Trekking in Nepal during December

December is the official start of winter in Nepal and the end of the peak trekking season.

Yak in the snow by Everest Base Camp in Winter
Yak in the snow by Everest Base Camp in Winter

In December the mountain views are still very good. During the day it's getting cooler in the shade but still warm in the sun. During the night the temperatures are beginning to drop. By mid to late December snow can often fall and block trekking routes.

For the most part at 2,000m expect day time temperatures of 16+ degrees and temperatures at night around 4 degrees.


December trekking tips

  • Dress in layers keeping in mind winter winds could arrive any day
  • Even if it's sunny bring some warm fleece and jacket for the evenings
  • Try to plan any passes or base camps for the first half of December
  • Consider lower altitude treks from this list if you are not experienced
  • Always remember that the weather can change hourly in the mountains

Most treks are possible in early December but it's not advisable to end up at a base camp or pass past mid-December as snow or ice could block a route. The main throngs of trekking tourists are largely gone now so there's no crowding.


What is the weather like in December for trekking in Nepal?


December means the start of winter in Nepal. However don't rule out the beginning to mid portions of the month as quite often the peak season hangs on for a week or two. From mid-December on winter has often arrived in full force with freezing winds and snow in the mountains. Expect large variations in the temperature from 21 degrees down to freezing and below towards the end of the month. Naturally temperatures drop the higher up you go but the views are pristine. Do make sure your guide calls ahead on a regular basis if you are trekking in later December weeks to make sure about weather conditions - many guides do not do this for fear of cutting a trek short.

* weather temperatures and conditions change as you go up in altitude or descend. Likewise there are variations depending on the trek. Always expect passes and base camps to have more extreme conditions. The temperatures listed here are only used as rough indications.


Historical weather data for trekking in December


Since publishing my guidebooks we've been keeping an accurate record of both GPS data for trails and the weather to try and help trekkers make decisions.

The following information is correlated based on real trekking guides and trekkers who were in the following areas. The weather data is broken down into the year of the trek, weeks in the month and a note on what a guide or person experienced in terms of weather. We've used EBC, ABC and the APC for weather examples as they cover the widest range of areas.

EBC = Everest Base Camp. ABC = Annapurna Base Camp. APC = Annapurna Circuit.

* Blank years or months  just means the guide or data is/was not available. It may also mean we've not had the time to update the data here (we have a lot of data on all treks). We are trying to keep this information as accurate as possible. If you are looking for specific data you may contact us, however you can best support this site by purchasing a guidebook first.

 

Trek / Date
EBC
December 2019
 Very cold but good views
December 2020

 Great views, but cold.

December 2021

 Snow at  EBC.

December 2022

Snow on the ground but blue skies

December 2023

Cold but great views


Trek / Date
ABC
December 2019

 Heavy snow

December 2020

 Good views with snow at night.

December 2021

Snow alert with visible heavy snow

 

December 2022

Snow on the ground which is heavy in many places

 

December 2023

Cold but light snow



Trek / Date
APC
December 2019

 Good views no cloud

December 2020

Light snow, good views.

December 2021

Cold, snow on the Thorong La Pass but clear views all the way.

December 2022

Throng La pass has heavy snow in places

December 2023

Snow higher up in Mustang region but passable


 

This historical climate/weather data may be useful to some but do remember that that the weather can change on an hourly basis in Nepal.


What trekking clothing is needed during December in Nepal?


The weather is warm and sunny during the day so bring trekking shorts, but bring trousers and warmer clothes too. Stopping for lunch may get a little chilly if sitting around for long. A warm fleece in the evenings and longer trousers along with a jacket are advisable. Bringing a warm sleeping bag is a good idea though many tea-houses will have blankets.


Is trekking accommodation on the trails open during December in Nepal?


he weather is warm and sunny during the day so bring trekking shorts, but bring trousers and warmer clothes too. Stopping for lunch may get a little chilly if sitting around. A warm fleece in the evenings and longer trousers along with a jacket are advisable. Bringing a warm sleeping bag is a good idea though many tea-houses will have blankets.


Are trekking restaurants on the trails open during December in Nepal?


Just like accommodation all restaurants will be open in December with full menus available in the first half of the month.

Do read my guidebook trekking in Nepal to understand about restaurants when trekking you may not be allowed to stay in your accommodation if you eat elsewhere when trekking!


Are trekking permits available in December in Nepal?


Yes, trekking permits are available year round in Nepal including December. Permits are available in both Kathmandu and Pokhara.


Do you need travel insurance for trekking in December?


Yes you definitely need travel insurance when trekking in December. ,Although the weather should be good accidents can still happen. It is officially winter so a freak storm could hit and leave you stranded. It's happened before, so get insurance.

Do read about getting proper travel insurance for trekking in Nepal.


Find out when is the best time of year for trekking in Nepal


Do read my full article on when is the best time of year to go trekking in Nepal for a full overview which it makes it easy to pick the best season to go trekking. Meanwhile here's a monthly breakdown.

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in January?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in February?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in March?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in April?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in May?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in June?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in July?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in August?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in September?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in October?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in November?

» What's it like to trek in Nepal in December?

Again, if you are trying to make plans it'll be easier to read when is the best time of year to go trekking in Nepal first, then the monthly breakdown.


More information on Trekking in Nepal


The above information should give you a brief outline and understanding about trekking in Nepal in February.

I've compiled more detailed articles on the specifics of trekking in Nepal below.

You will find them to be a great place to thoroughly research your trip to Nepal, be sure to bookmark them so you don't forget!


You might find my following free guides helpful:

Trekking in Nepal

My guide on trekking in Nepal

  Trekking Equipment Check out my guide on equipment & gear needed for trekking in Nepal
 
List of treks to hike in Nepal Check out my list of treks to do in Nepal complete with maps   Nepal Mountain range Check out my guide on how to travel overland into Tibet for a lot more!
Trekking in Nepal How to choose a trekking guide in Nepal   Record of Mount Everst Base Camp Trek in the Winter My Day by day account of trekking to Everest Base Camp in the off season (winter)
 
Traveling overland into Nepal Check out my How to travel overland into Nepal guide   Guide to traveling Nepal Check out my country Guide to Nepal

Are you ready to trek in Nepal? If so, then you'll love my trekking books!

These guidebooks are a hands on trekking guidebooks that are better than the rest. Yes, really!

The books contain day-by-day guides with accuracy using scalable maps, photographs and travel-tested up-to-date trekking information. Just like my other guidebooks these have been proven to be the best interactive, or paperback guidebooks to Nepal available anywhere today.

So what are you waiting for? Get your hands on these guidebooks and start trekking in Nepal today!

Trekking in Nepal guidebook Trekking in Nepal guidebook

First Time Trekking in Nepal Guidebook
Perfect for your first trek

 

Trekking in Nepal Guidebook
Dedicated guidebook with 29+ treks for in-depth trekking

 

Nepal Guidebook
Full Nepal Guidebook
Complete country guide that also includes First Time Trekking in Nepal

Discover more guidebooks to Nepal!

Was this page helpful to you? If so please tell others!

Longest Way Hotel Search