Asmara in December

In December, Asmara averages 20°C (67°F) during the day and 10°C (49°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 14 days of the month see precipitation (28 mm total).

Peak season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

December offers comfortable temperatures in Asmara, with some rain to plan around.

20°C
Avg high
10°C
Avg low
14
Rain days
28 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Asmara

12th
warmest month of the 12
11th
wettest month of the 12
5%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
11 h 13 min
daylight on the 15th

December is one of the coolest months in Asmara (12th of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C below the annual average (22°C). December runs 1°C cooler than November (20°C) and warms a further 1°C into January (20°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Asmara

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:42 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
5:56 PM
Day length
11 h 13 min

Times shown for Asmara local time (Africa/Asmara), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Asmara — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Asmara's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:42 AM – 6:22 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:22 AM – 7:22 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:16 PM – 6:16 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:16 PM – 6:56 PM

📅 When to book — Asmara in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Peak season) and Asmara's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-5 months
Flight prices are near their annual peak. Watch fare-alert tools, book directly when you see a fare under the typical range for this city.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
3-5 months
Reasonable selection still available at 3-4 months out, but central locations vanish first.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Asmara

Peak season

Asmara is in peak season during this month — expect bigger crowds at famous sights, higher hotel and flight prices, and longer queues. Restaurant reservations a few days out are advisable, and any boutique hotels you have your eye on should be booked weeks ahead. The trade-off: most attractions, restaurants, and seasonal services are fully open, the weather is at its most reliable, and the city feels at its most alive.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Asmara

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
9.4
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●○○
Moderate
Active mosquito season. DEET 25-30% repellent recommended, especially at dawn/dusk.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Asmara in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 20°C / 69°F 10°C / 49°F 22 mm 14
February 22°C / 71°F 11°C / 51°F 25 mm 15
March 24°C / 74°F 12°C / 54°F 25 mm 14
April 24°C / 75°F 13°C / 56°F 57 mm 22
May 24°C / 75°F 14°C / 57°F 50 mm 18
June 25°C / 77°F 15°C / 58°F 27 mm 15
July 22°C / 72°F 14°C / 57°F 126 mm 29
August 22°C / 71°F 14°C / 57°F 138 mm 27
September 24°C / 74°F 13°C / 56°F 22 mm 11
October 21°C / 71°F 12°C / 53°F 37 mm 16
November 20°C / 69°F 11°C / 51°F 44 mm 18
December 20°C / 67°F 10°C / 49°F 28 mm 14

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Asmara in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Asmara in December?

In December, Asmara averages a high of 20°C (67°F) and a low of 10°C (49°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Asmara in December?

December can be fairly wet in Asmara, with about 14 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Asmara?

December is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Asmara in December?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Asmara for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Asmara on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.