Brasilia in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Brasilia

27°C (80°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

241 mm (9.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak green season with lush landscapes and blooming ipê trees creating impressive yellow canopies throughout the city - perfect for photography at Paranoá Lake and City Park
Fewer international tourists compared to June-August, meaning shorter lines at Congresso Nacional and Cathedral of Brasília tours, plus better hotel rates dropping 20-30% from peak season
Excellent conditions for outdoor activities with warm days ideal for lake recreation and cooler evenings (18°C/64°F) perfect for exploring the Plano Piloto on foot
December celebrations include Brasília's anniversary month festivities and holiday markets at Torre de TV, offering authentic local experiences without crowds

Considerations

Rainy season means afternoon thunderstorms 10 days of the month - plan indoor activities like museums and shopping for 2-6pm when storms typically hit
High humidity (70%) makes outdoor walking more exhausting, especially during midday heat - you'll need more frequent breaks and hydration
Some lake activities may be cancelled on stormy days, reducing options at Paranoá Lake recreation areas

Best Activities in December

Architectural Walking Tours of Plano Piloto

December's cooler mornings (18°C/64°F) and evenings are perfect for exploring Oscar Niemeyer's masterpieces. The rainy season creates dramatic skies that photograph beautifully against the modernist architecture. Start at 7am or after 4pm to avoid both heat and afternoon storms.

Booking Tip: Book architectural tours 5-7 days ahead through certified cultural guides. Expect to pay R$80-120 per person for 3-4 hour walking tours. Look for guides with Ministry of Tourism certification. Check current tour options in the booking section below.

Lake Paranoá Water Activities

December's warm temperatures make lake activities ideal, but plan for morning sessions (8am-11am) before afternoon storms. The lake reaches perfect temperatures for swimming and stand-up paddleboarding. Sailing conditions are excellent with consistent thermal winds.

Booking Tip: Reserve equipment rental or boat tours by 10am for same-day activities. Half-day rentals typically cost R$60-100. Choose operators with covered boats for storm protection. See current water activity options in the booking widget.

Cerrado National Park Hiking

The rainy season transforms the cerrado savanna into a green great destination with wildflowers and active wildlife. December offers the best waterfall flow at Cachoeira do Cordovil. Early morning hikes (6am start) avoid afternoon storms and offer excellent wildlife viewing.

Booking Tip: Book guided cerrado tours 10-14 days ahead during green season. Full-day tours cost R$150-250 per person including transport. Ensure guides provide rain gear and have alternative indoor locations. Check available hiking tours below.

Torre de TV and Holiday Markets

December features special holiday artisan markets at Torre de TV every weekend, showcasing regional crafts and foods. The 224m (735ft) observation deck offers spectacular views of the green cityscape. Evening visits (5-7pm) provide impressive sunset photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for the tower, but arrive early evening for best lighting. Market vendors typically accept cash only. Budget R$30-80 for unique cerrado handicrafts and local snacks.

Cathedral and JK Memorial Cultural Tours

December's variable weather makes indoor cultural attractions perfect for afternoon storm periods. The Cathedral's unique architecture and JK Memorial museum provide air-conditioned comfort while learning Brazilian political history. Plan 3-4 hours for both sites.

Booking Tip: Both sites offer free entry but guided cultural context tours cost R$40-60. Book cultural tours through hotel concierges or see current options below. Avoid midday visits when tour buses arrive (11am-2pm).

Pontão do Lago Sul Dining and Nightlife

December evenings are perfect for lakeside dining at Pontão complex. The area comes alive after 6pm when temperatures cool to comfortable levels. Multiple restaurants offer outdoor seating with lake views, and the nightlife scene peaks around 9pm.

Booking Tip: Make dinner reservations by 3pm for lakeside tables, especially weekends. Expect to spend R$80-150 per person for dinner with drinks. Many venues offer live music Thursday-Saturday. No advance booking needed for bars.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Festival de Verão de Brasília

Annual summer music festival featuring Brazilian artists across multiple venues including Estádio Nacional. Three days of concerts showcasing MPB, sertanejo, and rock nacional with food trucks and artisan markets

Early to Late December

Mercado de Natal da Torre

Traditional Christmas market at Torre de TV featuring regional crafts, cerrado foods, and live folk music performances. Local artisans sell handmade goods and traditional sweets like pequi candy and buriti palm products

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket or compact umbrella - afternoon storms last 30-45 minutes with heavy downpours

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days due to 1,172m (3,845ft) altitude

Breathable cotton or moisture-wicking shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity conditions

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - marble surfaces at this destination become slippery when wet

Light sweater or long sleeves for evenings - temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F) creating surprising chill

Waterproof phone case or bag - protect electronics during sudden downpours

Insect repellent with DEET - increased mosquito activity during rainy season, especially near lake areas

Power bank and extra phone charger - frequent use of weather apps and maps drains batteries faster

Cash in small bills (R$10-50 notes) - many market vendors and food trucks don't accept cards

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated is crucial in humid conditions, and Brasília has good tap water

Insider Knowledge

Use the VLT (light rail) system extensively in December - it's fully air-conditioned and connects major tourist sites while avoiding afternoon storm exposure

Local brasilienses eat lunch early (11:30am-12:30pm) and dinner late (8-10pm) to avoid the worst heat and storms - follow this schedule for better restaurant availability

The city's superquadra residential blocks provide excellent covered walkways during storms - locals use SQS 308 and 108 as shortcuts between metro stations

December is when government workers receive their 13th salary bonus, so restaurants and bars offer special promotions mid-month - ask about 'promoções do décimo terceiro'

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities between 1-4pm when thunderstorms typically occur - this ruins lake trips and walking tours

Underestimating the temperature drop in evenings and arriving at outdoor restaurants unprepared for 18°C (64°F) weather

Not carrying cash for weekend markets and food trucks - most vendors at Torre de TV and local events are cash-only