Nainital in December

The December story

The December gamble is straightforward: you are betting on snow. If it falls — typically 2-3 episodes of light snowfall in a good year — Nainital is genuinely magical. Naini Lake ringed by snow-dusted hills at sunrise is one of the most beautiful sights in the Indian Himalayas. The ropeway ride to Snow View in fresh snow is worth the trip alone. Temperatures after snowfall drop to -2 to -4°C at night, so pack serious winter gear: thermals, down jacket, wool socks, gloves. If snow does not fall, December Nainital is an expensive version of November: grey, cold, and underwhelming. Mall Road's Christmas week has a festive energy — fairy lights, bonfires at hotels, plum cake at the bakeries near the Flats. New Year's Eve draws a young Delhi crowd that parties until 2 AM in the few open restaurants. The practical move: book refundable hotels, watch the weather forecast, and commit only when snow is likely within 48 hours. Bhimtal gets the same snow with fewer people — worth considering as a base.