Things to Do in Venezuela in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
Shoulder Season · Good Value
December Weather in Venezuela
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
80°F (27°C)
High Temp
65°F (18°C)
Low Temp
4.2 inches (107 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + Trade-winds off the Caribbean keep December afternoons surprisingly comfortable, the breeze at Playa El Agua or Playa Colorada drops the effective temperature by 3-4°C (5-7°F), turning midday beach time from brutal to pleasant.
- + Evening lightning storms over Lake Maracaibo, December is peak season for Catatumbo lightning, the world's only permanent lightning storm, visible from the lakeside villages most nights between 7-10 PM.
- + Wildlife on Los Roques changes with the season, December brings migrating flamingos to the cays and nesting sea turtles to Cayo de Agua, giving you two bucket-list sightings in one trip.
- + The entire country is in post-holiday recovery mode, Christmas decorations stay up through January 6, but domestic travel drops sharply after New Year's, leaving beaches and museums gloriously uncrowded.
Considerations
- − Afternoon storms roll in fast, you'll feel the pressure drop around 2 PM and have maybe 15 minutes to find cover before sheets of rain turn Margarita's dirt roads to red mud.
- − Island supply chains get thin, Los Roques runs on weekly cargo boats, and December storms can delay deliveries for days. Expect limited menu options and higher prices at posadas.
- − Caracas traffic goes feral, December school holidays mean more cars than usual. But fewer professional drivers. Rush hour extends from 6 AM to 9 PM most days.
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
December in Venezuela brings drier, cooler air. It tempers the tropical heat. Days are long and bright. The sun warms you without the oppressive humidity of earlier months. Evenings gain a welcome crispness. This makes open-air gatherings more comfortable. The period aligns with the Feria de la Chinita in Maracaibo. There, the night sky over Lake Maracaibo explodes with color. Streets thrum with brass bands and sizzling plantains until dawn. For travelers, it is a time to see Venezuela celebrating. Daily life quickens with festivity against a backdrop of reliable weather. You get a distinct sensory palette. The scent of charcoal smoke from roadside grills mingles with salty sea air along the coast. Interior valleys feel a cool mountain breeze. You will see the gleaming white peaks of the Andes under clear blue skies. You will hear the powerful roar of waterfalls after the rainy season. It is a prime month for exploring the varied landscapes of Venezuela, from cloud forests to shorelines.
Full Day Tour to Montanejos and Thermal Pools
day_tripThis tour examines a landscape of dramatic contrasts. You hike through misty cloud forests echoing with bird calls. Then you sink into the mineral-rich warmth of natural thermal springs. The journey winds through rural Venezuela. You pass fields of sugarcane and small towns where life feels suspended in time.
It delivers the profound physical contrast of a vigorous mountain trek followed by deep geothermal relaxation. All within a single day.
Insider tip: Bring a quick-dry towel. Wear sturdy shoes that can handle muddy trails and wet rock surfaces around the pools.
Peniscola Day tour, Game of Thrones
guided_experienceThis tour takes you to a coastal fortress town. Its stone walls, battered by sea spray and centuries of history, served as a filming location for the famed series. You walk the same cobbled paths as characters. Mediterranean light casts long shadows. Waves crash against the ancient ramparts below.
It merges the tangible thrill of a cinematic pilgrimage with the authentic weight of a historic Spanish citadel by the sea.
Insider tip: Focus your camera on architectural details. Photograph arched gateways and weathered stone against the blue sea. This captures the location's dual identity.
Valencia for Cruise Passengers: Tuk-Tuk Tour (2 hours)
cruiseThis has a swift, breezy look into Venezuela's industrial heart. You zip past colonial-era plazas with weathered bell towers. You ride through modern commercial districts pulsing with activity. The open-air ride lets you feel the city's humid air. You catch the smell of arepas grilling from street vendors. All with the convenience of a curated route.
It provides an efficient and engaging overview of Valencia's layered identity. It covers the historical core and the contemporary energy. It is good for a limited port schedule.
Insider tip: Request a stop at the busy central market. See the piles of tropical fruit. Hear the animated calls of vendors, even if just for a few minutes.
Where to Stay in Venezuela in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
December Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
Mid November to early December
Feria de la Chinita
Maracaibo's massive fair honoring the Virgin of Chiquinquirá runs for two weeks with nightly fireworks over the lake. The entire city turns into a street party, brass bands march through neighborhoods at 2 AM, and food stalls sell patacones (fried plantain sandwiches) until sunrise.
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View Venezuela Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Island-hopping flights go on sale Monday mornings, local airlines drop prices for the following weekend, giving you 30-40% savings if you can book Tuesday-Thursday
The best arepas aren't in restaurants, look for women selling from their home windows in residential neighborhoods, usually marked by a hand-written sign that just says 'AREPAS'
December's trade winds make Los Roques good for learning to kitesurf. But instructors head home for Christmas on December 20, book lessons before then
The Caracas metro punches above its weight, shuttling you cleanly through the city center even when December rain lashes the streets, and the fare still matches the price of a single bottle of water.
Avoid These Mistakes
Stop trying to swallow all of Venezuela in one week, the country is massive, and December weather can bench domestic aircraft for days. Choose one region and dig into it properly.
Arriving with only US dollars is short-sighted, many vendors lean toward euros, and certain ATMs spit out nothing but bolívares. A pocketful of both currencies keeps your options wide open.
Locking yourself into a beach hotel miles from town is risky, December storms can cut the road and leave you without a restaurant or shop within walking distance.
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