Bandarseribegawan in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Bandarseribegawan

37°F (3°C) High Temp

68°F (20°C) Low Temp

33 mm (1.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather for outdoor exploration - cool 3°C (37°F) mornings ideal for walking tours of Brunei water village without the usual tropical heat exhaustion
December marks the start of festival season with Hari Raya celebrations creating busy night markets and extended mosque visiting hours until 10pm
Lowest humidity levels of the year at 70% make photography conditions excellent - no lens fogging and crisp visibility for Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque shots
Cool evenings perfect for Tamu Kianggeh this destination browsing - vendors stay open later (until 11pm) due to comfortable temperatures

Considerations

Unpredictable rain showers on 10 days mean outdoor mosque visits and water taxi schedules can be disrupted with little warning
December is peak season for regional visitors, creating 40-60 minute wait times at popular attractions like Istana Nurul Iman during weekend viewing hours
Cool morning temperatures mean many outdoor vendors don't open until 9am, limiting early morning food exploration opportunities

Best Activities in December

Kampong Ayer Water Village Walking Tours

December's cool mornings (3°C/37°F) make exploring the world's largest water village comfortable without heat exhaustion. The 30-plank boardwalk systems are less slippery due to lower humidity. Traditional boat makers and goldsmiths work outdoors more frequently in December's mild weather. Village mosques extend visiting hours for non-Muslims during December festivities.

Booking Tip: Book morning slots (8am-11am) for best weather conditions. Tours typically cost B$25-45 per person including water taxi transfers. Book 3-5 days ahead through hotel concierges or waterfront operators. Look for guides certified by Brunei Tourism Board.

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque Photography Sessions

December's 70% humidity prevents lens fogging that plagues photographers other months. Cool morning light (7am-9am) creates perfect golden hour conditions for the mosque's reflection shots. Evening prayers during December occur at 6:30pm, allowing blue hour photography afterward. Minimal haze due to seasonal wind patterns.

Booking Tip: Independent activity, no booking required. Arrive 6:30am for sunrise shots or 5:30pm for evening sessions. Modest dress required - long pants and covered shoulders. Tripods permitted in outer courtyard only. Free entry.

Brunei River Sunset Cruises

December's variable weather creates dramatic cloud formations perfect for sunset viewing. Proboscis monkeys are more active in cooler temperatures, with 85% sighting success rates vs 60% in hot months. River levels are optimal after November rains but before February floods. Cool evening temperatures make 2-hour cruises comfortable.

Booking Tip: Book afternoon departures (4pm-6:30pm) through licensed river operators. Costs typically B$35-55 per person. Book 24-48 hours ahead as December sunset times (6:15pm) create limited daily slots. Look for boats with covered seating for rain protection.

Royal Regalia Museum Cultural Immersion

December's cool weather makes the 45-minute walk from city center pleasant. Air-conditioned museum provides perfect indoor backup during December's 10 rainy days. Special December exhibitions often feature traditional ceremonial items. Less crowded weekday mornings (9am-11am) allow better viewing of crown jewels and royal artifacts.

Booking Tip: Free admission, no advance booking needed. Open Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5pm, closed Mondays and Fridays 12pm-2pm for prayers. Audio guides available for B$5. Photography prohibited inside. Plan 90-120 minutes for full visit.

Tamu Kianggeh Night Market Food Tours

December's mild evenings encourage vendors to stay open until 11pm vs 9pm other months. Cool temperatures mean less food spoilage, so vendors offer wider selections. Traditional December sweets like 'kueh' varieties peak during this month. Comfortable walking weather for the 500m (1,640 ft) market circuit.

Booking Tip: Peak hours 7pm-9pm for maximum stall selection. Most dishes B$2-8, budget B$20-30 for full food exploration. No advance booking required. Bring small bills - many vendors don't have change for large notes. Cash only market.

Ulu Temburong National Park Day Trips

December's lower rainfall (33mm/1.3 inches) means better river conditions for longboat access and clearer canopy walk views from 43m (141 ft) height. Cool morning temperatures ideal for jungle trekking without excessive sweating. Wildlife more active in cooler weather - hornbill sightings increase 30% in December.

Booking Tip: Full day tours typically B$180-250 per person including transport, meals, and park fees. Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators - only certified guides allowed in national park. Departs 6:30am, returns 6pm. Minimum 2 people required.

December Events & Festivals

Dates vary by lunar calendar - typically mid to late December

Hari Raya Celebrations

Extended mosque visiting hours, traditional food stalls in Bandar area, and cultural performances at Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas. Local families often welcome respectful visitors to observe festivities. Night markets stay open later with special holiday foods.

Throughout December

Sultan's Birthday Preparations

While the main celebration is January 15th, December sees preparation activities including traditional craft demonstrations at Cultural Centre and extended Royal Regalia Museum hours. Decorations throughout Bandar Seri Begawan create excellent photography opportunities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Light layering system - start with t-shirt for 20°C (68°F) afternoons, add light sweater for 3°C (37°F) mornings

Compact umbrella or lightweight rain jacket - December's 10 rainy days bring short but intense showers

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 still requires protection despite cooler temperatures

Waterproof phone case - essential for Brunei water taxi transfers and river cruises

Modest long pants and covered shoulder tops - required for mosque visits, comfortable in cool weather

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - boardwalks can be slippery after rain

Small daypack - perfect for carrying layers as temperature changes throughout day

Cash in small denominations (B$1, B$5 notes) - essential for night markets and water taxis

Portable phone charger - cooler weather means better battery life but long photography days drain power

Light cotton socks - 70% humidity requires breathable materials even in cooler weather

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations near Brunei by November - December's comfortable weather creates 80% occupancy rates at waterfront hotels vs 50% in hot months

Water taxis charge fixed B$0.50 per person during day but B$1 after 6pm - use afternoon return trips to save money on river village visits

Friday prayers (12pm-2pm) close most attractions - plan museum visits and shopping for other times, but mosques become more photogenic with increased activity

Local coffee shops ('kedai kopi') serve traditional breakfast only until 10am - December's cool mornings make early starts comfortable for authentic local dining

Avoid These Mistakes

Wearing shorts to mosques - December's cool weather makes long pants comfortable, and they're required for entry to religious sites

Scheduling outdoor activities after 5pm - December sunset at 6:15pm means limited photography time and some river tours end early

Bringing heavy rain gear - December showers are brief (20-30 minutes) and warm, lightweight protection is sufficient