Last updated: August 21, 2025
December in Gangtok, India presents a striking blend of chilly temperatures and ample precipitation. With a maximum temperature reaching 21°C (70°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F), the weather can shift dramatically, dipping to a minimum of -1°C (31°F) during the night. The region experiences significant precipitation, totaling 152 mm (6.0 in) over 22 days, making it a wet month. Humidity remains high at 75%, adding to the winter atmosphere. Visitors can expect a cool, often rainy environment, perfect for enjoying the serene beauty of this Himalayan gem.
As December settles in, Gangtok experiences a notable drop in temperatures, with lows reaching -1°C (31°F), indicative of the chilly Himalayan winter far removed from the warmer months. The average temperature hovers around 11°C (52°F), offering a brisk yet refreshing climate that invites cozy gatherings and warm attire. The daytime highs can still reach a pleasant 21°C (70°F), providing a comfortable respite as the sun casts its gentle glow upon the landscape. This pattern reveals a gradual cooling trend from the milder temperatures of November, setting the stage for an enchanting winter wonderland, making December an ideal time for travelers to experience the serene beauty of Gangtok in all its frosty glory.
In December, Gangtok experiences a shift as precipitation levels taper off, with a total of 152 mm (6.0 in) of rainfall spread over 22 days. This month marks the end of the heavy monsoon season, showcasing a noticeable decrease from the deluges of July and August, which saw upwards of 1,000 mm. December’s rainfall resembles a brief respite compared to the torrential summer months, but it still supports the lush greenery for which the region is renowned. As the year concludes, the chilly air often accompanies this milder rainfall, enriching the vibrant landscapes while hinting at the beauty of a winter in the mountains.
In December, Gangtok experiences a moderate humidity level of 75%, which marks a decline from the high levels seen in the preceding months. This drop is notable when compared to the peak 93% humidity often recorded in the summer months from July to September. Following the wet monsoon season, which lasts until October with a significant 88% humidity, December brings a breath of fresh air as cooler temperatures set in, allowing for a more comfortable atmosphere. As the city transitions into winter, it showcases a unique blend of moisture in the air, making the December climate both refreshing and inviting for visitors eager to explore this enchanting Himalayan destination.
In December, Gangtok experiences a UV Index of 6, placing it in the high exposure category, with a burn time of approximately 25 minutes. This marks a noticeable decrease from the extreme levels seen during the summer months, where the UV Index peaked at 14. Throughout the year, there’s a clear trend from a moderate start in January, gradually escalating to extreme values from April to August, before tapering off again as winter approaches. Travelers in December will find it important to stay protected, but the conditions are more forgiving compared to the sun’s intensity earlier in the year. For more detailed insights on UV levels throughout the year, visit Gangtok UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As December unfolds in Gangtok, India, visitors can expect to bask in a generous 288 hours of sunshine, setting a cheerful tone for the year’s end. This month radiates warmth despite the chill, reflecting a continuing trend of abundant hours that peak in the vibrant spring months of April and May, when sunshine reaches impressive heights of 325 and 334 hours, respectively. While July sees a dip due to the monsoon, the subsequent months quickly bounce back, painting a picture of resilience with sunshine peeking through. December's brightness is a delightful precursor to the new year, inviting both locals and travelers to enjoy the crisp air under a sunlit sky.
In Gangtok, India, the likelihood of enjoying sunny weather in December stands at 47%, showing a steady outlook comparable to November. As the year progresses, we observe a notable decline in sunshine probabilities from April's midpoint peak and a sharp drop during the monsoon months from May through August, where the chances plummet to as low as 1%. However, this revival in late autumn suggests a promising return to clearer skies, offering glimpses of the sun amidst the picturesque winter landscapes. With December’s chance of sun aligning closely to November, visitors can anticipate pleasant weather as they explore the beautiful mountainous terrain.
As the year draws to a close, December in Gangtok, India, reflects a return to shorter days with only 10 hours of daylight. This marks a continuation of a trend observed since late autumn, where daylight gradually decreased from a peak of 13 hours in the summer months of May through August. Interestingly, while the daylight duration remains stable at 10 hours in both January and November, it showcases a consistent ebb and flow throughout the year, rising to a peak in the spring and summer before gently tapering off. This rhythmic cycle not only influences the local climate and activities but also adds a unique charm to the winter landscape as Gangtok prepares to bid farewell to the year.
In December, Gangtok experiences a gentle breeze, with an average wind speed of 0.9 m/s (2 mph), which is a slight drop from the preceding months. This tranquil wind pattern reflects the region's transition into winter, characterized by a steady decline in wind speeds that began in the summer months, peaking in January at 1.1 m/s (2 mph). The consistent calmness, particularly evident throughout the colder months—from October to December—creates an inviting atmosphere for visitors eager to embrace the serene beauty of this Himalayan gem. As the year closes, the subdued winds enhance the charm of Gangtok, making it a perfect time for quiet reflection and exploration amidst the stunning landscapes.
Weather in Gangtok varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Gangtok, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a pleasant maximum of 21°C (70°F), with an average of 11°C (52°F). The month is characterized by significant precipitation, totaling 152 mm (6.0 in) over 22 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 75%. By contrast, January sees a slight increase in the minimum temperature to 1°C (33°F) and a similar maximum of 21°C (70°F), with an overall average of 10°C (49°F). However, January experiences even heavier rainfall, totaling 185 mm (7.3 in) over 21 days, though humidity drops to 59%. For more detailed insights, you can visit Gangtok weather in January.
In December, temperatures in Gangtok range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a pleasant maximum of 21°C (70°F), with an average temperature of 11°C (52°F). The month is characterized by significant precipitation of 152 mm (6.0 in) over 22 rainy days and a humidity level of 75%. In contrast, February sees slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of 1°C (34°F) and a maximum of 22°C (71°F), maintaining the same average of 11°C (52°F). However, this month experiences increased rainfall of 228 mm (9.0 in) across 23 days, while humidity drops to 61%. For more details on February's weather in Gangtok, check out Gangtok weather in February.
December weather in Gangtok is characterized by cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C (31°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F), reaching a maximum of 21°C (70°F). The month sees considerable precipitation, totaling 152 mm (6.0 in) over 22 days, coupled with a relatively high humidity of 75%. In contrast, March experiences milder conditions, featuring temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to an average of 14°C (58°F) and a maximum of 26°C (79°F). However, March is much wetter, recording 367 mm (14.5 in) of rainfall over 29 days, with significantly lower humidity at 38%. For more details on the weather patterns during this month, check out Gangtok weather in March.
December and April present notably different weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a mild maximum of 21°C (70°F), with an average temperature of 11°C (52°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 152 mm (6.0 in) over 22 days, accompanied by a high humidity of 75%. In contrast, April sees a warmer climate with minimum temperatures of 6°C (43°F) and maximums reaching 26°C (79°F), averaging 17°C (63°F). Although April experiences even more precipitation at 265 mm (10.4 in) over 27 days, the humidity drops significantly to 34%. This shift signifies a transition from the cold, damp environment of December to the warmer, albeit wetter, conditions typical of April. For more detailed information, check out Gangtok weather in April.
December and May present notably different weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilly -1°C (31°F) to a comfortable 21°C (70°F), with an average of 11°C (52°F). This month experiences about 152 mm (6.0 in) of precipitation across 22 days, coupled with a humidity level of 75%. In contrast, May sees milder temperatures with a minimum of 11°C (51°F) and a maximum of 28°C (83°F), averaging 19°C (67°F). It is wetter, receiving 356 mm (14.0 in) over 30 days, but the humidity drops to a more comfortable 60%. For more details on the weather during this month, check Gangtok weather in May.
December and June exhibit stark contrasts in weather conditions. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a comfortable maximum of 21°C (70°F), with an average of 11°C (52°F). This month also experiences significant rainfall, with a total of 152 mm (6.0 in) spread over 22 days and a humidity level of 75%. In contrast, June brings warmer temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 15°C (59°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F), with an average of 22°C (71°F). The precipitation significantly increases to 572 mm (22.5 in) over 29 days, accompanied by a higher humidity of 83%. For a closer look at June's weather specifics, you can visit Gangtok weather in June.
In December, temperatures in Gangtok range from a chilly -1°C (31°F) at night to a mild average of 11°C (52°F), peaking at 21°C (70°F) during the day. Precipitation is significant, with 152 mm (6.0 in) falling over 22 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 75%. In contrast, July experiences much warmer temperatures, with morning lows of 18°C (65°F) and highs averaging around 29°C (84°F). However, July is characterized by heavy rainfall, with a staggering 1257 mm (49.5 in) over 31 days, and a higher humidity level of 93%. The contrasting weather patterns highlight December's cool and relatively dry climate compared to July's warm and intensely wet conditions. For a detailed look at the July weather, visit Gangtok weather in July.
In December, the weather is considerably cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a maximum of 21°C (70°F), averaging around 11°C (52°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 152 mm (6.0 in) over 22 days, while the humidity stands at 75%. In contrast, August is marked by much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 18°C (64°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), averaging 22°C (72°F). The month sees even heavier rainfall, with 1051 mm (41.4 in) over 31 days and a higher humidity level of 93%. For more specific information about the weather in Gangtok during August, you can visit Gangtok weather in August.
In December, temperatures in Gangtok range from a chilly -1°C (31°F) at night to a mild 21°C (70°F) during the day, offering a fresh contrast to the warmer September weather, where minimum temperatures start at a comfortable 16°C (61°F) and peak at 28°C (83°F). December is notably drier, with about 152 mm (6.0 in) of precipitation spread over 22 days, compared to the significantly wetter September, which sees 721 mm (28.4 in) of rain across 29 days. Additionally, December's humidity hovers around 75%, while September's higher humidity level of 93% can make the air feel heavier. For more details on what to expect in September, visit Gangtok weather in September.
In comparing the weather in December and October, it is evident that December experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C (31°F) and a maximum of 21°C (70°F), while October boasts a milder range with a minimum of 7°C (46°F) and a maximum of 28°C (82°F). Although December has a lower average temperature of 11°C (52°F) compared to October's 19°C (66°F), it also sees slightly less precipitation, measuring 152 mm (6.0 in) over 22 days, whereas October records 255 mm (10.1 in) over 23 days. Additionally, the humidity is higher in October at 88% compared to December's 75%. For more details on October weather, you can visit Gangtok weather in October.
In comparing the weather between November and December, December tends to be slightly cooler, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a maximum of 21°C (70°F), while November features milder temperatures, with minimums around 2°C (36°F) and maximums reaching 26°C (79°F). Precipitation levels in both months are quite similar, with December experiencing 152 mm (6.0 in) over 22 days and November having 151 mm (5.9 in) over 20 days. Humidity is also fairly consistent, with December at 75% and November at 80%. For more detailed information on November weather, visit Gangtok weather in November.
As December descends upon Gangtok, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a unique contrast to the milder months that precede it. With cooler temperatures averaging around 11°C (52°F) and dipping to a brisk -1°C (31°F) at night, visitors are greeted by a chilly embrace and a chance to witness the beauty of frost-kissed landscapes. While the month brings rainfall, with approximately 152 mm falling over 22 days, the crisp air and misty mornings add to its charm, creating a serene atmosphere unlike any other time of the year. This month of higher humidity, averaging 75%, complements the vibrant greenery, making December a perfect time for travelers seeking a peaceful getaway amidst nature's beauty. For those looking to plan their trip, more detailed insights can be found in the full overview at Gangtok Climate.