Nepal in December: Weather, Tips & Trekking
While visiting Nepal in December might not be a popular option, this month can be a surprisingly good time to visit the country. It is early winter in Nepal, which means that some areas will be cold. However, on the plus side, the country is mostly dry during this time of year. High in the mountains, night-time temperatures can go well below zero. But down in the plains, as well as in Kathmandu, you will experience pleasant weather during the daytime. December is therefore still a good time to explore the valleys and national parks of Nepal, without having to face high-season crowds.
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Nepal Weather in December
Given the country’s topography, Nepal’s weather in December differs depending on the area you visit. This is not the month for those who wish to summit mountains or trek to base camps. The temperatures in Everest Base Camp, for example, are constantly below the freezing point. Therefore, trekking in Nepal in December is best enjoyed in altitudes below 4,000m, where days are still warm enough for a pleasant hike. The mid-hills, on the other hand, see warm, sunny days, with the mercury reaching the 20°C mark in Kathmandu, although nights are often cold (the lows in Kathmandu during this month hover at around 4°C). The southern parts of the country are much warmer. In Chitwan National Park, you are likely to experience clear skies and temperatures of up to 25°C.
For a seasonal overview, check out our travel guide on the best time to visit Nepal.
Weather in Nepal in December - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 19 | 21 | 25 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 24 | 20 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 2 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 13 | 8 | 4 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 67 | 70 | 77 | 83 | 85 | 85 | 83 | 85 | 83 | 81 | 76 | 68 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 36 | 41 | 47 | 54 | 61 | 67 | 68 | 68 | 67 | 56 | 47 | 40 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 14 | 19 | 34 | 61 | 124 | 236 | 363 | 331 | 200 | 51 | 8 | 13 |
| Nov | Dec | Jan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 24 | 20 | 19 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 8 | 4 | 2 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 76 | 68 | 67 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 47 | 40 | 36 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 8 | 13 | 14 |
Why Visit Nepal in December
While it might not be a high-season month when it comes to visiting the country, there are plenty of things to do in Nepal in December. We have listed a few of them below.
- Lower rates: Accommodation and activities are usually cheaper in Nepal after the high season (from September to November) is over. Make the most of the deals during your stay in the country in December.
- Enjoy the views: The Himalayas look breathtaking in December. This is primarily because the sky is clear and days are sunny. Plus, you will not feel uncomfortable during a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu, given the city’s pleasant daytime temperatures in this month.
- Chasing wildlife: While it can be hot and humid in national parks such as Chitwan and Bardia during spring, December is a good time to discover wildlife in these nature reserves.
- Trekking: Heading for the base camps of Mount Everest or Mount Annapurna might not be a good idea in December. However, there are plenty of trails below 4,000m in Nepal that can be enjoyed during this month. A Langtang Valley trek, with the maximum elevation of 3,800m, is a good alternative, so is a Poon Hill hike. The plus point of hiking through these trails in December is that you will encounter fewer tourists along the way.
Where to go and what to do
If you enjoy wildlife and nature, December is a good time to visit Chitwan National Park or Bardia National Park. Since this is a dry month in Nepal, you have good chances of spotting the endangered royal Bengal tiger along with other wildlife like elephants, deer and one-horned rhinos. If you want to experience the views of the Himalayas from Kathmandu, book a mountain flight. Flying close to Mount Everest and its surrounding mountains, this experience allows you to take in the glorious views of the Himalayas from the comfort of your seat.
Make sure to check the dates of the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival if you plan to spend a few days in the capital city. This festival showcases movies made by local talents. In addition to some of the most famous cultural landmarks of the country, Kathmandu is also a great place to enjoy local Nepali cuisine. You can try the popular dal-bhat (rice served with a lentil soup and vegetables) or momos (typical Nepalese dumplings) while in the city.
While many might not find it a good idea to visit Nepal in December, it definitely has its benefits. This month sees pleasant weather in most parts of the country except in the Himalayas. Plus, from hiking to national-park visits and city sightseeing tours, there are tons of activities that you can engage in during this time of year.
If you are unsure about planning a trip to the country, feel free to get in touch with our local travel experts to make a customized itinerary for a Nepal tour that suits your schedule and budget.
