If you’re planning to spend Christmas in Bishkek, get ready for cold days, snowy streets, and those really short daylight hours. Average temperatures usually sit just below freezing, with daytime highs near 0°C (32°F) and nighttime lows often dropping to around -6°C (21°F).
Snow falls often, so the city really does feel like a classic winter postcard. The parks and nearby mountains get blanketed in white, making everything look especially scenic.
You’ll notice the air feels crisp, and the city slows down as winter settles in. Sure, the cold might seem harsh if you’re not used to it, but honestly, the festive vibe and the gorgeous natural surroundings make it all pretty memorable.
It helps to know what kind of weather to expect. Maybe you want to wander through outdoor markets, take in the mountain views, or just stay cozy inside somewhere warm.
The next sections break down December in Bishkek, covering daily temperatures, snowfall, daylight, and more.
Overview of Bishkek’s December Weather
December in Bishkek brings cold temperatures, plenty of cloud cover, and regular snowfall. You’ll get short days and crisp air, all shaped by the city’s continental climate and mountain backdrop.
Climate Type and Location
Bishkek sits up in northern Kyrgyzstan at the foot of the Tian Shan mountains, about 800 meters above sea level. Its spot on the map gives it a continental climate, so winters get cold and summers turn hot.
In December, the city’s inland location means warm seas can’t really help out. Instead, cold air from Siberia sweeps in, bringing sharp drops in temperature, especially once the sun goes down.
Daytime highs usually reach about 2–4°C (35–39°F), while nighttime lows dip to around -7°C (20°F). Humidity stays pretty high, hovering near 70–75%, which makes the cold bite a little more.
You’ll see snow pretty often, with about 9 snow days in December. Total precipitation averages 30–40 mm, and most of it falls as snow, not rain.
The mix of cold and moisture means you get a steady winter feel—no wild storms, just a persistent chill.
Seasonal Characteristics
December is when winter really takes over in Bishkek. Days are short, with only 3–4 hours of sunshine daily, and the sky often stays overcast.
This lack of daylight makes the cold feel even stronger, even if the thermometer hovers near freezing. Snow piles up, especially after a few days of light flurries.
On average, about 170 mm (6–7 inches) of snow accumulates during December. Parks and streets usually stay coated in white through the holidays.
Winds stay light to moderate, but the mountains around the city can channel colder air into the valley. You’ll want to be ready for quick swings in temperature between day and night, since the city cools fast once the sun sets.
You’ll definitely need warm clothes, layers, and sturdy shoes if you’re venturing outside.
Average Temperatures During Christmas
Around Christmas, Bishkek gets cold winter weather with temperatures hovering near or below freezing. The difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows stands out, and sometimes you’ll get sharp extremes—classic for the city’s continental weather pattern.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
During the day, average highs in late December reach about 1–3°C (34–37°F). There’s not much sunshine, and clouds hang around, so it feels colder than the numbers suggest.
Snow can fall anytime, keeping the ground covered and adding to the chill. When night comes, temperatures drop fast.
Average lows land around -6 to -8°C (18–21°F), but wind makes it feel even colder. Streets freeze after dark, so if you’re out walking or driving, watch for ice.
The big gap between day and night temps is just how Bishkek’s climate works. Layering up is a must, since you’ll want to adjust as the day goes on.
| Time of Day | Average Temperature |
|---|---|
| Daytime High | 1–3°C (34–37°F) |
| Nighttime Low | -6 to -8°C (18–21°F) |
Temperature Extremes and Records
Averages tell part of the story, but extremes do happen. Some years, daytime highs sneak just above 5°C (41°F) for a short thaw.
These mild spells don’t last long, though, and cold air usually returns quickly. On the flip side, nighttime readings can dip below -15°C (5°F) during strong Arctic blasts.
Records show temperatures have dropped close to -20°C (-4°F) in late December, though that’s pretty rare.
Given this, it’s smart to dress warm. Even if the forecast looks mild, Bishkek’s winter can surprise you with a sudden cold snap, especially after sunset.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
In December, Bishkek gets very little rain but frequent snowfall, thanks to its cold continental climate. Moisture levels stay moderate, and nearly all the precipitation falls as snow.
Average Precipitation in December
December brings low liquid rainfall, with about 25–35 mm total for the month. That’s not much, especially compared to wetter months like April.
Since temperatures stay below freezing most of the time, almost all of this comes down as snow. The monthly snow is enough to keep a steady cover, especially in shady spots and the higher ground around the city.
Rather than big storms, Bishkek sees lighter, more frequent snowfalls. Snow depth can change depending on the week, but by late December the city usually looks like a winter postcard.
Rainy Days and Snowfall Frequency
You’ll see 8–10 days with measurable precipitation in December, but it’s almost always snow or a wintry mix—not rain. Rain is rare, since daytime highs rarely get above 5°C, and nights are much colder.
Snow falls in intervals, not long storms. Every few days, a few centimeters pile up, slowly building the snowpack.
This keeps streets and sidewalks icy, but the city handles snow removal pretty well. In between snowfalls, expect crisp, dry days.
You won’t get heavy downpours, but regular light snow and slippery conditions are the norm.
Humidity and Atmospheric Conditions
Late December in Bishkek feels damp and cold, and humidity really affects how the weather feels. The mix of low temperatures, lots of snow, and short days shapes both the average humidity and how it changes through the season.
Average Humidity Levels
Around Christmas, Bishkek’s humidity stays fairly high compared to summer. Average values hover between 65% and 75%, which is typical for the coldest part of the year.
This moisture in the air helps produce the heavy snowfall that’s so common in December.
Cold air can’t hold much water vapor, so even a little moisture means high humidity. That’s why the air can feel damp even when it’s freezing.
Snow falls often, and December usually sees some of the year’s highest totals. The snow cover also keeps surface humidity up, especially in the mornings and evenings when it’s coldest.
If you step outside, you might notice the air feels heavier, especially under gray skies. Indoors, heating dries the air out fast, so you’ll likely notice a big difference between inside and outside.
Relative Humidity Trends
Relative humidity in Bishkek follows the seasons. In winter, including December, it hits some of the year’s highest levels, peaking in February at about 75%.
Around Christmas, it’s only a little lower, so you’re still getting fairly moist air. During the day, relative humidity shifts.
It’s highest in the early morning—sometimes over 80%—when temperatures are lowest. By afternoon, as things warm up a bit, it drops but usually stays above 60%.
In summer, humidity can drop to 40%, so winter air feels much more saturated. If you’re sensitive to damp cold, you’ll probably notice the chill cuts deeper.
Fog and low clouds show up more often in December, thanks to the high humidity. These can lower visibility and sometimes mess with outdoor plans, especially early in the day.
Wind and Fog During December
December brings steady but pretty moderate breezes to Bishkek, along with a real chance of fog. Winds usually aren’t strong enough to disrupt your day, but fog forms on several mornings, especially when the temperature drops overnight.
Typical Wind Speeds
Average wind speeds hit about 6–7 miles per hour (10–11 km/h) in December. These aren’t strong winds, but they do add a bite to the cold.
The wind direction shifts between north and west, shaped by the city’s mountain setting. The geography helps block really strong gusts, so you rarely get hazardous wind in town.
Compared to summer, December winds feel steadier but not much faster.
| Month | Avg. Wind Speed |
|---|---|
| August | ~6.9 mph (11 km/h) |
| November | ~5 mph (8 km/h) |
| December | ~6.1 mph (10 km/h) |
If you’re heading out, layer up and cover exposed skin. Even light winds can make 0°C (32°F) feel much colder.
Frequency of Foggy Days
Fog is pretty common in Bishkek during December. On average, you’ll get about 5 foggy days, usually forming in the morning and clearing by midday.
Cold air, high humidity, and calm nights all work together to create fog. Visibility can drop fast, especially in lower parts of the city.
If you’re traveling, keep in mind that roads can get tricky when it’s foggy. Early morning flights might face delays too.
Fog happens more in December than in the dry summer, but not as much as in late autumn. Still, it’s a regular part of Bishkek’s winter scene.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Around Christmas, Bishkek’s days are short and sunshine is in limited supply. You’ll notice low sun angles, not many clear days, and long nights—so natural light is at a premium.
Average Daily Sunshine
Late December brings only about 3 to 4 hours of direct sun each day. The sun sits low in the sky, and winter clouds often block it out.
Snow and fog can cut down on sunshine even more, especially in the mornings. When the sky does clear, the sunlight feels sharp but not as strong as in summer.
The crisp mountain air makes the light feel almost icy, even if it’s brief. Don’t count on long stretches of clear skies, though.
If you want to spend time outdoors, aim for midday when the sun’s highest and the light is brightest.
Length of Daylight Around Christmas
Daylight shrinks to its shortest stretch of the year in Bishkek near Christmas. You’ll usually get about 8 hours and 45 minutes of daylight in late December.
The sun pops up close to 8:30 a.m., then dips below the horizon a little after 5:00 p.m.
This small slice of daylight definitely shapes how people go about their day. You’ll probably spend most mornings and evenings in darkness, so you end up flipping on artificial lights for almost everything except maybe lunch.
Summer feels like a whole different world, with daylight stretching past 15 hours. In December, the sun hangs low and the days somehow feel even shorter than the numbers suggest.