Bishkek in December

In December, Bishkek averages 3°C (37°F) during the day and -7°C (20°F) at night, with around 8 days of rain (46 mm total).

Off-peak

Conditions are cold — pack winter layers. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.

December in Bishkek is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).

3°C
Avg high
-7°C
Avg low
8
Rain days
46 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Bishkek

11th
warmest month of the 12
9th
wettest month of the 12
6%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
9 h 3 min
daylight on the 15th

December is one of the coolest months in Bishkek (11th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 14°C below the annual average (16°C). December runs 5°C cooler than November (7°C) and cools 2°C in January (1°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Bishkek

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
8:25 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
5:28 PM
Day length
9 h 3 min

Times shown for Bishkek local time (Asia/Bishkek), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Bishkek — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Bishkek's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
7:25 AM – 8:05 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
8:05 AM – 9:05 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
4:48 PM – 5:48 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
5:48 PM – 6:28 PM

📅 When to book — Bishkek in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Off-peak) and Bishkek's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-6 weeks
Cheapest flights of the year. Last-minute deals are real if you can be flexible.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-4 weeks
Last-minute bookings work fine. Some seasonal properties close — call ahead if it's a small boutique or beach resort.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Bishkek

Off-peak

This is off-peak for Bishkek — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.

Why this tier: challenging tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Bishkek

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
4
Moderate
Use SPF 15-30 for prolonged outdoor exposure; sunglasses recommended at peak hours.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●○○○○
Minimal
Occasional mosquitoes possible near standing water. Repellent rarely needed.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

🥶 Bitter cold — Bishkek in December

Snow days (typical)
0
days/month
Avg low
-7°C
20°F
Avg day high
3°C
37°F

Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.

Bishkek in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 1°C / 34°F -9°C / 17°F 43 mm 8
February 4°C / 40°F -6°C / 20°F 53 mm 9
March 12°C / 53°F 0°C / 32°F 108 mm 14
April 18°C / 64°F 6°C / 42°F 137 mm 14
May 23°C / 74°F 10°C / 50°F 98 mm 11
June 28°C / 82°F 14°C / 58°F 41 mm 8
July 32°C / 89°F 18°C / 64°F 19 mm 4
August 30°C / 85°F 16°C / 61°F 30 mm 5
September 24°C / 76°F 11°C / 52°F 33 mm 5
October 16°C / 60°F 4°C / 40°F 79 mm 8
November 7°C / 45°F -2°C / 28°F 75 mm 10
December 3°C / 37°F -7°C / 20°F 46 mm 8

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Bishkek in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Bishkek in December?

In December, Bishkek averages a high of 3°C (37°F) and a low of -7°C (20°F) — generally cold.

Does it rain a lot in Bishkek in December?

December sees occasional rain in Bishkek, with about 8 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Bishkek?

December is cold. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Bishkek in December?

Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves. See the full December packing list for Bishkek for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Bishkek on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.