Nepal in December: Weather & 6 Best Places to Visit (2025)
ARE YOU PLANNING A TRIP TO NEPAL IN DECEMBER?
I live in Kathmandu and the winters in Nepal are actually not that cold. The days are usually warm and sunny, and it only gets cold at night.
December used to be much colder in the past, but in recent years, December has not been so cold.
The beginning of December is still a really good time to go trekking. The weather is still not too cold and there are not that many travellers, so you get to enjoy trekking with less people around.
Some of the best things to do in Nepal in December is go trekking, hiking, and exploring places in the hilly region in Nepal, such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur and Tansen.
Here is all the information you need about Nepal in December, including the weather, trekking, festivals, activities and places to visit!
Nepal Weather in December
The weather in December starts to get cold. The daytime temperatures start to decrease but luckily in many places it is still sunny and warm during the day.
It does get cold in the evenings and the problem is that there is no central heating in Nepal. In bigger cities, you can book hotels with AC and use it as a heater.
Nepal Temperature in December
The hilly region of Nepal (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur, Tansen, Gorkha) tend to get a lot of sunshine during the day and it only gets cold at night.
While the southern, Tarai region of Nepal (Chitwan, Janakpur, Bardia) tends to get colder in the winter in Nepal.
In the Tarai, it becomes very cloudy, hazy and there is very little sunshine. Sometimes, there is no sunshine at all and it makes it very cold both day and night time.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Nepal?
December is the beginning of the winter season in Nepal, however, the first half of December is still very ideal for trekking.
The second half of December becomes too cold for trekking, but nevertheless, many people still go trekking in December. One reason is because there are less people on the trails so the trekking experience is more peaceful.
Places like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur and Tansen still receive a lot of sunshine during the day, and it only gets cold at night.
With the sunshine during the day to warm you up, December is still a pretty good time to visit Nepal.
When is the Off Season in Nepal?
The off seasons are two times a year in Nepal: one is from December-February (winter) and another one from June-August (monsoon).
The weather is less favourable for trekking during these times, thus people opt to visit during the seasons when it is best for trekking (autumn or spring).
I also organize treks in Nepal:
✔️ Everest Base Camp
✔️ Annapurna Base Camp
✔️ Langtang Valley Trek & more!
Does it Snow in Nepal in December?
It only snows in high altitudes above 3,000 in the winter, so you’d see snow if you go trekking in high altitudes in Nepal in December.
In general, it doesn’t snow in Kathmandu in December. The last snowfall that lasted for a few days in Kathmandu was in 1945. Since then, there were light snowfall only two times: once in 2007 and once in 2019.
Sometimes it snows in the hills nearby Kathmandu (Chandragiri, Kalinchowk) but if there is snow, it is usually around February-March.
❄️ Know where and when to see snow and check out the best snowfall places in Nepal here!
Less Popular Places in Nepal in Winter
The least enjoyable place to be in Nepal during winter is in the southern, Tarai region of Nepal.
The Tarai region gets very cloudy and hazy during the winter, with almost no sunshine at all during the day. It makes it a cold and gloomy place to be.
Places in the Tarai include: Chitwan, Bardia, Lumbini, Janakpur, Butwal.
To be honest, if it is the only time that you can visit any of the places in the Tarai, you should still go. I visited in Janakpur one time in January and it although it was very gloomy, the trip was still worth.
Best Places to Visit in Nepal in December
The winter season runs from December-February in Nepal. The best place to be during this time is in the hilly region of Nepal (e.g. Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur, Tansen, Gorkha).
In the hilly region of Nepal, it is usually sunny and warm during the day and it only gets cold in the evenings.
Even if the nights are cold, you can soak in the sun during the day and it makes a big difference.
1. Kathmandu in December
Kathmandu Weather in December
The average temperature is between 4-20 °C (39-68 °F) in Kathmandu in December.
The temperature is warm and sunny during the day but the nights can get very cold in Kathmandu in December.
In general, the weather in the beginning of December is still great for trekking and hiking in Nepal. A lot of people prefer this time for a trek as there are not that many people on the trails.
Does it Snow in Kathmandu in December?
No, it does not snow in Kathmandu in December. It is very rare for it to snow in Kathmandu and the last proper snowfall was in 1945.
Since then, it has only snowed two more times (in 2007 and 2019) but it was very light snow and didn’t last long.
On a rare occasion it snows in Chandragiri (in the Kathmandu Valley) or in Kalinchowk around February-March.
What is the Best Time to Visit Kathmandu
The best time to visit Kathmandu is between October-November and March-April. However, in general, it is a good time to visit Kathmandu anytime from mid-September to May.
The good things is that Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and there are plenty of activities to do all year around.
Visiting Kathmandu in December
December is the start of the off season in Nepal and thus there are less and less travellers in Kathmandu.
It also means that you can get some better deals for hotels or trekking. Usually, hotels and trekking shops have discounts during the off seasons.
It might be the start of the off season but December is still a good time to be in Kathmandu. The days are warm and sunny, and it only gets cold at night.
🏠 Stay warm at nights and book a hotel room with AC during the winter in Kathmandu here!
Best Things to Do in Kathmandu in December
The days are sunny and there is very little chance of rain, so exploring Kathmandu in December is great.
Apart from the main tourist attractions, there are also many hiking and day trip options in the Kathmandu Valley. Hiking and day trips from Kathmandu provide beautiful views of the Himalayas and time in the nature with fresh air.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Boudha Stupa, Swoyambhu Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Changu Narayan Temple
- Museums
- Day Trips from Kathmandu: Bhaktapur, Patan, Chandragiri, Kirtipur, Godawari, Changunarayan, Manakamana
- 2-3 day trips from Kathmandu: Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Kakani, Chitlang-Kulekhani, Panauti
- Hiking near Kathmandu: Phulchowki Hill, Jamacho Gumba, Tarebhir, Chandragiri to Chitlang, Sundarijal to Chisapani
- Classes and Workshops: Sound Healing sessions, Thangka Painting Class, Cooking Class
- Trekking routes near Kathmandu: Langtang Valley Trek (6-8 days), Gosaikunda Trek (4-5 days), Tamang Heritage Trail Trek (5-6 days), Panch Pokhari Trek (4-5 days)
Check out my Travel Guide to Kathmandu here!
2. Pokhara in December
Pokhara Weather in December
The average temperature is between 8-20 °C (46-68 °F) in Pokhara in December.
The weather in Pokhara in December start to get cold at nights. The daytime is still sunny and pleasant but it does get cold in Pokhara at nights in December.
What is the Best Time to Visit Pokhara?
The best time to visit Pokhara is between October to mid-December and mid-February to April, however, visiting anytime between October-May is generally a good time.
Visiting Pokhara in December
December is the beginning of the off season in Nepal so there are less and less tourists in Pokhara.
The first half of December is a popular time to go trekking for those that prefer trails without the crowds of people.
🏠 Stay warm and book a hotel room with AC in the winter in Pokhara here!
Best Things to Do in Pokhara in December
The nights are cold but days remain sunny during the day in Pokhara in December, so it is an ideal time to explore the town and nearby hiking/trekking routes.
- Boating on Fewa Lake + Hiking to the World Peace Pagoda
- Annapurna Cable Car for the Sarangkot Sunrise
- Paragliding
- Visiting Begnas Lake (+hiking)
- Visiting the Caves
- Movie Garden
- Cooking classes
- Trekking routes from Pokhara: Annapurna Base Camp (7-8 days), Poon Hill (4-5 days), Mardi Himal (5-7 days), Australian Camp (2 days), Panchase Trek (2-3 days)
Check out my Travel Guide to Pokhara here!
3. Bandipur in December
Bandipur Weather in December
The average temperature is around 20 °C (68 °F) in Bandipur in December. It is sunny and warm during the day, while the nights get cold.
As the temperature is still pleasant during the daytime, December is a good time to visit Bandipur.
What is the Best Time to Visit Bandipur?
The best time to visit Bandipur is between October to mid-December and mid-February to April. During this time, the temperature is pleasant and the views are generally clear to see the Himalayas.
Generally, it is a good time to visit Bandipur anytime from late September until the end of May.
Visiting Bandipur during the monsoon season is also an option, however, during the monsoon season you will not get clear views of the mountains.
🏠 Looking for a place to stay in Bandipur? Check out Bandipur Chhen here! (Rated 9.3/10 ⭐ on 146 reviews)
Visiting Bandipur in December
Bandipur is a beautiful little town on the way between Kathmandu and Pokhara and is a popular stop to enjoy Himalayan views, go hiking or just chill at one of the cafes and restaurants.
Bandipur is famous for its well-preserved Newari architecture (wooden carved windows and red bricks), and it is often compared to feeling like being in Belgium or France.
Things to Do in Bandipur in December
- Hike up to the Thani Mai Temple and see the sunrise or sunset
- Siddha Gufa: Nepal’s largest cave
- Hike from Bandipur to Ramkot
- Check out the Newari architecture of Bandipur
- Eat and drink in one of the cute cafes and restaurants in Bandipur
- Try Newari food
Check out my Travel Guide to Bandipur here!
4. Tansen in December
Tansen Weather in December
The average temperature is between 6-20 °C (43-68 °F) in Tansen in December.
Tansen is a great place to visit in December as it is one of the less touristy places that has pleasant daytime temperatures.
What is the Best Time to Visit Tansen?
The best time to visit Tansen is between October-November or March-April which is when you get the best views of the Himalayas.
However, generally, anytime between October-May is considered a good time.
The least favourable time to visit Tansen is during the monsoon season (June-August), however, there are plenty of things to do in Tansen if you happen to be there when it rains.
Visiting Tansen in December
Tansen remains still one of the less visited places in Nepal and is the perfect getaway to experience a small Nepali town.
Tansen has some great homestays where the owners can recommend a lot of activities in Tansen.
The temperature is still warm during the day in Tansen in December. On a clear day, Tansen has great views of the Himalayan range and you may still be able to have a good view in December.
🏠 Looking for a place to stay in Tansen? Check out Horizon Homestay here! (Rated 9.5/10 ⭐ on 122 reviews)
Best Things to Do in Tansen in December
- Hike to Shreenagar Hill and Tansen View Tower
- Visit Rani Mahal (the “Taj Mahal” of Nepal)
- Tansen Durbar and Museum
- Temples
- Eat Newari food
- Shop items made from Dhaka fabric (perfect souvenir to take home!)
Check out my Travel Guide to Tansen here!
5. Gorkha in December
Gorkha Weather in December
The average temperature is around 12 °C (54 °F) in Gorkha in December.
Gorkha is in the hilly region in Nepal and it receives a lot of sunshine during the day. The sunshine keeps Gorkha feel much warmer and it is an ideal place to visit even in the winter in Nepal.
What is the Best Time to Visit Gorkha?
The best time to visit Gorkha is between October to mid-December and mid-February to April. During this time, the temperature is pleasant and the views are usually clear to see the Himalayas.
Generally, it is a good time to visit Gorkha anytime from late September until the end of May.
Visiting Gorkha in December
Gorkha is a small town on the way between Kathmandu and Pokhara, and is a historically significant place in Nepali history.
Nepal used to be made of many smaller kingdoms and Prithvi Narayan Shah, the king of the Gorkha Kingdom, started the unification process of Nepal. Gorkha is also known as the place where the Gurkha soldiers originate from.
Things to Do in Gorkha in December
When visiting Gorkha, make sure to see the sunrise from the Gorkha Durbar. It’s really beautiful and you can get up there in about 30-45 minutes from the town centre.
- Sunrise at the Gorkha Durbar
- Gorkha Museum
- Bhimsen Thapa Park
- Hiking
Check out my Travel Guide to Gorkha here!
6. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in December
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Weather in December
The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is located in the southern, Tarai region of Nepal. The Tarai region usually gets very cold, cloudy and hazy during the winter in Nepal with very little sunshine during the day.
Thus, as December starts the weather will slowly become colder and gloomier in Koshi Tappu. If you visit during this time, take dress in layers as it will be cold.
I visited Koshi Tappu in the month of January and it was very cold at night. In the morning, it was so hazy, we had to wait until the haze cleared up before starting the wildlife tour.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve?
There are different reasons to visit the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve depending on the seasons. Each season is characterised by the best chances of spotting specific animals.
Depending on the season, you are likely to see the following animals:
- October – November: summer migratory birds
- December – January: winter migratory birds
- Mid-February – March: wild elephants
Visiting Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in December
Koshi Tappu is the most popular place for spotting the winter migratory birds and if you visit in December-January, then you are in luck!
It might be cold during that time but you will be able to see many different types of winter migratory birds.
Things to Do in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in December
- Bird watching
- Safari in tuktuk or on motorbike
🦅 Check out my Travel Guide to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve here!
Trekking in Nepal in December
December is the beginning of the off season and the trekking trails start to get quieter with less trekkers.
For this reason, many people prefer to trek in the beginning of December when the trails are more peaceful.
The weather is still ideal for a trek in the beginning of December but you may start to see snow in higher altitudes towards the end of September.
What to Pack for Trekking in December
- Crampons: in case of icy trail
- Nalgene water bottle: you can fill the bottle with hot water, put it inside your sleeping at night and it will work like a heater
- Thermal layers
- Down jacket
- Sleeping bag
Festivals in Nepal in December
Nepal is known for its many festivals and holidays and October-November is usually the main holiday season in Nepal.
The dates of Nepali holidays change every year as Nepal uses the lunar calendar. In December, Nepal usually celebrates the Yomari Punhi Festival.
🎆 Check the festival and holiday calendar for Nepal here!
Yomari Punhi Festival
The Yomari Punhi Festival is usually celebrated in Nepal in December. Yomari is a Newari dessert made out of rice flour and filled with either molasses or milky yogurt.
The Yomari Punhi festival celebrates the rice harvest season and is a day spent with eating a lot of yomari.
Christmas and New Year’s Eve
Although it is not a Nepali holiday, Christmas is celebrated in Nepal!
Usually, 25 December is declared as a national holiday and there are many Christmas markets in Kathmandu leading up to Christmas.
31 December has also become a big celebration in Nepal and a lot of Nepali go out to celebrate New Year’s Eve. If you are staying in Thamel, Patan or Lazimpat, you will find many parties in the bars and restaurants.
Pokhara is also a really nice place to celebrate Christmas. Some of the western type restaurants have Christmas dinner menus, and Pokhara is just a nice place overall to celebrate any holiday.
Packing for Nepal in December
The temperature in Nepal in December is warm and sunny which makes winter time in Nepal much more pleasant. However, it gets cold at night, so you still need warm layers.
Here are a few things tohelp you through the cold nights in Nepal:
- Nalgene water bottle: If you travel in Nepal in December, it is good to have a Nalgene bottle with you and get it filled with hot water before you go to sleep. You can put the hot water Nalgene bottle under your bedsheet/sleeping bag and it will work as a heater to keep you warm.
- Sleeping bag
- Thermal layers
- Down jacket
Nepal Monthly Guides
Not sure about visiting Nepal in December? Check out my monthly guides for Nepal:
Nepal Seasonal Guides
December falls in the Winter season in Nepal. If you prefer to visit during another season, check out my seasonal guides for Nepal:
FAQs: Nepal in December
Is December a good time to visit Nepal?
Yes, the beginning of December is a good time to visit Nepal. Although December is the beginning of winter and the off season in Nepal, the first half of December is still great for trekking.
The daytime is warm and sunny, and it only gets cold at nights. There is no central heating in Nepal, so it means that you will have to wear layers in the evenings.
In some better hotels they have AC that you can use as a heater at night but generally dressing up in layers is what will help you through the cold.
Is it snowing in Nepal in December?
No, in most places in Nepal it usually does not snow in December. The only exception is at higher altitudes, so if you go trekking in December, you are likely experience snowfall.
The last proper snowfall Kathmandu was in 1945 when it snowed for a couple of days. Since then, it snowed a little in 2007 and 2019 but only for a little while and the snow melted straight away.
What is Kathmandu like in December?
The weather in Kathmandu is very pleasant during the day. It is sunny and warm so you can soak up the sun. However, it does get very cold at nights, so you will have to dress in layers.
There is no central heating in Kathmandu and most people use electric heaters or AC to heat up their places. If you book some better hotels with an AC then you will be fine in the evenings.
What clothes to wear in Nepal in December?
The daytime is still warm and sunny in Nepal. The evenings get cold so it is good if you pack layers. Some items to pack for Nepal in December are wool jacket, hat, thermal layers, jumpers.
Is 4 days enough for Nepal?
4 days are not enough for Nepal as a country but 4 days can be sufficient for Kathmandu.
I would say that if you only have 4 days, it is best to stay in Kathmandu and explore the heritage sites. You could also go for day trip near Kathmandu: Nagarkot, Dhulikhel or Chandragiri are great 1-2 day options.
Conclusion
In conclusion, December is the beginning of the winter and off season in Nepal.
If you prefer to visit and trek in Nepal at a time when there are less tourists on the trails, the first half of December is a great time to do so.
The great thing about winters in Nepal is that the weather stay sunny and warm during the day and it only gets cold at nights. Be sure though, it does get cold in the evenings and the problem is that there is no central heating in Nepal.
To get through the cold nights, bring layers to stay warm.
Nepal Trip Planning
Book your flight to Nepal: Check out Skyscanner or Kiwi.com to find the best flights deals!
Book Your Accommodation for Nepal: Are you looking for accommodation? Booking.com has everything from budget to luxury accommodation. For the cheapest places, check out Hostelworld.com.
Book Tours and Activities for Nepal: GetYourGuide and Viator have a vast number of tours and day trip activities all around the world. Check out their website and book your activity!
Get Travel Insurance for Nepal: It is always good to be on the safe side when travelling. SafetyWing is one of the most affordable international travel insurance and you can book it even after you have already started your trip.
Get Your Travel Cards: Whenever I am abroad, I always use travel cards Wise and Revolut. They have multiple currencies available, you can use it in shops and restaurants. The great thing is that they have the best exchange rates!
Looking for other tips to make travel easier? Check out my complete list of travel resources that have been my go-to companies when abroad or planning a trip.
Nepal Quick Guide
Can I get a Visa on Arrival for Nepal?
Yes! Almost all nationalities can get a ‘Visa on Arrival’ once landing at the Tribhuvan Airport in Kathmandu (check eligibility here). Getting a Visa-on-Arrival for Nepal is quick and easy. Read here my full guide on getting a Visa on Arrival for Nepal.
Should I get a Nepali SIM card?
Yes! Once you arrive in Nepal, it is recommended to get a Nepali SIM card.
SIM cards in Nepal are cheap and easy to get. There are daily, weekly or monthly data plans – all at an affordable cost. For more information, check how to get a SIM card in Nepal here.
Are there any useful mobile apps I can use in Nepal?
Yes! There are a couple of mobile apps that come handy when travelling in Nepal, including taxi apps, offline maps for trekking, booking accommodation and travel cards.
Check out my list of the most useful mobile apps to have in Nepal.
Can I exchange money in Nepal? What about ATMs?
Yes! Thamel (where most tourists stay) has many money exchange shops as well as ATMs.
There is also a currency exchange shop at the airport but the rates are better in Thamel. Read here all about currency exchange and ATMs in Nepal.
Is it safe to travel by bus in Nepal?
The roads are dangerous but generally yes (best to travel by a tourist bus)!
I would say road travel in Nepal is generally dangerous due to the road conditions. The roads are narrow and go through mountainous areas. The tourist buses in Nepal have the best safety, so if possible, make sure to book tourist buses when travelling in Nepal.
Overall, the roads might look dangerous but the drivers are used to the road conditions in Nepal so the tourist buses are a safe choice. Here is everything you need to know about bus travel in Nepal.
Can I drink the tap water in Nepal?
No, you cannot drink the tap water in Nepal.
The tap water is unsafe for drinking in Nepal. It is not only foreign tourists that should not drink the tap water in Nepal, even Nepali people who were born and raised in Nepal do not drink the tap water.
Can I book bus tickets online in Nepal?
Yes! It is possible to book bus tickets online in Nepal however, I recommend it for those staying in Nepal for 3+ months.
It is not possible to book bus tickets online using an international bank card but only through registering on a Nepali digital payment app eSewa. If you are staying long-term in Nepal, read here my step-by-step guide on how to book bus tickets online using eSewa.
Do they speak English in Nepal?
You might wonder “Do they speak English in Nepal?” It depends on where in Nepal you are. In big cities (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Sauraha/Chitwan) or trekking routes (Annapurna, Everest) that have many tourists, you will easily get by speaking English.
If you are in remote Nepal where not many tourists go, people usually will have little or no English. Here is a quick list of useful Nepali phrases to know while travelling in Nepal.
