breaks necessary for heat-sensitive travelers
Some local restaurants reduce hours during the first two weeks as staff prepare for Christmas, limiting dinner options in villages outside Basseterre

Best Activities in December

Mount Liamuiga Volcano Hiking Tours

December's cooler morning temperatures make this 1,156m (3,792 ft) volcano hike manageable. Start at 6:30am when temperatures are 23°C (73°F) rather than the 32°C (90°F) afternoon heat. The cloud forest is lush from recent rains, and you'll have the crater rim mostly to yourself. December's trade winds provide cooling relief during the challenging sections.

Booking Tip: Book through certified guides (SKTA-approved operators) at least 5-7 days ahead. Tours typically cost US$85-120 per person including transport and lunch. Start times are crucial - insist on 6:30am departure to avoid afternoon heat and rain. See current certified guide options in booking section below.

Historic Plantation and Heritage Tours

December's variable weather makes indoor cultural sites perfect backup plans. Romney Manor's batik demonstrations continue rain or shine, and Fairview Great House offers shaded verandas during hot spells. The UNESCO World Heritage Brimstone Hill Fortress has fewer cruise ship crowds, and December's clear morning air provides exceptional views to Nevis and Montserrat.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits cost US$8-15 per site. Guided plantation tours range US$45-75 per person including transport. Book combination tours covering 3-4 sites to maximize air-conditioned transport time. Morning tours (9am-12pm) avoid both crowds and afternoon rain. Current heritage tour options available in booking section below.

Catamaran and Snorkeling Excursions

December's strengthening trade winds create ideal sailing conditions without the choppy seas of February-March. Water temperature holds steady at 27°C (81°F), and afternoon rain showers provide natural deck showers. Snorkeling visibility improves as the water calms after hurricane season, with sea turtles returning to feeding areas around Shitten Bay.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost US$75-95, full-day with lunch US$120-150. Book morning departures (8am-1pm) to avoid afternoon weather. Look for tours with covered areas and freshwater rinse stations. December bookings fill 48-72 hours ahead due to limited daily capacity. See current catamaran options in booking section below.

Scenic Railway Island Circuit

The historic sugar train provides perfect climate-controlled touring during December's variable weather. The 30km (18.6 mile) circuit showcases cane fields in their growing season, and December's clearer skies offer unobstructed views of the coastline. The double-decker cars have both air-conditioned lower levels and open-air upper decks for flexibility.

Booking Tip: Train runs Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday in December with reduced schedule. Adult tickets US$89, children US$59. Book minimum 48 hours ahead as December sees higher demand from residents bringing visiting family. Morning departures (9:30am) provide best lighting for photography. Current railway schedules in booking section below.

Village Food and Market Experiences

December brings seasonal specialties as locals prepare traditional Christmas foods. Pelican Mall's Friday night street food features seasonal drinks like sorrel and ginger beer. The Saturday farmers market in Accra showcases December harvests of golden apple, christophine, and fresh nutmeg. Morning market hours (7am-10am) avoid midday heat.

Booking Tip: Self-guided market visits are free, guided food walking tours cost US$55-85 per person. Book food tours for Friday evenings or Saturday mornings when selection is best. Budget EC$50-80 (US$20-30) for market purchases and street food sampling. Current food tour options in booking section below.

Beach Club and Water Sports

December's consistent trade winds make South Peninsula beaches ideal for kitesurfing and windsurfing lessons. Cockleshell Beach and South Friars Bay have equipment rental availability that disappears during peak season. Beach clubs offer air-conditioned lunch options during midday heat, and afternoon rain showers are brief enough not to ruin beach days.

Booking Tip: Beach club day passes cost US$25-45 with food/drink credits. Water sports equipment rental ranges US$40-80 per day. Book lessons 24-48 hours ahead as instructors have limited December availability. Look for clubs with covered areas and freshwater showers. Current beach club and water sports options in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Weekends throughout December

National Carnival December Warm-up Events

Local calypso tents begin their season with weekend performances throughout Basseterre. These intimate venues showcase emerging talent before the official Sugar Mas Carnival in January. Evening shows feature live music, traditional costumes, and local food vendors.

Mid to Late December

Christmas Village Festival

Accra transforms with local craft vendors, traditional food stalls, and nightly entertainment. Features steelpan performances, local choirs, and demonstrations of traditional Christmas cooking including black cake and cook-up rice.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking pants for morning volcano treks - regular cotton takes hours to dry in 70% humidity

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ minimum - UV index reaches 8 daily and reflection off beaches intensifies exposure

Lightweight packable rain jacket - afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes but can be intense with sideways rain

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester which becomes uncomfortable in sustained humidity

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support for Mount Liamuiga's loose volcanic rock sections above 800m (2,625 ft)

Wide-brimmed hat that won't blow off - December trade winds average 15-20 mph (24-32 km/h)

Waterproof phone case and dry bag for catamaran excursions - sea spray increases with December wind conditions

Long pants and sleeves for evening - air conditioning in restaurants and cultural sites can feel cold after daytime heat

Insect repellent with DEET - rainforest hikes and evening outdoor dining require protection from mosquitoes and sand flies

Comfortable walking sandals with straps - cobblestone streets in Basseterre's historic center require secure footwear

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations on the Atlantic (northeast) side rather than Caribbean (southwest) side - December trade winds provide natural cooling and better sleep without constant air conditioning

Arrive at popular sites like Brimstone Hill by 9am on days when cruise ships dock - Port Authority publishes ship schedules online, and locals avoid these attractions after 10:30am

December is mango season's end - roadside vendors sell Julie mangoes and sugar apples at EC$1-2 each, far cheaper than resort shops charging US$3-5

Local buses (route taxis) reduce frequency during Christmas weeks - rent a car or book private transport for December 20-January 2 to avoid being stranded

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking afternoon outdoor activities - December's predictable 2pm-4pm rain pattern disrupts hiking, beach trips, and outdoor dining without covered backup plans

Underestimating December booking competition from regional visitors - Christmas break brings Caribbean diaspora families home, filling tours and restaurants that tourists assume will be quiet

Wearing inappropriate footwear for volcanic terrain - regular sneakers lack grip on Mount Liamuiga's loose scree slopes, causing ankle injuries and ruined shoes