Leh (Ladakh) in December
In December, Leh (Ladakh) averages -3°C (26°F) during the day and -13°C (9°F) at night, with only about 3 rainy days.
Off-peakConditions are deeply cold — proper winter gear is essential. Skies are generally dry and clear.
December in Leh (Ladakh) 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 Leh (Ladakh)
December is one of the coolest months in Leh (Ladakh) (10th of 12) and one of the driest months (12th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 11°C below the annual average (7°C). December runs 5°C cooler than November (2°C) and cools 3°C in January (-6°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Leh (Ladakh)
Times shown for Leh (Ladakh) local time (Asia/Kolkata), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Leh (Ladakh) — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Leh (Ladakh)'s local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Leh (Ladakh) 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 Leh (Ladakh)'s popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Leh (Ladakh)
This is off-peak for Leh (Ladakh) — 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 Leh (Ladakh)
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 — Leh (Ladakh) in December
Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.
Leh (Ladakh) in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -6°C / 21°F | -15°C / 5°F | 34 mm | 7 | — |
| February | -5°C / 24°F | -12°C / 10°F | 26 mm | 6 | — |
| March | 0°C / 31°F | -8°C / 17°F | 20 mm | 6 | — |
| April | 4°C / 39°F | -5°C / 23°F | 37 mm | 9 | — |
| May | 10°C / 49°F | 0°C / 32°F | 46 mm | 11 | — |
| June | 16°C / 60°F | 5°C / 41°F | 52 mm | 11 | — |
| July | 22°C / 71°F | 11°C / 52°F | 42 mm | 9 | — |
| August | 22°C / 72°F | 12°C / 53°F | 25 mm | 7 | — |
| September | 18°C / 64°F | 7°C / 45°F | 31 mm | 5 | — |
| October | 10°C / 49°F | 0°C / 31°F | 12 mm | 4 | — |
| November | 2°C / 35°F | -7°C / 19°F | 15 mm | 4 | — |
| December | -3°C / 26°F | -13°C / 9°F | 12 mm | 3 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Leh (Ladakh) in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Leh (Ladakh) in December?
In December, Leh (Ladakh) averages a high of -3°C (26°F) and a low of -13°C (9°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Leh (Ladakh) in December?
December is generally dry in Leh (Ladakh), with about 3 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Leh (Ladakh)?
December is cold and mostly dry. 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 Leh (Ladakh) in December?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves. See the full December packing list for Leh (Ladakh) for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.