Hohhot Weather in December

Season: Winter

Overview: 

1. Hohhot’s weather in December is cold. But it’s not unbearably cold if you bask in the sunshine. 

2. Snowfall is limited. To enjoy a stunning snowy view, you need to go to the suburban areas, like Hongshiya Cliff. 

3. December is the off-peak travel season in Hohhot, seeing sparse visitors and low hotel rates. If you don’t mind the chilly temperatures and prepare very well, the vast land and clear sky will impress you a lot. 

Dazhao Temple in December

December is one of the coldest months in Hohhot, with daytime highs ranging from -8-0 degrees Celsius (18-32 degrees Fahrenheit). You may feel relatively comfortable in the sunshine. However, sometimes, the daytime high temperature can even drop to -18°C (0°F).  
 

The cold feeling intensifies after sunset or when the wind blows up, with lows hovering between -23 and -15 degrees Celsius (-9-5 degrees Fahrenheit). You also need to know that the suburban areas feel much colder than the urban areas. 
 

Icy Road in Hohhot

December is one of the driest months in Hohhot, with an average precipitation of 3 mm over 2 days, which falls in the form of snow. Low precipitation means sunny and dry cold winter days are the norm. Even if it is a snowy day, it’s mostly light snow, which rarely affects your travel plans. For those who want to admire snowy landscapes, you need to go to the suburban areas, where the snow will not be removed and be better kept. 
 

However, in some years, like 2024, humid and cold air masses brought considerable snowfall. Cold temperatures caused road icing, resulting in traffic control. Therefore, it’s a smart move to check the forecast in advance and plan your travel schedules accordingly. 

In December, Hohhot experiences a dry climate, with an average humidity level of only 58 %. Under this condition, your throat and lips can feel tight and uncomfortable. Therefore, it’s a good idea to drink more water and apply moisturizer. 
 

In addition, December also experiences fierce winds, with strong gusts possible even on clear days. And you may feel a bit headache from it if you don’t wear a warm hat. Plus, strong winds make the perceived temperature lower, making long-term outdoor activities unsuitable.
 

Sunrise Time: 07:38 – 07:57

Sunset Time: 17:06 – 17:15

Sunlight Hours: about 5.5 hours per day
 

Hohhot in December offers limited daylight hours. Moreover, the sunshine time also decreases, giving roughly 5.5 hours daily. It’s essential to plan outdoor activities during sunshine hours, which are the warmest parts of the day, from 10:00 to 15:00, especially if you decide to explore Hongshiya Cliff or other suburban attractions. 
 

In despite of the shortening sunshine hours, you cannot underestimate the UV rays. When you arrive at the suburban areas, where it’s possibly covered by snow, it’s necessary to wear sunglasses. 
 

Inner Layer: Thermal underwear paired with a thick sweater or a fleece-lined hoodie helps trap body heat. If you are sensitive to the cold, add a down vest.
 

Outer Layer: A windproof downcoat is perfect for resisting cold weather. Alternatively, you can wear a 3-in-1 windbreaker. 
 

Bottom Clothing: Thermal leggings are necessary to keep warm. As for outer trousers, opt for thick jeans or hiking pants. 
 

Footwear: You are advised to wear non-slip snow boots or high-top hiking shoes. 
 

Accessories: 

Scarves can prevent cold wind from getting in. 

A warm hat, gloves and an ear muff are helpful to stay comfortable. 

Due to the dry air, a lip balm adds some comfort. 
 

Hohhot in December is in the low season, which means fewer crowds and lower hotel and flight prices. 

Even though, it’s not recommended to visit Hohhot in this month. The cold air feels particularly harsh, so you might find it uncomfortable to stay outside for extended hours. Besides, some natural scenic spots would suspend operation, such as Hadamen National Forest Park. Some equipment in Xiangshawan Desert would also shut down. 

If you are only available to visit Hohhot in December, visiting indoor attractions would be a better choice, including Dazhao Temple, Xilituzhao Palace and Five-Pagoda Temple. Outdoor sightseeing is still possible, like in Hongshiya Cliff and Qiandao Lake, but you need to be fully prepared for freezing temperatures and check if there will be extreme weather conditions in advance.