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.
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
- →Breathable travel pantsAmazon · shop this
- →Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50Amazon · shop this
- →Polarized sunglassesAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
- →Compression packing cubesAmazon · shop this
- →Anti-theft crossbody bagAmazon · shop this
We may earn a small commission on any purchase — it doesn't change the price you pay.
Where to stay in Kathmandu
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in Kathmandu across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→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 a ten-year climate record.
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.
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 ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
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 the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
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.