Paramaribo in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Paramaribo
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- December marks the beginning of the minor dry season (droge tijd), with rainfall decreasing from November's peak - expect 30% fewer rainy days than October/November
- Morning hours (6am-10am) are consistently pleasant at 24-26°C (75-79°F) with lower humidity, perfect for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage historic center on foot
- December brings the celebration of Owru Yari (Surinamese New Year countdown) with street parties, kaseko music performances, and traditional foods like pom and pastei throughout the month
- River levels on the Suriname and Commewijne rivers are ideal for boat excursions - high enough for smooth navigation but not flooding the landing points like in peak rainy season
Considerations
- Afternoon humidity can feel oppressive (75-80%) between 12pm-4pm, making outdoor activities uncomfortable without proper preparation and hydration
- December is peak tourism season for Dutch visitors escaping European winter, driving up accommodation prices by 40-60% and requiring bookings 6-8 weeks in advance
- Afternoon thunderstorms, while brief (20-30 minutes), are intense and can flood poorly-drained streets in Centrum and Flora neighborhoods within minutes
Best Activities in December
Historic Paramaribo Walking Tours
December mornings (7am-10am) offer the best conditions for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage inner city. The colonial wooden architecture is most comfortable to photograph in lower humidity, and street vendors serving traditional breakfast items like bara and roti are most active. The Presidential Palace and Independence Square are less crowded before 9am.
Commewijne Plantation River Tours
December's stable river levels make this the ideal month for exploring historical sugar plantations along the Commewijne River. Former estates like Marienburg and Rust en Werk are accessible, and dolphin sightings are frequent in the morning hours. The cooler morning temperatures make the 1.5-hour boat ride comfortable.
Central Market Food Experiences
December brings seasonal specialties to Centrale Markt, including fresh imported Dutch cheeses and traditional year-end treats. Morning visits (6am-9am) avoid both crowds and the intense midday heat. The covered market sections protect from December's brief but intense afternoon showers.
Brownsberg Nature Park Excursions
December's clearer skies after morning rain showers provide excellent visibility from the 500m (1,640 ft) Dakar. The park's waterfalls are at optimal flow levels, and wildlife viewing is best in early morning when temperatures are cooler. The 45-minute drive from Paramaribo is most comfortable before 10am.
Suriname River Evening Cruises
December evenings offer spectacular sunsets over the Suriname River with minimal rain interruption. Evening cruises (5pm-7pm) avoid the day's heat and humidity while showcasing Paramaribo's colonial skyline from the water. December winds are typically calm, making for smooth sailing.
Fort Zeelandia Cultural Visits
December's lower humidity makes exploring this 17th-century fort more comfortable, especially the outdoor ramparts and courtyards. The fort houses the Suriname Museum with air conditioning for afternoon visits when outdoor temperatures peak. Morning visits (8am-11am) offer the best lighting for photography of the fort walls facing the river.
December Events & Festivals
Owru Yari (New Year Preparation) Celebrations
Throughout December, neighborhoods host traditional music sessions with kaseko, kawina, and soeka genres. Local families prepare traditional year-end foods like pom (Creole casserole) and pastei. Street parties intensify in the final week with fireworks preparation
Sinterklaas Celebrations
The Dutch Sinterklaas tradition remains strong in Suriname, with gift exchanges and traditional sweets like pepernoten available throughout the city. Many Dutch-Surinamese families host gatherings in early December