Things to Do in Suriname in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Suriname
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Long rainy season has ended - December marks the start of the short dry season, meaning you'll get mostly sunny days with occasional brief showers rather than the daily downpours of May through August. Mornings are consistently clear, perfect for wildlife spotting when animals are most active.
- River levels are still high from recent rains but receding, which is actually ideal timing. The interior rainforest is accessible via boat, waterfalls like Raleighvallen are flowing impressively, and you can still navigate tributaries that become too shallow by February. This is the sweet spot for jungle exploration.
- Sea turtle nesting season peaks in December along the coast at Galibi and Matapica. You'll see giant leatherbacks (up to 700 kg or 1,540 lbs) coming ashore at night to lay eggs, which is genuinely one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences in South America. The weather cooperates better than in the wetter months.
- December is shoulder season for international tourism, so you'll avoid the European summer crowds but still have all services operating. Accommodations in Paramaribo are 20-30% cheaper than July-August rates, and you won't be competing with dozens of other tourists for boat tours into the interior.
Considerations
- Humidity stays consistently high at 70% even during the dry season. That morning shower won't keep you feeling fresh for long, and cotton clothing takes forever to dry. The air feels thick, especially in Paramaribo where there's less breeze than along the coast.
- December falls during Suriname's main holiday season, particularly around Christmas and New Year. While international tourism is lower, local Surinamese travel peaks, meaning popular interior lodges and coastal resorts can book up. Domestic flight prices to Palumeu or Kajana increase by 40-50% in the last two weeks of December.
- Some turtle nesting beaches have strict visitor limits and require permits arranged weeks in advance. You can't just show up at Galibi in late December and expect to join a turtle tour - the good operators are typically fully booked by mid-November for peak nesting dates.
Best Activities in December
Central Suriname Nature Reserve Jungle Tours
December is genuinely the best month for accessing the deep interior rainforest. River levels are high enough for boat navigation but water is clearer than during the rainy season, improving wildlife spotting. Mornings are reliably dry for hiking, and you'll see incredible biodiversity - howler monkeys, harpy eagles, caimans, and jaguar tracks. The reserve covers 1.6 million hectares (4 million acres) of pristine Amazon rainforest. Temperature in the jungle canopy stays around 28-30°C (82-86°F) with less oppressive humidity than Paramaribo due to constant shade.
Galibi Sea Turtle Nesting Experiences
Giant leatherback turtles nest on Galibi beaches throughout December, with peak activity mid-month. Tours depart evening around 8pm and you'll spend 2-4 hours on the beach watching these massive creatures (some weighing 700 kg or 1,540 lbs) dig nests and lay 80-100 eggs. The experience is tightly regulated to protect the turtles, with red-light flashlights only and strict distance requirements. December weather is far more pleasant for overnight beach stays than the wetter months, though you'll still want mosquito protection.
Brownsberg Nature Park Hiking and Waterfall Tours
Located 130 km (81 miles) south of Paramaribo at 500 m (1,640 ft) elevation, Brownsberg offers cooler temperatures (typically 2-3°C or 4-5°F lower than the capital) and spectacular views over the Brokopondo Reservoir. December's dry mornings mean the hiking trails to Mazaroni Plateau and Leo Val waterfall are in excellent condition - not the muddy slogs they become during rainy season. You'll likely spot red howler monkeys, toucans, and cock-of-the-rock birds. The park's multiple waterfalls are still flowing impressively from recent rains but without the dangerous current levels of October-November.
Paramaribo Food and Architecture Walking Tours
The capital's unique blend of Dutch colonial architecture, Javanese cuisine, Creole culture, and Hindustani influences is best explored on foot during December's relatively dry weather. Morning tours (starting 8-9am before peak heat) cover the UNESCO-listed wooden inner city, Waterkant waterfront, and Central Market. You'll sample roti, pom (Creole chicken casserole), and Javanese nasi goreng while learning about Suriname's incredibly diverse population. December mornings average 26°C (79°F) which is about as comfortable as walking gets in Suriname.
Upper Suriname River Multi-Day Expeditions
December offers ideal conditions for exploring Maroon villages along the Upper Suriname River. Water levels allow navigation to remote communities like Pikin Slee and Gunsi while rapids are manageable (unlike the dangerous high water of September-October). You'll travel by traditional korjaal dugout canoes, stay in village guesthouses, and experience Saramaccan culture that has remained remarkably unchanged since their ancestors escaped slavery in the 1600s. The river journey itself is spectacular - 4-5 hours through pristine rainforest with frequent wildlife sightings.
Commewijne River Plantation and Dolphin Tours
The Commewijne River, just 30 km (19 miles) from Paramaribo, offers accessible day trips to 18th-century plantation ruins and dolphin spotting. December's clearer water (compared to rainy season) improves chances of seeing pink river dolphins, which are surprisingly common here. You'll visit former coffee and cacao plantations like Rust en Werk and Peperpot, now atmospheric ruins overtaken by jungle. Boat tours typically depart late afternoon around 3-4pm to catch dolphins during their active feeding period and return at sunset. The relatively dry weather means more comfortable boat rides than during rainy months.
December Events & Festivals
Suriname Jazz Festival
This annual festival typically happens in early December and brings together Caribbean, South American, and international jazz musicians for concerts in Paramaribo. Venues include the historic Fort Zeelandia and outdoor stages along the Waterkant waterfront. It's worth checking current dates if you're a jazz enthusiast, though the festival has had some scheduling inconsistencies in recent years.
Keti Koti Memorial Events
While the main Keti Koti (Emancipation Day) celebrations happen in July, December features memorial events and cultural programs as the year closes, particularly in Maroon communities. These are more intimate cultural experiences than tourist events, but visitors with local connections might be welcomed to participate in traditional drumming and storytelling.