Places to Visit in Uttarakhand in December (2026): Snow, Quiet Hills and New Year

December is one of the most beautiful months in the Uttarakhand hills. The monsoon haze is long gone, the skies are sharp, the peaks are freshly white, and by the second half of the month the first proper snow arrives in the higher places. It is also cold, and the week from Christmas to New Year is the busiest of the winter.

Here is where to go, depending on what you want from your December trip.

What is the weather like in Uttarakhand in December?

Cold and mostly clear, with the first snow in the high places after mid-December. Hill towns like Mussoorie and Nainital have days of about 8°-13°C and nights near freezing; Auli and Chopta drop well below freezing at night. The foothills (Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Corbett) are pleasant by day, around 18°-23°C, with chilly mornings and occasional fog.

Snow in the towns closer to Delhi usually comes late in the month or in January. For a sure chance of snow in December, go high.

Best for snow

• Auli: the first good snow usually comes after mid-December; ski courses start once the slopes are covered. See Auli snowfall time.
• Chopta and Tungnath: snowbound from late December; the Chandrashila walk becomes a snow trek. Tungnath temple itself is closed in winter.
• Winter treks: Kedarkantha, Brahmatal and Dayara Bugyal start their snow season in December.
• Munsiyari and Harsil: remote, high and snowy, for those who don't mind long drives and possible road closures.

More options in our guide to snowfall in Uttarakhand.

Best for a quiet winter break

• Landour: forest walks, old churches and bakeries above Mussoorie, decorated for Christmas. Cars need prior registration.
• Chakrata: a cantonment town with deodar forest and Deoban views, and snow by late December in good years.
• Lansdowne: a peaceful army town with crisp, clear days; easy from Delhi via Kotdwar.
• Dhanaulti: quiet on weekdays, with a good chance of snow from late December.

Best for Christmas and New Year buzz

• Mussoorie: Mall Road lights, the Winterline Carnival in the last week of December, and busy cafes. See Mussoorie in December.
• Nainital: lakeside promenades, Christmas at the old churches, and New Year crowds. See Nainital in winter.

Book stays early for 24 December to 2 January, expect traffic jams, and check whether your hotel has parking.

Best if you want to stay warm

• Rishikesh and Haridwar: mild days by the Ganga, yoga, cafes and the evening Ganga aarti. River rafting usually runs in December, though the water is cold.
• Jim Corbett: all main safari zones are open by mid-November, including Dhikala, and winter mornings are atmospheric (and very cold in an open jeep).
• Dehradun: easy day trips to FRI, Robber's Cave and Sahastradhara.

What not to plan in December

• The Char Dham shrines are closed until late April or May. You can still visit their winter seats at Ukhimath, Jyotirmath, Mukhba and Kharsali.
• High treks like Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib are closed and under snow.
• Night driving on hill roads: ice forms after sunset; plan to arrive before dark.

December packing list

• Heavy jacket, thermals, woollen cap, gloves and warm socks
• Shoes with good grip for icy lanes
• Moisturiser, lip balm and sunscreen (the winter sun is strong at height)
• A power bank; cold drains batteries fast
• Cash for small hill towns where card payments can fail