East Asia in December: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for December
Average temperature across East Asia in December.
Country Weather in December
| Country | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | 11° | 3° | 51 mm | low | Cold |
| Japan | 12° | 3° | 43 mm | low | Cold |
| South Korea | 4° | -4° | 30 mm | low | Freezing |
| North Korea | 2° | -8° | 16 mm | low | Freezing |
| Taiwan | 20° | 14° | 147 mm | moderate | Cool |
| Mongolia | -13° | -26° | 3 mm | low | Freezing |
Representative figures from each country's largest city. High / low are average daily temperatures (°C); “Feels” allows for humidity.
Mongolia & Inner Mongolia (northern China)
December returns to prolonged winter conditions with bitter cold, hardened rivers and a reduction in overland travel options outside provincial capitals. Many remote areas close for the season, but city festivals and winter markets in Ulaanbaatar and regional centers continue; internal flights may be limited and subject to weather. If you travel now, bring specialist cold-weather clothing, confirm heating at your accommodation and accept that itineraries will need flexibility.
Northeast China & Manchuria (Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning including Harbin and Dalian)
By December the first proper snows return to the higher interior and coastal winds turn savage; Harbin readies its ice sculptures while Dalian feels raw and maritime. Winters are long and require thermal clothing, but the clear, cold air produces excellent conditions for ice sports and winter photography. Prepare for rapidly shortening daylight, blocked rural roads after heavy snowfalls, and limited opening hours outside cities.
North & Central China Plain (Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shaanxi corridor including Xi’an)
December closes the year with sharp mornings and regular freezing; museum and indoor itineraries are comfortable but outdoor ruins and walls can be icy. Some rural mountain passes may close after early snows; if you plan hiking, expect limited trail services. This month is good for lower-season hotel prices but pack for sub-zero nights and potential travel delays from winter weather.
Tibetan Plateau & Southwest Highlands (Tibet, Sichuan highlands, Yunnan)
description”:”High-altitude climate: intense sun, large diurnal ranges and a short season for safe trekking. Best travel window is late spring to early autumn (May-September), with September often the most stable for long treks; winter is extremely cold and many passes close. Monsoon-driven rains affect the Sichuan and Yunnan fringes in summer and can create hazardous trail conditions.”