Mostly cold in Inner Mongolia in December, there are clear regional temperature gaps and consistent cold everywhere. The east (like Hulunbuir) is the coldest, with the lowest minimum hitting -30℃; the central-western part is milder, and the west warmer. Temperatures gradually rise from east to west this month, with moderate to extreme differences overall.
The west stays milder, while the east (like Hulunbuir) gets very cold - highs average -15.4°C there, with lows frequently reaching -23.7°C or dropping to -30°C.
Eastern Inner Mongolia| Average Maximum | Average Minimum | Highest Maximum | Lowest Minimum | |
| ℃ | -15.4° | -23.7° | -11° | -30° |
| ℉ | 4.3° | -10.7° | 12.2° | -22.0° |
| Average Maximum | Average Minimum | Highest Maximum | Lowest Minimum | |
| ℃ | -2.0° | -12.8° | 2° | -18° |
| ℉ | 28.4° | 9.0° | 35.6° | -0.4° |
| Average Maximum | Average Minimum | Highest Maximum | Lowest Minimum | |
| ℃ | 0.0° | -10.8° | 7° | -19° |
| ℉ | 32.0° | 12.6° | 44.6° | -2.2° |
December temperatures in inner Mongolia are extremely cold, with significant regional variations. While central-western and western regions are milder but still windy, eastern regions, such as Hulunbuir, can experience lows of -30°C. Select breathable, moisture-wicking, quick-drying thermal underwear for the inner layer to prevent moisture accumulation that lowers warmth. Wear a heavy sweater or down liner as the middle layer to keep the heat in. The outer layer should be a long, heavy down jacket or a windproof jacket to protect against strong winds. Put on non-slip, waterproof snow boots and thick wool socks. Wear down pants or fleece-lined snow pants for the lower body. Masks, heavy scarves, waterproof gloves, and ear-covering hats are used to protect areas that are vulnerable to frost.
Hulunbuir is at the heart of Eastern Inner Mongolia, a chilly paradise of snow and ice. Ride a horse-drawn sleigh through the forest, experience the pure winter at minus 30°C, and enjoy the picturesque view of rime covering the branches on the vast snowfields by joining the exciting Ice Naadam. Both Kunlun Ski Resort and the fantasy-like rime of Chunkun Mountain in Baotou, in central-western Inner Mongolia, are well-liked by skiers. Alxa is the highlight of western Inner Mongolia, where the desert takes on a unique charm in the winter. You can enjoy the tranquility and majesty of the snowy desert by hiking here. Sand dunes and white snow combine to form a striking sight as Xiangsha Bay is blanketed in snow.