Tehran in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Tehran

10°C (50°F) High Temp

3°C (37°F) Low Temp

33 mm (1.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Clear mountain air reveals impressive Alborz peaks - visibility reaches 40+ km (25 miles) on crisp December days, perfect for photography at Tochal Cable Car station at 3,740m (12,270 ft)
Pomegranate season peaks in December - Yalda Night (winter solstice) celebrations bring the year's best fruit, saffron sweets, and traditional poetry readings in historic courtyards
Indoor attractions shine with fewer crowds - Sa'd Abad Complex and Golestan Palace offer 2-3 hour visits without summer heat or Nowruz crowds, entry fees around 200,000-500,000 rials
Traditional tea houses reach peak coziness - gas heaters, thick carpets, and hot dizi stews create the authentic Tehran winter experience locals cherish

Considerations

Air pollution worsens significantly - thermal inversion traps smog for 15-20 days per month, creating hazardous conditions especially in south Tehran
Outdoor activities severely limited - hiking trails above 2,000m (6,560 ft) often have snow and ice, making popular Darband and Tochal routes dangerous without proper gear
Unpredictable rain disrupts plans - sudden downpours can flood streets within 30 minutes, and many outdoor bazaars close during wet weather

Best Activities in December

Traditional Bazaar and Tea House Tours

December transforms Tehran's covered bazaars into cozy winter havens. Grand Bazaar's vaulted ceilings trap warmth while vendors serve hot tea and roasted nuts. Traditional tea houses like those in old city districts become gathering spots where locals escape winter weather. Perfect timing as cold weather makes the steamy, aromatic indoor environment most appealing.

Booking Tip: Join guided cultural walking tours (typically 800,000-1,200,000 rials) that include tea house stops and bazaar navigation. Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed cultural tour operators. See current options in booking section below.

Palace and Museum Complex Visits

December's cool weather makes exploring Tehran's sprawling palace complexes comfortable. Sa'd Abad's 18 museums and gardens are pleasant without summer heat, while Golestan Palace's indoor halls showcase Qajar-era opulence. Low tourist season means unhurried exploration of intricate mirror work and historical artifacts.

Booking Tip: Book half-day cultural tours (typically 1,000,000-1,800,000 rials) covering 2-3 major sites. Licensed guides provide essential historical context and navigate complex ticketing. Reserve 3-5 days ahead for weekend availability.

Mountain Cable Car and Winter Photography

Tochal Cable Car offers spectacular December views when pollution clears after rain. At 3,740m (12,270 ft), the top station provides snow-capped Alborz panoramas impossible in hazy summer months. Winter light creates dramatic contrasts perfect for photography, though temperatures drop to -5°C (23°F) at summit.

Booking Tip: Purchase tickets on-site (around 400,000-600,000 rials return) or through tour packages including transport. Check air quality index before booking - tours typically cancel if AQI exceeds 150. Book weather-dependent activities Easttimor day.

Traditional Hammam and Spa Experiences

Historic bathhouses become essential winter retreats when temperatures drop. Traditional hammams in old Tehran districts offer authentic hot stone treatments and tea service. Modern interpretations in north Tehran combine traditional techniques with contemporary comfort, perfect for escaping December's chill and pollution.

Booking Tip: Traditional hammams cost 300,000-800,000 rials for full service. Modern spa versions range 1,500,000-3,000,000 rials. Book 24-48 hours ahead, especially for women's sessions which have limited hours. Some close Fridays.

Carpet Weaving Workshop Tours

December indoor activities showcase Iran's renowned carpet industry. Workshop visits in Tehran's carpet district demonstrate traditional techniques while staying warm indoors. Master weavers explain knot density and regional patterns, with opportunities to try basic techniques. Winter timing means artisans focus on intricate indoor work.

Booking Tip: Cultural workshop tours typically cost 600,000-1,200,000 rials including transport and tea service. Book through cultural centers or licensed guides 3-5 days ahead. Some workshops offer take-home small pieces for additional fees.

Winter Food Market and Cooking Classes

December brings seasonal specialties like pomegranate-based dishes and warming stews. Tajrish Bazaar showcases winter produce while cooking classes focus on hearty Persian comfort foods perfect for cold weather. Indoor markets provide shelter while exploring local ingredients and traditional winter preservation methods.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes with market visits cost 1,200,000-2,000,000 rials including meal. Book 5-7 days ahead as December classes focus on popular Yalda Night dishes. Look for classes including recipe cards in English.

December Events & Festivals

December 20-21

Yalda Night (Shab-e Yalda)

Iran's ancient winter solstice celebration on December 20-21 features pomegranates, watermelons, nuts, and poetry reading. Families gather for the longest night of the year with traditional foods and Hafez poetry divination. Many cultural centers and traditional restaurants host public celebrations.

Mid December

Tehran International Film Festival Winter Screenings

December showcases international cinema with English subtitles at venues across Tehran. Indoor cultural events become more prominent during cold months, with film discussions and director meetings in heated auditoriums.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots - December rain creates puddles and occasional snow above 1,500m (4,920 ft) elevation

Air pollution mask (N95 or better) - Tehran's winter smog exceeds healthy levels 15-20 days in December

Layered clothing system - indoor heating varies dramatically, from overheated tea houses to cold traditional buildings

Waterproof day pack cover - sudden rain storms can soak belongings in minutes

Warm hat and gloves - mountain excursions drop to -5°C (23°F) at cable car summit

UV protection despite cold - mountain reflection and thin air increase exposure at altitude

Portable umbrella - essential for navigating between indoor attractions during rain

Thermal underlayer - traditional buildings often lack central heating

Waterproof phone case - December humidity and rain can damage electronics

Cash in small bills - many traditional venues don't accept cards, especially during weather-related power issues

Insider Knowledge

Check Tehran Air Quality Index app before planning outdoor activities - locals avoid going out when AQI exceeds 150, which happens frequently in December

Visit north Tehran (Shemiran district) on high pollution days - elevation 300-500m (980-1,640 ft) higher often means clearer air than central Tehran

December restaurant hours shift earlier - many close by 9 PM due to cold weather, unlike summer's late dining culture

Taxi drivers stock blankets and hot tea in December - it's normal to be offered warm drinks during longer rides in shared taxis

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating air pollution impact - tourists often skip face masks but develop respiratory irritation within 2-3 days

Planning mountain activities without checking weather - Tochal and Darband can have snow when central Tehran is just cold and rainy

Assuming indoor attractions are heated - many traditional buildings and museums have minimal heating, dress warmly even for indoor sightseeing