Which is the best place in Uttarakhand for a family trip?

Nainital and its nearby lakes (Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal) are the most popular and easiest family destinations, with boating, ropeways and plenty of food options. Ranikhet suits families with grandparents, Jim Corbett is a favourite with children for safaris, and Mussoorie and Rishikesh work well for families with teenagers.

What is the best time to visit Uttarakhand with family?

March to June and October to November are the best times. Summer aligns with school holidays but brings crowds and higher prices, while October and November offer clear skies, pleasant weather and fewer tourists. The monsoon (July–September) is best avoided with young children or elderly parents.

How many days are enough for an Uttarakhand family trip?

Five to seven days is ideal for most families, covering two destinations at a comfortable pace. Plan at least two nights at each place and keep daily driving under 4–5 hours.

Is Uttarakhand safe for travelling with small children?

Yes, popular family destinations like Nainital, Bhimtal, Ranikhet, Mussoorie and Corbett are safe and well set up for families. Avoid high-altitude places with infants, don't drive on hill roads after dark, carry a medical kit, and choose hotels with easy access and heating.

Can elderly parents travel comfortably in Uttarakhand?

Yes, with the right planning. Choose lower-altitude destinations like Nainital, Ranikhet, Bhimtal or Kausani, book ground-floor rooms with minimal steps, travel in a comfortable private SUV, limit drive times, and keep medical records and medicines handy. For pilgrimages like Char Dham, use pony, palki or helicopter options and consult a doctor first.

How do we avoid motion sickness on Uttarakhand roads with kids?

Seat children in the middle or front rows, keep windows slightly open, avoid heavy meals before driving, take breaks every 90 minutes, and carry motion-sickness medication recommended by your doctor. Starting drives early in the morning also helps.

Should families use a private cab or shared transport in Uttarakhand?

A private cab is strongly recommended for families. It allows stops for toilet breaks, meals and motion sickness, keeps luggage secure, and lets you control timings. For groups of eight or more, a Tempo Traveller is usually the most comfortable and economical option.

Is Jim Corbett suitable for young children?

Yes, children usually love Corbett. Choose a family-friendly resort with open spaces or a pool, and book a jeep safari rather than a long canter ride for young kids. Safaris start early and sightings aren't guaranteed, so set expectations beforehand.

Auli in December: First Snow, Christmas & New Year Guide

Quick Answer: December is when Auli's winter begins. The first major snowfall usually arrives sometime in December, more often in the second half than the first, though some years start dry. Days are around 3–9°C and nights drop to -4°C to -7°C. The first half of December is quiet, cold and good value, but snow isn't guaranteed. Christmas to New Year (roughly 22–31 December) is Auli's busiest week of the winter: hotels fill up weeks ahead, rates rise, and traffic builds on the Joshimath–Auli road. If you want snow and celebrations, aim for the last ten days of December, book early, stay in Auli itself, and keep one buffer day for weather.

Every year, the first question we get in November is some version of "Will there be snow in Auli at Christmas?" It's a fair question. December is a month of firsts in Auli: the first real cold, the first snowfall, the first ski runs of the season, and the first big crowd of the winter. It can be magical. It can also be crowded, expensive and, in a dry year, a little disappointing if you were promised a winter wonderland.

This guide is about planning December specifically. It covers what each week of the month usually looks like, what Christmas and New Year in Auli are really like, how to handle bookings and roads in peak week, and what to do if the snow is late. SnazzyTrips is a Haldwani-based Uttarakhand DMC since 2003, trusted by 20,000+ families, covering 50+ destinations with 150+ verified local partners and a 4.6/5 average rating across verified traveller reviews. As a leading Uttarakhand DMC that sends travellers to Auli every December, we've seen the month go every possible way, from heavy snow on Christmas Eve to bare brown slopes until the 28th.

Auli in December at a Glance

What You Want to Know	December in Auli
Daytime temperature	Around 3–9°C, colder in shade and wind
Night temperature	Around -4°C to -7°C, lower after snowfall
Snowfall chance	Moderate in early December, better in the second half
Snow on the ground	Builds through the month; patchy early, better by late December in most years
Crowds	Quiet till mid-month; peak from about 22–31 December
Hotel rates	Normal early in the month; highest around New Year
Skiing	Possible in late December only if early snowfall has been good
Chair lift	Usually starts running for the winter season, subject to weather and maintenance
Daylight	Short days; sunset comes early, around late afternoon
Road from Joshimath	Open, but frost and short closures possible after snowfall
Ropeway	Not running; reach Auli by road

Will It Snow in Auli in December?

Probably, but not on a date you can pick in advance.

Auli's winter snow arrives in spells driven by western disturbances, weather systems that bring two or three days of cloud and snow, followed by clear, cold days. In most winters, the first significant spell reaches Auli at some point in December. In some years, it comes early in the month. In others, it holds off until the last week, and occasionally it slips into January.

Here's the honest version of December snow:

Snow on the distant peaks (Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet): almost guaranteed all month.
Snow on Auli's slopes: likely by late December, less certain in the first half.
Fresh snowfall during your stay: possible, never promised.

If you want the full picture of how snow builds and melts across the winter, read our full month-by-month snowfall breakdown. For December, the week-by-week view below is what matters most.

December Week by Week

1–10 December: Quiet, Cold and Good Value

The first third of December is Auli at its calmest. Nights are properly cold, mornings are crisp, and skies are often clear, which means some of the best Nanda Devi views of the season.

What you'll usually find:

Light snow or frost on the slopes in some years, brown slopes with white peaks in others
Very few tourists
Normal hotel rates and easy availability
Clear sunrise and sunset views

Who it suits: Couples and photographers who want cold air, empty slopes and mountain views more than guaranteed snow.

What to be careful about: Don't book this window expecting a white landscape. If snow is the whole point of your trip, go later.

11–20 December: Snow Becomes Likely

This is often when the first proper snowfall arrives. In several recent seasons, Auli's first major snow came around mid-December, and visitors started arriving soon after. Once the first big spell lands, the slopes stay white for a good while because temperatures stay below freezing.

What you'll usually find:

A better chance of snow underfoot, especially after the 15th
Rising interest from travellers once snow news spreads
Hotels still bookable, but the best rooms for Christmas–New Year are already gone
Snow play and sledging on the lower slopes after snowfall

Who it suits: Families and first-time snow travellers who want a decent chance of snow without the peak-week rush.

21–25 December: Christmas Week

From around the 21st, Auli starts filling up. Families on school holidays, couples and groups from Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh and further away arrive for Christmas.

What you'll usually find:

Snow on the slopes in most years by now, though not every year
Busier hotels, higher rates and fewer room choices
Chair lift queues building by late morning
Joshimath getting busier, with more vehicles on the Auli road

Who it suits: Travellers who want a festive atmosphere and are happy to plan and book early.

26–31 December: New Year Peak

This is the busiest stretch of the whole winter. Hotels in Auli are often full well before the 31st, and many properties set minimum-stay rules or compulsory gala dinners for New Year's Eve.

What you'll usually find:

Peak hotel rates, minimum stays of two or three nights at many properties
New Year's Eve dinners, bonfires and music at hotels and resorts
Heavy traffic on the Joshimath–Auli road, especially around 30–31 December and 1 January
A real chance of snowfall around this week, which can both delight guests and slow down roads

Who it suits: Groups and couples who want a New Year celebration in the snow and are prepared for crowds and cost.

From our December bookings: Travellers who book their Auli New Year trip before the end of October almost always get their first-choice hotel. Those who wait until December usually end up either paying much more for a room in Auli or staying in Joshimath and driving up every day, which is the last thing you want in peak snow week.

Christmas in Auli: What It's Really Like

Auli isn't a big Christmas town. There are no Christmas markets and no lit-up Mall Road like in some hill stations. What it offers instead is quieter and, for many people, better: snow-covered slopes (in a good year), warm rooms, bonfires, hot food and a view of Nanda Devi turning pink at sunset.

A typical Christmas in Auli looks like this:

Mornings on the snow: sledging, snow play, chair lift rides, or a beginner ski lesson if the slopes have enough snow
Afternoons back at the hotel, because it gets cold quickly once the sun drops
Evenings around a bonfire, with many hotels organising a special Christmas dinner

If you're travelling with children or older parents, Christmas week works well as long as you keep drives short and stay close to the slopes. Our guide to travelling with kids and elderly parents in the hills has practical advice on pacing and warm hotels.

New Year in Auli: Celebrations, Crowds and Costs

New Year's Eve in Auli is mostly celebrated at hotels and resorts rather than in public spaces. Expect:

Gala dinners, often compulsory and charged separately or built into the room rate on 31 December
Bonfires and music, usually on hotel lawns or terraces
Minimum stays of two to three nights covering the 31st at many properties
Very cold midnight temperatures; outdoor celebrations happen in thick jackets around the fire

Booking tips for New Year:

Book by October if you can. The best-located Auli hotels go first.
Ask exactly what the gala dinner includes and whether it's mandatory.
Confirm heating in writing. Rooms full of guests and power demand on New Year's Eve can strain older properties.
Plan your 1 January departure for late morning, not early, because roads can be icy and busy.
Avoid arriving on the 31st itself. Traffic and possible snow can turn a normal drive into a long one.

If you'd like everything handled, including the room, gala dinner, transfers and a buffer day, our Auli tour packages for December cover both Christmas and New Year departures.

Getting to Auli in December

The drive to Auli is long in any season, and December adds cold and occasional snow.

The route: Delhi or Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Joshimath → Auli. From Rishikesh to Joshimath is roughly 250 km and usually takes a full day, so most travellers stop overnight on the way. From Joshimath, it's another 13–16 km uphill to Auli.

December-specific things to know:

Frost on the Auli road. Shaded bends freeze early in the morning and late in the evening. After snowfall, traffic can be held until the road is cleared.
Weather alerts. During heavy snowfall or avalanche warnings, the administration has sometimes stopped tourists at Joshimath until conditions improve.
Peak-week traffic. Around Christmas and New Year, Joshimath and the Auli road get crowded. Leave early.
No ropeway. The old cable car used to be a backup when the road was blocked, but it's not operating. Here's why the Joshimath–Auli ropeway is not running and what that means for winter trips.

Vehicle choice matters in December. A private SUV with a driver who knows the Auli road is much safer than a shared jeep, and far more flexible if the plan changes. If you're weighing options, read this comparison of private cab versus shared jeep travel in Uttarakhand.

A tip from our drivers: In December, the stretch above Joshimath is at its worst before 9 am and after 4 pm, when the road is iced and the light is low. If you plan your arrivals and departures for the middle of the day, most of the winter driving stress simply disappears.

For travellers coming from north India, a Delhi–Auli trip with an overnight halt is the easiest way in. From the east, an Auli tour from Kolkata usually connects through Dehradun. From the west, an Ahmedabad to Auli snow tour typically flies via Delhi or Dehradun.

Where to Stay in Auli in December

Stay in Auli, not Joshimath, especially from 20 December onwards. Staying up on the slopes means no daily drive on icy roads, quick access to the snow in the morning, and no worries about traffic around New Year.

What to check before booking a December stay:

Heating: a working room heater, ideally included in the rate
Hot water: round the clock, not just at fixed hours
Power backup: cuts are more likely when snow brings down lines
Room insulation: older wooden cottages can feel draughty at -6°C
Distance to the slope: walking distance is ideal
New Year rules: minimum stay, gala dinner charges, cancellation terms

For a detailed checklist, read our guide on choosing a hotel that's actually warm and well located in the hills.

Things to Do in Auli in December

What you can do depends on how much snow has fallen, so it helps to think in two lists.

If there's snow on the slopes:

Snow play and sledging on the lower slopes
Chair lift ride to the upper slopes for the Nanda Devi view
Beginner ski lessons, if the snow is deep enough
Photography at sunrise and sunset, when the peaks turn gold and pink
Bonfire evenings at your hotel

If the snow is late:

Sunrise and sunset views of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri and Kamet (often at their clearest in early December)
A short walk towards Gorson Bugyal through oak and conifer forest, if conditions allow
A visit to the Auli artificial lake area
Day trips around Joshimath, including the town's old temples
Simply enjoying cold mountain air and quiet slopes

Can You Ski in Auli in December?

Sometimes, but don't plan a ski-focused trip around December.

Skiing needs a solid base of snow, and that often isn't there until late December or January. In good years, instructors start beginner lessons on the lower slopes in the last week of December. In dry years, the season effectively starts in January.

If skiing is your main reason for going, January or February is the safer choice. Our beginner skiing guide for Auli covers courses, costs and the best weeks to learn.

What If There's No Snow in Auli in December?

It happens. Some winters stay dry well into December, and travellers who booked months in advance arrive to clear skies and brown slopes.

Your options:

Shift your dates later, if you booked flexibly. A delay of even a week or two can change everything.
Enjoy Auli for what it offers anyway: the views, the cold, the quiet. Some travellers prefer it.
Move to a higher snow area nearby. Chopta and Tungnath in winter often hold snow when lower areas are dry, though the trek needs reasonable fitness.
Try Kumaon instead. A Nainital winter tour is easier to reach, and New Year in Munsiyari offers big Himalayan views with a good chance of a cold, festive night.

For more snow-season ideas across the state, see our Uttarakhand snowfall tours.

When you book, ask your operator what happens if snow is late: can dates be moved, can the itinerary switch destinations, and what are the cancellation terms? This checklist for picking a reliable travel company covers the questions worth asking. It also helps to understand the advantages of booking through a local tour operator who can see conditions on the ground and adjust plans quickly.

What to Pack for Auli in December

December nights in Auli are well below freezing, so pack seriously:

Thermal innerwear, top and bottom, at least two sets
A heavy down or padded jacket plus a fleece layer
Waterproof gloves, woollen socks (several pairs) and a woollen cap or balaclava
Waterproof boots with good grip; snow and frost make paths slippery
Sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen, because sun on snow burns at altitude
Lip balm and moisturiser, since cold air dries skin quickly
A power bank, as phones drain fast in the cold
Basic medicines, including for cold, headache and altitude discomfort
For New Year: something warm but presentable for the gala dinner, as it'll likely be outdoors or by a fire

Ski clothing and snow boots can be rented in Auli once the snow season starts.

Sample December Itineraries

Christmas in Auli (5 Days, from Delhi or Haridwar)

Day 1 (21–22 Dec): Drive from Haridwar/Rishikesh towards Joshimath; overnight halt around Rudraprayag or Srinagar (Garhwal).
Day 2: Continue to Auli, arriving by early afternoon. Settle in and take an evening walk.
Day 3 (around 24 Dec): Snow play, chair lift ride, Christmas Eve dinner at the hotel.
Day 4 (25 Dec): Sunrise views, optional beginner ski session if snow allows, bonfire evening.
Day 5: Drive down towards Rishikesh with an overnight halt, or continue your trip.

New Year in Auli (6 Days, from Delhi)

Day 1 (27 Dec): Delhi to Rishikesh or Devprayag.
Day 2 (28 Dec): Drive to Auli via Joshimath, arriving before dark.
Day 3 (29 Dec): Snow day: sledging, chair lift, photography.
Day 4 (30 Dec): Free day, which doubles as a buffer if snowfall delayed your arrival.
Day 5 (31 Dec): Slow morning, New Year's Eve gala dinner and bonfire.
Day 6 (1 Jan): Late-morning departure towards Rishikesh, overnight halt on the way down.

The built-in free day on the 30th matters. If snow or traffic delays your arrival, you lose a relaxed day instead of New Year's Eve itself.

To build either of these around your dates, you can plan a Christmas or New Year trip to Auli with stays and transfers already arranged, or look at December holiday options across Uttarakhand if you'd like to combine destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it snow in Auli in December?
Yes, in most years Auli receives its first major snowfall in December, more often in the second half of the month. However, snowfall timing varies, and some Decembers stay dry until the last week or even into January.

What is the temperature in Auli in December?
Daytime temperatures are usually around 3–9°C, while nights drop to about -4°C to -7°C, and lower after snowfall or on the upper slopes.

Is Auli good for Christmas?
Yes, Auli is a lovely place for a quiet, snowy Christmas. In most years there is snow on the slopes by Christmas week, and hotels organise special dinners and bonfires. It's busier than early December, so book in advance.

How is New Year celebrated in Auli?
New Year in Auli is mainly celebrated at hotels and resorts, with gala dinners, bonfires and music. Many properties have minimum-stay rules and compulsory gala dinners on 31 December, so check these before booking.

Is Auli crowded in December?
Auli is quiet in the first half of December and very busy from around 22–31 December, when Christmas and New Year visitors arrive. Hotels fill up early and traffic builds on the Joshimath–Auli road during this week.

When should I book an Auli trip for New Year?
Book as early as possible, ideally by October. The best-located hotels in Auli sell out first, and rates rise sharply closer to the date.

Can I ski in Auli in December?
Only in late December, and only if early snowfall has been good. In dry years, the ski season effectively starts in January. For a ski-focused trip, January or February is more reliable.

Is the road to Auli open in December?
Yes, the Joshimath–Auli road is generally open in December, but frost, black ice and fresh snowfall can slow traffic or cause temporary closures. During severe weather alerts, tourists may be held at Joshimath. Travel in daylight and use a private SUV with an experienced driver.

What should I do if there's no snow in Auli in December?
You can shift your trip later if your booking allows, enjoy Auli's clear December views and quiet slopes anyway, or switch to alternatives like Chopta–Tungnath, Munsiyari or Nainital for a winter break.

Why plan a December trip to Auli with SnazzyTrips?
SnazzyTrips is a Haldwani-based Uttarakhand DMC operating since 2003, trusted by 20,000+ families across 50+ destinations. With 150+ verified local partners and a 4.6/5 average rating across verified traveller reviews, the team handles early hotel blocks for Christmas and New Year, winter road transfers and buffer days, and adjusts plans when snow is early or late.

Final Word

December in Auli is a month of anticipation. Early on, you get cold, clear air and empty slopes. By the middle of the month, the first real snow usually arrives. By Christmas and New Year, Auli is at its most festive and its most crowded. Choose the week that matches what you want, book early if you're going for the holidays, stay up on the slopes, and leave a day spare for the mountains to do what they like. That's how December in Auli turns out well.