Things to Do in Bengaluru in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Bengaluru
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Near-perfect weather window with daytime temperatures around 24-27°C (75-80°F) and cool evenings dropping to 16°C (61°F) - ideal for outdoor exploration without the punishing heat of summer months. You can comfortably walk through markets at 2pm without melting.
- December marks the start of Bengaluru's cultural season with Carnatic music concerts, dance performances at Chowdiah Memorial Hall, and the annual Bengaluru Habba festival transforming the city into an open-air cultural venue. Locals actually come out in force during this month.
- Virtually zero rainfall despite the data showing 10 rainy days - those are typically morning mist or brief evening drizzles that clear within 15 minutes. You won't lose sightseeing days to monsoon downpours like you would June through September.
- The city's famous parks and green spaces are at their most lush after the northeast monsoon, with Cubbon Park and Lalbagh Botanical Garden showing off post-rain greenery. Jacaranda trees bloom in late December, adding unexpected purple canopies across older neighborhoods like Basavanagudi.
Considerations
- High season pricing kicks in during the last two weeks of December as both domestic tourists and NRI families return for holidays - hotel rates jump 40-60% after December 20th and popular restaurants require reservations days in advance instead of walk-ins.
- Morning air quality deteriorates in December with AQI readings frequently hitting 150-200 (unhealthy for sensitive groups) due to cooler temperatures trapping vehicle emissions. If you have respiratory issues, mornings from 7-10am can be genuinely uncomfortable in high-traffic areas.
- The comfortable weather means everyone has the same idea - popular spots like Nandi Hills for sunrise, weekend breweries in Indiranagar, and Cubbon Park on Sunday mornings get genuinely crowded. You'll be sharing that Instagram spot with 200 other people.
Best Activities in December
Nandi Hills Sunrise Cycling Tours
December mornings offer the clearest visibility for the 68 km (42 mile) round-trip cycle to Nandi Hills, with temperatures starting around 16°C (61°F) making the 600 m (1,968 ft) climb actually pleasant. The winter inversion layer creates that dramatic cloud blanket effect below the summit that photographers chase. Organized group rides typically leave around 4am to catch sunrise at 6:30am, returning by 10am before traffic builds.
Lalbagh and Cubbon Park Heritage Walks
December's mild weather makes the 2-3 hour morning walks through these colonial-era gardens actually enjoyable rather than a sweaty ordeal. Lalbagh's glasshouse hosts its biannual flower show in late December, while Cubbon Park's 300-acre grounds are perfect for exploring the State Central Library and British-era architecture. The 70% humidity sounds high but feels comfortable in the shade, and the UV index of 8 means you need sun protection but won't bake.
Bangalore Palace and Fort Exploration
The dry December weather means you can explore these outdoor heritage sites without monsoon interruptions. Bangalore Palace's Tudor-style architecture and grounds are best visited in the cooler morning hours around 9-11am when the 27°C (80°F) highs haven't peaked. Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace in the old city area combines well with exploring the surrounding Pete markets, though air quality in the old city tends to be worse than the cantonment areas.
Brewery and Craft Beer District Tours
Bengaluru's famous microbrewery scene is at its most pleasant in December's mild evenings. The city has over 60 craft breweries concentrated in neighborhoods like Indiranagar, Koramangala, and Whitefield. Evening temperatures around 18-20°C (64-68°F) make outdoor seating areas perfect, and December sees new seasonal beer releases and special Christmas brews. The culture here is genuinely local, not tourist-focused.
Bannerghatta Biological Park Safari
Located 22 km (14 miles) south of the city, December's dry conditions mean better animal sightings as wildlife congregates around water sources. The butterfly park and zoo sections are walkable in December's weather, while the safari bus tours through the tiger and lion enclosures work better in cooler months when animals are more active. Plan for a half-day trip, leaving by 9am to avoid midday heat and return traffic.
Mysore Day Trip Excursions
The 150 km (93 mile) trip to Mysore works perfectly in December when clear weather guarantees good visibility of Mysore Palace's evening illumination at 7pm. December also sees fewer tour buses than peak winter months of January-February. The drive takes 3-4 hours each way, making it a long but doable day trip. Alternatively, stay overnight and catch the Sunday Devaraja Market in full swing.
December Events & Festivals
Bengaluru Habba
This week-long cultural festival typically runs in early December, transforming venues across the city into performance spaces. You'll find classical music concerts, street theater, art installations, and food festivals spread across locations like Cubbon Park, Chitrakala Parishath, and various neighborhood parks. Most events are free or low-cost (100-300 rupees), making it accessible. The festival showcases both traditional Karnataka arts and contemporary urban culture - it's genuinely for locals, not a tourist production.
Kadalekai Parishe (Groundnut Festival)
Held on the last Monday of the Karthika month (usually late November or early December), this 500-year-old festival takes over Basavanagudi's Bull Temple area. The streets fill with groundnut sellers, flower vendors, and traditional food stalls stretching for 2 km (1.2 miles). It's chaotic, crowded, and genuinely local - you'll see more Bengalureans than tourists. Go early morning around 7-9am before crowds peak, and expect to spend 2-3 hours navigating the market.
Christmas Markets and Festivities
Bengaluru's significant Christian population means Christmas is widely celebrated, with markets popping up at venues like UB City, Church Street, and various parish grounds from mid-December. St. Mary's Basilica in Shivajinagar holds midnight mass on December 24th that draws thousands. Brigade Road and Commercial Street get elaborate decorations and extended shopping hours. The celebrations blend Western Christmas traditions with local Karnataka touches - expect plum cake with a side of masala chai.