Things to Do in Kolkata in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Kolkata
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect temperature for walking - December's 15-26°C (59-80°F) range makes exploring Kolkata's sprawling neighborhoods comfortable all day, unlike the brutal 38°C+ (100°F+) summer heat
- Cultural festival season peaks - Poila Boishakh preparations begin, classical music conferences occur, and Bengali New Year planning creates vibrant cultural energy throughout the city
- Clear skies ideal for photography - With minimal rainfall and excellent visibility, December offers the best conditions for capturing Howrah Bridge, Victoria Memorial, and colonial architecture
- Street food at its finest - Cool evenings make hot kathi rolls, steaming chai, and fresh jhal muri irresistible, while vendors set up extended evening operations in perfect weather
Considerations
- Tourist season pricing - December through February sees 30-40% higher hotel rates and increased crowds at major attractions like Victoria Memorial and Indian Museum
- Occasional fog disrupts travel - Morning fog can delay flights and trains, particularly affecting connections to other cities between 6-10 AM
- Wedding season competition - Bengali wedding season means venue bookings, flower markets, and transportation get crowded, especially on weekends
Best Activities in December
Colonial Architecture Walking Tours
December's comfortable 15-26°C (59-80°F) temperatures make exploring Kolkata's colonial heritage district perfect for 3-4 hour walking tours. Clear skies provide excellent natural lighting for photography of Writers' Building, High Court, and GPO. Morning tours (8-11 AM) avoid afternoon humidity peaks while evening tours (4-7 PM) capture golden hour lighting on British-era facades.
Ganges River Cultural Tours
Cool December mornings create mystical fog over the Ganges at Dakshineswar and Belur Math, offering atmospheric boat rides and temple visits. River temperatures are comfortable for ghats exploration, and winter bird migrations bring kingfishers and herons to riverbanks. Early morning tours (6-9 AM) capture the spiritual essence when locals perform prayers.
Bengali Food Market Adventures
December's pleasant weather transforms food market exploration into comfortable experiences. New Market, Gariahat, and College Street markets buzz with winter produce - fresh hilsa fish, seasonal vegetables, and traditional sweets preparation for winter festivals. Cool evenings extend street food hours, making 5-8 PM ideal for guided food walks.
Cultural Heritage Village Excursions
Day trips to nearby cultural villages like Kumortuli (potter's quarter) and handloom weaving centers benefit from December's clear roads and comfortable travel conditions. Winter months showcase traditional craft preparations for upcoming festivals. 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) village walks become pleasant experiences in cooler weather.
Sundarbans Wildlife Expeditions
December marks peak season for Sundarbans mangrove forest visits - cool weather reduces mosquito activity, and winter bird migrations create exceptional wildlife viewing. Royal Bengal tiger sightings increase as animals venture near water sources. The 100 km (62 mile) journey from Kolkata becomes comfortable in pleasant weather.
Darjeeling Tea Garden Railways
December offers perfect weather for the 8-hour journey to Darjeeling's tea estates. Cool mountain air at 2,050 m (6,726 ft) elevation provides comfortable tea garden walks and the famous Toy Train rides. Clear December skies often reveal Kanchenjunga mountain views typically obscured during monsoon months.
December Events & Festivals
Kolkata Book Fair Preparation Season
December marks the buildup to Asia's largest book fair with publisher meetings, author events, and literary discussions throughout College Street. Publishers showcase upcoming releases and host intimate gatherings in bookstore spaces.
Classical Music Conference Season
Several venues including Rabindra Sadan host classical Bengali music conferences and concerts. Traditional winter ragas and renowned Bengali artists perform in intimate settings during the pleasant December evenings.
Winter Cultural Festival Circuit
Neighborhood cultural associations begin winter programming with traditional Bengali theater, dance performances, and community celebrations preparing for the approaching spring festival season.