How Cold Does Pune Get in December? Temperatures, Single-Digit Mornings, What to Pack and Best Things to Do
Pune in December means cool mornings, often in single digits, and warm dry afternoons. What to expect, past cold records, what to pack and what to plan.
Photo: Lakshy93 / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
December is one of Pune’s coldest and driest months. Afternoons are usually pleasant, in the high 20s °C, while early mornings often fall to around 10°C and sometimes into single digits at Shivajinagar, with outer areas such as NDA and Pashan colder still. Rain is rare, skies are mostly clear, and the chill is sharpest between 5 am and 8 am.
Last December showed how cold it can get. Pune recorded 15 mornings with single-digit minimum temperatures in the first 25 days of December 2025, its coldest December in about a decade. For comparison, 2016 had 12 such days and 2024 had only five. The decade’s lowest minimum was 5.9°C, recorded in 2018.
What December feels like in Pune
| Time of day | Typical feel | What to wear |
|---|---|---|
| 5 am to 8 am | Cold, sometimes misty near rivers and hills | Sweater or light jacket, more for two-wheeler rides |
| 10 am to 4 pm | Warm, dry and sunny | Cotton clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen |
| After sunset | Cools quickly | A layer for evenings outdoors |
The big gap between day and night is the thing visitors underestimate. A sunny 28°C afternoon at FC Road can be followed by a 10°C morning on the same week.
Why Pune gets so cold in December
IMD Pune scientist Dr S D Sanap explained last December’s cold spell by three factors: low humidity, cold and dry northerly winds, and clear skies. Clear nights let heat escape quickly, so the ground cools sharply before dawn. Areas on the city’s western and southern edges, close to hills and open land, usually record lower readings than the city centre.
Air quality: the December problem
Cold, still mornings trap dust and smoke close to the ground, so air quality in many Pune neighbourhoods tends to worsen in winter. People with asthma or other breathing problems, children and older adults should check the AQI before morning walks or runs, and shift outdoor exercise to later in the day when the air mixes better. Our Pune AQI page tracks the latest readings.
What to pack for Pune in December
- One warm layer: a sweater, hoodie or light jacket
- A scarf or cap and gloves if you ride a two-wheeler early in the morning
- Cotton clothes for the daytime
- Moisturiser and lip balm, as the air is dry
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Comfortable shoes for treks and walks
Best things to do in Pune in December
- Early-morning treks and cycling rides, when the air is cool
- Music festivals and cultural events; Pune’s big classical music festival, the Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav, moves to January in 2027
- Food walks for winter favourites such as hurda (in season towards the end of the year), sugarcane juice and street snacks
- Day trips to nearby hill stations and lakes
- Christmas and New Year events around Camp, Koregaon Park and Viman Nagar
Will it rain in Pune in December?
Usually not. December is normally one of the driest months. Occasional cloudy spells or light showers can happen when a low-pressure system forms over the Arabian Sea or Bay of Bengal, and these briefly raise night temperatures. Check IMD’s Pune forecast in the week of your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How cold does Pune get in December?
Mornings often drop to around 10°C and can fall into single digits. In December 2025, Pune had 15 single-digit mornings in the first 25 days. Afternoons are usually in the high 20s °C.
Is December a good time to visit Pune?
Yes. December is dry and pleasant, which makes it good for sightseeing, treks and events. Carry a warm layer for mornings and evenings.
What is the lowest temperature recorded in Pune recently?
The decade’s lowest minimum was 5.9°C, recorded in 2018, according to IMD figures reported in December 2025.
Does it rain in Pune in December?
Rarely. December is normally one of the driest months, though a passing weather system can bring clouds or light showers.
What should I wear in Pune in December?
Cotton clothes for the day and a sweater or light jacket for early mornings and nights. Two-wheeler riders need extra layers before 8 am.
