Pokhara in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Pokhara

21°C (69°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

13 mm (0.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Crystal clear mountain views - December offers the year's best visibility with 90% clear-sky days. The Annapurna range appears razor-sharp from lakeside at sunrise (6:45am), perfect for photography without haze or monsoon clouds blocking peaks.
Perfect trekking weather - Daytime temperatures of 21°C (69°F) and minimal rainfall make this ideal for multi-day treks. Trails are dry and stable after post-monsoon settling, with comfortable sleeping temperatures at teahouses above 3,000m (9,843 ft).
Peak tourist infrastructure without peak crowds - All mountain lodges, restaurants, and adventure operators are fully operational after monsoon closures, but December sees 40% fewer visitors than October-November, meaning better service and availability.
Stable flight schedules to Lukla and mountain airports - December's clear weather means 95% on-time performance for mountain flights, compared to 60% during monsoon months. Critical for trekkers with fixed itineraries.

Considerations

Significant temperature swings requiring layered packing - Morning lakeside temperatures drop to 8°C (46°F) while afternoons reach 21°C (69°F). You'll need both fleece and t-shirts, making packing heavier for trekkers.
Higher altitude destinations become challenging - Passes above 4,000m (13,123 ft) may have snow and ice, requiring technical gear and experienced guides. Many tea houses on Annapurna Circuit close above Manang after mid-December.
Shorter daylight hours limit activity time - Sunrise at 6:45am, sunset by 5:30pm gives only 10.75 hours of daylight. Trekking days must start early, and afternoon activities end sooner than other seasons.

Best Activities in December

Annapurna Base Camp Trekking

December offers perfect conditions for this classic 7-12 day trek with stable weather, dry trails, and impressive clarity. Daytime temperatures of 15-21°C (59-69°F) at lower elevations make hiking comfortable, while minimal rainfall ensures safe river crossings. Tea houses are fully stocked but not overcrowded. Above 3,500m (11,483 ft), expect cold nights requiring good sleeping gear, but crystal-clear mountain views reward early starts.

Booking Tip: Book tea house treks through licensed local agencies 2-3 weeks ahead for December. Expect costs of $35-50 per day including guide, porter, and basic accommodation. Independent trekking is possible but hiring a local guide improves safety and cultural experience. See current guided trek options in the booking section below.

Sarangkot Sunrise Mountain Viewing

December provides the year's most reliable sunrise views of the Himalayas from this 1,592m (5,223 ft) viewpoint. With 90% clear morning skies, you'll see Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machapuchare in perfect detail. The 45-minute pre-dawn hike in 8°C (46°F) temperatures requires warm layers, but crowds are manageable compared to peak season. Local jeeps run from 5:30am for those preferring not to hike in darkness.

Booking Tip: Private jeep transfers cost $15-25 round trip and can be arranged day-before through any Lakeside hotel. Shared jeeps cost $5-8 per person. Bring headlamp and warm jacket for 6am departure. Restaurant at summit opens 6:30am for hot tea. Current mountain viewing tours available in booking section below.

Phewa Lake Kayaking and Boating

December's calm weather and clear skies create ideal lake conditions with minimal wind and perfect mountain reflections. Water temperature around 15°C (59°F) makes splashing comfortable during warm afternoons. Rent kayaks or traditional wooden boats from lakeside operators - morning sessions (8-11am) offer glassy water and best photography light, while afternoon sessions provide warmer air temperatures of 20°C (68°F).

Booking Tip: Kayak rentals cost $8-12 per day, traditional boats $6-10 per hour. No advance booking needed - multiple operators along lakeside offer equipment. Best conditions are morning until 11am before afternoon breezes. Look for operators with life jackets and basic safety equipment. Water activity options in booking section below.

Cultural Village Cycling Tours

Cool December mornings and dry trails make cycling perfect for exploring traditional Gurung and Magar villages around Pokhara valley. Start early (8am) when temperatures are comfortable 12-15°C (54-59°F) and return before afternoon heat. Village trails are firm after monsoon, offering stable riding conditions through terraced farmland and traditional settlements. December harvest season means active village life and welcoming locals.

Booking Tip: Mountain bike rentals available for $8-15 per day with basic safety gear. Guided village tours typically cost $25-40 per day including bike, guide, and village meals. Book through established adventure operators for maintained bikes and experienced local guides. Current cycling tour options in booking section below.

Paragliding from Sarangkot

December offers exceptional paragliding conditions with stable thermal currents, clear visibility, and minimal turbulence. Afternoon flights (12-3pm) provide best lift conditions when temperatures reach 21°C (69°F), creating reliable thermals for extended flights. Crystal clear air offers impressive Himalayan views during 20-30 minute flights. Weather reliability in December means 90% flight success rate versus 50% during monsoon months.

Booking Tip: Tandem flights cost $80-120 depending on flight duration and video packages. Book 2-3 days ahead through certified instructors with international licenses and insurance coverage. Morning flights possible but afternoon thermals provide longer flight times. Weight limits typically 90kg (198 lbs). Current paragliding options in booking section below.

Gupteshwor Cave and Devi's Falls Exploration

December's dry conditions make cave exploration comfortable and safe, with stable water levels at Devi's Falls after monsoon flow has normalized. Cool morning temperatures of 12°C (54°F) make the underground cave system pleasant to explore, while afternoon visits can combine with other lakeside activities. The 1.5km (0.9 miles) cave system is fully accessible with good lighting and maintained walkways.

Booking Tip: Cave entry fees around $2-3 per person, open 8am-6pm daily. No advance booking required. Combine with nearby Devi's Falls for half-day exploration. Wear non-slip shoes for wet cave surfaces and bring light jacket for cool underground temperatures. Local sightseeing tours available in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Tamu Lhosar (Gurung New Year)

Local Gurung communities celebrate their traditional New Year with cultural programs, traditional dances, and community feasts throughout Pokhara valley. Experience authentic cultural performances in traditional dress, taste authentic Gurung cuisine like gundruk soup and sel roti, and witness traditional blessing ceremonies. Village celebrations are more authentic than tourist-focused events.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - Pack both t-shirts and fleece jackets for 13°C (55°F) temperature swings between morning and afternoon

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 combined with mountain altitude and lake reflection creates intense sun exposure even in cool weather

Waterproof hiking boots - Essential for morning dew on trails and occasional afternoon drizzle during 10 rainy days

Warm sleeping bag liner - Tea house blankets may be insufficient for 8°C (46°F) night temperatures above 2,500m (8,202 ft)

Headlamp with extra batteries - Limited 10.75-hour daylight means early morning starts and potential after-dark activities

Lightweight rain jacket - Brief afternoon showers occur on 10 days, lasting 15-30 minutes typically

Insulated water bottle - Prevents freezing during high-altitude sections and keeps drinks warm during cool mornings

Polarized sunglasses - Essential for lake glare and snow reflection at higher elevations with crystal-clear December visibility

Cash in small bills - ATMs limited outside Pokhara town, village tea houses prefer exact change in Nepali rupees

First aid kit with altitude sickness medication - Higher treks may reach elevations where AMS becomes concern, especially with December's clear weather encouraging rapid ascent

Insider Knowledge

Wake up at 5:30am for sunrise mountain photography - December's 6:45am sunrise combined with crystal clear air creates perfect golden hour lighting that locals know lasts only 20-30 minutes before tourist crowds arrive at viewpoints

Book domestic flights the day before departure - December's stable weather means same-day booking often available at lower prices than advance reservations, unlike monsoon season when seats fill up due to delays

Eat dal bhat at village tea houses during lunch - December trekking season means fresh vegetables and ingredients are regularly restocked, providing better nutrition than packet foods and supporting local economy

Hire porters from Pokhara rather than Kathmandu - Local porters know December weather patterns and trail conditions, plus hiring locally keeps money in the mountain communities rather than valley middlemen

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature drops after sunset - Many visitors pack only for warm afternoon weather and freeze during 8°C (46°F) evening temperatures, especially at lakeside restaurants with outdoor seating

Planning tight schedules around mountain flights - Despite December's 95% reliability, building buffer days prevents expensive rebooking when rare weather delays occur, particularly for international connections

Assuming all trails stay warm like Pokhara - Altitude gains of 1,000m (3,281 ft) can mean 6°C (11°F) temperature drops, requiring significantly more gear than lakeside conditions suggest