Why December is the most exciting time of year to experience Ghanaian culture
Ghana in December gives travelers great weather, beautiful beaches, and a jam-packed cultural calendar to enjoy.
Ghana’s generous stretch of the Atlantic offers visitors miles of coastline to explore. And each location has something different to offer. From the buzz of Accra and its culture and bar scene to the beachfront resorts providing an oasis of calm, all year round. December’s balmy, dry weather makes it the perfect time to visit Ghana.
Discover December in Ghana
For those in the know, Ghana after dark is a famously good time. But in December, the nation’s nightlife comes into its own. So much so that the phrase ‘December in Ghana’ has become synonymous with events that don’t wind down until dawn.
Ghanaians celebrate the festive season with a spate of festivals that draw together some of the biggest names in African music.
Afrochella is a celebration of African music, art, food, and fashion. A yearly event between Christmas and New Year, it welcomes nearly 10,000 visitors to enjoy everything from acrobatic performances to the best African music. It’s a joyful way to end the year.
Wildaland Festival happens around the same time, between the 24th-27th of December, gathering top musicians and chefs for a two-day party in the lush setting of the Shai Forest Reserve outside Accra. After listening to the VVIP decks and DJs on the main stage, wander the international food market, before settling down to relax at the campsite while taking in the beautiful natural surroundings.
Back in the city, there’s something going on every night in December. Bloombar packs the last two weeks of the year with a full calendar of events – including the Afrochella official afterparty if you can’t bear for the fun to stop. Daytime events, such as DLT, blend brunch and Hip-Hop for a quieter experience before the party starts at night.
This year, Afronation festival makes a return to Accra on the 29th-30th of December, promising A-list global acts from the world of Afrobeats, R’n’B, Hip-Hop and dancehall. Arrive in the afternoon and leave early the next morning.
A mainstay of December, the annual Taste of Ghana festival is an immersive experience for visitors wanting to explore Ghana in one place. Music, food, fashion, art – it’s a perfect place for a crash course in everything Ghanaian.
Bask in the lively atmosphere at Labadi Beach
Labadi Beach, which people also call La Pleasure Beach, is the most popular strip of sand in Ghana. It’s a stunning location, but the dynamic atmosphere is what makes Labadi Beach a memorable experience.
Colorful umbrellas spread over tables set right into the sand. Here you can sip on cocktails shaken with locally brewed alcohol, taste fresh sugarcane from a passing vendor, or try the grilled tilapia fish while performers fill the days and nights with the sound of drums and dancing.
As the sun sets, bonfires crackle to life and the sounds of reggae and Afrobeats start to pulse through the night.
For a more tranquil experience, step into the Labadi Beach Hotel. It features stunning gardens and a spa offering relaxing treatments.
Explore Ghana’s coastline
Ghana’s beaches aren’t only the backdrop for bonfire-lit parties. The seafront resorts are the perfect places to enjoy coastal views and begin exploring. Start with Kokrobite Beach, 45 minutes from Accra, all the way out to the rocky knuckle of Cape Three Points, where you can find many places to eat, drink, and relax, ranging from high-end to rustic.
Ghana’s coastline is home to diverse sea life, providing opportunities to go on moonlit sea turtle walks or head out in the day to watch dolphins, whales, and manatees in their natural environment.
Between the lively ports of Cape Coast and Elmina are several excellent resorts, including Lemon Beach Resort and Coconut Grove Beach Resort.
Further west lies Busua. One of Ghana’s most famous surf spots, Busua has the requisite chill of a small fishing and surfing town. Colorful fishing boats are often drawn up onto the beach and you can eat the day’s catch at the small restaurants lining the sand.
Dining at Accra
Accra has a buzzing dining scene, with diverse cuisine on offer, from traditional to fusion. The Mix restaurant is run by a team of young chefs, creating modern takes on Ghanaian classics and European dishes. The restaurant also has an event space, so diners can enjoy exhibitions, gallery shows, and performances when they visit.
Palm Moments is a creative hub, attracting a diverse crowd with its relaxed atmosphere and restaurant, helped by a comprehensive cocktail menu. Another go-to place to eat is Bôndai, a restaurant with Mediterranean and Japanese dishes on the menu and contemporary art from Ghanaian artists on the walls.
Visiting Ghana in December is a guarantee of what makes the country great: beautiful beaches, fantastic weather, and immersive and inclusive culture.