Things to Do in Cayenne in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Cayenne
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Rainy season transition means you get the best of both worlds - lush, green landscapes from recent rains but increasingly clear days. The 10 rainy days spread across the month means you'll likely have more sunny stretches than wet ones, and when it does rain, it's typically short bursts rather than all-day downpours.
- Space Guiana launch schedule often has December missions, and watching a rocket launch from Kourou (just 64 km or 40 miles northwest) is genuinely one of the most spectacular things you can witness in French Guiana. The viewing areas get crowded but nowhere near the insanity of peak tourist months.
- December sits right before the main tourist influx of January-February, so accommodation prices are about 20-25% lower than peak season while the weather is actually quite similar. You'll find better availability at the handful of quality hotels without needing to book months ahead.
- The Hmong market on Wednesdays and Saturdays is at its absolute best in December - mango season overlaps with the tail end of rambutan season, and the variety of tropical fruit is frankly absurd. Plus, December is when locals are gearing up for Christmas and New Year celebrations, so you'll find special pastries and holiday foods that don't appear other months.
Considerations
- That 70% humidity combined with 86°F (30°C) highs creates the kind of sticky heat where you'll be changing shirts twice a day. The UV index of 8 means you're getting serious sun exposure even on cloudy days, and most visitors underestimate how quickly you can burn this close to the equator (5 degrees north latitude).
- December is shoulder season partly because it's still technically rainy season, and while you're looking at only 10 rainy days, those afternoon thunderstorms can be intense. When they hit, the city's drainage struggles, and you'll see street flooding in lower-lying areas near the port. Plan indoor activities for 2pm-5pm windows.
- French Guiana uses the euro, and with European exchange rates plus the remote location, Cayenne is genuinely expensive - think Paris prices for basics. December doesn't offer any price relief on food or activities, so budget travelers will find their money disappears faster than in neighboring Brazil or Suriname.
Best Activities in December
Coastal kayaking and mangrove exploration tours
December's calmer seas (compared to peak rainy months) make this the sweet spot for paddling through the mangrove channels along the coast. The water clarity improves as rainfall decreases, and you'll spot caimans, ibis, and if you're lucky, manatees in the estuaries. Morning tours from 7am-10am avoid both the afternoon heat and the rain windows. The mangroves are incredibly lush right now from months of rain, making it visually stunning.
Îles du Salut (Salvation Islands) day trips
The former penal colony islands - including Devil's Island - are about 15 km (9.3 miles) offshore, and December offers some of the best sea conditions for the crossing. The boat ride is typically 1.5 hours each way, and you'll want calmer waters for this. The islands themselves are hauntingly beautiful, with colonial ruins overtaken by jungle, and December's green season means the vegetation is at peak lushness. The historical context is dark but fascinating - this was where France sent its most notorious prisoners until 1953.
Tresor Reserve rainforest hiking
This 2,500-hectare reserve about 15 km (9.3 miles) south of Cayenne is incredibly accessible for Amazonian rainforest, and December is actually ideal despite being wetter. The trails are well-maintained, the wildlife is more active (birds, monkeys, agoutis), and the forest is spectacularly green. The moderate rainfall means rivers and waterfalls are flowing but not dangerously high. Go early - 6am-9am - before the heat builds and while animals are most active.
Centre Spatial Guyanais (Space Center) tours
The European Space Agency launch facility in Kourou is genuinely world-class, and December often has scheduled launches (check the CSG website for current launch calendar). Even without a launch, the guided tours of the facilities are fascinating - you'll see launch pads, assembly buildings, and the museum. If there IS a launch during your visit, watching an Ariane 5 or Soyuz rocket lift off is absolutely worth building your entire trip around. Public viewing areas are free but get packed.
Creole cooking classes and market tours
December is perfect for this because the markets are overflowing with tropical produce, and you'll be cooking indoors during those afternoon rain windows anyway. The classes typically start with a morning market tour (the main market on Avenue de la Liberté is best on weekends), then move to cooking traditional dishes like bouillon d'awara, court-bouillon de poisson, or colombo. You'll learn about the wild fusion of French, African, Brazilian, and Asian influences that make Creole cuisine unique.
Cacao village and Hmong cultural experiences
The village of Cacao, about 74 km (46 miles) southeast of Cayenne, is home to a Hmong community that settled here in the 1970s after fleeing Laos. December is excellent for visiting because the Sunday market is in full swing with incredible produce, handicrafts, and traditional Hmong food. The drive itself is beautiful through rainforest and plantations. Plan for a full day trip - the market runs 8am-1pm and is genuinely authentic, not a tourist production.
December Events & Festivals
Christmas Markets and Celebrations
Cayenne does Christmas with a distinctly French-Caribbean twist - expect outdoor markets in Place des Palmistes with local crafts, tropical takes on traditional French holiday foods, and evening concerts. The decorations go up in early December, and the atmosphere is genuinely festive despite the 86°F (30°C) heat. The main celebrations happen Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day, following French tradition.
New Year's Eve Celebrations
December 31st brings major street parties, particularly along the waterfront near Place Victor Schoelcher. Locals dress up, there's live music (zouk, compas, and French Caribbean styles), and fireworks at midnight over the water. It's a late night - celebrations run until 3am or 4am - and the energy is excellent. Hotels book up for New Year's week, so plan ahead if you're visiting then.