From Pleasant To 8.5°C: Bengaluru’s December Winter Tightens Its Grip

Last Updated:December 21, 2025, 10:54 IST

Weather officials indicate that dry conditions with clear skies are likely to continue in the coming days. However, cold nights and misty or foggy mornings are expected to persist.

For Bengaluru residents, the current weather spell is a reminder that winter conditions, though brief, can have a tangible impact on daily life. Image: Canva

Winter in Bengaluru is usually marked by mild mornings and pleasant afternoons, but this festive season has brought an unusually sharp chill. Over the past few days, a combination of cold wave conditions and dense fog has tightened its grip on the Bengaluru Urban district, affecting daily routines and disrupting early-morning travel across the city and surrounding areas.

Temperature drops across Bengaluru Urban

Minimum temperatures in parts of Bengaluru Urban district have dropped to around 8.5 degrees Celsius, marking one of the colder spells the city has experienced this December. While winter lows are not uncommon, the intensity of the current cold wave has stood out, with residents reporting colder nights and noticeably chilly mornings.

Meteorological observations indicate that temperatures across several parts of Karnataka have remained below normal for this time of year. In Bengaluru, the drop has been accompanied by calm wind conditions, allowing cold air to settle closer to the ground and intensify the chill during night and early morning hours.

Fog tightens its grip on mornings

Alongside the cold, dense fog has become a regular feature during early mornings, particularly before sunrise. Visibility on several city roads and highways has dropped significantly, affecting motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike. Fog has been especially prominent on the outskirts of the city and along major approach roads, where open land allows mist to spread more easily.

For commuters, this has meant slower travel speeds and longer journey times. Drivers have been urged to use fog lights, maintain safe distances and avoid sudden lane changes. Several motorists reported near-standstill conditions on certain stretches during peak fog hours.

Impact on daily commute and public transport

The weather conditions have also had a ripple effect on public transport. Early-morning bus services have faced delays as drivers navigated low-visibility conditions. Commuters waiting at bus stops reported longer wait times, especially in areas prone to heavy fog.

While no major cancellations were reported, travel disruptions were more noticeable for those heading out before daybreak. Office-goers working early shifts, airport travellers and inter-district commuters were among those most affected by the fog and cold combination.

Festive season travel under pressure

The timing of the cold wave has coincided with the festive travel season, adding an extra layer of difficulty for people planning holiday journeys. Many families travelling early in the morning to catch buses, trains or flights had to factor in delays caused by reduced visibility.

Road travel, in particular, has required careful planning, with fog making long-distance driving more tiring and time-consuming. Authorities have advised travellers to start journeys later in the morning when possible, as fog typically lifts after sunrise.

Health concerns during the cold spell

The sudden drop in temperature has also raised health concerns, especially for children, senior citizens and those with respiratory conditions. Doctors note that cold weather combined with fog can aggravate respiratory issues, trigger allergies and increase the risk of seasonal infections.

Residents have been advised to stay warm, avoid prolonged exposure to early-morning cold, and ensure adequate hydration and nutrition. Wearing layered clothing and covering the head and neck during morning hours has been recommended.

What the weather outlook suggests

Weather officials indicate that dry conditions with clear skies are likely to continue in the coming days. However, cold nights and misty or foggy mornings are expected to persist for the near term. Daytime temperatures are likely to remain comfortable, creating a sharp contrast between day and night conditions.

Such patterns are typical during winter when moisture levels remain low and wind speeds are minimal, allowing fog to form during the night and early morning hours.

Planning around winter conditions

For Bengaluru residents, the current weather spell is a reminder that winter conditions, though brief, can have a tangible impact on daily life. Adjusting travel schedules, checking visibility before heading out and staying alert on the roads can help reduce inconvenience and risk.

As the festive season continues, commuters and travellers are being encouraged to stay informed about weather updates and plan journeys accordingly. With cold mornings and fog likely to linger, a little extra preparation can go a long way in navigating Bengaluru’s winter chill.