THE SHORT VERSION / What to wear for Detty December
Wear light, breathable fabrics for Detty December, because Lagos and Accra are hot and humid, often above 30°C. Pack one statement outfit per big event, Ankara or kente pieces for owambes and festivals, beachwear, comfortable shoes you can dance in, and one modest outfit for church or family.
- Weather
- Hot, humid, 30°C+
- Season
- Harmattan haze
- Fabrics
- Linen, cotton, silk
- Shoes
- One pair to dance in
- Must-pack
- Ankara or kente piece
- Don't forget
- Modest outfit
What is the weather like during Detty December?
December is dry season in Lagos and Accra. Days are hot and humid, often above 30°C, with warm nights. The Harmattan, a dry, dusty wind from the Sahara, can bring hazy skies and slightly cooler mornings. Rain is rare, so plan outfits for heat, not cold.
Detty December outfits by event: 6 looks
- Concerts and festivals: statement pieces, breathable fabrics and shoes you can stand in for five hours. Crowds at Flytime Fest and AfroFuture dress up.
- Beach parties: swimwear under a sheer shirt or kaftan, sandals, a hat and sunglasses.
- Owambe (Nigerian party): aso-ebi (matching fabric chosen by the hosts), gele (head wrap) or agbada. Ask the host for the colour.
- Brunch and day parties: linen sets, co-ords, light dresses, loafers or clean trainers.
- Church crossover (New Year's Eve): modest and smart. Cover shoulders and knees.
- Clubs and lounges: sharp and fitted. Many upscale Lagos and Accra venues have a dress code, so no flip-flops.
Where to buy Ankara and kente
- In Accra: Makola Market for fabric, then a local tailor. Tailors can turn fabric around in a few days in December if you pay a rush fee.
- In Lagos: Balogun Market or Lekki Arts and Crafts Market for fabric, or boutiques in Lekki and VI for ready-to-wear.
- Before you travel: African fashion brands and online stores ship worldwide, but order early.
The complete Detty December packing list
Documents
- Passport (6+ months valid) and visa approval
- Yellow fever certificate (required for Ghana, recommended for Nigeria)
- Travel insurance details
- Copies of everything saved to the cloud
Clothes
- 5 to 7 statement outfits for nights out
- 3 to 4 light day outfits
- 1 modest outfit for church or family
- Swimwear and a cover-up
- One dressy pair of shoes, one pair to dance in, sandals
Tech
- Unlocked phone with an eSIM or dual SIM
- Power bank (you'll use it every night)
- Universal adapter: Nigeria and Ghana both use the UK-style Type G plug
- Earbuds for flights and recovery days
Health
- Sunscreen and after-sun
- Insect repellent
- Any prescription medicine in original packaging
- Malaria prevention as advised by a travel clinic
- Rehydration sachets
What not to wear
- Camouflage or military-style clothing: avoid it in both countries.
- Very expensive jewellery at crowded events: keep it simple in dense crowds.
- New shoes you haven't broken in: you'll regret it by day two.
THE PRACTICAL DETAILS
Book the essentials
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Frequently asked questions
What should I wear to Detty December?
Wear light, breathable fabrics and pack one statement outfit per big event. Add Ankara or kente pieces for festivals and owambes, beachwear, comfortable shoes and one modest outfit for church or family events.
Is it cold in Lagos or Accra in December?
No. December is hot and humid in both cities, usually above 30°C in the day. The Harmattan wind can bring haze and slightly cooler mornings.
What plug do Nigeria and Ghana use?
Both Nigeria and Ghana mainly use the Type G plug (three rectangular pins, like the UK), at 230 to 240 volts.
