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- Strbske Pleso
- high 0.2 C, low -7.0 C
- Poprad
- high 1.2 C, low -6.5 C
- Lomnicky stit
- high -6.2 C, low -11.5 C
- Precipitation
- 72.8 mm at Strbske Pleso
The High Tatras in December are cold, snowy in the mountains and quieter than January or February, and travel insurance from EKTA is a sensible first purchase if you plan to ski or walk on snow. Average highs at Štrbské Pleso are 0.2 °C and average lows are −7.0 °C.
This page is about December only. For the full season see High Tatras in winter, and for the full year see High Tatras weather by month.
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Top picks at a glance
Key takeaways
- Average highs hover around freezing at the lake and well below at the summit.
- Snow cover can be thin early in December, so check conditions.
- Hikes need winter equipment and trail closures apply, see the winter guide.
- Transfers avoid icy driving.
Plan a December trip to the High Tatras, ranked
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Our top pick1
Winter-sports insurance with EKTA
Best overallBest for: Skiers and winter hikers
EKTA offers travel insurance. Check that skiing, hiking in snow and mountain rescue are covered, and note exclusions.
Get a quote from EKTA- Covers accidents and cancellations
- Read exclusions
-
2
Private transfer with Kiwitaxi
Best for snowBest for: Winter arrivals
Kiwitaxi offers private transfers between cities. It avoids winter driving.
Book a transfer on Kiwitaxi- No driving in snow
- Costs more
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3
Flexible activities on Klook
Best for bad-weather daysBest for: Non-ski days
Klook lists activities in Slovakia. Check what is offered near the Tatras, with free cancellation.
See tours on Klook- Rebook
- Local availability varies
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4
Rental car via Auto Europe
Best for flexibilityBest for: Experienced winter drivers
Auto Europe compares cars. Confirm winter tyres and see driving in Slovakia.
Compare cars on Auto Europe- Flexible
- Snow on mountain roads
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5
Official resort sites
Best for lifts and snowBest for: Skiers
Check the resort sites for lift status and snow reports before you go.
- Current info
- Varies
December temperatures
| Month | Poprad high / low (°C) | Poprad rain (mm) | Štrbské Pleso high / low (°C) | Štrbské Pleso rain (mm) | Lomnický štít high / low (°C) | Lomnický štít rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec | 1.2 / −6.5 | 26.9 | 0.2 / −7.0 | 72.8 | −6.2 / −11.5 | 167.1 |
Long-term averages (Wikipedia climate tables, 1991 to 2020 normals). Bratislava (airport station) and Košice list WMO and SHMÚ as source; Poprad, Štrbské Pleso and Lomnický štít list NOAA. Averages are not a forecast: any single day can be far from them.
November and January averages are similar at the lake (4.2 and −0.8 highs), so December sits in the middle of the cold season.
Snow and skiing
Snow reliability varies year to year, and early December is the least predictable part of the season. Lifts and slopes open as conditions allow. See skiing in Slovakia and best ski resorts in Slovakia. Check each resort for opening status.
Hiking in December
Low-level walks around the resorts are possible, but high routes are affected by snow, ice and seasonal closures. Winter equipment and experience are needed. Read the winter rules in High Tatras in winter and cover yourself with ski insurance.
Getting there in December
The nearest airport is Poprad-Tatry, see Poprad Airport to the High Tatras. From the capital see Bratislava to the High Tatras. Plan extra time in snow.
What to pack
Insulated waterproof boots, thermal layers, hat, gloves, sun protection for snow glare and spikes for icy paths if you will walk. Short days, so carry a headlamp.
Daylight and crowds
Days are short. Weekends and the Christmas holiday week are busy, so book accommodation early. See High Tatras for towns and bases.
A realistic December plan
A typical base is a resort such as Štrbské Pleso or Tatranská Lomnica. Spend one day on the slopes or on a low winter walk, one day on spa or indoor activities and keep a spare day for weather. See aquaparks in Slovakia and the High Tatras with kids.
Because snow can be thin early in the month, flexibility matters more than a fixed itinerary. Check lift and snow reports a few days before and again the morning you travel.
Safety in the cold
Daytime averages are around or below freezing and nights are colder, so frostbite and hypothermia risks are real if you are poorly equipped. Tell someone your route, carry a charged phone and know the mountain rescue number for the country. Avalanche risk applies on steep terrain in winter, so stay on marked routes and check bulletins. Read hiking insurance before you go.
Why December differs from deep winter
At the lake, December averages 72.8 mm of precipitation, against 81.0 mm in January and 68.1 mm in February. Temperatures are similar, so the main difference is snow depth and how much is open. Christmas week is the busiest and most expensive stretch.
Booking and costs
Prices in resorts rise around Christmas and New Year and on weekends, so book accommodation early for those dates. Lift tickets, equipment hire and lessons are priced by the resort, and the amounts change each season, so check the current price lists. If you want a general budget, see Slovakia travel cost. Trips between the Tatras towns are simple by local train or bus, which reduces the need for a car on a short stay.
Frequently asked questions
How cold is the High Tatras in December?
Average highs are 0.2 C and lows are -7.0 C at Štrbské Pleso. At Poprad they are 1.2 and -6.5 C.
Is there snow in December?
In the mountains usually, but depth varies by year. Check snow reports.
Can you hike in December?
Low-level walks yes. High routes face snow, ice and closures and need winter experience.
Is December good for skiing?
It can be, but conditions vary. January and February are more reliable.
Do I need insurance?
It is wise. Check that skiing and mountain rescue are included.
Photo: High Tatras · Unknown · CC BY-SA 3.0
