Things to Do in Venezuela in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Venezuela
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season with only 3 rainy days - perfect for Angel Falls helicopter tours and tepui trekking with minimal weather disruptions
- Crystal clear visibility for photography at Roraima and Canaima - December offers the clearest skies of the year with 28-day visibility averages above 15 km (9.3 miles)
- Los Llanos wildlife viewing at its absolute peak - water holes concentrate animals as rivers recede, making December the premier month for jaguar, capybara, and bird spotting
- Comfortable temperatures 22-28°C (72-82°F) ideal for multi-day treks without the exhausting heat of March-May or the flooding concerns of June-November
Considerations
- Highest accommodation prices of the year - expect 40-60% premiums over wet season rates, especially in Canaima and Ciudad Bolívar
- Advanced booking essential for domestic flights - Conviasa and other carriers often fully booked 6-8 weeks ahead for Canaima routes in December
- Intense UV exposure at 8+ daily - altitude combined with clear skies and equatorial sun creates serious sunburn risk within 15 minutes without SPF 50+
Best Activities in December
Angel Falls Tours
December offers the most reliable flying conditions to the world's highest waterfall. Helicopter and small plane tours operate 90% of scheduled flights versus 60% in wet season. Water levels are perfect - high enough for impressive flow but weather clear enough for unobstructed views. Morning tours (7-9am) have the best visibility before afternoon thermal activity.
Mount Roraima Trekking
The tepui's most accessible climbing season with minimal rainfall and stable temperatures. December's dry conditions make the final scramble sections safer with better rock grip. Nights are cool 15°C (59°F) but days remain comfortable for the 6-day trek. Cloud forests are at their most navigable with fewer muddy sections.
Los Llanos Wildlife Safari
December transforms the plains into Venezuela's Serengeti as receding waters concentrate wildlife around remaining water sources. Jaguar sightings peak at 70% success rate versus 30% in wet months. Morning boat trips (5:30-8:30am) offer cooler temperatures and most active wildlife before daily temperatures reach 35°C (95°F).
Orinoco Delta Indigenous Tours
Lower water levels in December make navigation easier while maintaining access to indigenous Warao communities. Mosquito populations drop significantly compared to wet season, making overnight stays in traditional houses more comfortable. Traditional palm weaving and fishing demonstrations are most active during dry months.
Médanos de Coro Desert Adventures
December's lower humidity makes desert exploration more tolerable despite intense sun. Sandboarding conditions are optimal with firmer sand surfaces. Early morning (6-8am) and late afternoon (4-6pm) temperatures stay around 25°C (77°F) while midday reaches 38°C (100°F). Clear skies offer spectacular star gazing opportunities.
Caribbean Coast Beach Activities
December combines perfect beach weather with calm Caribbean waters ideal for snorkeling and diving. Los Roques and Morrocoy National Parks offer 28°C (82°F) water temperatures and 20+ meter (66+ feet) visibility. Trade winds provide natural cooling while maintaining calm conditions for water sports.
December Events & Festivals
Feria de la Chinita (Maracaibo)
Venezuela's largest religious festival honoring the Virgin of Chiquinquirá transforms Maracaibo into a month-long celebration. Street parties, traditional gaita music, and elaborate processions fill the city. The main celebration occurs around December 8th with hundreds of thousands of participants.
Paradura del Niño
Andean Christmas tradition where communities 'wake up' baby Jesus figurines with traditional music and dancing. Most authentic celebrations occur in Mérida state villages with families opening homes to visitors. Features traditional aguinaldos (Christmas songs) and local foods.