# High Tatras in December: What to Expect

Source: https://taply.sk/high-tatras-in-december/ (Taply, updated 2026-10-13)

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](https://taply.sk/high-tatras-in-winter/), and for the full year see [High Tatras weather by month](https://taply.sk/high-tatras-weather-by-month/).
Some links are affiliate links. Taply may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

## Key points
- 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.

## Quick facts
- 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

## Plan a December trip to the High Tatras, ranked
1. **Winter-sports insurance with EKTA** (best for Skiers and winter hikers): EKTA offers travel insurance. Check that skiing, hiking in snow and mountain rescue are covered, and note exclusions.
2. **Private transfer with Kiwitaxi** (best for Winter arrivals): Kiwitaxi offers private transfers between cities. It avoids winter driving.
3. **Flexible activities on Klook** (best for Non-ski days): Klook lists activities in Slovakia. Check what is offered near the Tatras, with free cancellation.
4. **Rental car via Auto Europe** (best for Experienced winter drivers): Auto Europe compares cars. Confirm winter tyres and see driving in Slovakia.
5. **Official resort sites** (best for Skiers): Check the resort sites for lift status and snow reports before you go.

## 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, 1991 to 2020 normals. Averages are not a forecast: any single day can be far from them.
At the lake the average high is 4.2 °C in November and −0.8 °C in January, so December sits in the middle of the cold season and the temperature drops steeply through the month.

## 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](https://taply.sk/skiing-in-slovakia/) and [best ski resorts in Slovakia](https://taply.sk/best-ski-resorts-in-slovakia/). Check each resort for opening status.

## December versus January and February

Measure | December | January | February | 
Štrbské Pleso precipitation (mm) | 72.8 | 81.0 | 68.1 | 
Štrbské Pleso average high (°C) | 0.2 | −0.8 | see weather guide | 
Crowds | Quiet, then busy at Christmas | Busy at weekends | Busy during school holidays | 

December is a good choice if you want fewer people on the slopes before the peak weeks, and a poor choice if you need guaranteed snow. For month-by-month data see [High Tatras weather by month](https://taply.sk/high-tatras-weather-by-month/).

## 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](https://taply.sk/high-tatras-in-winter/) and cover yourself with [ski insurance](https://taply.sk/ski-insurance-slovakia/).

## Getting there in December

The nearest airport is Poprad-Tatry, see [Poprad Airport to the High Tatras](https://taply.sk/poprad-airport-to-high-tatras/). From the capital see [Bratislava to the High Tatras](https://taply.sk/bratislava-to-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](https://taply.sk/high-tatras/) for towns and bases.

## A realistic December plan

A typical base is a resort such as [Štrbské Pleso](https://taply.sk/strbske-pleso/) or [Tatranská Lomnica](https://taply.sk/tatranska-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](https://taply.sk/aquaparks-in-slovakia/) and [the High Tatras with kids](https://taply.sk/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.

## Three December days in the Tatras

- Day one: arrive, settle in and take a short walk near your base. Use the afternoon to check the snow and lift situation. See [where to stay in the High Tatras](https://taply.sk/where-to-stay-in-the-high-tatras/) for choosing a resort.
- Day two: go up the mountain if conditions are good. The [cable cars](https://taply.sk/high-tatras-cable-cars/) and the [Hrebienok](https://taply.sk/hrebienok/) area give access to snowy terrain without a long climb, but operation depends on weather and maintenance, so check before you leave. Dress for wind at altitude.
- Day three: keep it flexible. Use it for a spa, a museum, a second walk or a day when the first plan was cancelled by weather. See [Tatra electric railway](https://taply.sk/tatra-electric-railway/) for moving between resorts without a car.
Resorts are close together, so you can change base on the day without losing much time. Compare the look of the same area in warm months in [High Tatras in summer](https://taply.sk/high-tatras-in-summer/), which helps you decide how many days to book.

## 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](https://taply.sk/hiking-insurance-high-tatras/) 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](https://taply.sk/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.

## Common December mistakes

- Booking only a ski day. If snow is thin, you need a second plan.
- Wearing trainers on mountain paths. Ice and packed snow demand boots with grip or spikes.
- Starting late. Days are short, so leave early and plan to be back before dusk.
- Ignoring public holidays. Services and shops follow holiday schedules around Christmas, see [Slovakia public holidays](https://taply.sk/slovakia-public-holidays/).
- Underestimating cold at altitude. The summit station of Lomnický štít sits far below freezing on an average December day, as the table shows.
- Skipping insurance. Mountain rescue can be costly, so read [ski insurance](https://taply.sk/ski-insurance-slovakia/) before you go.
For a full clothing list, see the [Slovakia packing list](https://taply.sk/slovakia-packing-list/).

## Who December suits

December suits travellers who want a winter mood, lower crowds early in the month and a flexible plan. It is less suitable for people who need reliable ski conditions, for first-time winter hikers who want high routes, and for anyone travelling with small children who struggle in cold. Families can still enjoy low walks, lifts and indoor activities, see [High Tatras with kids](https://taply.sk/high-tatras-with-kids/). Experienced mountain walkers should read the safety rules for the season before planning any route above the tree line.

## FAQ

**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.

**When is the best week for December snow in the Tatras?**
No week is guaranteed. Later December usually has a better chance of snow cover than early December, but check the resort reports a few days before you travel.