Bolivia in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Bolivia
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect highland weather with comfortable 20-25°C (68-77°F) temperatures ideal for hiking the Andes and exploring colonial cities without extreme cold
- Peak growing season in the Amazon basin with lush vegetation, active wildlife, and the best river navigation conditions for jungle excursions
- Festival season with authentic celebrations like Fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe and New Year preparations showcasing genuine Bolivian culture
- School holidays bring local families to attractions, creating authentic cultural interactions and lively atmospheres at markets and festivals
Considerations
- Daily afternoon thunderstorms (60% chance) can disrupt outdoor activities between 2-5pm, requiring flexible scheduling and waterproof gear
- Higher accommodation prices in popular areas like Sucre and La Paz due to domestic tourism season, with rates 20-40% above low season
- Muddy conditions on unpaved roads in rural areas and some Amazon regions, making certain remote destinations temporarily inaccessible
Best Activities in December
Salar de Uyuni Salt Flat Photography Tours
December's rainy season creates the famous mirror effect on the salt flats, reflecting clouds and sky perfectly. The thin water layer (2-10 cm/1-4 inches) transforms the landscape into a surreal photography great destination. Morning tours (6-11am) offer the calmest conditions before afternoon winds.
Madidi National Park Amazon Tours
December's high water levels make river access optimal for reaching remote jungle lodges. The 70% humidity creates perfect conditions for wildlife spotting - birds are most active during cooler morning hours (6-9am), and the lush vegetation provides excellent camouflage for photographers.
La Paz Cable Car City Exploration
December's clear morning skies (before afternoon clouds) offer spectacular views of snow-capped Illimani mountain from the world's highest urban cable car system. The comfortable 20°C (68°F) temperatures make walking between stations pleasant, and local markets are bustling with holiday preparations.
Sucre Colonial Architecture Walking Tours
December's mild 22°C (72°F) temperatures make walking Sucre's cobblestone streets comfortable throughout the day. The White City's UNESCO sites are less crowded than dry season, and December's university break means more local guides are available for authentic historical insights.
Lake Titicaca Floating Islands Cultural Tours
December's stable weather patterns make boat travel across Lake Titicaca safer and more comfortable. The Uros floating islands are at their most accessible, and December celebrations include traditional music and ceremonies not performed during tourist peak season.
Potosí Cerro Rico Mining Tours
December's cooler highland temperatures make the physically demanding mine tours more manageable. The 4,090m (13,419 ft) altitude is easier to handle in moderate weather, and December's mining schedule follows traditional patterns with authentic worker interactions.
December Events & Festivals
Fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe
Sucre's most important religious celebration featuring traditional Bolivian folk dances, elaborate costumes, and street processions. Local families participate in authentic ceremonies not performed for tourists, offering genuine cultural immersion.
Año Nuevo Andino Preparations
Throughout December, indigenous communities prepare for the Andean New Year with traditional ceremonies, coca leaf rituals, and ancestral music performances in rural highlands. Markets fill with ceremonial items and traditional foods.