Month guide · Kathmandu · Nepal
Kathmandu in December
What December is really like in Kathmandu: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
December is one of the best months to visit Kathmandu. Expect average highs of 20°C (68°F), lows of 3°C (37°F), about 0 rainy days and roughly 10.4 hours of daylight. Dry and sunny with cold nights; a quieter month for valley sightseeing and lower-altitude treks.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 20°C (68°F) / 3°C (37°F)
- Rainy days
- About 0
- Daylight
- About 10.4 hours
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in December
December is the 11th-warmest month in Kathmandu: days average 20°C (68°F) against a yearly average high of 25°C (77°F), and nights fall to about 3°C (37°F). Rain falls on roughly 0 of its 31 days. Compared with November (23°C (73°F)), December is cooler; by January highs stay near 19°C (66°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 06:47
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 17:11
- Daylight
- About 10.4 hours
Monsoon (June–September). Frequent heavy rain, cloud-covered mountains and landslide-prone roads, but green landscapes and few tourists.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 3 for crowds (the peak is October at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in October). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in December
- Yomari Punhi — Newar harvest festival with yomari dumplings (usually December)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Nature · Budhanilkantha
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
The forested hills on the valley's northern rim form a national park crossed by trails, including a steep climb to Shivapuri peak at about 2,730 metres and walks to the Nagi Gompa nunnery.
- Time needed
- Half to full day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Nature
- Active
- Outdoors
- Views
Experience · Tribhuvan International Airport
Everest mountain flight
Book for one of your first mornings so there is time to rebook if the flight is cancelled for cloud.
- Time needed
- About 1 hour in the air
- Cost
- Expensive
- Views
- Kids
- Photo spot
- Iconic
Nature · Chobhar
Taudaha Lake
A small lake south-west of the city on the road to Dakshinkali, linked by legend to the draining of the Kathmandu Valley by the bodhisattva Manjushri.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- Off the beaten path
- Outdoors
Historic site · Freak Street and Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Arrive early to see morning worship before tour groups; keep your ticket, which is checked at several entry points around the square.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- History
- Architecture
- Photo spot
What to pack
For highs near 20°C, lows near 3°C and 0 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Kathmandu?
One of the best months to visit Kathmandu, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are March–April and October–November. Compare every month.
Kathmandu in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Kathmandu?
It is one of the best months to visit Kathmandu. Dry and sunny with cold nights; a quieter month for valley sightseeing and lower-altitude treks.
+How warm is Kathmandu in December?
Average highs are around 20°C (68°F) and lows around 3°C (37°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Kathmandu in December?
Expect rain on about 0 days of the month, so it is usually dry.