Things to Do in Bangladesh in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Bangladesh
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect temperature window for walking - mornings hit comfortable 20°C (68°F) ideal for exploring Old Dhaka's narrow lanes without the summer heat exhaustion
- Peak season for Hilsa fish - December marks the winter Hilsa run when restaurants serve the most prized catch at markets like Kawran Bazar
- Clear skies in Sylhet tea gardens - December offers 70% sunny days perfect for photographing the rolling green hills without monsoon haze
- Victory Day celebrations on December 16th create a patriotic atmosphere with military parades, cultural programs, and locals eager to share Bangladesh's independence story
Considerations
- Morning fog in northern districts like Rangpur can delay domestic flights by 2-3 hours and reduce visibility for Sundarbans boat trips until 10am
- Peak wedding season means hotel rates increase 40-60% in major cities and popular venues get booked solid, especially weekends
- Winter clothing becomes necessary for early morning activities - locals wear light sweaters and you'll need layers for 6am bird watching in wetlands
Best Activities in December
Sundarbans Mangrove Wildlife Tours
December offers the best wildlife viewing conditions in the Sundarbans with clear waters post-monsoon and active Royal Bengal Tigers coming to riverbanks to drink. Morning mist clears by 9am providing excellent photography conditions. Temperature stays comfortable at 22-25°C (72-77°F) during boat rides without summer's oppressive heat.
Cox's Bazar Beach Activities
December brings the calmest seas of the year to the world's longest natural beach. Water temperature reaches pleasant 24°C (75°F) with minimal waves, perfect for swimming and water sports. Beach walking is comfortable in morning hours before temperatures peak, and stunning sunsets are unobstructed by monsoon clouds.
Srimangal Tea Garden Cycling
December provides perfect cycling weather through tea estates with crisp morning air at 18°C (64°F) warming to comfortable 24°C (75°F) by afternoon. Tea bushes are lush post-monsoon and workers are actively picking, creating authentic photo opportunities. Clear skies offer unobstructed views of rolling green hills.
Old Dhaka Heritage Walking Tours
December's moderate temperatures make exploring Old Dhaka's dense streets bearable - summer heat of 35°C+ (95°F+) makes the same walks exhausting. Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil, and Star Mosque are best visited during comfortable morning temperatures. Street food vendors are most active in cooler weather.
Chittagong Hill Tracts Tribal Villages
December is the only comfortable month for hill station visits in Bandarban and Rangamati. Temperatures drop to pleasant 15-20°C (59-68°F) at higher elevations while summer brings exhausting humidity. Post-monsoon waterfalls are full-flowing and tribal communities celebrate winter harvest festivals.
Rocket Steamer Barisal River Journey
December offers the most comfortable conditions aboard the century-old paddle steamer through Bangladesh's river networks. Cooler temperatures make deck seating enjoyable during the 12-hour journey, while monsoon season creates choppy, uncomfortable rides. Rivers are navigable post-monsoon with scenic green banks.
December Events & Festivals
Victory Day Celebrations
December 16th marks Bangladesh's victory in the 1971 Liberation War with military parades at the National Parade Ground, wreath-laying at Savar National Memorial, and cultural programs nationwide. Streets fill with flags and locals are particularly proud to share their history with foreign visitors.
Winter Harvest Festivals
Rural areas celebrate Nabanna (new rice harvest) with traditional boat races, folk performances, and community feasts featuring seasonal rice varieties. Tribal communities in Chittagong Hill Tracts hold colorful harvest ceremonies with traditional dress and indigenous music.
Dhaka International Film Festival
Annual showcase of South Asian cinema typically held mid-December featuring Bengali films with English subtitles, documentary screenings, and cultural discussions at venues like the National Museum and British Council. Provides insight into contemporary Bangladeshi culture.