Cool weather prevails in the valleys with cold nights and sunny days; higher altitudes are cold with snow on many passes. Lower-elevation sightseeing is comfortable but high-altitude trekking requires winter experience and gear.
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Nepal in December.
Chitwan, Lumbini, Biratnagar
December cools down noticeably at night with lows sometimes near 5-8°C, though daytime sunshine makes afternoons pleasant and often dry; rivers are at lower levels and boat trips are calm. Lowland towns host fewer crowds than Kathmandu but pack a warm sweater for early-morning safaris and open-vehicle trips. Air quality is typically better than in the valley, but still carry sun protection for strong daytime ultraviolet levels.
Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, Nagarkot
December brings chillier mornings and occasionally icy nights in higher parts of the valley, though daytime sunshine still makes city walks pleasant. Mountain views can be spectacular on clear, cold days following a light winter frost, and tourist crowds thin except around holiday periods. Pack a warm coat for dawn and dusk, and allow extra time for getting around when fog or frost affects visibility on narrow city roads.
Pokhara, Poon Hill, Annapurna Circuit lower sections
December cools rapidly after sunset with frosts likely on exposed ridgelines and nights often dipping below freezing on higher trails, though Pokhara’s daytime sun still warms to comfortable levels. Lower-elevation treks remain feasible and lakeside cafés are quiet and atmospheric, but expect limited services in remote villages and possible closures above 3,000 m. Pack warm layers, an insulated jacket for evenings and thermals for any pre-dawn viewpoints.
Upper Mustang, Muktinath, Jomsom
description”:”Upper Mustang and the Trans-Himalayan plateau are in Nepal’s rain shadow: they stay drier year-round with big diurnal temperature swings and cold winters. Best months for access and visibility are October-November and March-May; winter brings hard freezes and limited services while summer is comparatively dry but windy. Important for travelers: permits for Upper Mustang, strong sun at altitude, and basic facilities in remote villages.”},{
There are no major festivals or events in Nepal during December to be aware of.
See how December compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.