Guayaquil Weather in December

December: warm, cloudy days

December feels hot and sticky, with highs around 36°C and warm nights. Rain falls on about six days, but November is drier and January much wetter. Cloud often hangs over the city, so don't count on long, sunny beach days.

You can still enjoy the Malecón 2000 riverfront, Parque Seminario's iguanas and the historic streets of Las Peñas. Plan outdoor walks for later in the day, and keep indoor stops such as the Museo Antropológico y de Arte Contemporáneo for a rainy spell. Skip strenuous midday sightseeing if the heat gets to you.

Christmas and Año Viejo

Christmas brings church services, family gatherings and holiday lights around the city. On December 31, people mark Año Viejo by burning effigies called monigotes, often made to look like public figures or characters. You may see them displayed in neighbourhoods before New Year's Eve.

If you're travelling with kids, the Malecón's lights and open spaces make an easy evening outing. For a local December snack, look for *pristiños*: fried pastries served with sweet syrup.

Holiday crowds and a local tip

December is busier around Christmas and New Year than quieter months, as families travel and gather. Expect more demand for rooms and transport during those holiday dates, though the month isn't uniformly crowded.

For a practical Malecón visit, go after the strongest daytime heat has eased. The long riverfront walkway is exposed, so the evening is more comfortable for strolling and watching boats on the Guayas River. Keep a little flexibility in your plans in case a shower interrupts an outdoor stop.