Cayenne in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Cayenne

86°F (30°C) High Temp

73°F (23°C) Low Temp

13.9 inches (353mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

End of rainy season means lush rainforest landscapes are at peak beauty - the Guyanese Shield mountains are emerald green and waterfalls are flowing at maximum volume
Tourist numbers are at yearly lows since it's just before European winter holidays - you'll have major sites like Devil's Island and Îles du Salut practically to yourself
December marks peak fruit season - local markets overflow with exotic Amazonian fruits like caju, corossol, and maracuja at rock-bottom prices
River levels are perfect for interior expeditions - high enough for boat access deep into Amazonia but not dangerously flooded like November

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms hit 10 out of 30 days with intense downpours lasting 45-90 minutes - outdoor plans need flexible timing
High humidity at 70% makes the 86°F (30°C) temperatures feel closer to 95°F (35°C) - air conditioning becomes essential for comfort
Some remote Amerindian villages may be temporarily inaccessible due to swollen rivers from recent rainy season

Best Activities in December

Devil's Island Historical Tours

December's lower tourist numbers mean you can explore the infamous penal colony ruins without crowds. The post-rainy season air is crystal clear for photography, and cooler morning temperatures (73°F/23°C) make the 2km (1.2 mile) walking circuit comfortable. Sea conditions are calmer than rainy season for the 45-minute boat crossing.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through certified operators at the port. Tours typically cost €45-65 and include boat transport. Morning departures (8:30am) avoid afternoon heat and potential showers. Reference booking widget for current tour availability.

Amazonian Rainforest Expeditions

River levels in December are ideal - high enough to access deep forest areas but stable after rainy season chaos. Wildlife is extremely active as animals emerge after months of heavy rains. Morning mist creates mystical atmosphere, and afternoon showers provide natural cooling. You'll spot caimans, sloths, and over 200 bird species.

Booking Tip: Multi-day expeditions typically cost €150-250 per day including guide, meals, and hammock accommodation. Book 10-14 days ahead as there are only 6-8 licensed operators. Bring waterproof bags - humidity stays at 70% even without rain.

Space Center Kourou Tours

December often features rocket launches (Ariane 6 schedule permitting), and post-rainy season skies offer optimal visibility. The center's outdoor exhibits are comfortable to explore in morning temperatures before heat peaks. Clear atmospheric conditions mean better views of launch pads and technical facilities during guided tours.

Booking Tip: Standard tours cost €16-24 for adults, but launch viewing requires advance booking (€25-45) and sells out 2-3 weeks ahead. Check 2025 launch calendar before booking flights. Tours run 9am-4pm with air-conditioned transport between sites.

Creole Market Food Tours

December markets explode with post-harvest abundance. Peak season for Amazonian fruits means unprecedented variety and rock-bottom prices. Morning market tours (6am-9am) avoid midday heat and showcase when vendors display their finest produce. You'll taste exotic fruits impossible to find elsewhere plus traditional Creole specialties.

Booking Tip: Guided food tours typically cost €35-55 for 3-4 hours including tastings. Independent exploration is free but guides provide cultural context and translation. Saturday markets in Cayenne are largest. Bring cash - most vendors don't accept cards.

Turtle Beach Conservation Experiences

December marks the beginning of leatherback turtle nesting season on beaches like Plage de Montjoly. Night tours offer chances to witness 800kg (1,760 lb) giants laying eggs. Post-rainy season means cleaner beaches and clearer access roads. Cool night temperatures make 3-4 hour beach walks comfortable.

Booking Tip: Conservation tours cost €25-40 and must be booked through certified eco-guides to avoid disturbing nests. Peak nesting runs December through March. Tours start at 8pm and can last until 2am. Bring red flashlights only - white light disturbs turtles.

Traditional Pirogue River Journeys

December's stable water levels make traditional dugout canoe trips possible on rivers like Maroni and Oyapock. You'll visit authentic Amerindian and Maroon communities accessible only by water. Post-rainy season means communities are restocked and prepared for visitors after months of isolation.

Booking Tip: Multi-day pirogue expeditions typically cost €180-280 per person including guide, traditional meals, and hammock lodging. Requires 14-21 days advance booking due to limited indigenous guides. Physical fitness needed for paddling 15-25km (9-16 miles) daily.

December Events & Festivals

Mid to Late December

Fête de la Lumière (Festival of Light)

Cayenne's version of Christmas lights celebration features elaborate illuminations throughout the city center and traditional Creole Christmas preparations. Local families open their homes for traditional réveillon feast preparations, offering visitors authentic cultural experiences unavailable to tourists other times of year.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic shirts and shorts - cotton stays wet for hours in 70% humidity and afternoon showers

Lightweight rain jacket with pit zips - afternoon storms dump water for 45-90 minutes with little warning

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index hits 8 and equatorial sun burns within 15 minutes

Waterproof phone case and dry bag - essential for boat trips and unexpected downpours

Breathable hiking boots with ankle support - rainforest trails are muddy and uneven post-rainy season

Insect repellent with 25% DEET minimum - post-rain mosquito populations peak in December

Portable battery pack - humidity can affect electronics and charging opportunities are limited in remote areas

Lightweight long pants for evening - protects against insects when temperatures drop to 73°F (23°C)

Antifungal powder - prevents foot issues in constantly damp conditions

Cash in euros - remote communities and markets rarely accept cards, and ATMs are sparse outside Cayenne

Insider Knowledge

Local supermarkets stock up heavily in December before January supply disruptions - prices for imported goods drop 15-20% as stores clear inventory

Cayenne's Municipal Library offers free WiFi and air conditioning - locals use it as a cooling refuge during afternoon heat and it's never crowded with tourists

December's fruit abundance means roadside stands sell massive papayas for €1-2 that would cost €8-10 in European supermarkets - perfect for budget travelers

River taxi schedules become more reliable in December as water levels stabilize - boats run on time after months of rainy season delays and cancellations

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking outdoor activities for afternoons - locals know to schedule everything before 2pm to avoid thunderstorms and peak heat

Bringing only cotton clothing - synthetic fabrics dry 4x faster in the high humidity and frequent rain

Not carrying cash - most real feels happen in markets and remote communities where cards aren't accepted and there are no ATMs