Naypyidaw in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Naypyidaw

28°C (83°F) High Temp

16°C (60°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with minimal rainfall - December averages just 10 rainy days with light showers that clear quickly, ideal for outdoor exploration
Cooler morning temperatures at 16°C (60°F) make early sightseeing comfortable before afternoon heat peaks at 28°C (83°F)
Crystal clear skies and excellent visibility - December's dry air provides impressive views of the city's monuments and surrounding hills from observation decks
Peak tourist season elsewhere in Myanmar means Naypyidaw remains relatively uncrowded while other destinations become overwhelming

Considerations

Intense midday UV index of 8 requires careful sun protection and limits comfortable outdoor activities between 11am-3pm
70% humidity combined with 28°C (83°F) afternoon temperatures creates uncomfortable conditions for extensive walking during peak hours
Limited evening entertainment options become more apparent during longer December nights when outdoor exploration ends earlier

Best Activities in December

Uppatasanti Pagoda Monument Tours

December's clear, dry air provides exceptional visibility for viewing Naypyidaw's replica of Shwedagon Pagoda. Early morning visits (6-9am) take advantage of cooler 16°C (60°F) temperatures and softer light for photography. The pagoda's elevated position offers panoramic city views that are clearest during December's low-humidity days.

Booking Tip: Visit independently or book half-day cultural tours typically ranging ฿800-1,500. Early morning slots (6-8am) provide best weather conditions. Look for tours that include transport as the pagoda is 8 km (5 miles) from city center.

Government District Architecture Tours

December's comfortable morning temperatures make walking tours of Naypyidaw's massive government complexes ideal. The dry season ensures clear photo opportunities of the Bridgetown and Ministry complexes. Best experienced 7-10am when temperatures remain at 16-22°C (60-72°F).

Booking Tip: Book guided tours ฿1,200-2,000 that include proper permits for restricted areas. Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators. See current tour options in booking section below.

Naypyidaw Safari Park Wildlife Viewing

December's dry season concentrates wildlife around water sources, improving animal sighting opportunities. Cool morning temperatures at 16°C (60°F) make the 2-3 hour park visits comfortable before midday heat. Animals are more active during December's cooler periods.

Booking Tip: Entry fees typically ฿500-800 plus vehicle rental ฿1,500-2,500 for 4-hour sessions. Book morning slots (7-11am) for optimal wildlife activity and comfortable temperatures. Licensed guides available for additional ฿800-1,200.

Traditional Market Food Tours

December mornings offer comfortable temperatures for exploring Naypyidaw's wholesale markets and sampling regional specialties. Lower humidity in December preserves food quality better and makes walking through covered markets pleasant. Peak produce season brings fresh items from surrounding agricultural areas.

Booking Tip: Independent exploration or join food tours ฿1,000-1,800 including tastings. Early morning tours (6-9am) feature freshest selections and coolest temperatures. Look for tours including market guides who speak local dialects.

Pyinmana Historic District Exploration

December's dry weather provides excellent conditions for exploring the older settlements that predate Naypyidaw's construction. Comfortable walking weather in mornings allows 3-4 hour explorations of traditional architecture and local workshops. Clear skies enhance photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically ฿900-1,600 including transport from central Naypyidaw. Book tours that combine Pyinmana with nearby traditional villages. Morning departures essential for weather comfort.

Cycle Tours of Hotel Zone and Diplomatic Quarter

December's cool mornings and minimal rainfall create perfect cycling conditions along Naypyidaw's wide, empty boulevards. The city's flat terrain and 20-lane highways provide unique urban cycling experiences impossible elsewhere. Best visibility for appreciating the city's unusual scale and architecture.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals ฿300-600 per day or guided cycling tours ฿1,200-2,200. Early morning starts (6-9am) essential before heat builds. Look for operators providing helmets and route maps of safe cycling areas.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December

Myanmar National Day Preparations

December sees extensive preparations for Myanmar's National Day celebrations, with government buildings illuminated and ceremonial rehearsals visible in the government district. Offers unique glimpses of the capital's official functions and increased activity in normally quiet areas.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight, breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which traps heat in 70% humidity conditions

SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapplication supplies - December's UV index reaches 8 during peak midday hours

Light rain jacket or umbrella - while December averages minimal rainfall, brief afternoon showers occur on 10 days

Comfortable walking shoes with breathable materials for morning exploration on paved surfaces

Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for strong December sun exposure during outdoor sightseeing

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated crucial in 28°C (83°F) afternoon temperatures

Light sweater for early mornings when temperatures drop to 16°C (60°F)

Power bank for phone/camera - limited charging opportunities during long outdoor touring days

Cash in small denominations - many local vendors and attractions don't accept cards

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for pagoda visits - required regardless of temperature

Insider Knowledge

Government workers and diplomatic staff take extended year-end leave in December, making the already quiet city even emptier - restaurants and services may have reduced hours

The city's massive scale means walking between attractions is impractical - budget ฿800-1,200 daily for taxi transport or rent a bicycle for ฿400-600

December is peak wedding season in Myanmar - hotel availability can be surprisingly limited on weekends despite low tourist numbers, book accommodations 2-3 weeks ahead

Morning temperatures in December are Naypyidaw's most comfortable of the year - schedule all major sightseeing before 10am to avoid afternoon heat and UV exposure

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating distances between attractions - the city is designed for cars, not pedestrians, with some government buildings 15+ km (9+ miles) apart

Planning outdoor activities for afternoon hours when UV index peaks at 8 and temperatures reach 28°C (83°F) - most comfortable sightseeing ends by 10am

Expecting typical tourist infrastructure - Naypyidaw has limited restaurants, entertainment, and services compared to other capital cities, requiring more advance planning