Chittagong in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Chittagong

26°C (80°F) High Temp

16°C (60°F) Low Temp

10 mm (0.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season means crystal-clear visibility for Karnaphuli River boat tours and hill district views extending 25-30 km (15-18 miles) on clear days
Cool mornings (16°C/60°F) are perfect for exploring Chittagong Hill Tracts without the exhausting heat - locals call this 'golden weather' for trekking
December marks peak season for hilsa fish - the city's signature dish is at its absolute best, with markets like Kazir Dewri bursting with fresh catches
Pohela Boishakh preparation season means traditional craft workshops in Old Chittagong are most active, offering authentic cultural experiences tourists rarely see

Considerations

This is peak tourist season for the hill districts, so accommodation prices increase 40-60% and popular viewpoints like Sitakunda Eco Park get crowded on weekends
December's variable weather means you might face sudden temperature drops from 26°C to 16°C (80°F to 60°F) within hours, making packing challenging
Ferry schedules to nearby islands become less predictable due to December winds, with 20-30% of services delayed or cancelled

Best Activities in December

Chittagong Hill Tracts Trekking Tours

December's cool mornings and low humidity make this the ideal time for multi-day treks through tribal villages. The clear air provides impressive valley views, and it's the only month comfortable enough for 6-8 hour hiking days. Traditional tribal winter festivals also occur during this period.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead through licensed operators who provide tribal permits. Tours typically cost ৳4,000-6,500 ($35-55) per day including permits and local guides. Look for operators registered with Bangladesh Tourism Board. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Karnaphuli River Sunset Cruises

December's dry season means the river is at optimal levels for boat tours, with minimal mud and maximum visibility. The cooler evening temperatures (18-20°C/64-68°F) make 2-3 hour cruises comfortable, and you'll see the port city's industrial landscape transform into something beautiful at golden hour.

Booking Tip: Book same-day or 1-2 days ahead from this destination terminal area. Expect ৳800-1,500 ($7-13) for 2-hour tours. Avoid Friday evenings when local families crowd the boats. Licensed operators display tourism board certificates.

Sitakunda Temple and Hot Springs Tours

The combination of ancient Hindu temples and natural hot springs is perfect in December when the 35-40°C (95-104°F) spring water feels amazing against cool morning air. This is also pilgrimage season, so you'll witness authentic religious ceremonies most tourists never see.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost ৳2,500-4,000 ($22-35) including transport from city center. Book through operators offering both temple access and spring entry - separate bookings cost more. Distance is 37 km (23 miles) from city center, requiring 1.5-hour each way transport.

Traditional Fish Market and Cooking Experiences

December is peak hilsa season - Bangladesh's national fish is at its fatty, flavorful best. Early morning market tours (5:30-7:30am) showcase the incredible seafood variety when temperatures are cool enough to walk comfortably through crowded Firingi Bazaar and Kazir Dewri markets.

Booking Tip: Half-day market tours with cooking lessons run ৳1,800-2,800 ($15-25). Book with operators who include English-speaking guides familiar with fish varieties. Morning tours are essential - afternoon heat makes market visits unpleasant. Reference booking widget for current culinary tour options.

Patenga Beach and Cox's Bazar Day Trips

December's moderate UV index (8) and comfortable beach temperatures make this ideal for coastal activities. The 4-hour journey to Cox's Bazar is worthwhile when you can actually enjoy beach time without scorching heat. Local Patenga Beach offers sunset views with cool evening breezes.

Booking Tip: Cox's Bazar day trips cost ৳5,500-8,500 ($48-75) including transport and lunch. Distance is 152 km (94 miles) each way. Book with operators providing air-conditioned vehicles - the journey is long but manageable in December weather. Local Patenga trips cost ৳800-1,200 ($7-10).

War Liberation Museum and Historical Walking Tours

December's comfortable walking temperatures make exploring Chittagong's 1971 Liberation War sites feasible. The 3-4 km (1.8-2.5 mile) walking circuits through old city areas are only comfortable during this cooler season. You'll visit actual bunkers and memorial sites with proper context from local historians.

Booking Tip: Historical walking tours run ৳1,200-2,000 ($10-17) for 3-4 hours including museum entry. Book with operators providing qualified historical guides, not just English speakers. Tours operate morning and late afternoon to avoid midday heat even in December.

December Events & Festivals

December 16

Victory Day Celebrations

December 16th marks Bangladesh's Victory Day with elaborate parades, cultural programs, and public celebrations throughout Chittagong. The port city holds special significance as a key liberation war site, making celebrations here more authentic than tourist-focused events elsewhere.

Throughout December

Winter Tribal Festivals

Various indigenous communities in nearby Hill Tracts hold harvest and winter solstice celebrations throughout December. These include traditional dance, local wine ceremonies, and craft displays that provide genuine cultural insight beyond typical tourist experiences.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered cotton clothing - temperature swings from 16-26°C (60-80°F) mean you'll need both light shirts and warm layers for early mornings

Waterproof day pack - those 10 rainy days produce sudden downpours that soak through regular bags within minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - December's variable conditions mean wet concrete and muddy hill paths require proper footwear

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 still causes burns, especially during river and beach activities with water reflection

Light rain jacket or poncho - afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes but can be intense, and umbrella use is difficult in windy conditions

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - December mosquitos are less aggressive but still present, especially near water areas during tours

Portable phone charger - December sightseeing days run long (8-10 hours) and many tour areas have limited charging access

Cash in small denominations - many local operators and markets don't accept cards, and ৳500+ notes are difficult to break

Modest clothing covering shoulders/knees - essential for temple visits and showing respect in traditional hill communities during cultural tours

Personal water bottle - staying hydrated is crucial even in cooler weather, and buying water constantly during day tours gets expensive at ৳25-40 per bottle

Insider Knowledge

December ferry schedules from Chittagong to nearby islands run on 'Bangladesh time' - expect 30-60 minute delays and always have backup indoor plans for weather cancellations

The best hilsa fish at Kazir Dewri market is sold between 6:00-7:30am before restaurants buy up premium catches - arrive early for both selection and cultural experience

Local buses to hill district viewpoints charge tourists 2-3x normal rates in December peak season - negotiate prices beforehand or use recommended tour operators for transparent pricing

December is when locals do their own 'winter tourism' to escape city life - book weekend accommodations in hill areas at least 3 weeks ahead or you'll find everything full

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only light clothing - December mornings at 16°C (60°F) feel genuinely cold to travelers coming from hot climates, and you'll be miserable during early morning activities

Not bringing cash reserves - December peak season means higher prices everywhere, and many tour operators demand cash payment on arrival despite online booking confirmations

Planning too many outdoor activities on weekends - local crowds triple at popular December destinations, making weekday visits far more enjoyable and authentic