Weather in Bogotá, Colombia in December
Weather in Bogotá, Colombia in December
December is one of the best times to visit Bogotá. The city sits in its short dry season, skies clear up noticeably compared to the rainy months prior, and the average temperature stays mild enough to walk comfortably for hours. If you’re deciding whether Colombia in December makes sense for your itinerary, this month delivers — especially for outdoor exploration and a genuinely festive atmosphere.
That said, Bogotá is not a beach destination, and altitude shapes everything here. At 2,600 meters (8,530 feet), the air is cool year-round, evenings get cold quickly, and sun exposure is stronger than most travelers expect. Before you book, check where to stay in Bogota — neighborhood choice affects how much you’ll walk in variable weather conditions.
Quick Weather Snapshot
- Average high: 18–19°C (around 66°F)
- Average low: 7–9°C (44–48°F)
- Rainfall: Low to moderate; mostly dry by mid-December
- Humidity: Moderate (60–70%)
- Season: Short dry season (verano)
- Crowd level: High — peak season for holiday travel and school breaks
- Overall comfort rating: 8/10 — excellent for sightseeing; pack layers
December Weather in Bogotá: What to Expect
December brings clearer skies and drier conditions than October or November. Morning light is crisp, visibility across the Andes is often sharp, and the city takes on a festive, busy energy as the month progresses.
Mornings start cool and bright — spring-like, in the way Colombians describe Bogotá’s “eternal spring” climate. By mid-afternoon, overcast skies and a short shower are possible, though far less frequent than in the rainy season. After sunset, low temperatures arrive fast. Good weather for sightseeing runs roughly 9 AM to 3 PM; evening outdoor plans call for a jacket.
Colombia’s topography explains the contrast. Bogotá sits on a high-altitude plateau shaped by the Andes, close to the equator but at an elevation that keeps it cool at latitude year-round — unlike hot and humid coastal areas like Cartagena, where December temperatures hit 30°C.
Average Temperature in Bogotá in December
Daytime highs reach around 19°C (66°F), which feels pleasant for walking but requires a light layer in the shade. The average low temperature at night drops to 7–9°C (44–48°F) — noticeably cold if you’re underprepared.
Altitude amplifies UV exposure even in mild warmth. Direct sun feels warmer than the thermometer suggests. December average temperature is similar to January (also dry) — perhaps slightly wetter in the first two weeks before conditions settle into drier, sunnier afternoons by mid-December.
Rainfall and Precipitation in Bogotá in December
December sits at the start of Bogotá’s dry season, but the transition from the wet season isn’t instant. Early December can see brief afternoon showers; precipitation frequency drops through the month, with dry weather becoming the norm by the final two weeks.
Most rainfall comes as short, sharp showers rather than sustained storms. A compact umbrella or light rain jacket handles it easily. Full-day disruptions are uncommon — morning itineraries are rarely affected.
According to IDEAM (Colombia’s national meteorological service), December averages around 40–60mm of precipitation in Bogotá — significantly lower than the September–November peak. Weather throughout the rest of the month trends dry and sunny.
Humidity in Bogotá in December
Humidity in December runs moderate, typically 60–70%. At altitude, this doesn’t feel oppressive or humid — nothing like coastal areas of Colombia.
Most travelers find conditions comfortable. Those sensitive to dry air (common at altitude as humidity drops through the month) may notice mild dehydration. Staying hydrated matters more than managing humidity here. The low temperature at night, combined with reduced moisture, means mornings can feel particularly crisp.
Is Bogotá Busy in December? Tourism and Peak Season
December is peak season in Bogotá. Colombian school holidays begin around mid-December, and international arrivals increase in the lead-up to Christmas and New Year.
Expect higher prices for flights and hotels — particularly for the Dec 22–Jan 2 window — and longer queues at popular attractions. The Gold Museum, La Candelaria, and Monserrate all get crowded. Booking 2–3 weeks ahead is the minimum; earlier for the Christmas and New Year period.
The festive atmosphere is genuine and worth it — street parties, Christmas lights, and the famous Noche de las Velitas (Dec 7–8) make early December the sweet spot: fewer crowds than late month, but full festive energy.
Best Things to Do in Bogotá in December
- Visit Monserrate — Clear December skies offer exceptional Andean panoramas; go in the morning before clouds build
- Explore La Candelaria on foot — Dry conditions make cobblestones comfortable; ideal for the Gold Museum and Botero Museum
- Day trip north to Villa de Leyva — This colonial town is a natural extension of any Bogotá itinerary; December’s dry weather keeps the landscape beautiful and the roads clear
- Ciclovía on Sundays — 120km+ of streets close to cars; a great time to explore with live music in the parks
- Usaquén flea market — Sundays; the festive December version includes holiday crafts and street food
- Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral — Easy half-day Andean trip; a national park-adjacent experience with consistently reliable December weather
- Noche de las Velitas (Dec 7–8) — Families fill streets with candles and lanterns; one of Colombia’s most distinctive cultural events
- Maloka Science Museum — Indoor backup for any unexpected rainy afternoon, especially for families
Events & Festivals in December
- Noche de las Velitas (Dec 7–8): The night before Colombia’s Day of the Immaculate Conception. Neighborhoods fill streets with candles and paper lanterns — the festival of lights that marks the start of the festive season for Colombians.
- Christmas Lights (throughout December): Bogotá’s parks and commercial districts install large-scale Christmas lights displays. Parque de la 93 and Zona T are among the most popular spots.
- Feria de Cali (Dec 25–30): Not in Bogotá, but worth knowing — the famous Feria de salsa festival draws Colombia-bound travelers to Cali. Easy to combine with a Bogotá trip.
- New Year’s Eve: City-wide celebrations with street parties and fireworks visible across the savanna; rooftop events in Chapinero and Usaquén book out early.
What to Pack for Bogotá in December
Clothing:
- Lightweight layers — think light wool or fleece, not heavy winter coats
- One mid-weight jacket for evenings and low temperatures
- Long-sleeve shirts for daytime walking
- Rain layer or compact umbrella for early December showers
Footwear:
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip (La Candelaria’s cobblestones demand it)
- Light waterproof option helpful for the first two weeks
Sun and rain protection:
- SPF 50+ sunscreen — altitude UV is high year round
- Sunglasses
- Packable rain jacket doubles as a wind layer at night
Seasonal Travel Tips for December
- Morning is prime time — schedule outdoor sightseeing before 2 PM for the most dry and sunny conditions
- Dress for night and day temperature swings — 10°C+ difference between noon and 9 PM is normal
- Book flights and hotels early — peak season pricing kicks in sharply after Dec 20
- Acclimatize on arrival day — altitude affects energy levels; skip strenuous plans on day one
- Carry cash for markets — festive street markets are cash-heavy
- Check Ciclovía schedules — runs every Sunday year-round, a genuinely great time to explore
- Plan your Bogotá itinerary around the Andes — north to Villa de Leyva is one of the most popular and scenic December routes from the capital
Weather Hazards in Bogotá in December
Altitude sickness: The primary risk for first-time visitors. Bogotá’s 2,600m elevation can cause headaches, fatigue, and breathlessness on arrival. Symptoms ease within 24–48 hours for most travelers. Those with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions should get medical advice beforehand.
Cold nights: Low temperatures regularly fall below 10°C. Cold nights are the most common comfort issue — not storms or flooding.
UV exposure: Often underestimated in a cool climate. Midday sun at altitude burns faster than at sea level. Sunscreen applies even on overcast or cloudy days.
Bogotá vs. the rest of Colombia: Travelers splitting a Colombia trip should know that Medellín offers warm temperatures and spring-like conditions in December, while Cartagena and other coastal areas are hot and humid, in their own high season. Colombia’s topography creates distinct microclimates across each region of the country — the best time to visit each city follows different logic entirely.
For altitude health guidance, see Colombia’s Ministry of Health or the CDC Travelers’ Health resource on altitude illness.
Key Takeaways
- December is a great time to visit Bogotá — sitting in the short dry season with the best average weather conditions of the year
- The average high is around 19°C (66°F); low temperatures at night drop to 7–9°C — layering is non-negotiable
- Precipitation is low but not zero; mostly dry by mid-December with brief early-month showers possible
- Peak season pricing and crowds hit hardest Dec 22–Jan 2; book flights and hotels early
- Altitude (2,600m) affects both energy and UV exposure — build in acclimatization time
- A north to Villa de Leyva day trip is one of the best additions to a December Bogotá itinerary
- For the best time to visit Colombia in December, Bogotá pairs well with Medellín or a coastal stop like Cartagena
FAQs
Is December a good time to visit Bogotá?
Yes — December is one of the best times to visit Bogotá, sitting in the city’s short dry season with above-average weather conditions. Clear mornings, festive atmosphere, and low precipitation make it a strong choice, though peak season crowds and higher prices apply from late December onward.
What is the average temperature in Bogotá in December?
The average high is around 18–19°C (65–66°F) during the day. Low temperatures at night fall to 7–9°C (44–48°F). The wide temperature swing between night and day is consistent throughout the month — layers are essential regardless of the sunny afternoon forecast.
Does it rain a lot in Bogotá in December?
Not compared to the rest of the year. December weather trends drier than September through November, with precipitation averaging 40–60mm. Mostly dry conditions dominate by mid-December, though brief afternoon showers are possible in the month of December’s first two weeks.
Is Bogotá busy in December?
Yes — December is peak season, especially from mid-December through New Year’s. Colombian school holidays and international arrivals push up demand for flights and hotels. Book well in advance, particularly for the Christmas and New Year window.
How does Bogotá compare to Medellín or Cartagena in December?
All three are worth visiting but feel completely different. Bogotá is cool and festive with spring-like conditions. Medellín is warm and similarly festive at a slightly lower altitude. Coastal areas like Cartagena are hot and humid, with beach weather but heavy high-season crowds. Colombia’s topography means the best time to visit each city follows different logic — December works well for all three, but pack accordingly.
