Things to Do in Montevideo in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Montevideo
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak beach season with warm 26°C (79°F) highs and extended daylight until 8:30pm - the Rambla waterfront becomes the city's living room with locals cycling, drinking mate, and watching sunsets over the Rio de la Plata
- Summer holiday energy without the January crush - Uruguayans are still working most of December, so you'll get the festive atmosphere and outdoor terrace culture without the peak crowds that hit from December 24th onward
- Ideal weather for the city's best activity: long walks along the 22 km (13.7 mile) Rambla coastal promenade, stopping at beach kiosks for medio y medio (half sparkling wine, half white wine) and watching impromptu drum circles in Parque Rodó
- December brings jacaranda trees in full purple bloom across neighborhoods like Prado and Parque Batlle, plus the city's farmers markets overflow with seasonal stone fruits, cherries, and the first strawberries - peak time for eating outdoors
Considerations
- Humidity at 70% makes the midday heat feel stickier than the thermometer suggests - that 26°C (79°F) can feel like 30°C (86°F) between noon and 4pm, and older buildings without AC get stuffy
- Afternoon thunderstorms on roughly 10 days mean you'll likely encounter at least 2-3 sudden downpours during a week-long visit - they're usually brief but intense, and the city's drainage struggles in heavy rain, creating temporary flooding in low-lying areas near Ciudad Vieja
- Many locals leave for beach towns like Punta del Este or Piriápolis from December 24th through early January, so some neighborhood restaurants and shops close for summer holidays, particularly family-run spots in residential areas
Best Activities in December
Rambla coastal walks and beach neighborhoods
December is genuinely the best month for Montevideo's defining activity: walking or cycling the Rambla. The 26°C (79°F) temperatures and 8:30pm sunsets mean you can comfortably explore from Pocitos beach through Punta Carretas to Parque Rodó in the golden evening light. Locals are out in force - this is when you'll see the real social fabric of the city. The beaches aren't crowded yet (that happens in January), but they're warm enough for swimming. Worth noting that the river water reaches about 20-22°C (68-72°F) in December, which feels refreshing rather than cold.
Ciudad Vieja architecture and cultural walking tours
The historic old city is actually more pleasant in December mornings than in winter when the wind off the river cuts through you. Start early (8-11am) before the heat peaks, and you'll have the cobblestone streets relatively to yourself. December timing means you can combine indoor museums (Museo del Carnaval, Museo Torres García) with outdoor plaza exploration without committing to either extreme weather. The afternoon thunderstorm pattern works in your favor - duck into a café or museum when clouds build around 3-4pm.
Wine country day trips to Canelones region
The vineyards 30-40 km (19-25 miles) north of Montevideo are in their summer growth phase, which makes for beautiful green landscapes, though harvest season (February-March) is more dramatic. That said, December's warm weather is perfect for outdoor tastings on winery terraces, and you'll avoid the January tourist surge. The tannat grape is Uruguay's signature varietal - worth seeking out boutique wineries that specialize in it. The countryside also offers relief from city humidity with slightly lower temperatures and breezes.
Mercado Agrícola de Montevideo and food market experiences
December is peak season for Uruguayan produce - stone fruits, cherries, berries, and summer vegetables flood the markets. MAM (Mercado Agrícola de Montevideo) and neighborhood ferias (street markets) are where locals actually shop, and the Saturday morning energy is infectious. You'll see the real food culture: vendors selling fresh pasta, artisan cheeses, and the social ritual of buying ingredients for Sunday asado (barbecue). The December heat means markets are best visited early - most are liveliest from 8am-noon.
Sunset mate sessions and drum circles in Parque Rodó
This is peak local culture and it's completely free. December evenings bring hundreds of Montevideanos to Parque Rodó's lakeside and the adjacent Rambla for sunset. You'll see groups sharing mate (the ritual caffeinated tea drink), impromptu candombe drum circles (Afro-Uruguayan percussion), and families grilling on portable parrillas. The 8:30pm sunsets mean you can enjoy this after a full day of activities. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming - locals often invite travelers to share mate if you show interest respectfully.
Estancia day trips to working ranches
December's warm weather makes countryside estancia visits particularly enjoyable - you can actually spend time outdoors watching gauchos work with horses, walking the property, and eating asado under the trees rather than huddling indoors. These working cattle ranches offer the most authentic glimpse of Uruguay's rural culture, which shaped the national identity. The summer grass is green, and many estancias have swimming pools or rivers for cooling off. It's a complete contrast to coastal Montevideo and gives context to Uruguay's beef-centric cuisine.
December Events & Festivals
Noche de las Luces
This relatively new December tradition involves light installations and projections across Ciudad Vieja's historic buildings, typically running for several evenings in mid-December. It's grown in scale each year since starting in 2019, transforming the old city into an open-air light art gallery. Free to experience, it draws both locals and tourists for evening strolls through illuminated streets. The event has been gaining momentum and by 2026 will likely be well-established in the city's December calendar.
Pre-Christmas neighborhood street fairs
Throughout December, various Montevideo neighborhoods host evening street fairs (ferias) with artisan crafts, food stalls, and live music. These pop-up markets are where locals do holiday shopping for handmade gifts, leather goods, and mate accessories. The atmosphere is festive but not touristy - you'll hear more Spanish than English. Parque Rodó, Pocitos, and Punta Carretas typically host the larger ones. Check local listings as dates vary by neighborhood, but most happen on weekends throughout the month.