Sucre in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Sucre
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect hiking weather with crisp mornings 10°C (50°F) warming to comfortable 22°C (72°F) by afternoon - ideal for exploring Sucre's colonial architecture without the exhausting heat of dry season
- December marks the beginning of rainy season with brief afternoon showers that clear quickly, creating dramatic photography lighting and washing dust from the white colonial buildings
- Low tourist season means 40-50% cheaper accommodations and restaurants, plus you'll have major attractions like this destination and this destination practically to yourself
- Fruit season peaks in December - local markets overflow with fresh lucuma, cherimoya, and passion fruit at rock-bottom prices, while traditional Christmas foods like api morado appear at street stalls
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms 3-4 times per week can interrupt outdoor plans between 2pm-5pm, though mornings are typically clear for sightseeing
- Cobblestone streets become slippery when wet, making evening walks challenging and requiring careful footwear choices throughout the rainy period
- Some hiking trails to nearby villages like Tarabuco may be muddy or temporarily inaccessible during heavy rain periods, limiting day trip options
Best Activities in December
Colonial Architecture Walking Tours
December's variable weather makes Sucre's UNESCO World Heritage center perfect for exploration - morning temperatures of 10°C (50°F) make uphill walks comfortable, while afternoon rain washes the white colonial buildings to brilliant clarity. The low tourist season means unobstructed photos of this destination and Supreme Court without crowds.
Traditional Weaving Workshops
Rainy December afternoons are perfect for indoor cultural activities. Local textile cooperatives offer hands-on workshops teaching traditional Jalq'a and Tarabuco weaving techniques. December coincides with preparation for January festivals, so artisans are actively creating pieces and sharing stories.
Cal Orck'o Dinosaur Footprint Site Visits
December's occasional rain actually enhances the dinosaur footprints visibility at Cal Orck'o cement quarry, 5 km (3.1 miles) from city center. Morning visits before 11am offer clearest weather and best lighting for the world's largest collection of dinosaur tracks on vertical cliff face.
Mercado Central Food Market Exploration
December brings peak fruit season to Sucre's central market - lucuma, cherimoya, and tuna (cactus fruit) are at their sweetest and cheapest. Rainy weather drives locals indoors, creating authentic market atmosphere. Try seasonal drinks like api morado (purple corn drink) served hot during cooler morning temperatures.
Tarabuco Sunday Market Day Trips
Despite December rains, Tarabuco's weekly market continues every Sunday, showcasing indigenous textiles and produce. The 65 km (40 mile) journey takes 1.5 hours each way on paved roads. December's lower tourist numbers mean better prices and more authentic interactions with Yampara community vendors.
Chataquila Seven Waterfalls Hiking
December rains fill the seven waterfalls at Chataquila to full capacity, creating spectacular cascades 7 km (4.3 miles) from Sucre. The moderate 2-hour hike through cloud forest is most rewarding during rainy season, though trails require good footwear and morning start before afternoon storms.
December Events & Festivals
Festival de la Virgen de Guadalupe
December 12th celebration at Guadalupe neighborhood features traditional folk dances, food stalls, and evening procession. Local families prepare special holiday foods and the celebration extends through the weekend with live music and artisan sales.
Christmas Market at Plaza 25 de Mayo
Throughout December, the main plaza hosts evening Christmas markets selling traditional crafts, holiday foods like buñuelos and empanadas de queso, and handmade nativity scenes. Peak activity occurs weekends and December 20-24.