Burundi in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Burundi

2°C (35°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 51mm (2.0 inches) across 10 days, making it ideal for trekking the Congo-Nile Divide Trail and accessing remote tea plantations
Clearest visibility for this destination activities - water clarity reaches 8-10m (26-33 ft) depth, perfect for spotting endemic cichlid fish species during snorkeling
Coffee harvest season in full swing - visit working plantations in Kayanza and Ngozi provinces where farmers process arabica beans, with temperatures staying comfortable at 20°C (68°F) in highlands
Most reliable road conditions for reaching Kibira National Park and this destination - unpaved sections that become impassable during rainy months are firm and dustable

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% in Bujumbura and around this destination, with limited availability in eco-lodges
Afternoon temperatures can reach uncomfortable levels at lower altitudes - Bujumbura regularly hits 32°C (90°F) with 70% humidity making midday activities challenging
Dust levels peak during dry season - harmattan winds carry fine particles that affect photography and can irritate respiratory systems, especially problematic for those with asthma

Best Activities in December

Lake Tanganyika Cichlid Snorkeling

December offers the clearest water conditions for observing this destination's 250+ endemic cichlid species. Water visibility reaches 8-10m (26-33 ft) with comfortable temperatures of 26°C (79°F). Local fishermen report highest fish activity during early morning hours (6-8am) when temperatures are coolest.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed operators in Bujumbura 7-10 days ahead. Tours typically cost $45-65 USD including snorkeling gear and boat transport. Look for operators with marine biology guides who can identify endemic species. Best departure times are 6am to avoid afternoon winds.

Coffee Plantation Trekking Tours

December coincides with arabica harvest season in Kayanza and Ngozi provinces. Morning temperatures stay comfortable at 18-22°C (64-72°F) at 1,800m (5,906 ft) elevation. Farmers welcome visitors to participate in cherry picking and processing, offering authentic cultural exchange impossible during other seasons.

Booking Tip: Community-based tours cost $25-40 USD per day including meals and overnight homestay options. Book through cooperative offices in Kayanza town 5-7 days ahead. Bring sturdy hiking boots for 3-5 km (1.9-3.1 mile) daily walks between plantations.

Kibira National Park Chimpanzee Tracking

Dry season provides optimal tracking conditions with firm trails and minimal mud. Chimpanzee groups are easier to locate as they congregate near permanent water sources. Success rates reach 85% in December compared to 60% during rainy months. Morning sessions start at 6am when temperatures are coolest at 16°C (61°F).

Booking Tip: Permits cost $50 USD and must be secured 14-21 days ahead through INECN offices in Muramvya. Groups limited to 6 people. Include overnight stay in Teza village ($15-25 USD) to ensure early morning start. Porters available for $10 USD/day.

Traditional Drumming Festival Participation

December marks preparation season for upcoming ceremonies with master drummers teaching techniques passed down through royal court traditions. Sessions occur during cooler evening hours (5-7pm) when temperatures drop to 24°C (75°F). Participants learn authentic Burundian drum patterns on traditional ingoma drums.

Booking Tip: Cultural center workshops cost $20-30 USD per session including drum rental. Multi-day intensive courses available for $80-120 USD. Book through cultural associations in Gitega 3-5 days ahead. Evening sessions avoid midday heat and dust.

Rusizi Delta Hippo Watching

Low water levels in December concentrate hippo pods in deeper channels, increasing sighting opportunities to 90%+ success rate. Morning boat trips (6-9am) offer coolest conditions at 20°C (68°F) with minimal wind. December's dry conditions also attract diverse birdlife to remaining water sources.

Booking Tip: Half-day boat tours cost $35-50 USD including guide and fuel. Book through operators in Rumonge 2-3 days ahead. Early morning departures essential - afternoon heat reaches 34°C (93°F) and wind increases. Bring sun protection and drinking water.

Source du Nil Hiking Circuit

December offers ideal conditions for the 12 km (7.5 mile) circuit around the Nile's southernmost source. Firm, dry trails provide secure footing while temperatures stay manageable at 1,400m (4,593 ft) elevation. Local guides share geological and historical significance during comfortable 4-5 hour trek.

Booking Tip: Guided day hikes cost $30-45 USD including transport from Rutana. Self-guided options available with trail maps from tourist office. Start early (7am) to complete circuit before midday heat. Water and snacks essential - no facilities along trail.

December Events & Festivals

Early December

Umuganura Traditional Harvest Festival

National celebration of first fruits featuring traditional dance competitions, local beer tasting, and community feasting. Gitega hosts the largest celebration with master drummers and cultural demonstrations. Local families welcome visitors to share in thanksgiving ceremonies.

Mid December

Coffee Harvest Celebrations

Regional festivals in Kayanza and Ngozi celebrating arabica harvest season. Features coffee cupping sessions, traditional preparation methods, and farmer market competitions. Authentic opportunity to experience rural Burundian culture during economically vital season.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket - afternoon showers occur 10 days per month lasting 15-30 minutes with little warning

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 at 1,400m (4,593 ft) elevation with intense equatorial sun

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support - dry season creates rocky, uneven terrain on mountain trails spanning 3-8 km (1.9-5 miles)

Dust mask or bandana - harmattan winds carry fine particles that irritate respiratory systems, especially problematic during midday hours

Insect repellent with 30%+ DEET - tsetse flies remain active during dry season around this destination shoreline

Quick-dry clothing in earth tones - cotton retains dust and sweat in 70% humidity while bright colors attract insects

Headlamp with extra batteries - power outages common in rural areas and early morning activities start before sunrise at 6am

Water purification tablets - bottled water unavailable in remote plantation areas and national parks

Cash in small denominations - rural areas operate on cash-only basis with limited banking access

Lightweight sleeping bag liner - highland temperatures drop to 16°C (61°F) at night in accommodation with minimal heating

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation through local cooperatives rather than international sites - saves 30-40% while supporting community development projects directly

Carry passport copies separately from originals - police checkpoints increase during tourist season and document verification is standard procedure

Learn basic Kirundi greetings 'Amakuru' (how are you) and 'Ego' (fine) - rural communities rarely speak French or English, and effort is deeply appreciated

Avoid scheduling activities between 11am-3pm - local custom during hottest hours is rest period, and many services close until temperatures cool

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude effects - most attractions sit above 1,200m (3,937 ft) elevation causing fatigue and dehydration for unprepared visitors

Booking accommodation only in Bujumbura - misses authentic rural experiences and requires daily 2-4 hour drives to reach main attractions

Ignoring cultural protocol around photography - always request permission before photographing people, and never photograph government buildings or military personnel