Dhaka in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Dhaka
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect temperature range of 15-25°C (59-78°F) makes December the most comfortable month for extended walking tours through Old Dhaka's narrow lanes without the exhausting heat of summer months
- Crystal clear air visibility during December's dry season offers impressive views from Sky Lounge rooftops and allows for excellent photography of the Buriganga River and city skyline - visibility extends 15-20 km (9-12 miles) compared to 3-5 km (2-3 miles) in monsoon months
- Victory Day celebrations on December 16th transform the entire city with street performances, military parades, and cultural programs at Suhrawardy Udyan - the most significant national celebration you can witness as a visitor
- December marks peak wedding season when you'll encounter elaborate Bengali wedding processions with decorated vehicles, traditional music, and celebration tents throughout the city - offering authentic cultural immersion impossible during other months
Considerations
- Morning fog between 5-9 AM can reduce visibility to under 100 m (330 ft), causing flight delays at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and making early morning river cruises less scenic than advertised
- December is peak tourist season for both domestic and international visitors, resulting in 40-60% higher accommodation prices and crowded conditions at major attractions like Lalbagh Fort and this destination during weekends
- Temperature drops to 15°C (59°F) in early mornings require layered clothing, but by noon temperatures reach 25°C (78°F) - this 10°C (18°F) daily swing catches many first-time visitors unprepared with inappropriate clothing
Best Activities in December
Old Dhaka Heritage Walking Tours
December's comfortable 15-25°C (59-78°F) temperatures make 4-6 hour walking tours through Shakhari Patti, Shankhari Bazaar, and Armenian Street actually enjoyable instead of exhausting. The dry weather means narrow medieval lanes aren't muddy, and reduced humidity lets you focus on intricate Mughal architecture details. Morning fog adds mystical atmosphere to sunrise tours starting at Lalbagh Fort.
Buriganga River Sunset Cruises
December's clear skies and minimal rainfall create perfect conditions for river cruises with unobstructed sunset views. The comfortable evening temperatures of 18-20°C (64-68°F) mean you can enjoy open-deck cruises without sweltering heat. December's dry season means lower water levels reveal more of the historic riverbank architecture and traditional boat building yards.
Rickshaw Food Trail Adventures
Cool December evenings make rickshaw tours through Dhaka's street food districts comfortable rather than overwhelming. The 15-20°C (59-68°F) night temperatures are perfect for stopping frequently at food stalls without losing appetite to heat. December's dry weather means food vendors set up more elaborate displays, and Victory Day celebrations add special holiday treats to menus.
Savar Archaeological Site Day Trips
December's comfortable daytime temperatures and minimal rainfall make the 45 km (28 mile) trip to explore Buddhist ruins and the National Martyrs Memorial actually pleasant. Clear December skies provide excellent photography conditions for the memorial's distinctive architecture, and cool mornings are perfect for exploring outdoor archaeological sites without heat exhaustion.
Traditional Craft Workshop Tours
December's pleasant indoor temperatures make spending 3-4 hours in traditional workshops learning jamdani weaving, pottery, or brass work comfortable without needing constant air conditioning breaks. Many artisan families work extended hours in December's cooler weather, giving visitors more opportunities to observe complete crafting processes.
Dhaka University Campus Cultural Tours
December brings the most active campus life as students return for winter semester and prepare for Victory Day celebrations. The comfortable walking temperatures and clear skies are ideal for exploring the historic campus architecture, attending student cultural performances, and visiting the Liberation War Museum. December's academic calendar means maximum campus activity and cultural events.
December Events & Festivals
Victory Day National Celebrations
December 16th marks Bangladesh's most important national holiday with military parades at the National Parade Ground, cultural programs at Suhrawardy Udyan, and street celebrations citywide. Witness traditional folk performances, military displays, and massive public gatherings celebrating independence. The entire city transforms with flags, decorations, and patriotic fervor.
Winter Wedding Season Festivities
December through February is peak Bengali wedding season with elaborate processions featuring decorated cars, horse-drawn carriages, traditional dhol players, and colorful celebrations visible throughout the city. Many hotels and community centers host multiple wedding receptions, offering glimpses into Bengali wedding traditions and elaborate feast preparations.
Dhaka Literary Festival
Usually held in late December, this growing cultural event brings together Bangladeshi and international writers, poets, and intellectuals for panel discussions, poetry readings, and cultural exchanges. Venues include hotel conference centers and cultural institutions across the city, offering English-language programming alongside Bengali sessions.