Mumbai in December
Perfect weather, festive celebrations, and peak season energy — everything you need to know about visiting Mumbai in December
December is peak season in Mumbai and for excellent reason. The monsoon is a distant memory, the humidity has dropped, and the city basks in pleasant, dry weather that makes outdoor exploration a joy. Add Christmas celebrations, New Year's Eve parties, and the best rooftop bar weather of the year, and you have Mumbai at its most inviting.
The trade-off is price and crowds. Hotels, flights, and restaurants are at their most expensive, and popular spots fill up quickly. But if you plan ahead and book early, December delivers a magical Mumbai experience that combines perfect weather with festive energy.
18-32°C
Temperature
0-1 days
Rainy Days
Peak
Crowd Level
High
Price Level
December Weather in Mumbai
What to Expect
- Daytime highs: 30-32°C with bright sunshine. Warm but not oppressive — a welcome change from the monsoon humidity. Sunscreen is still essential.
- Evening lows: 18-22°C. Pleasantly cool, especially near the sea. Marine Drive evening walks and rooftop bar sessions are at their best.
- Rainfall: Virtually zero. December is Mumbai's driest month. You can plan outdoor activities with confidence.
Perfect Conditions For
- Heritage walks: Comfortable temperatures for exploring Fort, Colaba, and Bandra on foot
- Marine Drive: Cool sea breezes, stunning sunsets, and the Queen's Necklace at night
- Elephanta Caves: Perfect weather for the ferry ride and cave exploration
- Outdoor dining: Rooftop bars and sea-facing restaurants are at their best
- Street food: Evening street food crawls in Colaba and Mohammad Ali Road are comfortable
December Events & Celebrations
Christmas in Bandra
Bandra's large Catholic community makes Mumbai one of India's best cities for Christmas celebrations. Hill Road and Bandra Bandstand are decorated with lights and stars. Midnight mass at Mount Mary Basilica is a beautiful experience. The Christmas market on Hill Road sells decorations, cakes, and festive treats. Local Goan and East Indian families open their homes with traditional feasts featuring roast pork, sorpotel, and bebinca.
New Year's Eve
Mumbai is one of India's top New Year's Eve destinations. Marine Drive fills with thousands of revelers counting down to midnight. Rooftop bars in Lower Parel and BKC host premium parties (₹3,000-15,000 per person). Luxury hotels like the Taj, Oberoi, and Four Seasons offer gala dinners (₹10,000-30,000). Bollywood-themed clubs in Bandra and Juhu throw the most energetic parties.
Winter Cultural Season
December kicks off Mumbai's winter cultural season. The NCPA (National Centre for Performing Arts) hosts concerts, plays, and dance performances. Art galleries in Kala Ghoda showcase new exhibitions. Comedy shows, jazz nights, and live music events fill the city's bars and performance spaces. Check BookMyShow for listings.
Weekend Markets & Fairs
December weekends see pop-up markets and Christmas fairs across the city. The Bandra Christmas Market, Lil Flea at Lower Parel, and various church fairs offer handmade gifts, vintage finds, artisanal food, and live music. A great way to experience Mumbai's creative community.
Top Things to Do in December
Marine Drive Sunset Walk
December sunsets at Marine Drive are spectacular. The cool sea breeze, golden light over the Arabian Sea, and the iconic arc of the Queen's Necklace lights switching on as dusk falls — this is Mumbai at its most beautiful. End at Girgaum Chowpatty for bhel puri and kulfi.
Elephanta Caves Day Trip
December offers perfect conditions for the ferry ride and cave exploration. The UNESCO World Heritage Site's rock-cut temples are best explored in cooler weather. The 1-hour ferry from Gateway of India is pleasant with calm seas and clear views.
Bandra Christmas Walk
Walk through Bandra's decorated streets, visit Mount Mary Basilica, explore Hill Road's Christmas market, and admire the illuminated homes. Many families create elaborate nativity scenes and light displays. Best experienced December 20-25.
Rooftop Bar Hopping
December evenings are made for rooftop bars. AER at the Four Seasons, Aer Lounge, Asilo, and Dome at the InterContinental offer stunning city views with pleasantly cool weather. Make reservations for Friday and Saturday nights. Cocktails: ₹700-1,500.
Heritage Walk in Fort
The Fort district's colonial and Art Deco architecture is best explored in December's comfortable weather. Walk from CST through the Horniman Circle, Flora Fountain, and the Art Deco buildings along the Oval Maidan. Multiple guided tours available (₹500-1,500).
Street Food Crawl
Cool December evenings are perfect for a street food crawl. Start with vada pav at Ashok Vada Pav, continue to pav bhaji at Sardar's in Tardeo, and finish with kulfi at Bachelorr's. The cooler weather makes standing at food stalls a pleasure rather than a sweaty ordeal.
December Price Guide
Accommodation
- Budget hostels: ₹800-1,500/night (vs. ₹400-800 in monsoon)
- Budget hotels: ₹2,000-4,000/night
- Mid-range hotels: ₹4,000-8,000/night
- Premium hotels: ₹8,000-15,000/night
- Luxury (Taj, Oberoi): ₹25,000-50,000+/night
- Book 2-3 months ahead for December 20-January 5 stays
Activities & Dining
- Street food meal: ₹50-200 (unchanged year-round)
- Restaurant meal: ₹500-1,500 per person
- Rooftop bar drinks: ₹700-1,500 per cocktail
- Elephanta Caves ferry: ₹200-250 return
- NYE party entry: ₹3,000-15,000 per person
- NYE gala dinners at luxury hotels: ₹10,000-30,000+
December Travel Tips
Book Early
Hotels, flights, and restaurant reservations fill up fast in December. Book accommodation 2-3 months ahead, especially for the Christmas-New Year period. Popular rooftop bars and fine-dining restaurants require reservations for weekend dinners. NYE party tickets sell out weeks in advance.
Budget Tip
If your dates are flexible, visiting December 1-15 is noticeably cheaper than the Christmas-New Year window. You still get the same perfect weather but with 20-30% lower hotel rates and less crowded attractions. Early December is the sweet spot for value-conscious travelers.
Beat the Crowds
Visit popular spots early in the day. Arrive at Gateway of India by 8 AM, take the first Elephanta ferry at 9 AM, and explore Marine Drive at sunrise. The Dharavi walking tour is less crowded on weekday mornings. For shopping, hit Colaba Causeway and Linking Road early before the afternoon crowds arrive.
What to Wear
December in Mumbai is pleasant but not cold. Light cotton during the day and a light jacket or shawl for evenings is all you need. Pack smart-casual outfits if you plan to visit rooftop bars or attend Christmas/NYE events. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for heritage walks.
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