Uttarakhand in December 2026: Snowfall Places, Weather & Trip Plan
December is when Uttarakhand's snow season begins in earnest. Chopta turns white, Auli gets its first ski snow, winter treks open, and hill stations fill up for Christmas and New Year. It is also properly cold. This guide covers snowfall in Uttarakhand in December, the weather city by city, where to go, and how to handle the holiday crowds.
December at a glance: Cold, mostly sunny with occasional snow spells · Snow at Chopta, Munsiyari, Harsil, Kanatal; Auli usually late in the month · Mussoorie and Nainital snow rare before January · Very busy from Christmas to New Year
Snowfall in Uttarakhand in December
The first western disturbances of winter usually arrive in December. Each spell brings 2–4 days of cloud and snow to the higher places, followed by bright, freezing days. In a normal December you can expect:
| Destination | Snow in December | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Chopta & Tungnath | Likely, especially after mid-December | Chopta in winter |
| Auli | Often by late December, not guaranteed | Auli snowfall |
| Munsiyari | Likely | Munsiyari |
| Harsil | Likely | Harsil |
| Kanatal & Dhanaulti | Possible, late in the month | Snow near Mussoorie |
| Mussoorie | Rare before January | Mussoorie snowfall |
| Nainital & Mukteshwar | Rare before January | Nainital snowfall |
If seeing snow is the main point of your trip, December is a good month only if you go high. For snow in the hill stations, January is safer. See our Uttarakhand snowfall calendar for month-by-month timing.
Temperature in December (City by City)
| Place | Day (max) | Night (min) |
|---|---|---|
| Rishikesh | 21–23°C | 8–10°C |
| Dehradun | 20–22°C | 6–8°C |
| Almora | 16–18°C | 3–5°C |
| Mussoorie | 11–13°C | 1–3°C |
| Nainital | 11–13°C | 1–3°C |
| Joshimath | 11–13°C | 0–2°C |
| Munsiyari | 8–10°C | -3 to -1°C |
| Auli | 4–6°C | -6 to -4°C |
| Chopta | 3–5°C | -7 to -5°C |
For today's numbers, use our snowfall today page, which links to live weather for every snow destination.
Best Places to Visit in December
For snow
- Chopta: The most dependable December snow that you can drive to, plus the Tungnath and Chandrashila snow trek.
- Auli: Best in the last ten days of December. Read our Auli snowfall guide before you go.
- Harsil and Munsiyari: Quiet, snowy and far from the New Year crowds.
For winter sunshine
- Rishikesh: Sunny 20°C days, camping and yoga. See our Rishikesh 2-day itinerary.
- Jim Corbett: Peak safari season, with every zone open. See our Jim Corbett guide.
- Kausani and Binsar: Crisp, clear Himalayan panoramas.
Winter Treks in December
- Kedarkantha: India's most popular winter summit trek, snowy all month. Itinerary and cost in our Kedarkantha trek guide.
- Brahmatal: frozen lakes and big views of Trishul.
- Kuari Pass winter: forest trails and Nanda Devi views, near Auli.
- Dayara Bugyal: rolling meadows under snow.
- Nag Tibba: a weekend snow trek from Dehradun.
Winter Char Dham
The main shrines close in October–November, but the deities are worshipped all winter at their winter seats. Visiting them is now promoted as the winter Char Dham, and it is a peaceful way to make the pilgrimage without the summer crowds:
- Kedarnath: Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath
- Badrinath: Yogadhyan Badri at Pandukeshwar and Narsingh Temple, Jyotirmath
- Gangotri: Mukhba village, near Harsil
- Yamunotri: Kharsali village
For how the summer yatra ended, see Uttarakhand in November.
Christmas and New Year in Uttarakhand
From around 24 December to 1 January, Mussoorie, Nainital, Rishikesh and Auli are at their busiest of the year. Expect hotel prices to double or more, long jams on the roads up to Mussoorie and Nainital, and full restaurants. If you are travelling then:
- Book stays several weeks ahead.
- Arrive a day before the peak and drive up early in the morning.
- Consider quieter alternatives like Kanatal, Chakrata, Mukteshwar, Binsar or Harsil.
Sample 5-Day December Snow Trip
- Day 1: Delhi to Rishikesh.
- Day 2: Rishikesh to Ukhimath, visit Omkareshwar Temple (Kedarnath's winter seat).
- Day 3: Drive to Chopta, snow trek to Tungnath, overnight Chopta.
- Day 4: Sunrise at Chandrashila, drive back to Rishikesh.
- Day 5: Return to Delhi.
Keep a buffer day: heavy snow can close the road near Chopta for a day or two.
What to Pack
- Thermals, fleece and a down or insulated waterproof jacket
- Waterproof gloves, woollen cap, neck warmer and thick socks
- Waterproof boots with good grip
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there snowfall in Uttarakhand in December?
Yes, in the higher places. Chopta, Munsiyari, Harsil and Kanatal often get snow in December, and Auli usually gets its first good snow in the second half of the month. Mussoorie and Nainital rarely see snow before late December.
Where can I see snow in Uttarakhand in December?
Your best bets are Chopta, Auli (late December), Munsiyari, Harsil, Kanatal and the winter treks like Kedarkantha and Brahmatal, which are snowy all month.
What is the temperature in Uttarakhand in December?
Rishikesh and Dehradun range from about 7°C to 22°C, Mussoorie and Nainital from about 2°C to 12°C, and Auli and Chopta from about -6°C to 5°C.
Is Uttarakhand good for New Year?
Yes, but plan early. Mussoorie, Nainital, Rishikesh and Auli are extremely busy between Christmas and New Year, prices rise and traffic jams are common. Book stays weeks ahead or choose quieter places like Kanatal, Chakrata or Mukteshwar.
Can I do Char Dham in December?
The main Himalayan shrines are closed, but you can visit the winter seats instead: Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath for Kedarnath, Pandukeshwar and Jyotirmath for Badrinath, Mukhba for Gangotri and Kharsali for Yamunotri. Together these are promoted as the winter Char Dham.
Plan by Month
Compare with October, November and January, see all snow destinations in the Uttarakhand snowfall places guide, or let the AI Trip Planner plan your December trip.
