Yes, December is a good time to visit Bogota, Colombia. Here are some reasons why:
Weather: December is part of the dry season in Bogota, which lasts from December to February. This means that you can expect mostly sunny days with low humidity and mild temperatures. The average temperature in December is around 14°C (57°F), with highs reaching up to 19°C (66°F) and lows dropping to around 9°C (48°F).
Christmas Festivities: December is a festive time in Bogota, with the city decorated in lights and Christmas decorations. There are also many special events and activities taking place during this time, such as Christmas markets, concerts, and parades. The most famous Christmas event in Bogota is “El Alumbrado Navideño,” a month-long festival of lights that transforms the city into a magical wonderland.
Cultural Events: December is also a good time to experience Bogota’s vibrant cultural scene. There are many museums, art galleries, and theaters to visit, as well as a variety of cultural festivals and events taking place throughout the month.
Shopping: December is a great time to go shopping in Bogota, as many stores offer sales and discounts during this time. You can find everything from traditional Colombian crafts and souvenirs to designer clothes and electronics.
Overall, December is a great time to visit Bogota for its pleasant weather, festive atmosphere, cultural events, and shopping opportunities.
Here are some additional tips for planning your trip to Bogota in December:
- Book your flights and accommodation in advance, as this is a popular time to visit the city.
- Be prepared for crowds, especially during the Christmas festivals and events.
- Dress in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable.
- Take advantage of the many free or low-cost activities available, such as walking tours, museum visits, and concerts.
- Try some of the local Colombian cuisine, such as tamales, empanadas, and bandeja paisa.
- Don’t forget to visit Monserrate, a mountaintop with stunning views of the city.
Weather In Bogota During December
The weather in Bogota, Colombia during December is typically mild and dry. The average temperature is around 14°C (57°F), with highs of around 19°C (66°F) and lows of around 9°C (48°F). There is little precipitation during this time of year, with an average of only 4 days of rain per month. The humidity is also low, making it a comfortable time to visit the city. Overall, the weather in Bogota, Colombia during December is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities such as walking, sightseeing, and visiting museums.
Things To Do In Bogota In December
- Festival of Lights: Bogotá’s Festival of Lights is a spectacular event that takes place every December. The festival features millions of lights and decorations that illuminate the city’s streets, parks, and buildings. There are also a number of cultural events and activities that take place during the festival, such as concerts, dance performances, and art exhibitions.
- Christmas Markets: Christmas markets are a great place to find unique gifts, decorations, and food. Bogotá has a number of Christmas markets that take place in December, including the Feria Artesanal de Navidad (Christmas Artisan Fair) and the Mercado de Navidad de Usaquén (Usaquén Christmas Market).
- Novenas de Aguinaldos: This is a nine-day celebration of Christmas that takes place in Colombia. Each night of the novena, families and friends gather together to pray, sing carols, and eat traditional Colombian food.
- Posadas Navideñas: Posadas Navideñas are processions that take place on the evenings leading up to Christmas. The processions typically involve people carrying candles and singing carols.
- Nochebuena: Nochebuena is Christmas Eve. On this night, families and friends gather together for a large meal and to exchange gifts.
- Día de Navidad: Día de Navidad is Christmas Day. On this day, families and friends continue to celebrate with a large meal and gift-giving.
- Fiesta de los Inocentes: Fiesta de los Inocentes is a celebration that takes place on December 28th. This celebration commemorates the massacre of the innocent children by King Herod. On this day, people often play jokes on each other and engage in other forms of merrymaking.
Tourism In Bogota, Colombia During December
Tourism in Bogotá, Colombia during December is a vibrant and festive experience, characterized by various cultural events, holiday traditions, and a lively atmosphere. Here’s an overview of what tourism is like in Bogotá during December:
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Christmas Lights and Decorations:
- The city is adorned with colorful lights, festive decorations, and elaborate nativity scenes (pesebres) throughout the streets, parks, and buildings.
- The most renowned light display is the “Alumbrado Navideño” in the Chapinero neighborhood, featuring stunning light installations and attracting many visitors.
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Cultural Events:
- The month of December is marked by several cultural events, including art exhibitions, concerts, and theater performances.
- The Bogotá International Film Festival (BIFF) usually takes place in December, showcasing renowned and independent films from around the world.
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Holiday Traditions:
- The Christmas Novena (Novena de Navidad) is a popular tradition celebrated in Colombian households. It involves daily prayers and songs leading up to Christmas Eve.
- The Misa de Aguinaldo or Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is a significant religious event attended by many locals and visitors.
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Shopping and Markets:
- The holiday season is a prime time for shopping in Bogotá. Visitors can find unique gifts, souvenirs, and traditional Colombian products at various markets, such as the Usaquén Flea Market and Centro Comercial La Casona de la 93.
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Outdoor Activities:
- Despite being located close to the equator, Bogotá offers mild weather in December, making it a pleasant time for outdoor activities.
- Visitors can enjoy scenic walks through parks like La Macarena and El Virrey, or take a cable car ride up the Monserrate mountain for panoramic city views.
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Gastronomy:
- Bogotá’s culinary scene is vibrant year-round, and during December, there’s an abundance of traditional Colombian dishes prepared for the holiday season.
- Some popular holiday dishes to try include buñuelos, natilla, and hojuelas.
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Safety:
- While Bogotá has a generally good safety record, it’s advisable to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas during the holiday season.
Overall, tourism in Bogotá during December is a delightful experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s festive atmosphere, cultural traditions, and diverse attractions.
