Things to Do in Caracas in December

December Weather in Caracas

27°C (80°F) High Temp

18°C (65°F) Low Temp

107 mm (4.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Ideal temperature contrast - warm 27°C (80°F) days perfect for exploring, cool 18°C (65°F) evenings comfortable for dining out without excessive heat
Rain comes in predictable afternoon bursts (2-4pm) lasting 20-30 minutes, leaving mornings and evenings clear for activities
December marks the start of Caracas' cultural season with Teatro Teresa Carreño and Centro Cultural Chacao hosting their best programming
Tourist crowds are at annual lows as most international visitors avoid December, meaning shorter lines at Teleférico and better restaurant availability

Considerations

Humidity stays consistently at 70% making it feel 3-5°C warmer than actual temperature, especially uncomfortable for those from dry climates
December storms can be intense with flooding in lower neighborhoods like Catia and El Valle, disrupting metro service on Lines 3 and 4
Many government offices and some museums operate reduced hours during holiday period (December 15-31), limiting cultural site access

Best Activities in December

Ávila Mountain Cable Car and Hiking Routes

December's cool mornings (18°C/65°F) are perfect for the Teleférico ride to El Ávila National Park. The 10-15°C temperature drop at altitude makes hiking comfortable, and December's clearer morning air offers the best views of the Caribbean coast. Rain typically holds off until 2pm, giving you a solid 6-hour window.

Booking Tip: Purchase tickets online 24-48 hours ahead to avoid weekend crowds. Morning departures (8-10am) offer best weather conditions. Cable car tickets typically cost 15,000-25,000 bolívares. Check current options in booking section below.

Historic Caracas Walking Tours

December's moderate temperatures make exploring Casco Histórico comfortable before afternoon heat peaks. The UNESCO-protected center is less crowded, and many colonial buildings have special December exhibitions. Morning tours (9am-12pm) avoid both heat and daily 2pm rain pattern.

Booking Tip: Book walking tours through certified guides at Plaza Bolívar visitor center. Tours typically cost 8,000-15,000 bolívares per person. Most tours run 3-4 hours and include Panteón Nacional and Casa Natal del Libertador. See current guided options in booking section below.

Sabana Grande Boulevard Shopping and Dining

December evening temperatures (20-22°C/68-72°F) create perfect conditions for strolling the pedestrian boulevard. Local families come out after work, creating authentic atmosphere. December's holiday decorations and street performances make evenings particularly vibrant from 6-9pm.

Booking Tip: Best experienced independently rather than tours. Budget 20,000-40,000 bolívares for dinner and drinks. Evening hours (5-9pm) offer coolest temperatures and most activity. Food tours of the area typically cost 25,000-35,000 bolívares.

Contemporary Art Gallery Circuit

December launches Caracas' art season with new exhibitions at Museo de Arte Contemporáneo and Galería de Arte Nacional. The city's growing street art scene in Chacao and Las Mercedes is best explored during cooler morning hours when artists are often working on new pieces.

Booking Tip: Most galleries offer free entry or charge 2,000-5,000 bolívares. Air-conditioned spaces provide perfect refuge from midday humidity. Plan gallery visits during 2-4pm rain window. Cultural walking tours typically cost 12,000-20,000 bolívares. Check current art tours in booking section below.

El Hatillo Colonial Town Day Trips

This mountain town 30 km (18.6 miles) southeast stays 3-5°C cooler than central Caracas. December's afternoon rains create dramatic mountain views, and the colonial architecture photograph beautifully in the soft light after storms pass. Weekend craft markets operate despite weather.

Booking Tip: Take Metro Los Dos Caminos then bus (1.5 hours total) or arrange private transport for 40,000-60,000 bolívares round trip. Full day excursions through tour operators typically cost 35,000-50,000 bolívares including transport and guide. Book day trips in advance through options in booking section below.

Mercado de Chacao Food and Culture Experience

December brings seasonal Venezuelan holiday foods like hallacas preparation workshops and pernil tastings. The covered market provides shelter from afternoon storms while offering authentic food experiences. Local cooking classes peak in December as families prepare for holidays.

Booking Tip: Visit early morning (7-9am) for freshest ingredients and cooler temperatures. Food tours typically cost 20,000-30,000 bolívares including tastings. Cooking classes range 40,000-60,000 bolívares per person. Book food experiences through current options in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Early December

Feria de la Chinita

Venezuelan celebration honoring the Virgin of Chiquinquirá with traditional music, dancing, and food stalls throughout the city. Street vendors sell traditional December treats like dulce de lechoza and besitos de coco.

Mid December

Festival Nacional de Música Popular

Annual folk music festival featuring Venezuelan joropo, salsa, and merengue performances at various venues including Teatro Teresa Carreño. December showcases often feature special holiday-themed concerts.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - December storms are brief but intense, and you'll want protection without overheating in 70% humidity

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days at Caracas' 900m (2,950 ft) altitude

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester which becomes uncomfortable in high humidity conditions

Light sweater or long sleeves for evenings - temperatures drop to 18°C (65°F) and mountain areas are 5°C cooler

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes with good grip - December rains make cobblestones in historic center slippery

Compact umbrella that fits in daypack - afternoon storms start suddenly and covered areas may be crowded

Power bank and waterproof phone case - humidity and sudden rains can damage electronics

Cash in small bills - many vendors and transport still prefer cash, especially during holiday season

Insect repellent with DEET - December humidity increases mosquito activity, particularly in parks and El Ávila

Quick-dry clothing for outdoor activities - high humidity means clothes stay damp longer after rain or perspiration

Insider Knowledge

Metro service experiences delays on Lines 3 and 4 during December storms due to flooding in lower stations - build extra 20-30 minutes into transport plans during rainy afternoons

Local families start holiday shopping in December, making malls like Sambil and Centro San Ignacio busiest on weekends - visit weekday mornings for better experience

December marks mango season in Caracas - street vendors sell the sweetest varieties (manga de azúcar) for 1,000-2,000 bolívares, but only buy from busy stalls for freshness

Many restaurants in Las Mercedes and Altamira offer special December menus featuring hallacas and other holiday foods - these are often better quality and more authentic than tourist restaurant versions

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities for 2-4pm when afternoon storms are most likely - plan indoor museum visits or shopping during this window instead

Underestimating how much cooler it gets in the evening - many tourists pack only for 27°C daytime temperatures and are uncomfortable after sunset

Not carrying small bills for transport and street vendors - December holiday season increases cash-only transactions, and vendors often lack change for large bills