You’re thinking of packing a heavy wool coat for Mumbai because the calendar says December. Honestly? Don’t. That’s the first mistake almost every traveler makes when they look at the phrase "winter in India." Mumbai doesn't do winter; it does a slightly less aggressive summer.
The december temperature in mumbai is a strange, fickle thing that confuses even the locals who have lived here for decades. One morning you’re reaching for a light shawl because there’s a genuine nip in the air, and by 2:00 PM, you’re sweating through your shirt while waiting for a local train at Dadar. It’s a city of layers, but not the kind you’d wear in Delhi or New York.
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The Real Numbers (Not the Marketing Version)
Let's talk raw data because the India Meteorological Department (IMD) doesn't lie, even if the humidity makes it feel like it is. Typically, you’re looking at a daytime high of around 32°C (90°F).
That sounds hot. It is hot.
But the "magic" happens when the sun goes down. The minimum temperatures usually hover around 18°C to 20°C (64°F to 68°F). However, 2025 was a bit of an outlier. Just this past December, the Santacruz observatory recorded a season-low of 14.6°C on December 20th. That’s essentially "Arctic" by Mumbai standards. When that happens, you’ll see Mumbaikars bringing out the heavy leather jackets and monkey caps, which looks hilarious to anyone from a colder climate, but trust me, when you're used to 35°C, 14°C feels like a freezer.
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The North Wind Factor
Why does it get "cold" at all? It’s all about the wind direction. Usually, Mumbai gets its breeze from the Arabian Sea—salty, humid, and warm. In December, the wind shifts. It starts coming from the north and north-west, blowing in from the chilly plains of North India and the snow-capped Himalayas.
If there’s a cold wave in Delhi, give it 48 hours. Mumbai will feel it.
The air gets significantly drier. This is the only time of year your skin might actually feel parched in this city. Usually, the humidity is so high you feel like you’re walking through a warm soup. In December, that humidity drops to a comfortable 50% or 60%, which is why everyone says this is the best time to visit.
Why December Temperature in Mumbai Affects Air Quality
There is a downside. You've probably heard about the "haze."
When the december temperature in mumbai drops, we deal with something called temperature inversion. Basically, the cool air gets trapped near the ground, and it takes all the dust from the endless metro construction and vehicle exhaust with it.
December 2025 saw some of the worst AQI (Air Quality Index) levels in recent years. While the weather is pleasant to sit out at a cafe in Kala Ghoda, the air can be quite heavy. If you have asthma or sensitive lungs, the "chilly" mornings often come with a side of smog that doesn't clear up until the sun is high enough to warm the atmosphere and break that inversion layer.
What You Should Actually Pack
Forget the puffer jackets. Seriously.
- Linens and Cottons: These are your best friends. The afternoon sun is still biting.
- A Single Light Hoodie or Cardigan: For the early morning walks on Marine Drive or late-night open-air dinners.
- Sunscreen: Don't let the "winter" label fool you; the UV index stays high.
- Moisturizer: Because the dry northern winds will turn your face into sandpaper.
The Vibe Shift
There’s a reason why hotel prices skyrocket this month. Despite the heat spikes and the occasionally murky air, Mumbai in December is electric. You have the Kala Ghoda prep starting, the Mount Mary church area is buzzing, and the promenade at Bandra is actually walkable without feeling like you’re in a sauna.
The water at Juhu or Girgaon remains warm—around 26°C—so while you won't see many people "swimming" in the traditional sense, the sea breeze is at its most refreshing. It’s a weird, beautiful paradox where you can experience a tropical sunset and a "chilly" bike ride in the same twelve-hour window.
Actionable Advice for Your Trip
- Book the North-Facing Rooms: If you’re staying in a high-rise, these rooms often catch the cooler breeze and avoid the direct, scorching afternoon sun.
- Plan "Inside" Afternoons: Between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM, hit the museums (like the CSMVS) or the malls. Save your outdoor sightseeing for the "golden hours."
- Watch the IMD Twitter/X Feed: They are surprisingly accurate with "Cold Wave" warnings. If they predict a dip, that’s the night you head to an outdoor rooftop bar like Aer or Dome to actually enjoy the weather.
- Hydrate Differently: You won't feel as thirsty because you aren't sweating as much, but the dry air dehydrates you just as fast. Keep the water bottle handy.
Mumbai’s December isn't about the cold; it's about the relief. It’s the city finally taking a breath after eight months of relentless humidity. Just don't expect to see snow—unless you’re looking at the crushed ice in a gola at Juhu Beach.