Things to Do in Bengaluru in December

December Weather in Bengaluru

28°C (82°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

12mm (0.5 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather window - December offers Bengaluru's most comfortable temperatures with 15-28°C (59-82°F) range, minimal rainfall (only 12mm/0.5 inches), and low humidity at 65%
Peak festival season - December brings Bengaluru's vibrant cultural calendar with Christmas celebrations in Fraser Town, New Year events at UB City Mall, and traditional Kannada winter festivals
Outdoor activity paradise - Clear skies and cool mornings make it ideal for Nandi Hills sunrise trips (1,478m/4,849ft elevation), Cubbon Park walks, and rooftop dining without monsoon disruptions
IT professional exodus creates local experiences - Many tech workers travel home for holidays, meaning less crowded restaurants, easier reservations, and more authentic interactions with long-term residents

Considerations

Accommodation price surge - December rates increase 40-60% due to year-end conferences, NRI visits, and holiday tourism, especially in Koramangala and Indiranagar areas
New Year's Eve chaos - December 31st brings severe traffic restrictions on MG Road, Brigade Road, and Commercial Street, with metro services extended but still overcrowded until 2am
Air quality concerns - Winter inversion can trap pollutants, with AQI occasionally reaching 150-200 on still days, particularly affecting those with respiratory sensitivities

Best Activities in December

Nandi Hills Sunrise Expeditions

December's crisp mornings (15°C/59°F at 5am) and clear skies create perfect conditions for sunrise viewing from 1,478m (4,849ft). The 60km (37 mile) drive takes 90 minutes, and December's minimal rainfall means 95% success rate for cloud-free sunrises. Local cyclists tackle the 1,175m (3,854ft) climb in cool weather.

Booking Tip: Start by 4:30am to beat crowds and secure parking. Organized tours typically cost ₹800-1,200 per person including transport. Book 5-7 days ahead through established operators offering blankets and hot beverages.

Heritage Walking Tours in Pete Area

December's pleasant 20-25°C (68-77°F) daytime temperatures make exploring Bengaluru's historic core comfortable. The dry weather means dusty lanes around Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace and Bull Temple are walkable. Early morning tours (7-10am) avoid both heat and crowds.

Booking Tip: Heritage walks cost ₹500-800 per person for 3-hour guided tours. Book through certified local history guides. Morning slots fill quickly in December - reserve 10-14 days ahead.

Craft Brewery Circuit Tours

December's cool evenings (18-22°C/64-72°F) create perfect patio weather for Bengaluru's famous microbrewery scene. Koramangala and Indiranagar areas see peak activity as NRIs return home and year-end celebrations begin. Outdoor seating becomes premium real estate.

Booking Tip: Brewery hopping tours typically cost ₹1,500-2,500 including transport between 3-4 breweries and tastings. December bookings essential for weekend slots - arrange 2 weeks ahead for group tours.

Bangalore Palace and Cubbon Park Cycling

December's dry conditions and morning temperatures around 16°C (61°F) make cycling through Bengaluru's green corridors ideal. The 121-hectare (300-acre) Cubbon Park connects seamlessly to Bangalore Palace grounds. Zero rainfall risk means reliable outdoor exploration.

Booking Tip: Cycling tours cost ₹400-600 per person including bicycle rental and guide. Early morning slots (6:30-9:30am) offer best weather and bird watching. Book current cycling tour options through the booking section below.

Day Trips to Mysore Palace

The 150km (93 mile) journey to Mysore becomes highly appealing in December's comfortable weather. The palace's outdoor Dasara exhibition grounds and gardens are walkable without monsoon mud or summer heat. Return trips are pleasant in 25°C (77°F) evening temperatures.

Booking Tip: Full-day Mysore tours range ₹2,000-3,500 per person including transport, palace entry, and lunch. December weekend slots book up 3 weeks in advance due to perfect weather conditions.

Food Street Night Markets

December evenings (18-23°C/64-73°F) bring out Bengaluru's street food culture. VV Puram Food Street, Fraser Town, and Shivajinagar markets operate comfortably in cool, dry weather. No rain means consistent vendor attendance and fresh preparation.

Booking Tip: Food walking tours cost ₹600-1,000 per person covering 8-10 stalls over 3 hours. December sees maximum vendor variety and tourist-friendly evening temperatures. See current food tour options in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

December 15-25

Christmas in Fraser Town

Bengaluru's historic Anglo-Indian quarter transforms with house decorations, carol singing, and community celebrations. St. Patrick's Church and surrounding streets host evening programs with traditional plum cake and wine sharing.

Early to Mid December

Bengaluru Winter Festival

Lalbagh Botanical Garden hosts cultural programs, flower shows, and traditional Kannada performances. The 96-hectare (240-acre) garden showcases winter blooms and hosts evening classical music concerts.

December 31

New Year's Eve at UB City Mall

Bengaluru's premium shopping and dining complex hosts countdown celebrations with live music, DJ performances, and rooftop parties. Brigade Road and surrounding areas close to traffic for pedestrian celebrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Light layering clothing - Mornings start at 15°C (59°F) but afternoons reach 28°C (82°F), pack cotton shirts with a light sweater or cardigan

Closed-toe walking shoes - December's dry conditions create dust on unpaved areas around heritage sites and markets

Sunscreen SPF 30+ - UV index of 7 requires protection during midday outdoor activities, especially at higher elevations like Nandi Hills

Light jacket for evening dining - Outdoor restaurant patios and rooftop bars can feel cool after sunset at 18°C (64°F)

Minimal rain gear - Only 1 rainy day expected, but keep a compact umbrella for unexpected brief showers

Comfortable day pack - Perfect weather encourages longer walking tours and outdoor exploration

Reusable water bottle - Low humidity at 65% still requires hydration during active sightseeing

Evening outfit for nightlife - December's comfortable temperatures make Bengaluru's pub scene highly active

Camera with extra batteries - Clear skies and excellent visibility create optimal photography conditions

Cash in small denominations - Street food vendors and auto-rickshaw drivers often lack change during busy December tourist season

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation before November 15th - December rates spike due to NRI homecoming season and year-end corporate events, with Koramangala and Whitefield seeing 50-60% increases

Use morning hours strategically - December's 15°C (59°F) dawn temperatures make 6-9am ideal for Cubbon Park, Lalbagh, and heritage walks before afternoon crowds arrive

Metro timing advantage - December's extended daylight until 6pm means comfortable metro travel, but expect overcrowding during 6-8pm as office parties and celebrations increase ridership

Local festival calendar awareness - Avoid planning major activities around December 25th and January 1st when many local services, including some restaurants and shops, operate reduced hours

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating December accommodation demand - Waiting until arrival to book hotels results in 70% higher rates and limited availability in prime areas like MG Road and Koramangala

Overdressing for daytime activities - Many visitors pack for 15°C (59°F) morning temperatures but suffer in 28°C (82°F) afternoon heat during heritage walks and outdoor tours

Ignoring December 31st transport restrictions - New Year's Eve brings metro line closures and road blocks around Brigade Road, Commercial Street, and MG Road from 9pm-2am