Things to Do in Caracas in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Caracas
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- December sits right in Caracas's dry season, which means you'll catch mostly clear mornings perfect for exploring the city's hillside neighborhoods and cable car rides without the afternoon downpours that dominate other months. Those 10 rainy days are typically brief late-afternoon showers that clear by evening.
- Temperature-wise, December is actually one of the most comfortable months - that 18°C to 27°C (65°F to 80°F) range means cool mornings in the valley and genuinely pleasant evenings without the oppressive heat you'd find in lower-elevation Venezuelan cities. The 920 m (3,018 ft) altitude keeps things temperate.
- December brings Caracas's holiday spirit, which transforms the city in ways tourists rarely see. Parque Cristal lights up with decorations, street food vendors multiply in Plaza Bolívar, and you'll find impromptu gaita music performances throughout Centro. The energy is distinctly local rather than tourist-focused.
- Crowd levels stay surprisingly manageable because international tourism to Venezuela remains limited. You'll have major sites like the Panteón Nacional and Museo de Bellas Artes largely to yourself, even during the holiday period. Hotel rates stay reasonable compared to pre-2015 levels, typically 40-60 USD per night for mid-range options.
Considerations
- December is actually when many Caracas residents travel OUT of the city to visit family or head to beach towns, which means some smaller restaurants and businesses close for 1-2 weeks around Christmas. The city can feel quieter than usual, particularly December 24-26 when the metro runs reduced schedules.
- Currency and payment logistics remain genuinely challenging in December 2026. While the bolivar has stabilized somewhat, you'll still need USD cash for most transactions, and ATMs often run dry during holiday periods. Bring more physical cash than you think you'll need - plan on 100-150 USD per day for comfortable mid-range travel.
- That 70% humidity combined with the urban heat island effect in Centro makes midday walking tours genuinely uncomfortable, even in December's milder weather. The afternoon sun feels intense at UV index 8, and there's limited shade on major walking routes like Avenida Urdaneta. You'll want to plan indoor activities between 12pm-3pm.
Best Activities in December
Avila National Park Morning Hikes
December's dry mornings make this the ideal month for tackling trails up El Ávila, the mountain backdrop that defines Caracas. The Sabas Nieves trail to the peak offers 8 km (5 miles) of hiking through cloud forest, and December's lower rainfall means the paths are actually passable without serious mud. Start by 7am to avoid afternoon clouds that roll in around 2pm. The temperature at 2,100 m (6,890 ft) elevation drops to around 12°C (54°F) at the summit, which feels refreshing after the valley heat.
Colonial Center Walking Tours
December's relatively dry weather makes exploring the historic center actually pleasant, particularly in early morning or late afternoon. The core route from Plaza Bolívar through Catedral de Caracas to Casa Natal del Libertador covers about 2 km (1.2 miles) and showcases the Spanish colonial architecture that survived the 1812 earthquake. December's clear skies provide excellent light for photography of the yellow-and-white colonial facades. The Panteón Nacional, where Simón Bolívar is entombed, sees minimal crowds - you might have the ornate interior to yourself for 15-20 minutes.
Los Palos Grandes Food Market Visits
December brings seasonal foods to Caracas markets that you won't find other months. The Mercado Municipal de Chacao in Los Palos Grandes neighborhood fills with hallacas ingredients - the elaborate Christmas tamales that define Venezuelan December. Vendors sell the specific corn dough, plantain leaves, and filling components, and some offer hallaca-making demonstrations. Beyond the seasonal specialties, you'll find arepas, fresh tropical fruits, and the city's best coffee. The market operates daily but Sunday mornings 8am-12pm offer the fullest selection.
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo and Gallery District
When afternoon humidity makes outdoor activity uncomfortable, Caracas's museum scene offers excellent refuge. The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo in Parque Central holds one of Latin America's most significant modern art collections, including works by Picasso, Miró, and major Venezuelan artists like Jesús Soto. The air-conditioned galleries provide 2-3 hours of respite from the heat. December typically brings rotating exhibitions that change for the new year. The nearby Museo de Bellas Artes adds another 90 minutes of climate-controlled culture.
Altamira and Las Mercedes Evening Dining
December evenings in the Altamira and Las Mercedes neighborhoods showcase Caracas's surprisingly sophisticated restaurant scene. These eastern districts feel worlds apart from the historic center, with tree-lined streets, outdoor cafes, and restaurants serving everything from traditional Venezuelan to international cuisine. The 18°C (65°F) evening temperatures make outdoor seating genuinely pleasant. December brings special holiday menus featuring hallacas, pan de jamón, and ponche crema. The Altamira plaza becomes a gathering spot for locals, with street musicians and a festive atmosphere that peaks around 8pm-10pm.
Parque del Este Nature Walks
This 82-hectare (203-acre) green space in eastern Caracas offers a genuine escape from urban intensity, and December's weather makes it actually enjoyable to spend 2-3 hours here. The park features walking trails through recreated Venezuelan ecosystems, a small zoo, and a replica of the Santa María ship. Early morning visits around 7am-9am catch the coolest temperatures and best birdwatching - you'll spot parrots, toucans, and various hummingbirds. The park attracts local families on weekends but stays relatively empty weekday mornings.
December Events & Festivals
Feria de la Chinita
This celebration honoring the Virgin of Chiquinquirá happens in the Maracaibo region primarily, but Caracas's Zulia community hosts smaller versions in early December. You'll find gaita music performances - the distinctive Venezuelan folk style that dominates December - in Plaza Venezuela and other public spaces. Street vendors sell typical foods like tumbarranchos and chicha. It's not a massive tourist event but offers authentic cultural immersion if you're in the city during the first week of December.
Parque Cristal Holiday Lighting
The Parque Cristal shopping and entertainment complex in the Los Palos Grandes area installs extensive holiday light displays starting mid-December. This has become a popular gathering spot for Caracas families, with evening concerts, food vendors, and a festive atmosphere. It's free to visit and genuinely reflects how middle-class Caracas celebrates the season. The lighting typically runs from around December 15 through early January, with peak crowds on weekends between 6pm-9pm.
Patinatas Christmas Eve Tradition
On Christmas morning, December 25, Caracas residents traditionally roller skate to early morning mass, and major streets in neighborhoods like Altamira close to traffic from 5am-8am to accommodate this unique tradition. While primarily for locals, visitors can rent skates from vendors who set up along the routes. It's one of the most distinctive Venezuelan Christmas customs and offers an unusual cultural experience. The tradition has declined somewhat in recent years but still happens in wealthier eastern neighborhoods.