Irkutsk in December
In December, Irkutsk averages -12°C (10°F) during the day and -20°C (-5°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (14 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are deeply cold — proper winter gear is essential. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December in Irkutsk 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.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Irkutsk
December is one of the coolest months in Irkutsk (11th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 19°C below the annual average (7°C). December runs 8°C cooler than November (-4°C) and cools 2°C in January (-14°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Irkutsk
Times shown for Irkutsk local time (Asia/Irkutsk), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Irkutsk — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Irkutsk's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Irkutsk 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 Irkutsk's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Irkutsk
This is off-peak for Irkutsk — 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 Irkutsk
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 — Irkutsk in December
Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.
Irkutsk in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -14°C / 6°F | -23°C / -9°F | 10 mm | 10 | — |
| February | -10°C / 14°F | -20°C / -4°F | 8 mm | 9 | — |
| March | 1°C / 34°F | -11°C / 13°F | 13 mm | 9 | — |
| April | 11°C / 51°F | -2°C / 28°F | 22 mm | 13 | — |
| May | 17°C / 62°F | 3°C / 38°F | 42 mm | 16 | — |
| June | 24°C / 74°F | 11°C / 51°F | 58 mm | 16 | — |
| July | 25°C / 77°F | 14°C / 57°F | 101 mm | 17 | — |
| August | 22°C / 72°F | 13°C / 55°F | 91 mm | 16 | — |
| September | 15°C / 60°F | 6°C / 43°F | 62 mm | 14 | — |
| October | 7°C / 45°F | -2°C / 29°F | 17 mm | 11 | — |
| November | -4°C / 24°F | -12°C / 10°F | 12 mm | 11 | — |
| December | -12°C / 10°F | -20°C / -5°F | 14 mm | 11 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Irkutsk in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Irkutsk in December?
In December, Irkutsk averages a high of -12°C (10°F) and a low of -20°C (-5°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Irkutsk in December?
December can be fairly wet in Irkutsk, with about 11 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Irkutsk?
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 Irkutsk in December?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Irkutsk for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.