Thimphu in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Thimphu

16°C (61°F) High Temp

-1°C (30°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Crystal clear mountain views - December's dry air provides the best visibility of the year for seeing Himalayan peaks from 2,320 m (7,610 ft) elevation
Perfect hiking weather - daytime temperatures of 10-16°C (50-61°F) ideal for trekking without overheating, cool enough for comfortable multi-hour walks
Winter solstice celebrations - Bhutanese observe the shortest day with traditional ceremonies and monastery festivals, offering authentic cultural experiences
No monsoon disruptions - roads to Tiger's Nest and Dochula Pass remain accessible all month, unlike summer when landslides close routes for days

Considerations

Freezing night temperatures drop to -1°C (30°F), requiring serious cold-weather gear and higher heating costs in accommodations
Limited daylight hours - sun sets by 5:30 PM, restricting outdoor activities and sightseeing to roughly 9 hours daily
Altitude effects intensified - the 2,320 m (7,610 ft) elevation feels harsher in cold weather, with increased risk of altitude-related discomfort

Best Activities in December

Tiger's Nest Monastery Hiking Tours

December's cool, dry conditions make the 900 m (2,950 ft) climb to Bhutan Taktsang monastery exceptionally comfortable. Morning frost clears by 9 AM, leaving perfect hiking temperatures of 12-15°C (54-59°F). The trail is less crowded than peak tourist months, and crystal-clear air provides impressive photo opportunities of the monastery against snow-capped peaks.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed local operators. Tours typically cost 3,500-4,500 BTN including transport and guide. Start early (8 AM) to maximize daylight hours and avoid afternoon clouds. Look for operators providing warm jackets and proper hiking equipment.

Dochula Pass Mountain Viewing Tours

December offers the year's clearest views of the Himalayan range from Dochula's 3,100 m (10,170 ft) elevation. Morning temperatures of 5-8°C (41-46°F) create perfect conditions for seeing peaks up to 200 km (124 miles) away. The 108 stupas are often dusted with frost, creating ethereal photography conditions impossible in other seasons.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost 2,800-3,800 BTN including warm clothing rental. Book through certified mountain guides who understand high-altitude safety. Best viewing times are 7-10 AM before clouds form. Tours include traditional hot tea service to combat the cold.

Traditional Farmhouse Cultural Experiences

December is harvest celebration season when Bhutanese families gather for traditional feasts and winter preparation rituals. Farmhouse visits include participation in yak butter tea ceremonies, traditional weaving demonstrations, and sharing of preserved foods prepared for winter. Indoor cultural activities are perfect when outdoor temperatures drop below freezing.

Booking Tip: Authentic farmhouse experiences cost 2,200-3,200 BTN per person including traditional meals. Book through community-based tourism operators at least 5 days ahead. Experiences last 4-6 hours and include transportation from Thimphu. Look for programs that include traditional dress try-on and cooking participation.

Weekend Market and Handicraft Tours

Thimphu's weekend market operates year-round but December features special winter vegetables, dried chilies, and handicrafts perfect for cold weather. Indoor portions of the market provide warm shelter during the coldest parts of the day, while vendors offer seasonal specialties like dried yak cheese and winter ceremonial items unavailable other months.

Booking Tip: Market tours cost 1,800-2,500 BTN including guide and tastings. Weekend markets run Friday-Sunday 8 AM-6 PM. Book cultural guides who explain seasonal food traditions and can arrange visits to nearby handicraft workshops. Tours last 3-4 hours with indoor warming breaks.

Monastery Winter Festival Experiences

December marks preparation season for major winter festivals, with monasteries conducting special ceremonies and mask dance rehearsals. Visitors can observe morning prayers starting at 6 AM when monks light butter lamps to counter the cold darkness. The spiritual atmosphere intensifies during winter months as communities gather for warmth and worship.

Booking Tip: Monastery visits cost 1,500-2,800 BTN with cultural guides. Book through Buddhist cultural centers for authentic access. Morning ceremonies require arriving by 5:45 AM in freezing temperatures, so choose tours providing warm clothing. Photography restrictions apply during certain winter rituals.

December Events & Festivals

December 21-22

Thimphu Winter Solstice Observances

Local monasteries conduct special prayers and butter lamp lighting ceremonies to mark the shortest day. Families gather for traditional foods and community celebrations focusing on light overcoming darkness.

Late December

New Year Preparation Festivals

Communities begin month-long preparations for Bhutanese New Year with traditional food preservation ceremonies, house blessing rituals, and community gatherings in neighborhood temples.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated hiking boots rated to -10°C (14°F) - essential for early morning monastery visits and mountain trails with frost

Layered clothing system including merino wool base layers - temperatures swing 17°C (31°F) between night and day

High-altitude sunglasses and SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 is intensified by snow reflection at 2,320 m (7,610 ft) elevation

Insulated water bottle - prevents freezing during long outdoor activities when temperatures drop below 0°C (32°F)

Portable hand and foot warmers - essential for early morning activities and high-altitude locations above 3,000 m (9,840 ft)

Waterproof outer shell jacket - protects against sudden mountain weather changes and morning frost

Warm sleeping gear if staying in traditional accommodations - many guesthouses have minimal heating systems

High-energy snacks and electrolytes - cold weather and altitude increase caloric needs significantly

Headlamp with extra batteries - with sunset at 5:30 PM, you'll need reliable lighting for evening activities

Insider Knowledge

Local buses stop running by 6 PM in December due to road safety concerns - arrange private transport for evening activities or plan to return before dark

Thimphu locals wear traditional ghos and kiras layered with modern thermal wear underneath - this combination provides the best warmth while respecting cultural norms

Banking hours reduce to 9 AM-3 PM in December, and many ATMs freeze overnight - withdraw cash during midday hours and keep reserves warm

Restaurants serve special winter dishes like thukpa and gundruk soup only during cold months - try these warming specialties unavailable in other seasons

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating the cold - tourists arrive with spring clothing expecting mild weather, not realizing overnight temperatures hit -1°C (30°F)

Scheduling too many outdoor activities after 4 PM - daylight fades rapidly and temperatures drop 8-10°C (14-18°F) after sunset

Not acclimatizing to altitude properly - the 2,320 m (7,610 ft) elevation affects visitors more severely in cold weather when the body works harder to stay warm