Thinking of spending Christmas in Ulan-Ude? Get ready for a real Siberian winter. Average daytime temperatures usually sit well below freezing, often near -14°C (5°F). Nights? They drop closer to -23°C (-10°F).
The air feels crisp and dry, and snowfall is pretty common, so you’ll get that classic white holiday look.
You’ll notice the days are super short, with limited daylight and long, cold nights. Snow sticks around, so the city and surrounding areas keep their winter vibe throughout December.
The weather shapes how you get around, what you wear, and even what you do outside.
If you know what to expect, you can prepare for both the challenges and the beauty of Christmas in Ulan-Ude. The sharp chill and the calm stillness of snowy hills really show off Siberia’s climate at full strength.
Typical Temperatures in Ulan-Ude Around Christmas
Late December in Ulan-Ude is just cold—no way around it. Temperatures often drop far below freezing.
The air is dry, but the chill bites, especially at night. There’s a big difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures.
Average High and Low Temperatures in December
December brings that Siberian cold front and center. The average daytime high hovers around -16°C (3°F). At night, it can fall close to -29°C (-20°F).
Even during the “warmest” part of the day, the air rarely gets above freezing. Around Christmas, you’ll want to prepare for steady subzero temperatures.
Snow falls often, with about 18 snowy days in December. But total precipitation is low, averaging only about 8 mm for the month.
The snow usually feels light and dry because of the cold and low humidity.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Variations
The gap between day and night temperatures gets pretty wide. During daylight, the sun might offer a little relief, but the thermometer usually stays between -10°C and -20°C (14°F to -4°F).
Once the sun sets, the cold deepens fast. Nighttime readings often plunge to -25°C (-13°F) or lower. Sometimes, it even dips near -30°C (-22°F).
Continental climates with clear skies and dry air make this sharp drop pretty typical.
You’ll find more stable cold in shaded valleys or rural spots outside the city. In the city center, it might feel a smidge milder because of urban heat, but honestly, it’s not much of a difference.
Comparison to Other Winter Months
December isn’t the coldest month in Ulan-Ude, but it sets the stage for January’s deeper freeze. In January, average highs drop closer to -18°C (0°F), and lows can reach -29°C (-20°F) or colder.
Compared to February, December is a bit milder, but it’s still tough. February often matches January’s lows, but with a little more sun as the days get longer.
If you look back at November, the change is dramatic. November highs average around -8°C (18°F), and lows hover near -18°C (0°F).
By Christmas, the city is fully locked into Siberian winter.
Precipitation and Snowfall Patterns During December
December in Ulan-Ude brings very cold air and regular snowfall. You’ll see light but steady snow, not rain, since temperatures stay well below freezing almost all month.
Average Rainfall and Snowfall
Rain basically doesn’t happen in December. Daily highs stick around -14.5°C (5.9°F) and lows near -23.2°C (-9.8°F), so nearly all precipitation falls as snow.
On average, Ulan-Ude gets about 14 mm of precipitation in December. That’s not much compared to wetter places, but even a little moisture turns into noticeable snow cover in this cold.
Snowfall builds up gradually, making a solid snowpack that lasts through winter. The depth changes year to year, but by mid-December, the ground is usually well covered.
Number of Wet and Snowy Days
December ends up as the snowiest month in Ulan-Ude if you count days with snow. Records show about 11 to 18 days with snowfall during the month.
So, about one out of every two days brings some snow. Most of the time, it’s light to moderate, not blizzards, but it adds up.
You’ll want to watch out for icy conditions, especially at night when temperatures drop fast. Roads and sidewalks usually stay slick since daytime highs rarely melt the snow.
Likelihood of a White Christmas
With average highs way below freezing and lots of snow days, Ulan-Ude almost always has a white Christmas. Snow from earlier in the month doesn’t melt, and new snow showers are common in late December.
If you visit for the holidays, you’ll see a solid snow cover across the city and surrounding areas. The season is basically guaranteed to have that snowy scenery.
Snowfall amounts might vary, but the city stays snow-covered through the holiday period, making for a classic winter scene.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions in December
December brings steady winds, very low humidity, and strong pressure systems to Ulan-Ude. These combine with the freezing air to shape how cold it actually feels outside.
Typical Wind Speed and Direction
Winds in December usually blow at moderate but steady speeds. You’ll often feel breezes between 3–5 m/s (7–11 mph), which can make the cold sting even more.
The wind mostly comes from the west and northwest, with some from the southwest. That’s the Siberian high-pressure system at work.
Because the city sits in a valley, the wind can feel channeled and sometimes gusty. Open areas get the brunt of it, while city streets might be a bit more sheltered.
Impact on Perceived Cold
Actual air temperatures in December average -15°C (5°F) during the day and can fall below -20°C (-4°F) at night. When the wind kicks in, the wind chill effect makes it feel much colder.
For example, a -15°C day with a 5 m/s wind can feel like -23°C. That’s a big deal when you’re planning outdoor activities or deciding how many layers to wear.
Even a quick walk outside without proper gear can be uncomfortable. Covering your face, ears, and hands really helps you stay out longer.
Humidity Levels
Humidity in Ulan-Ude during December drops very low, often below 60%, sometimes even less. The cold air just doesn’t hold much moisture, so everything feels dry, even with all that snow.
This dryness can bother your skin, lips, and eyes. It’s a good idea to use moisturizer or lip balm.
The low humidity also explains why the snow is usually light and powdery, not wet and heavy. With steady winds, this dry snow can drift across roads and fields, sometimes making visibility tricky even if it’s not snowing at the moment.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Around Christmas
December skies in Ulan-Ude often stay cloudy, and the short days mean you don’t get much light. This really sets the mood for the Christmas season.
Average Cloudiness
December usually brings a lot of overcast skies to Ulan-Ude. Average cloud cover is high, especially compared to spring and early fall.
Expect gray skies to dominate, with only occasional breaks.
Cold air and stable high pressure often trap moisture near the ground. You’ll see persistent cloud layers, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Sometimes the sun pops out, but it doesn’t last long.
Snowfall is light compared to wetter months, but the constant cloudiness can make the city feel even colder than the numbers say. Visibility drops when low clouds or fog roll in.
If you’re planning to spend time outside, expect limited sunlight and a pretty dim atmosphere. Wearing something bright or reflective can help during the darker parts of the day.
Sunshine Hours per Day
December is one of the darkest months in Ulan-Ude. On average, you get just 2 to 3 hours of sunshine per day, and even that’s often filtered through clouds.
Because of the city’s latitude, daylight is short. The sun rises late and sets early.
Around Christmas, you’ll see about 7 to 8 hours of total daylight, but actual sunshine is less because of the cloud cover.
Compare that to July, when sunshine can top 9 hours a day—it’s a huge difference. Less light can affect your energy and how you plan sightseeing or outdoor trips.
If you’re visiting now, try to schedule outdoor activities around midday to catch whatever sunlight you can.
Outdoor Comfort and Weather-Related Tips
Temperatures in Ulan-Ude during late December stay well below freezing. There’s frequent snow cover and not much daylight.
Your comfort really depends on how you prepare for the cold and plan your travel around local winter conditions.
How to Dress for Ulan-Ude’s Christmas Weather
Daily highs average about -15°C (5°F), and nighttime lows can drop to -25°C (-13°F). Wind makes it feel even colder, especially in open spots.
Snow is common, and icy surfaces are just part of life.
Go for layered clothing to trap warmth and adjust as needed. A good setup includes:
- Base layer: thermal underwear to wick moisture
- Middle layer: wool or fleece for insulation
- Outer layer: windproof and waterproof coat
Keep your extremities warm. Thick insulated gloves, a hat that covers your ears, and thermal socks are must-haves.
Locals often wear felt boots or insulated winter boots with good grip.
Sunglasses or goggles help when it’s bright and snowy. A scarf or balaclava protects your face from frostbite if you’re outside for a while.
Travel Advice and Seasonal Considerations
Roads in Ulan-Ude can get icy and snow-packed in December. If you’re driving, use winter tires and give yourself extra time.
Public transport works reliably, but heavy snow can cause delays.
Daylight only lasts about 7–8 hours, so plan your activities for midday. Nighttime temperatures fall fast, so late travel isn’t too pleasant.
Carry cash, since smaller shops or cafes might not take cards. If you’re outdoors a lot, a small thermos with hot tea is a lifesaver.
If you’re moving between indoors and outdoors often, be ready to adjust your layers. It’s easy to overheat inside but you’ll want to be ready for the chill outside.
Climate Context: Ulan-Ude’s December Weather in the Yearly Cycle
December in Ulan-Ude kicks off the long Siberian winter. Temperatures drop sharply, and daylight gets scarce.
This month stands out for its extreme cold, frequent snow, and surprisingly high humidity compared to the rest of the year.
How December Compares to Other Months
December is one of the coldest months here. Average highs reach about -14°C (6°F), and lows often fall near -23°C (-9°F).
It’s colder than November, which still has average highs around -5°C (23°F). December is only a little milder than January, which is the coldest.
Snowfall is common, with 10–18 snowy days depending on the year. That’s more than in early winter, and it marks the start of steady snow cover that sticks around until March.
December also ranks as one of the most humid months, even though it’s so cold, because of the frequent snow.
In contrast, summer months like June through August bring highs between 23–27°C (73–80°F) with little rain. The swing from July warmth to December cold really shows how continental the region’s climate is.
Long-Term Weather Trends
Ulan-Ude sits deep in Siberia, far from any ocean that might soften the climate. Winters here drag on—dry, brutally cold. Summers? They’re short, with a warmth that’s almost surprising after all that chill. December really marks the moment when the cold bites harder and daylight drops below 8 hours per day.
In December, temperatures almost never climb above freezing. Sometimes, the mercury plunges below -35°C (-31°F), though honestly, you’ll see that more often in January. By the end of December, snow piles up steadily, and winter feels like it’s here to stay.
On average, Ulan-Ude gets only about 347 mm (13.7 in) of precipitation per year, and most of that falls as snow. December doesn’t bring much, but its snow cover matters a lot for winter tourism and helps keep the soil moist heading into spring.