What December feels like in Vancouver
Winter bottoms out in December, the coolest month of Vancouver's year. It is cold outside for most of the day; indoor breaks come as a relief. Little changes after sunset — nights are cold, only slightly below the daytime level. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Vancouver in December
Dry days are the exception, with rain on most days. When rain comes it is heavy, about 13.8 mm (0.5 in) per wet day, often in short, strong bursts. That is close to Vancouver's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 12.1 mm). It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
In mid-December, sunrise is at about 8:01 am and sunset at about 4:14 pm (local time) — 8 h 14 min of daylight. Evenings are drawing in — 57 min less daylight than mid-November. Measured sunshine covers about 41% of the daylight — sun and cloud share the day.
How December compares to the rest of the year
December is the coolest month of the year in Vancouver. Compared with November, afternoons are 3°C (5.4°F) cooler, with 53 mm less rain. From here it only gets warmer, starting with January. The next month's average high: 6.1°C (43°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Vancouver in December
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Quick questions
How warm is Vancouver in December?
Afternoons average 5.3°C (41.5°F) and nights about 1.4°C (34.5°F) — cold by most people's standards. It is the coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Vancouver in December?
Yes, fairly — rain falls most days and totals about 277 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Vancouver in December?
Pack rain protection and warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is December or January better for visiting Vancouver?
On our 12-month climate ranking, January comes out ahead (#9 of 12 vs #12). January has fewer rainy days.