Kathmandu weather in December
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 2 rainy days across the month, on average.
December brings pleasant weather to Kathmandu with daytime temperatures averaging 18°C (64°F) and cool nights dropping to 6.4°C (44°F). Rainfall is minimal at just 7.6mm across only 1.7 days, while sunshine dominates with 9.5 hours daily. The air is crisp and clear, offering excellent visibility for sightseeing and mountain views.
This is peak season for visitors, as the post-monsoon skies are brilliantly clear and the city feels vibrant. December hosts various cultural events and the festive atmosphere builds toward New Year celebrations. Kathmandu's ancient temples and heritage sites are at their photogenic best, and crowds are manageable compared to later peak months.
December 2026 is an ideal time to visit Kathmandu if you prefer mild weather and clear days. Pack layers since mornings and evenings are cool, but afternoons warm up pleasantly. Book accommodations early as tourism picks up, and expect moderate prices before the January rush.
Thamel is backpacker theater; real Kathmandu eats at Bhojan Griha in Dilli Bazaar or Nepali dal-bhat thali at Thakali Bhanchha Ghar. Bhaktapur charges 1800 rupees entry but locals slip through side alleys pre-8am. Newari culture is distinct from Nepali; try yomari sweet in December. Pashupatinath cremations happen publicly, respect trumps photos. Load-shedding ended 2018 but power cuts still hit January cold snaps.
What to pack for Kathmandu in December
Layer up for Kathmandu's cool mornings and mild afternoons. You'll need a mix of warm and breathable pieces since temperatures swing from 6°C to 18°C throughout the day. Bring a light jacket for evenings and a hat for daytime sun protection.
- Merino wool thermal base layers
- Lightweight fleece jacket
- Water-resistant windbreaker
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
What to pack for Kathmandu in December
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Where to stay in Kathmandu
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Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated December trip to Kathmandu
Peak season prices — book early or shift by 2–3 weeks to save. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
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Delayed flight to Kathmandu?
Flights to Kathmandu in December can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
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Things worth doing
Temple hopping at Pashupatinath and Boudhanath Stupa, sunrise trek to Nagarkot viewpoint, Kathmandu Valley cultural tour, Pokhara day trip for lakeside views.
December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Kathmandu. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Kathmandu
While December has its own character in Kathmandu, the data-backed best months to visit Kathmandu are February, March, April, November. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for KathmanduOther places with a similar climate right now
Kathmandu in December — FAQ
Q01Is December a good time to visit Kathmandu?
Is December a good time to visit Kathmandu?
Yes — it is a good time to visit, with pleasant, comfortable weather. In December, Kathmandu averages a high of 18°C (64°F) and a low of 6°C (44°F), with 8mm of rainfall across roughly 2 rainy days. October-November post-monsoon clears Himalayan haze for Nagarkot sunrise; Dashain and Tihar festivals fill October streets with marigolds and clay lamps.
Q02What is the average temperature in Kathmandu in December?
What is the average temperature in Kathmandu in December?
The average high temperature in Kathmandu during December is 18°C (64°F), with an average low of 6°C (44°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). January morning fog delays Lukla flights 3-4 days; unheated guesthouses in Bhaktapur drop to 4C indoor, khukuri rum sales spike.
Q03How many rainy days does Kathmandu have in December?
How many rainy days does Kathmandu have in December?
Kathmandu averages approximately 2 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 8mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Kathmandu in December?
What should I pack for Kathmandu in December?
For Kathmandu in December, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, a merino base layer for evenings, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. N95 masks for winter inversion when Kathmandu valley AQI regularly exceeds 300, worse than Beijing.
Q05How crowded is Kathmandu in December?
How crowded is Kathmandu in December?
Tourist crowds in Kathmandu during December are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. Thamel is backpacker theater; real Kathmandu eats at Bhojan Griha in Dilli Bazaar or Nepali dal-bhat thali at Thakali Bhanchha Ghar. Bhaktapur charges 1800 rupees entry but locals slip through side alleys pre-8am. Newari culture is distinct from Nepali; try yomari sweet in December. Pashupatinath cremations happen publicly, respect trumps photos. Load-shedding ended 2018 but power cuts still hit January cold snaps.