Things to Do in Johorbahru in December

December Weather in Johorbahru

30°C (86°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

School holidays create vibrant local atmosphere - Malaysian families explore their own city, making December the most culturally authentic time to visit
Year-end shopping festival period with major mall sales (up to 70% off) at City Square, KSL City, and Paradigm Mall from December 15-31
Perfect weather for exploring Singapore during the day (20 minutes by causeway) and returning to JB for affordable dinners - save 60% on accommodation costs
Optimal timing for Legoland Malaysia - shorter queues than Singapore school holidays, plus Christmas decorations and special shows through December 25

Considerations

Afternoon humidity peaks at 85-90% between 2-4pm, making outdoor walking uncomfortable without air-conditioned breaks every 30-45 minutes
Weekend traffic to Singapore increases by 40% due to year-end shopping - causeway crossing can take 2-3 hours on Saturdays
Monsoon season brings sudden heavy downpours (typically 5-6pm) that can flood street-level areas for 30-60 minutes

Best Activities in December

Singapore Day Trips via Causeway

December's dry mornings (8am-12pm) are perfect for walking across the causeway or taking the bus to Singapore. Return by 3pm to avoid afternoon rain and evening traffic. Local tip: Malaysian residents often do Christmas shopping in Singapore during December - follow their timing.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for public transport. Grab/taxi to Causeway costs RM15-25 (USD 3-5). Walking takes 45 minutes each way. Check current tour options in booking section below for guided experiences.

Heritage Quarter Walking Tours

December mornings (7-10am) offer the only comfortable walking weather for exploring Jalan Dhoby, Chinese Heritage Museum, and Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple. Post-10am humidity makes walking miserable until evening.

Booking Tip: Self-guided maps available at tourist information. Guided heritage walks typically cost RM80-150 (USD 17-32) for 3-hour tours. Book through cultural centers or see current options below.

Legoland Malaysia Adventures

December weekdays have 50% fewer visitors than Singapore school holiday periods. Christmas decorations and special shows run until December 25. Start at 10am opening - afternoon heat becomes intense after 1pm.

Booking Tip: Online tickets RM200-250 (USD 43-54) vs RM290 (USD 62) at gate. Book 7-14 days ahead for December deals. Two-day passes offer better value if including water park. See current packages below.

Street Food Night Markets

December evenings (7-11pm) are when Johor Bahru comes alive. Pasar Malam Taman Sentosa (Thursday-Sunday) and Medan Selera Meldrum Walk offer authentic Malaysian flavors when humidity drops to bearable levels.

Booking Tip: No booking needed - bring cash (RM20-40/USD 4-9 per person for full meal). Food tours available through local operators, typically RM120-180 (USD 26-39). Check current guided options below.

Air-Conditioned Mall Shopping

December's year-end sales make JB's malls incredibly popular with locals. City Square Mall connects directly to immigration for Singapore trips. KSL City offers the best food courts and local shopping atmosphere.

Booking Tip: No booking required. Parking RM2-5 (USD 0.40-1) per day. Many malls offer tourist discount cards - ask at information counters. December sales typically run through January 2.

Puteri Harbour Marina Sunset Views

December sunsets (7:15-7:30pm) offer spectacular views across the Straits of Johor. Evening temperatures drop to comfortable 26°C (79°F) with sea breezes. Hello Kitty Town and Thomas Town also located here for family visits.

Booking Tip: Free access to marina area. Theme park tickets RM65-85 (USD 14-18). Waterfront dining RM40-80 (USD 9-17) per person. See current activity packages below.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December to early January

Johor Bahru Year End Shopping Festival

Major malls coordinate sales events with live performances, lucky draws, and extended hours until midnight. Local favorite for Christmas gift shopping with authentic Malaysian pricing.

December 1-31

Christmas Light Displays at City Square

The mall's atrium features elaborate Christmas decorations and nightly light shows at 8pm and 9pm. Popular photo spot for both locals and tourists.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight moisture-wicking shirts - cotton becomes uncomfortable in 75% humidity within 30 minutes

Compact umbrella that fits in daypack - December showers are sudden and intense for 15-30 minutes

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 and reflects off concrete throughout the city

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - marble floors in malls become slippery during rain season

Small towel for wiping sweat - essential for any outdoor activity between 11am-5pm

Portable phone charger - high humidity drains batteries 25% faster than normal

Cash in small bills (RM1, RM5, RM10) - street food vendors and local transport rarely have change for RM50 notes

Light cardigan for over-air-conditioned malls and restaurants - temperature difference can be 10°C (18°F)

Waterproof phone case - protect devices during unexpected downpours and high humidity

Electrolyte tablets or powder - easy to get dehydrated in December heat without realizing it

Insider Knowledge

Cross to Singapore before 9am or after 7pm to avoid the worst causeway traffic - locals know afternoon crossings can take 3+ hours in December

Eat lunch at kopitiam (local coffee shops) between 11:30am-2pm when air conditioning is strongest and prices are lowest - dinner prices can be 40% higher

Many taxi drivers don't use meters - agree on price before starting (city center RM10-20, Legoland RM45-60, causeway RM15-25)

December is durian season - try this controversial fruit at Jalan Wong Ah Fook night stalls, but never bring it into hotels or public transport

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor walking activities between 11am-4pm when humidity makes it genuinely unpleasant - locals stay indoors during these hours

Not carrying enough cash - many local food stalls and transportation options don't accept cards, and ATMs charge RM12 (USD 2.50) for international cards

Assuming December is 'cool' season - it's still tropical and very humid, just with more rain than other months