December along the trail
| Place | Elevation | Avg high | Avg low |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghandruk | 1,940 m | +12 °C | +3 °C |
| Deurali | 3,230 m | +4 °C | −5 °C |
| Annapurna Base Camp | 4,130 m | +1 °C | −7 °C |
Modelled 10-year averages (ERA5 / ERA5-Land via Open-Meteo), checked against the Pyramid research station in the Khumbu, 2016-2025 (within about 1–2 °C of the station's measurements). Temperatures only: the model's rainfall is too coarse to trust in rain-shadow valleys such as Manang, so we leave it out. Mountain valleys and ridges vary more than these grid-model averages show.
The trade-off
December brings clear, dry skies and quiet trails, with cold nights at Annapurna Base Camp. It’s a good month for trekkers who are well equipped and prefer fewer people.
What to watch
- Cold. Bring a sleeping bag rated to about −10 °C or warmer, and good down layers.
- Snow and avalanches. After heavy snow, the section between Deurali and Machapuchare Base Camp can be exposed to avalanches. Guides check conditions locally and won’t cross when it isn’t safe.
- Short days. Start early to reach the next teahouse before the afternoon cold.
