Kathmandu in December

In December, Kathmandu averages 19°C (66°F) during the day and 3°C (37°F) at night, with only about 1 rainy day.

Peak season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Skies are generally dry and clear.

December is a great month to visit Kathmandu: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.

19°C
Avg high
3°C
Avg low
1
Rain days
5 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Kathmandu

11th
warmest month of the 12
12th
wettest month of the 12
0%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
10 h 24 min
daylight on the 15th

December is one of the coolest months in Kathmandu (11th of 12) and one of the driest months (12th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 6°C below the annual average (25°C). December runs 4°C cooler than November (23°C) and cools 1°C in January (18°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Kathmandu

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:46 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
5:10 PM
Day length
10 h 24 min

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

Photography light in Kathmandu — December

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:46 AM – 6:26 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:26 AM – 7:26 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
5:30 PM – 6:10 PM

📅 When to book — Kathmandu 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 (Peak season) and Kathmandu's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-5 months
Flight prices are near their annual peak. Watch fare-alert tools, book directly when you see a fare under the typical range for this city.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
3-5 months
Reasonable selection still available at 3-4 months out, but central locations vanish first.
⚠ 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 Kathmandu

Peak season

Kathmandu is in peak season during this month — expect bigger crowds at famous sights, higher hotel and flight prices, and longer queues. Restaurant reservations a few days out are advisable, and any boutique hotels you have your eye on should be booked weeks ahead. The trade-off: most attractions, restaurants, and seasonal services are fully open, the weather is at its most reliable, and the city feels at its most alive.

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

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Kathmandu

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
7.1
High
Cover up and apply SPF 30+ for any outdoor activity longer than 30 minutes.
🦟 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.

Kathmandu in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 18°C / 64°F 2°C / 36°F 15 mm 2 0
February 20°C / 68°F 5°C / 41°F 30 mm 3 0
March 25°C / 77°F 8°C / 46°F 40 mm 5 0
April 28°C / 82°F 12°C / 54°F 55 mm 7 0
May 29°C / 84°F 16°C / 61°F 120 mm 11 0
June 29°C / 84°F 19°C / 66°F 235 mm 15 0
July 28°C / 82°F 20°C / 68°F 365 mm 21 0
August 28°C / 82°F 19°C / 66°F 330 mm 20 0
September 28°C / 82°F 18°C / 64°F 200 mm 15 0
October 26°C / 79°F 13°C / 55°F 55 mm 5 0
November 23°C / 73°F 7°C / 45°F 5 mm 1 0
December 19°C / 66°F 3°C / 37°F 5 mm 1 0

Other cities with similar December weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Kathmandu in December?

In December, Kathmandu averages a high of 19°C (66°F) and a low of 3°C (37°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Kathmandu in December?

December is generally dry in Kathmandu, with about 1 rainy day on average.

Is December a good time to visit Kathmandu?

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

What should I pack for Kathmandu in December?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full December packing list for Kathmandu for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Kathmandu on the interactive map

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