Thinking about spending Christmas in Pokhara? You’ll find mild winter days with lots of sunshine and cool evenings. Daytime temperatures usually land around 18–21°C, while nights can drop to about 7–8°C.
Rain rarely shows up at this time, so it’s easily one of the driest and most comfortable seasons for outdoor plans.
Most days greet you with clear skies, and that means you get fantastic views of the Annapurna range. It’s perfect weather for trekking or just wandering around sightseeing.
Calm winds and dry air help keep things pleasant, so you can explore the city and the scenery without weather getting in your way.
Knowing what’s coming makes planning a breeze. Light layers work great during the day, and a sweater or jacket keeps you happy after sunset.
With steady weather and lots of sunshine, Christmas in Pokhara strikes a nice balance between comfort and adventure.
Typical Weather Conditions During Christmas
Pokhara’s Christmas brings mild daytime warmth, cooler nights, and mostly dry skies. The season brings stable weather with shorter daylight, gentle winds, and comfortable conditions for being outdoors.
Average Temperature Ranges
Late December usually means daytime highs of 19°C to 21°C (66°F to 70°F). Nights cool off, often dropping to 7°C to 9°C (45°F to 48°F).
You’ll feel the difference between day and night. A light jacket or sweater is fine during the day, but evenings and early mornings can feel chilly.
Pokhara almost never freezes at this time, unlike higher mountain areas. Its mild winter makes it a comfy spot in Nepal for the holidays.
Precipitation and Rainfall
December falls in the dry season for Pokhara. Rainfall stays low, averaging just 20–30 mm for the month.
Most days stay clear, and long rainy spells hardly ever happen.
You can leave heavy rain gear at home, since showers are rare and don’t last long. This dry spell feels totally different from the heavy summer monsoon.
Dry trails and roads make it easier to get around, and clear skies mean better views of the Annapurna range.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
December days are shorter, with about 10.5 to 11 hours of daylight. You’ll usually get 5 to 6 hours of direct sunshine each day, depending on the clouds.
The sun rises later and sets earlier than in spring or summer. If you plan outdoor activities, start earlier to catch the best light.
A lower UV index (around 5–6) means less risk of sunburn, but sunglasses and some sun protection still help, especially near water or up in the hills.
Wind and Air Movement
Pokhara’s December winds stay light. Average speeds hover around 5–10 km/h, with the occasional gentle breeze in the afternoon.
Phewa Lake and the surrounding hills block the strong gusts. You might feel a bit of cooler air in the evenings as temperatures drop.
Winter air quality usually beats the drier spring months, since less dust blows around. This calm, steady weather feels just right for walking, boating, or sightseeing.
Climate Overview for December in Pokhara
December brings mild daytime warmth, cool nights, and very little rain to Pokhara. You’ll enjoy lots of sunshine for outdoor fun, though evenings call for an extra layer.
Comparison With Other Months
Compared to the summer monsoon (June through September), December is way drier. Rain drops to about 12–22 mm for the month, and you might only see rain once.
July, on the other hand, can get over 800 mm of rain, so December feels calm and predictable.
Temperatures change a lot too. In December, highs reach 18–21°C (65–70°F), and lows fall near 4–8°C (39–46°F).
That’s cooler than October and November, but not as cold as January, when nights can get close to freezing.
Winds relax in December. Speeds stay around 0–4 mph, much less than the breezy spring. It’s one of the calmest weather periods all year.
Seasonal Climate Characteristics
December sits in Pokhara’s winter, but it stays pretty mild compared to Nepal’s higher regions. The city’s lower elevation and subtropical setting give you an average of 9 hours of sunshine per day and about 220 hours total for the month.
Humidity drops, and skies often stay clear, making Annapurna mountain views sharp. Trekkers love this season since trails dry out and the air feels crisp.
Mornings and evenings get cool, so pack layers. A light sweater or jacket after sunset does the trick, while daytime often means you can get away with short sleeves.
Dry air, calm winds, and steady sunshine really shape Pokhara’s December climate.
What to Pack for Christmas in Pokhara
Pokhara’s Christmas days are mild and sunny, but nights cool off fast. You’ll want light layers for daytime and warmer stuff for evenings, plus a few things to handle the dry, bright winter.
Recommended Clothing
Daytime temperatures usually hit 18–21°C (64–70°F). A light t-shirt or long-sleeve shirt with comfy pants works great for lakeside walks or short hikes.
Evenings drop to 7–8°C (45–46°F), so bring a sweater, fleece, or light jacket. A medium jacket is usually enough, but if you get cold easily, maybe add a down vest or thermal layer.
For shoes, sturdy walking shoes or light hiking boots work well since paths can be uneven. Trekking in the hills? Bring proper boots.
A simple packing list might look like this:
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cotton or wool shirts | Daytime wear |
| Warm sweater/fleece | Evening warmth |
| Light to medium jacket | Night comfort |
| Walking/hiking shoes | Daily use |
| Trekking boots (optional) | Longer hikes |
Essential Accessories
December stays dry in Pokhara, so you can skip heavy rain gear. Focus on sun protection and staying warm at night.
Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, since over 200 hours of sunshine hit the city in December.
The sun feels strong, especially at midday or near the water.
A hat or cap helps with both sun and evening chill. For cold nights, light gloves and a scarf come in handy if you’re out late.
Since the air’s calm and humidity low, lip balm and moisturizer help with dryness. A small backpack makes it easy to carry layers, water, and other essentials while you’re out and about.
Outdoor Activities and Travel Tips
December in Pokhara brings mild days, cool evenings, and almost no rain. You can enjoy outdoor adventures comfortably, but be ready for temperature swings from day to night.
Best Activities for December
With daytime highs near 21°C (70°F) and mostly sunny skies, you can spend hours outside without any trouble.
The dry air and calm winds make hiking especially fun.
Try short treks to the World Peace Pagoda or longer hikes into the Annapurna foothills.
Clear skies mean great conditions for paragliding over Phewa Lake, with amazing mountain views. If you’d rather relax, boat rides on the lake are peaceful since the water stays calm in winter.
The mild weather is also perfect for exploring Bindhyabasini Temple, the International Mountain Museum, or the lively lakeside area. You can walk between sights without worrying about heat or rain.
Cycling works well too. Dry roads and easy trails around the valley make it simple to get around, compared to the muddy monsoon months. Renting a bike lets you explore both town and nearby villages at your own pace.
Weather-Related Travel Advice
Even with warm afternoons, nights can fall to 8°C (46°F) or lower. Bring layers so you can adjust as needed. A light jacket or sweater is enough for evenings, while daytime often only calls for a t-shirt.
Rain is almost unheard of in December, with just 12 mm for the month. You can skip heavy rain gear, but pack sunglasses and sunscreen since the sun stays strong.
Flights to Pokhara usually run on time during December. Unlike monsoon season, delays rarely happen, although early morning fog can sometimes affect schedules. If you’ve got tight connections, allow yourself a little buffer.
If you’re trekking, bring comfortable walking shoes and a refillable water bottle. Trails stay dry and safe, but shaded spots get chilly, so an extra layer in your daypack helps.
How Pokhara’s Christmas Weather Compares to Other Nepal Destinations
Pokhara’s December climate feels mild, dry, and comfy compared to much of Nepal. While some areas deal with harsh cold or heavy snow, Pokhara offers moderate temperatures and clearer skies for easy outdoor fun.
Regional Climate Differences
In December, Pokhara usually gets daytime highs near 20°C (68°F) and nighttime lows around 8°C (46°F). Rain barely shows up, with just 20–25 mm for the month.
That’s a much milder winter than you’ll find in the higher mountains.
Kathmandu tends to be cooler, with lows often at 4°C (39°F) and mornings that can feel damp and foggy. Namche Bazaar in the Everest region drops well below freezing at night, with snow and ice making travel tough.
The Terai plains, like Chitwan, get warmer days but chilly nights thanks to fog and humidity. That can mess with visibility and travel, while Pokhara’s December weather stays more predictable and clear.
If you want warmth, low rain, and mountain views, Pokhara stands out as one of the most comfortable places in Nepal at Christmas.
Why Visit Pokhara in December
Pokhara’s December weather gives you a reliable setting for sightseeing, trekking, and lakeside walks. Expect dry skies, moderate daytime warmth, and crisp but not harsh evenings.
Unlike colder mountain towns, heavy winter gear isn’t necessary for daily life. A light jacket and some layers usually cover you, making packing and travel easier.
December also brings clearer views of the Annapurna range compared to monsoon months. Fewer rainy days and less haze mean better chances to spot snow-capped peaks from Sarangkot or Phewa Lake.
If you’re after a holiday with comfort and scenery, Pokhara offers one of Nepal’s best December climates.
Long-Term Weather Trends and Climate Data
Pokhara’s climate follows steady seasonal cycles shaped by its spot in the Himalayan foothills. You’ll see mild winters, hot and rainy summers, and spring and autumn transitions that gradually shift temperatures and rainfall.
Historical Weather Patterns
Pokhara sits in a temperate highland tropical climate with dry winters (Cwb). If you look at long-term records, you’ll see December’s average high hovers between 19°C and 22°C (66°F to 72°F). Overnight lows usually dip to 7°C to 9°C (45°F to 48°F).
Rainfall barely makes an appearance in late December, with just 20–30 mm on average. The air feels drier, and you’ll notice the skies look much clearer compared to the monsoon months, when rain easily tops 900 mm in July.
Sunshine hours drop a bit, and you only get about 10.5 to 11 hours of daylight each day. Still, those winter skies often outshine the hazy summer ones.
After decades of watching the weather, you’ll notice winters in Pokhara don’t really change much. Snow almost never falls in the city itself, though the hills nearby sometimes catch a dusting.
The UV index usually lands in the moderate range—think 5 to 6—which feels a lot gentler than what you’d get in spring or summer.
Forecasting and Planning Resources
When you’re planning a trip, it makes sense to look at both historical averages and modern forecasting tools. Historical climate data gives you a rough idea of what’s typical for the area. Short-term forecasts, though, help you get ready for any weird or unexpected weather.
You can check out reliable sources like the Nepal Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. There are also long-range climate databases and international services such as the Met Office or timeanddate.com. These sites offer monthly averages, rainfall charts, and daylight hours.
For day-to-day decisions, I’d say use 10–14 day forecasts. They’re great for figuring out what to pack or what activities to plan. Sure, long-term averages suggest it’ll probably be dry and mild, but those daily forecasts let you know if you’ll actually need a jacket for chilly mornings or if a random rain shower might show up.
By mixing these resources, you get a better sense of what to expect in Pokhara around Christmas. It’s not perfect, but it’s the best way to stay prepared without overthinking it.