Weather in Vancouver 🇨🇦
Monthly weather averages & travel planning
December
Avg Temp
6°C
Rain Days
19 days
Sun Hours
4 hrs
Humidity
65%
North America › 🇨🇦 Canada › Vancouver
Updated: March 2026
Is December a Good Time to Visit Vancouver?
1/10
Avoid
December is a avoid time to visit Vancouver (1/10). Rainfall dominates the picture, with 19 wet days and just 4 sunshine hours daily, conditions that demand a flexible itinerary. December suits travellers visiting for indoor culture, food, and architecture rather than outdoor activities. Pack accordingly for 19 potential rain days. January offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. Watch out for prolonged rain stretches: with 19 wet days, a fully outdoor itinerary is risky. Build in museum days and covered market visits as contingency. Planning tips: most accommodation categories have availability, and last-minute deals are common. The quieter streets and shorter queues can make this a genuinely enjoyable time to visit for the right type of traveller. Budget-conscious visitors will find the best value of the year in this period.
vs November:9°C avg high
Visiting Vancouver in December means cold, wintry days that rarely climb above 6°C. Factor in 19 potential rainy days and 65% average humidity when planning your daily activities.
6°C
43°F
Avg High
2°C
36°F
Avg Low
19 days
298 mm total
Rain Days
4h
per day avg
Sunshine
65%
Moderate
Humidity
Temperature in Vancouver in December
The narrow 4°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures, characteristic of coastal cities with maritime moderation, means a single mid-layer works across the whole day. Humidity averages 65%, which is comfortable for most visitors. On warmer days, lighter fabrics help with the mild stickiness in the afternoon. The UV index of 1 is low, meaning sun exposure is minimal concern and sunscreen is largely optional. Winds are calm at an average 14 km/h, so wind-chill is not a factor in planning your clothing. In Fahrenheit: 43°F average high, 36°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Temperature Trends
High
Low
Rainfall (mm)
0-20 mm21-50 mm51-100 mm100+ mm
What to Wear in Vancouver in December
Morning2°CBefore the day warms up
Afternoon6°CPeak daytime temperature
Evening5°CAfter sunset cools down
Packing for Vancouver in December means dressing for 6°C days and 2°C evenings. Layering is key: a thermal base, mid-layer fleece, and a windproof outer jacket for 6°C highs that feel colder in the wind. Evening temperatures settle at 2°C, a modest 4°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. Comfortable walking trainers are the versatile choice for both outdoor sightseeing and indoor venues. With 19 rain days expected, a compact travel umbrella is worth the bag space. A waterproof jacket is better than an umbrella if you plan full-day outdoor routes.
Local tip: Vancouver sees heavy rain periods where a compact travel umbrella can feel inadequate. A packable waterproof jacket offers better coverage for prolonged downpours and leaves both hands free for maps and cameras.
Events in Vancouver in December
December has no major festivals or public holidays in Vancouver, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.
What to Pack for Vancouver in December
Based on 6°C average highs and 19 rainy days
- Warm jacket (down or fleece)
- Merino wool base layer (regulates temperature and resists odour)
- Sweaters and lined trousers
- Scarf and lightweight gloves
- Compact folding umbrella
- Waterproof outer layer or packable rain jacket
- Quick-dry clothing that recovers fast after a shower
- Comfortable walking shoes (a second pair lets the first air out overnight)
- Universal travel adapter
- Small day pack for city exploration
- Reusable water bottle
Best Activities in Vancouver in December
- Vigorous walking tour of the UNESCO heritage districtMidday (12-2pm)The 6°C peak temperature provides ideal conditions for brisk sightseeing walks
- Cycling the riverside or park circuitAfternoon (1-4pm)Cool dry air makes long cycling sessions comfortable without overheating
- Explore hilltop viewpoints and fortressesMorning for clear viewsCold-weather atmospheric clarity gives the longest sightlines of the year
- Open-air Christmas or seasonal marketsAfternoon into eveningCool temperatures make festive outdoor markets genuinely atmospheric
- Spend a morning in the national or city art museumOpens at 10am; arrive earlyWith 19 rain days expected, having a full-day indoor plan is practical insurance
- Cooking class focused on regional cuisineHalf-day sessions run 10am-1pm or 3-6pmIndoor activity that fills a rainy half-day with genuine cultural content
- Visit covered historical sites: cathedral, palace, or bazaarAny time; most crowded middayRoofed monuments and covered markets provide exploration without weather exposure
- Visit the main botanical garden or city park at seasonal peakYear-round; best light in morningDecember brings distinct seasonal changes to public green spaces worth exploring
- Warm up with traditional hot dishes: local stew, fondue, or braised specialities at a neighbourhood restaurantLunch (12-2pm) or dinner (7-9pm)Cold-weather cuisine is a genuine cultural experience and the best local restaurants serve their heartiest dishes in cooler months
Why is Vancouver cool in December?
In December, Vancouver feels the full influence of the continental polar air mass, which dominates mid-latitude interiors during winter. Cold, dry air from the north suppresses temperatures to 6°C during the day, dropping further to 2°C at night when radiative cooling is greatest. Precipitation tends to be low, as the cold air holds little moisture. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).
Sunshine Hours
The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.
UV Index
A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate, wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High, hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High, limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme, seek shade between 10am-4pm.
Rain Days
A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.
Humidity
Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry, skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable, ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky, light breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy, heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vancouver in December
In December, Vancouver experiences average highs of 6°C (43°F) and lows of 2°C (36°F). Expect around 19 rainy days and 4 hours of sunshine per day, with humidity averaging 65%. The 4°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures is worth planning around: light layers work for most visitors during the day, but an extra jacket is essential for evenings. UV exposure is moderate at index 1.
Vancouver typically sees 19 rainy days in December, with total precipitation of around 298mm. This is a notably wet period. A waterproof jacket or compact umbrella is essential, and it is worth building indoor alternatives into your daily itinerary for the inevitable rainy stretches. For context, the driest month in Vancouver typically sees 4-6 fewer rain days than December.
Pack a heavy winter coat, thermal underlayers, waterproof insulated boots, and accessories including hats, gloves, and a scarf for Vancouver in December. Temperatures regularly fall to 2°C and rarely climb above 6°C during the day. Layering is the key strategy: a base layer, mid-layer insulation, and a windproof outer shell provide flexibility as you move between heated indoor spaces and cold outdoor streets.
December can be a challenging time to visit Vancouver due to heavy rainfall across 19 days of the month. Indoor attractions, cultural sites, and covered markets are the strongest options this month. If your dates are flexible, the drier or milder months offer significantly easier travel conditions.
The average high temperature in Vancouver in December is 6°C (43°F), and the average low is 2°C (36°F). The mean daily temperature is approximately 4°C (39°F). The day-to-night range of 4°C is narrow, typical of coastal or maritime cities. These are 30-year climate normals based on the 1991 to 2020 reference period; individual years will vary, particularly in transitional months like spring and autumn.
The best month to visit Vancouver is generally July. July offers the most sunshine at 13 hours per day and only 7 rainy days. Average temperatures reach 23°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and exploring the city. If your travel dates are flexible, planning your trip around July gives you the best chance of dry, bright weather.
December is shoulder or low season in Vancouver, meaning fewer tourists and generally lower prices than peak months. With 4 sunshine hours and 19 rainy days, the weather is less of a draw for mass tourism. This is an advantage for travellers who prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience with shorter queues and easier accommodation availability.
In December, Vancouver suits a range of activities thanks to cold temperatures of 6°C. With frequent rain, indoor activities and covered attractions are a smart choice. Top options include exploring historic neighbourhoods, visiting museums and galleries, local food markets, and day trips to surrounding areas. Cosy cafes and cultural venues make ideal retreats on overcast days.
December ranks 12th sunniest of the year in Vancouver, with an average 4 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are July, August, and September. July is the hottest month (23°C avg high); January is the coolest (6°C). From here, temperatures fall 0°C into January. Compared to last month (November: 9°C high, 20 rain days), December is cooler and drier. December is one of the least sunny months, but that often means lower prices and fewer fellow tourists.
Year-Round Climate
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sun | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6°C | 2°C | 19 | 4h | View |
| February | 8°C | 2°C | 16 | 6h | View |
| March | 10°C | 3°C | 19 | 7h | View |
| April | 13°C | 5°C | 17 | 10h | View |
| May | 17°C | 9°C | 12 | 11h | View |
| June | 19°C | 12°C | 11 | 12h | View |
| July | 23°C | 15°C | 7 | 13h | View |
| August | 23°C | 15°C | 7 | 12h | View |
| September | 20°C | 13°C | 10 | 10h | View |
| October | 14°C | 8°C | 16 | 7h | View |
| November | 9°C | 4°C | 20 | 4h | View |
| December | 6°C | 2°C | 19 | 4h | View |
January
19 rain days, 4h sun
6°2°
February
16 rain days, 6h sun
8°2°
March
19 rain days, 7h sun
10°3°
April
17 rain days, 10h sun
13°5°
May
12 rain days, 11h sun
17°9°
June
11 rain days, 12h sun
19°12°
July
7 rain days, 13h sun
23°15°
August
7 rain days, 12h sun
23°15°
September
10 rain days, 10h sun
20°13°
October
16 rain days, 7h sun
14°8°
November
20 rain days, 4h sun
9°4°
December
19 rain days, 4h sun
6°2°
Other Months in Vancouver
Plan Your Trip to Vancouver
Data Sources for Vancouver
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.