Things to Do in Mauritania in December

December Weather in Mauritania

28°C (82°F) High Temp

16°C (61°F) Low Temp

5mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall

35% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Prime dry season with zero humidity - December averages only 35% humidity compared to 65% in summer months, making 28°C (82°F) feel comfortable rather than oppressive
Cool desert nights at 16°C (61°F) perfect for traditional desert camping without the scorching heat that makes summer camping impossible from May-September
Optimal wildlife viewing at Banc d'Arguin National Park - migratory birds peak in December with over 2 million birds including flamingos, pelicans, and European species escaping winter
Cultural festival season - December coincides with post-harvest celebrations in traditional villages, plus Nouakchott's Festival International de Musique begins late December with authentic Moorish performances

Considerations

Harmattan winds bring sand storms 8-12 days per month, reducing visibility to 100m (328 ft) and making desert photography challenging - flights occasionally delayed
Peak tourist pricing despite low visitor numbers - accommodations cost 40-60% more than shoulder months due to limited supply and optimal weather conditions
Desert temperature swings of 12°C (22°F) between day and night require two complete wardrobes - many first-time visitors underpack warm layers

Best Activities in December

Sahara Desert Camping Expeditions

December offers the only truly comfortable desert camping weather with nighttime temperatures at 16°C (61°F) - cool enough for sleeping but not the bone-chilling cold of January-February. Day temperatures of 28°C (82°F) make camel trekking pleasant rather than the 45°C+ (113°F+) ordeal of summer months. Clear skies provide exceptional stargazing with minimal light pollution across 1 million km² (386,000 sq mi) of desert.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead through licensed desert guides - expeditions typically cost 15,000-25,000 MRU ($400-650) for 2-3 days including meals and camping equipment. Look for operators with satellite communication devices and emergency medical training. Peak availability mid-December through early January.

Banc d'Arguin Bird Watching Tours

December marks peak migratory bird season at this UNESCO World Heritage site with over 2 million birds present - more than any other month. Cool morning temperatures of 18°C (64°F) make early boat tours comfortable, and low humidity means exceptional visibility for photography. Flamingos, pelicans, and sandpipers concentrate in shallow lagoons that aren't accessible during rough weather months.

Booking Tip: Book through registered park guides 2-3 weeks ahead - full day tours range 8,000-12,000 MRU ($210-320) including boat transport and guides. Morning tours (6am-11am) offer best bird activity and lighting. December has 95% tour success rate versus 60% in windy season.

Traditional Mauritanian Music Experiences

December coincides with cultural season when griots (traditional musicians) perform at village celebrations and the annual Festival International de Musique preparations begin. Cool evenings at 16°C (61°F) make outdoor performances comfortable, and post-harvest celebrations mean authentic cultural experiences rather than tourist-focused shows.

Booking Tip: Connect with cultural centers in Nouakchott 2 weeks ahead - evening performances typically cost 3,000-5,000 MRU ($80-130) including traditional meal and transportation. Look for events featuring traditional tidinit (lute) and tbal (drums). Village celebrations often welcome respectful visitors for small donations.

Atlantic Coast Fishing Adventures

December's calm seas and consistent 22°C (72°F) water temperatures create ideal fishing conditions. Cool air at 20°C (68°F) makes all-day boat trips comfortable, and December marks peak season for catching dorado, tuna, and traditional thiof (white grouper). Local fishing communities are most active during these optimal weather months.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed fishing operators 1-2 weeks ahead - half-day trips cost 6,000-10,000 MRU ($160-265) including equipment and guides. Full-day expeditions range 12,000-18,000 MRU ($320-475). Best success rates early morning 6am-10am when temperatures are coolest.

Ancient Caravan City Tours

December's moderate 28°C (82°F) temperatures make exploring historical sites like Chinguetti and Ouadane comfortable for extended walking. Low humidity of 35% means less fatigue during 2-3 hour guided walks through ancient libraries and mosque complexes. Clear skies provide excellent photography conditions for the distinctive Saharan architecture.

Booking Tip: Arrange through licensed cultural guides 2-3 weeks ahead - full day tours typically cost 8,000-14,000 MRU ($210-370) including transport from Atar and guide services. Multi-day circuits visiting 3-4 ancient cities range 25,000-35,000 MRU ($660-925). December offers best road conditions before harmattan intensifies.

Traditional Craft Workshop Tours

Cool December weather makes indoor craft workshops with traditional artisans comfortable, while many craftspeople are most active during post-harvest season. Leather working, silver jewelry crafting, and carpet weaving workshops operate at full capacity. Lower humidity of 35% is better for leather work and textile crafts than humid months.

Booking Tip: Book through cultural cooperatives 1-2 weeks ahead - half-day workshops cost 4,000-7,000 MRU ($105-185) including materials and instruction. Multi-day intensive courses range 15,000-22,000 MRU ($395-580). Look for women's cooperatives that offer authentic techniques passed down through generations.

December Events & Festivals

Late December

Festival International de Musique de Mauritanie

Late December preparation events showcase traditional Moorish music, Hassaniya poetry, and griots performances. Features authentic tidinit lute music and traditional dance forms rarely seen by tourists. Free outdoor concerts in Nouakchott's cultural district with master musicians from across West Africa.

Early to Mid December

Post-Harvest Village Celebrations

Traditional thanksgiving festivals in rural villages celebrating successful date and millet harvests. Features communal meals, traditional music, and cultural exchanges. Authentic cultural immersion opportunities with local families who welcome respectful visitors.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - temperatures drop 12°C (22°F) from day to night, pack both lightweight cotton for 28°C (82°F) days and warm jacket for 16°C (61°F) nights

SPF 50+ sunscreen and UV-protective clothing - desert UV index reaches 9 with intense reflection off sand, reapply every 2 hours

Sand-proof camera equipment and lens covers - harmattan winds create sand storms 8-12 days per month, standard camera gear will be damaged

Closed-toe shoes with ankle support - desert terrain includes sharp rocks and thorns, sandals are inadequate for most activities

Lightweight scarf or shemagh - essential protection during sand storms and shows cultural respect, can reduce inhaled sand by 80%

Insulated water bottles - desert air dehydrates rapidly, need 3-4 liters (0.8-1.1 gallons) daily, insulation keeps water cool in 28°C (82°F) heat

Cash in small denominations - rural areas operate cash-only, ATMs rare outside Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, bring mix of MRU and euros

Battery power banks - desert sun drains electronics 40% faster, solar chargers work well but backup power essential for GPS and communication

Lightweight long pants and long sleeves - cultural modesty requirements plus protection from sun and sand, cotton or linen breathes best in low humidity

Basic Arabic phrasebook - French is official but Hassaniya Arabic dominant in rural areas, shows respect and improves experiences significantly

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by mid-November - December is peak season for the limited quality hotels, with only 8-10 international-standard properties in entire country

Carry glucose tablets or dates for desert activities - dry desert air and heat cause blood sugar drops faster than humid climates, locals always carry dates

Wednesday and Friday are best days for cultural sites - Islamic prayer schedules mean more activities available, plus traditional market days in many towns

Desert camps fill up by early December - only about 15 licensed operators run proper desert expeditions, book through hotels or registered guides to avoid scams

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating night cold - tourists pack only for 28°C (82°F) days and suffer in 16°C (61°F) nights, especially during desert camping when temperatures feel colder with wind

Expecting Western-style infrastructure outside capitals - only Nouakchott and Nouadhibou have reliable internet, ATMs, and restaurants, rural areas require cash and flexibility

Ignoring sand storm weather reports - visibility drops to 100m (328 ft) making driving dangerous and flights delayed, check local forecasts and have flexible itineraries