Karakorum Weather in December

Karakorum weather in December, the deep winter month, turns frigid and icy due to the steadily decreasing temperatures. The precipitation remains scarce and brings a pretty dry climate. It usually falls as snow drizzles, but a vast expanse of whiteness can be seen because snow cover from previous months remains. This month sees the shortest daylength of the year, but luckily, it is sunny in most time. The harsh weather conditions make December not a typically ideal time for sightseeing. 

Freezing Cold with Wind

The temperatures in December shows a downward trend overall. Karakorum experiences the high temperatures ranging from -14 to -6 degrees Celsius (7 - 21 degrees Fahrenheit) as well as the low values swinging between -26 and -17℃ (-15 - 1℉). When cold air visits, the low degrees might drop to below -30℃ (22℉). Thus, the whole landscape becomes frozen during this month, even the car door may be too iced up to be opened.

Though the wind in Karakorum is not strong under normal circumstances, it cuts skin like knives in the dry and freezing climate in December. Meanwhile, it might further bring down the perceived temperatures, causing headache and numb ears. It reminds visitors to prepare hats large and thick enough to cover your head and ears so as to keep them warm. 

Low Snowfall but with White Landscape

Snow Mountains in December

Karakorum receives the second lowest precipitation of the year in December. On average, there are only 4 days with some snowfall, which brings a total precipitation of 2mm (0.08 in) monthly. Subsequently, the weather of Karakorum in December is so dry that visitors may suffer from nose bleeding and lips cracking. 

The precipitation mostly falls in form of light snow which hardly melts in such low temperatures. Thanks to the accumulated snow in past months, vast snow-covered landscape can be seen in December. Heavy snow hits very occasionally but it is also possible. Considering the low visibility in heavily snowy days, visitors had better avoid outdoor visits in this situation. 

Shortest Daytime of the Year

In December, the sunrise time at 08:31 - 08: 52 and sunset time at 17:21 - 17:28 bring Karakorum the shortest daytime throughout the entire year. It decreases from less than 9 hours at the beginning of this month to 8.5 hours in late December. It is almost impossible to visit many scenic spots in one day unless you make full use of the exceptionally frigid morning and evening without sunlight.

Buddhist Statues in Erdene Zuu Monastery

Good news is that visitors can enjoy bright sunlight in most days since the average sunlight duration reaches 6 hours per day. It is safe to say that Karakorum climate in December is generally sunny. When visiting in clear days, the red wall of Erdene Zuu Monastery, white snow cover, azure sky and golden sunlight together draw a colorful picture.

Is December a Good Time to Visit Karakorum?

In consideration of weather, December cannot be listed as a good time to visit Karakorum. The especially low temperatures lead to a lot of limitations and inconvenience. The thick and bulky clothes occupy much space and the suitcase of normal size becomes not large enough. Besides, many characterized activities are closed to visitors, such as horse riding and campfire party. It is also too cold to live in Mongolian yurts and observe stars at night.

Snow-covered Mountains in December

However, from the perspective of natural scenery, Karakorum actually presents some distinctive views in December. Even if vibrant grassland is not available anymore, vast landscape covered with snow has its unique charm. The Orkhon River forms thick ice cover in December which allows visitors to play on it and go ice fishing there. It is also a special experience to appreciate the completely frozen Orkhon Waterfall like a giant jade sculpture.

In general, it is not suggested to visit Karakorum in December 2026, but if you are not scared away by the severe coldness and interested in the snow views, please read the tips below to have a more pleasant trip.

Tips for Dressing in December in Karakorum

Upper body: Bottoming shirts for inner layer should be high-top to prevent heat loss from neck. Fleece blouses with woolen sweaters or padded hoodies are good matches. Also, you can choose to wear padded tops with thin down coats. For outer layer, long and heavy down coats with hoods are best choices since the hood could act as another thick hat to resist wind and protect you from headache.

Lower body: You are suggested to wear at least two layers of thick long johns with woolen sweatpants, fleece-lined jeans or down pants. The trousers could be loose to provide space to preserve heat, but their bottoms must be tight to prevent cold air getting in. 

Shoes: Snow boots are highly recommended as they are warm and non-slippery to walk on snow-covered roads. It would be better if they are high-top and waterproof so that the snow can’t get easily in or makes your shoes wet. Self-heating insoles are useful to provide warmth as well.

Others: Thick gloves, scarves and hats are undoubtedly necessities to keep warm during outdoor visits. Warm pastes work well to provide heat for specific body parts. To appreciate snow scenery, you had better put on protective glasses to resist harmful lights for eyes. In addition, bring moisturizing cream and lip pomades to protect your skin from chapping.

Tips for Visiting Karakorum in December

Slippery Road with Accumulated Snow

1. If your itinerary involves long-time transfer among attractions, you are advised to hire a local skilled driver who has cars specialized for snow-covered roads, since most roads in Karakorum even those in downtown area are slippery with uncleaned snow.

2. Most local residents keep their houses warm by burning woods or cow dungs in winter, which leads to unpleasant smell and low air quality. You had better wear protective masks for the sake of your health especially if you have already got respiratory discomfort. 

3. Dressing in bright colors like red, yellow and blue is most recommended for Karakorum trip in December. It not only makes you more visible when snow combined with strong winds brings low visibility, but also helps you look stunning when taking photos in boundless white landscape.

4. Under extremely low temperatures, the phone gets out of battery quickly. To prolong its service time, you can stick a warm paste on its back and put it in the clothes of second layer.