Magadan in December

In December, Magadan averages -15°C (6°F) during the day and -19°C (-2°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (28 mm total).

Off-peak

Conditions are deeply cold — proper winter gear is essential. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

December in Magadan 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.).

-15°C
Avg high
-19°C
Avg low
11
Rain days
28 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Magadan

11th
warmest month of the 12
9th
wettest month of the 12
5%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
6 h 5 min
daylight on the 15th

December is one of the coolest months in Magadan (11th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 15°C below the annual average (0°C). December runs 6°C cooler than November (-9°C) and cools 1°C in January (-15°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Magadan

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
9:49 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
3:54 PM
Day length
6 h 5 min

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

Photography light in Magadan — December

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
8:49 AM – 9:29 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
9:29 AM – 10:29 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
3:14 PM – 4:14 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
4:14 PM – 4:54 PM
Aurora visibility
Fair
Aurora is possible from Magadan but requires a strong geomagnetic event (Kp 5+) plus clear skies — chase nights, don't count on them.

📅 When to book — Magadan 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 Magadan'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 Magadan

Off-peak

This is off-peak for Magadan — 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 Magadan

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
0.9
Low
Minimal sun protection needed for normal activity.
🦟 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 — Magadan in December

Snow days (typical)
0
days/month
Avg low
-19°C
-2°F
Avg day high
-15°C
6°F

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

Magadan in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January -15°C / 5°F -20°C / -3°F 25 mm 10
February -13°C / 8°F -18°C / -1°F 13 mm 7
March -8°C / 18°F -14°C / 7°F 30 mm 12
April -2°C / 29°F -8°C / 18°F 22 mm 9
May 6°C / 42°F 0°C / 32°F 61 mm 14
June 12°C / 53°F 6°C / 43°F 48 mm 14
July 15°C / 60°F 11°C / 51°F 83 mm 15
August 16°C / 60°F 11°C / 51°F 85 mm 16
September 11°C / 51°F 6°C / 42°F 100 mm 17
October 2°C / 35°F -3°C / 27°F 58 mm 13
November -9°C / 17°F -13°C / 8°F 53 mm 14
December -15°C / 6°F -19°C / -2°F 28 mm 11

Other cities with similar December weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Magadan in December?

In December, Magadan averages a high of -15°C (6°F) and a low of -19°C (-2°F) — generally cold.

Does it rain a lot in Magadan in December?

December can be fairly wet in Magadan, with about 11 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Magadan?

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 Magadan 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 Magadan for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Magadan on the interactive map

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