Things to Do in Asuncion in December

December Weather in Asuncion

32°C (91°F) High Temp

22°C (71°F) Low Temp

175 mm (6.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak mango season - December brings the sweetest mangoes at rock-bottom prices (500-800 guaraníes/kg vs 2,000+ guaraníes other months) with street vendors on every corner of Pettirossi and 25 de Mayo
Ideal evening temperatures of 22-25°C (72-77°F) make outdoor dining and plaza strolling comfortable after 6pm, when locals emerge for their traditional evening paseo along Costanera
December rains are brief afternoon thunderstorms (typically 2-4pm, lasting 30-45 minutes) that clear the air and drop temperatures 5-8°C (9-14°F), making evenings refreshingly cool
Christmas season transforms Plaza de Armas and Manzana de la Rivera with elaborate light displays and artisan markets selling ñandutí lace and traditional crafts at 20-30% below tourist season prices

Considerations

Midday heat reaches uncomfortable 32-35°C (90-95°F) with 70% humidity, making outdoor activities between 11am-4pm genuinely unpleasant for most visitors
December 8th (Inmaculada Concepción) and Christmas week see many restaurants and attractions close unexpectedly, with reduced public transport schedules that aren't well-publicized to tourists
Afternoon thunderstorms can be intense with flooding on Avenida Mariscal López and España, stranding visitors for 1-2 hours in shops or cafes until waters recede

Best Activities in December

Early Morning River Market Tours

December's cooler mornings (22-24°C/72-75°F) are perfect for exploring Mercado Cuatro and the port area between 6-9am. Local vendors sell seasonal produce including fresh coconuts, watermelons, and the famous December mangoes. The riverside fish market is most active during these months as river levels are optimal for fishing.

Booking Tip: Independent exploration works best - start at 6:30am to beat heat and crowds. Budget 15,000-25,000 guaraníes for sampling and purchases. Many food tours include these markets, typically costing 80,000-120,000 guaraníes for 3-4 hour experiences.

Evening Plaza Cultural Walks

December's pleasant evening temperatures make this the ideal month for exploring Asunción's historic plazas after sunset. Plaza de Armas, Plaza Uruguaya, and Plaza de la Democracia come alive with families, street musicians, and food vendors. Christmas decorations throughout December add special atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Self-guided works perfectly, but cultural walking tours offer deeper historical context. Tours typically run 50,000-80,000 guaraníes for 2-3 hours. Book same-day through hotel concierges or see current options in booking section below.

Paraguay River Sunset Cruises

December's variable weather creates dramatic cloud formations perfect for sunset viewing over the Paraguay River. Water levels are optimal, and the 6:30-7:30pm timing avoids both afternoon heat and rain. Local operators run trips from Puerto de Asunción with traditional music and tereré (cold mate) service.

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead through waterfront operators near Palacio de López. Expect to pay 60,000-100,000 guaraníes per person for 1.5-2 hour cruises including refreshments. Weather backup policies essential in December.

Colonial Architecture Photography Tours

December's dramatic afternoon lighting, especially after brief rain showers, creates ideal conditions for photographing Asunción's colonial buildings. The washed air provides exceptional clarity for shots of Catedral Metropolitana, Casa de la Independencia, and Manzana de la Rivera. Fewer crowds than peak season.

Booking Tip: Photography-focused tours cost 70,000-110,000 guaraníes for 3-4 hours with professional guides. Morning tours (7-10am) avoid harsh midday light. Many architectural tours available - see current offerings in booking section below.

Traditional Craft Workshop Experiences

December's rainy afternoons make indoor cultural activities ideal. Local artisans offer hands-on workshops in ñandutí lace-making, pottery, and traditional weaving. Many workshops include tereré ceremonies and stories about Paraguayan traditions. Air-conditioned venues provide comfortable escapes from heat and rain.

Booking Tip: Workshop experiences range from 40,000-80,000 guaraníes for 2-3 hours including materials. Book through cultural centers or hotels. Some require 24-48 hours advance notice for material preparation.

Gastronomic Market and Restaurant Tours

December brings seasonal ingredients like fresh corn, watermelon, and premium beef as ranchers bring cattle to market before year-end. Food tours can include both morning market visits and afternoon cooking classes, timed perfectly around the daily rain pattern. Traditional December dishes like kivevé and fresh empanadas are at their seasonal best.

Booking Tip: Combination market-cooking tours cost 90,000-140,000 guaraníes for 4-5 hours including all tastings. Split-day formats work well in December - morning market, afternoon cooking after rain. Book 5-7 days ahead for popular dates.

December Events & Festivals

Early December through January 1st

Navidad en Asunción Christmas Festival

Month-long celebration featuring nightly concerts in Plaza de Armas, traditional craft markets in Manzana de la Rivera, and elaborate light displays throughout the historic center. Local families participate in posadas (nativity processions) on weekends leading to Christmas.

December 8th

Día de la Inmaculada Concepción

Major religious celebration with processions from Catedral Metropolitana through downtown streets. Vendors sell traditional foods and religious items. Most businesses close, but festive atmosphere throughout historic center with live music and street performances.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket or compact umbrella - afternoon storms drop 15-25 mm (0.6-1 inch) in 30-45 minutes with winds up to 40 km/h (25 mph)

Lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen or cotton - avoid polyester which becomes unbearable in 70% humidity and 32°C (90°F) heat

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - wet tile sidewalks become extremely slippery after rain, especially around Plaza de Armas

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brim hat - UV index reaches 8-9 during peak hours 10am-3pm, even on cloudy days

Light cardigan or long sleeves for evening - temperatures drop to 22°C (72°F) after rain and locals dress warmly for plaza walks

Portable phone charger - afternoon power outages during storms can last 1-2 hours in some neighborhoods

Cash in small bills - many markets and food vendors don't accept cards, and December tip expectations increase for holiday season

Insect repellent - post-rain humidity brings mosquitoes, especially near Paraguay River and Botanical Garden areas

Waterproof bag for electronics - sudden downpours can soak everything in seconds when caught without shelter

Comfortable day bag with water bottle - dehydration happens quickly in humid heat, and bottled water costs 3,000-5,000 guaraníes

Insider Knowledge

Local families do their major Christmas shopping at Shopping del Sol and Multiplaza during December weekday mornings (9-11am) to avoid afternoon heat and crowds - follow their timing for comfortable mall visits with air conditioning

December mango vendors on Palma Street sell the best fruit between 7-9am when it's still cool from overnight storage - by afternoon the fruit becomes overripe in the heat

Afternoon thunderstorms follow predictable patterns: clouds build 1-2pm, rain starts 2:30-3pm, heaviest downpour 3:30-4pm, clear by 5pm - plan indoor activities accordingly

Tereré (cold mate) reaches peak cultural importance in December heat - accepting an invitation to share tereré in parks or plazas is essential social bonding, and refusing is considered rude

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor walking tours between 11am-4pm - December heat makes this genuinely dangerous, and local operators often cancel or reschedule without advance notice

Assuming restaurants stay open normal hours during December 8th and Christmas week - many family-run establishments close unexpectedly for 2-3 days without posting schedules online

Not carrying cash in denominations under 50,000 guaraníes - December street vendors and small shops often can't make change for larger bills, especially at markets and food stalls