Weather Comparison
Vancouver vs Seattle
Side-by-side weather comparison for December
December Weather: Vancouver vs Seattle
| Metric | Vancouver | Seattle | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 6°C (43°F) | 7°C (45°F)▲ | Seattle |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 2°C (36°F) | 2°C (36°F) | Tie |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 19 days | 18 days▲ | Seattle |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 298 mm | 176 mm▲ | Seattle |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 3h/day | 4h/day▲ | Seattle |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 1 | 1 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 14 km/h▲ | 17 km/h | Vancouver |
Which City is Better in December?
Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Seattle edges ahead as the better destination in December. Seattle offers 4 hours of daily sunshine with only 18 rain days, while Vancouver sees 3 sunshine hours and 19 rain days.
Vancouver is on the cooler side at 6°C, requiring warmer clothing. Seattle is cooler at 7°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Seattle is the stronger choice in December. Seattle receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Temperature Comparison in December
Vancouver reaches an average high of 6°C (43°F) and drops to 2°C (36°F) at night during December. The daily temperature range is 4°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.
Seattle averages 7°C (45°F) for the high and 2°C (36°F) for the low, with a daily range of 5°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.
Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in December.
Rainfall Comparison in December
Vancouver receives approximately 298 mm of rainfall across 19 rain days during December. Rain is frequent, so waterproof gear is essential.
Seattle sees 176 mm over 18 rain days. That makes Seattle the drier option by 1 rain day and 122 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
What to Pack: Vancouver vs Seattle
Packing for Vancouver in December
Highs of 6°C, lows of 2°C, 19 rain days
- ✓heavy winter coat
- ✓thermal base layers
- ✓warm gloves and hat
- ✓insulated boots
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
- ✓a warm scarf
Packing for Seattle in December
Highs of 7°C, lows of 2°C, 18 rain days
- ✓heavy winter coat
- ✓thermal base layers
- ✓warm gloves and hat
- ✓insulated boots
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
- ✓a warm scarf
Pack for both: heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, insulated boots, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during December.
Year-Round Comparison: Vancouver vs Seattle
The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.December is highlighted for quick reference.
| Month | Vancouver | Seattle | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 6°C | 19d | 8°C | 18d |
| Feb | 8°C | 16d | 9°C | 14d |
| Mar | 10°C | 19d | 11°C | 18d |
| Apr | 13°C | 17d | 14°C | 16d |
| May | 17°C | 12d | 18°C | 13d |
| Jun | 19°C | 11d | 21°C | 10d |
| Jul | 23°C | 7d | 25°C | 6d |
| Aug | 23°C | 7d | 25°C | 5d |
| Sep | 20°C | 10d | 21°C | 8d |
| Oct | 14°C | 16d | 15°C | 15d |
| Nov | 9°C | 20d | 10°C | 18d |
| Dec | 6°C | 19d | 7°C | 18d |
Vancouver Weather in December
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Seattle Weather in December
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities