Suriname in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Suriname

32°C (90°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

280 mm (11.0 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Lush rainforest at peak beauty - waterfalls at maximum flow, jungle canopy incredibly green, and wildlife most active due to abundant water sources
Dramatically lower accommodation prices (40-60% cheaper than dry season) and fewer crowds at major attractions like Brownsberg Nature Park
Prime river conditions for interior expeditions - Suriname River tributaries navigable to remote Maroon villages normally inaccessible
Fresh tropical fruits in peak season including rambutan, soursop, and local kasaba melons at street markets for SRD 5-15 ($0.14-$0.42)

Considerations

Daily torrential rain 2-6pm makes afternoon outdoor activities impossible - storms dump 50-80 mm (2-3 inches) in 2 hours with lightning
Muddy jungle trails and flooded access roads - many nature reserves close hiking paths, and 4WD vehicles essential for interior travel
Extreme humidity (85-90%) makes it feel like 38-40°C (100-104°F) even when actual temperature is 32°C (90°F)

Best Activities in December

Central Suriname Nature Reserve River Expeditions

December's high water levels open access to remote tributaries normally too shallow for boats. Multi-day river journeys reach pristine rainforest areas with jaguars, giant otters, and 400+ bird species. Morning departures (6-11am) avoid afternoon storms, and raised river levels mean easier navigation through rapids.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead through certified eco-operators. Expeditions typically cost SRD 3,500-5,500 ($98-$154) for 3-day trips including meals and camping gear. Ensure operator provides waterproof storage and emergency satellite communication. Check current availability in booking section below.

Paramaribo Historic Architecture Walking Tours

December's morning hours (7-11am) offer perfect conditions for exploring UNESCO World Heritage wooden architecture before daily rains. Cooler pre-storm atmosphere and dramatic cloud formations create ideal photography conditions. Indoor Paramaribo museum provides shelter during afternoon downpours.

Booking Tip: Morning tours only during December - avoid afternoon starts due to guaranteed storms. Guided walks typically cost SRD 180-280 ($5-$8) for 3-hour tours. Book through heritage conservation organizations for most real feel. See current tour options in booking widget below.

Brownsberg Nature Park Waterfall Hikes

December transforms Brownsberg's waterfalls into spectacular displays - Leo Falls and Irene Falls at peak power with thundering cascades. Early morning hikes (6-10am) essential before trails become impassable mud. Elevated walkways remain accessible for impressive rainforest canopy views even during storms.

Booking Tip: Essential to start before 7am during December - trails close by noon due to dangerous conditions. Day trips typically cost SRD 450-650 ($13-$18) including transport and guide. Bring extra socks and waterproof boots. Current tour availability in booking section below.

Maroon Village Cultural Experiences

High river levels in December make traditional Saramacca and Ndyuka villages accessible via traditional dugout canoes. Experience authentic village life during harvest season when communities gather medicinal plants and process palm fruits. Covered communal areas provide cultural exchanges during afternoon rains.

Booking Tip: Multi-day village stays typically cost SRD 800-1,200 ($22-$34) per day including meals and accommodation. Book through registered cultural tourism cooperatives minimum 2 weeks ahead. Respect photography protocols and bring gifts for community. See current programs in booking section below.

Galibi Nature Reserve Turtle Nesting

December marks peak leatherback turtle nesting season on Atlantic coast beaches. Night tours (8pm-2am) witness 400-600 kg (880-1,320 lb) female leatherbacks laying eggs. December's stormy weather actually benefits turtles by keeping beaches cooler and providing natural camouflage from predators.

Booking Tip: Night tours run SRD 650-850 ($18-$24) including transport from Albina. Book 10-14 days ahead as permits limited to 20 people per night. Essential to bring waterproof gear and red-filter flashlights. Check current availability through booking widget below.

Suriname River Dolphin Spotting

December's increased river flow brings Amazon pink dolphins closer to Paramaribo as they follow fish migrations. Early morning boat trips (6-9am) offer best sightings when dolphins are most active before storms arrive. Muddy water conditions actually concentrate dolphins in clearer tributary mouths.

Booking Tip: Half-day river tours typically cost SRD 350-500 ($10-$14) per person. Book through licensed river operators with covered boats essential for December weather. Success rate highest during first 2 weeks of December. Current tour options available in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December, intensifying late December

Keti Koti Preparation Ceremonies

December features community preparation events for Keti Koti (Emancipation Day) including traditional drum workshops, historical storytelling sessions, and cultural food preparation. Local neighborhoods hold evening gatherings under covered pavilions perfect for December's rainy weather.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

High-quality waterproof rain jacket and pants - cheap plastic tears in 80+ km/h (50+ mph) storm winds common in December

Quick-dry hiking pants and shirts - cotton stays wet for hours in 85% humidity, synthetic materials dry in 30-45 minutes

Waterproof daypack cover and dry bags - standard backpacks soak through in 10-minute downpours

SPF 50+ waterproof sunscreen - UV index reaches 11 even on cloudy days, reapply every 90 minutes in humidity

Insect repellent with 30%+ DEET - mosquito activity peaks during wet season, malaria risk present in interior regions

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - trails become slippery clay, regular sneakers provide no traction

Headlamp with extra batteries - power outages common during storms, essential for early morning departures

Personal water purification tablets - increased rainfall can contaminate local water sources in remote areas

Anti-fungal foot powder - constant moisture creates athlete's foot conditions within 2-3 days

Lightweight long pants for evenings - protects against mosquitoes when humidity makes them most aggressive after 6pm

Insider Knowledge

Locals plan all outdoor activities before 11am during December - even wedding ceremonies and festivals start at sunrise to avoid afternoon deluges

Book accommodations in Paramaribo's Centrum district during December for easy access to covered markets and indoor activities when storms hit daily

December mango season means street vendors sell huge Julie mangoes for SRD 3-5 ($0.08-$0.14) each - locals eat them during afternoon rain watching sessions

Many interior eco-lodges offer 'storm packages' in December with 30-40% discounts including waterproof gear rental and flexible activity scheduling

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling afternoon activities - virtually impossible due to daily 2-6pm thunderstorms that can dump 80mm (3.1 inches) in 2 hours

Bringing cotton clothing thinking it's better for hot weather - cotton becomes heavy and stays wet for 4-6 hours in December humidity

Underestimating travel times - muddy roads and flooded passages can triple journey times to interior destinations during wet season