Did you ever wish to walk in the cold mornings by sparkling water, and Snowy hills all round? It is the magical experience you get when you visit Nainital in December. The breeze of cold air, clear skies, mist on the Naini Lake, and the gentle glow of the hills call you on a peaceful winter vacation. This guide will include information about the weather, places to visit, activities to enjoy, and how to reach Nainital. Regardless of whether you are travelling with family, friends, your loved ones, or alone, this blog will assist you in planning a perfect winter holiday and having a special time.
Weather of Nainital in December
Here we will consider the kind of weather that you can expect to receive once you visit Nainital in December. Being aware of the Nainital weather in December will make you pack in the right way, enjoy the outdoors, and prevent unpleasant chills.
The temperature in Nainital in December will typically vary between 5-6°C (42°F) and 16-17°C (62°F) throughout the day.
During the night, it may get colder; some data indicate that it would be as low as 37°F (3°C).
December rainfall is minimal, hence you will have numerous days of clear, crisp weather.
It is usually a very cold month with misty mornings, fresh air, and a small sprinkling of snow on the hills around.
What should you be prepared for:
Pack your warm clothes, layers, jacket, and gloves; it is cold in the morning and after sunsets.
Select outdoor games in the daytime when it is not very hot.
Savour the winter atmosphere: as it is not as busy as during the summer season, you can have good photo opportunities and take gentle, serene strolls around the lake.
How to Reach Nainital
Getting to Nainital is easy, and this guide will help you plan the travel so that you can be fairly comfortable and relaxed.
By Air: The nearest airport is the Pantnagar Airport, which is about 70 km away. Or you can take a flight to the bigger Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, for more flights.
By Road: Delhi is about 300 km, around 7-8 hours by car and bus. In December, the roads are usually good, but leaving early in the morning will help avoid delays.
By Train: The nearest major railway station is Kathgodam, which is about 35 km. From there, you can take a taxi or bus up to Nainital.
Local Transport: Once you're in Nainital town, local taxis and rickshaws serve as the best transport for getting about.
5 Best Places to Visit in Nainital in December
Let’s dive into the five most beautiful and memorable places to visit when you are on a trip to Nainital in December. Every location has its own beauty during winter.
1. Naini Lake
The Naini Lake, the centre of Nainital, is even more beautiful during the month of December. The frosty air, smooth water and the haze on the surface of the water make a dreamy atmosphere. The Nainital lake in December is enclosed by snow-white hills, which make it ideal in the early morning or late evening to go on a boat ride. The weather is colder, and therefore ideal for taking a romantic or reflective walk.
Location: Mallital, Nainital.
Things to do: Boating, walking in the evening, photography, and hopping in cafes.
Famous for: Scenic beauty, boating, and being the centre of Nainital.
3. Snow View Point
Snow View Point is located at an altitude of 2,270 m, which provides a view of the Himalaya ranges of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Kot. The cold and the white frost of December contribute to its beauty. The views of the town beneath a light haze of winter, as one rides the ropeway in Nainital, is a journey in itself and offers breathtaking views.
Location: Mallital, via Cable car, Nainital.
Things to do: Ropeway ride, photography, and have tea at the top of the hill cafe.
Famous for: Snow-topped Himalayan sceneries and winter vistas.
3. Tiffin Top (Dorothy's Seat)
Tiffin Top is a popular attraction for trekkers and photographers with its sweeping scenery and serene environment. A brief 4km walk leads to crystal clear views of the town of Nainital and the surrounding mountains covered in winter fog. You may see the golden glow of the sunset over the cold hills in Nainital in December.
Location: Ayarpatta Hill, Nainital, Uttarakhand.
Things to do: Hiking, sightseeing, and picnicking.
Famous for: Overview and photography of the golden hour.
4. The Mall Road
Mall Road is situated on the Naini Lake, and it seems a cosy heaven during December. Cafes, souvenirs and bakeries line its streets, so it is a place where one must walk around in the evenings. Cold air, hot street food and glittering lights that reflect on the lake make it one of the most romantic streets in Nainital in December.
Location: Tallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand.
Things to do: Shopping, walking by the lake, and tasting the street food.
Famous for: Colonialism, cafe life, and the lakefront.
5. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo
This zoo is located in Sher Ka Danda hill, and it is home to rare Himalayan animals such as the snow leopard and the red panda. The cold Nainital weather in December is very relaxed and quiet, and there are not many visitors. The mountain climb offers excellent scenery and a breath of fresh air.
Location: Tallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand.
Things to do: Wildlife, bird watching, and nature photography.
Famous for: Zoo on top of the mountain with Himalayan animals.
Top Things to do in Nainital in December
Don’t stop yourself after enjoying the cold weather; there are a lot of things to do in Nainital in December. Try the following activities to make your trip an unforgettable one.
1. Boating on Naini Lake
Boat over the frozen lake of Nainital in the cold winter wind, surrounded by snow-white mountains. The reflection of the lights of the town in the water during the sunset is very stunning. It's a worthwhile environment and a relaxing feel that makes it a place to visit when one visits Nainital in December.
Tip: Get up in the morning to see the mist or go at night to see them golden.
2. Ropeway Ride to Snow View Top.
Riding the cable car to Snow View Point is a very exhilarating experience in Nainital in December. The scenery plays out dramatically as you rise above the lake. During December, when the weather is clear and the air is cool, the Himalayas can be seen more closely and clearly from the ropeway in Nainital, and hence it is a memorable experience.
Tip: Take the first ride to the mountain of the day when there is no fog to see a full view of the mountains.
3. Mall Road Hopping, Shopping, and Cafe.
The ideal month to visit the warm Mall Road is during the month of December. You can go shopping for handmade candles, woollens and local snacks as well as visiting cosy cafes to have hot chocolate or coffee. Whenever one walks along Mall Road, there are festive lights, fresh air, and the smell of roasted peanuts that make the walk to Mall Road a wonderful experience.
Tip: To have a full winter treat, have local special foods such as momos, hot soup and Bal Mithai.
4. Hiking to Tiffin top or Naina peak
Nainital winter walks are brief, picturesque and cool. Hiking to Tiffin Top or Naina Peak in Nainital in December is a good experience because of the fresh air, frost-covered trails and breathtaking views. It is not excessively steep, which makes it ideal even for beginners who would like to have a winter adventure in the Himalayas without heavy snow, and it is also one of the best places to visit in Nainital for a 1-day trip.
Tip: Start early so you don't become lost in the fog, and get a thermos of hot tea, it saves your life in the cold!
5. See the Winter-Line and Misty Sunsets
One of the most amazing sights in Nainital in December is the "winter-line." It's a rare occurrence in nature where the horizon would glow orange and purple after sunset. Watching it from places such as Tiffin Top or Snow View is a dream. Add a cup of coffee, and you have the perfect moment in the mountains.
Tip: Do visit right before sunset, as the colour lasts only for a few minutes, so don't be late!
Conclusion
Visiting Nainital in December is like walking into a winter storybook. The crisp air, peaceful lake, foggy early mornings and stillness of the hills give you a peaceful, magical escape. The weather can be a bit chilly, but that is part of the charm, especially when you are wrapped up in warm layers of clothes, enjoying a hot tea by the lake and letting the world slow down. You can also visit Bheemtal, Ramgarh, and Mukteshwar, some of the best places to visit near Nainital, for a complete trip. Whether you are strolling on the Mall road, cruising on the lake, hiking to view points, or just sitting there and hearing the stillness of the hills, December in Nainital is about a special calm.
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