What December feels like in Nashville
In Nashville, December brings early winter. Afternoons feel chilly — fine for exploring on foot if you are dressed for it. Once the sun goes down the air changes: nights are cold. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Nashville in December
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. When rain comes it is heavy, about 11.3 mm (0.4 in) per wet day, often in short, strong bursts. The yearly figure is similar, around 10.8 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in December
In mid-December, sunrise is at about 6:51 am and sunset at about 4:34 pm (local time) — 9 h 43 min of daylight. Compared with mid-November, the day has lost 34 min. The sun is out for roughly 58% of those daylight hours, so sun and cloud share the day.
How December compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, December comes out as the 3rd coolest month in Nashville. Compared with November, afternoons are 4.3°C (7.7°F) cooler, with 28 mm more rain. Temperatures keep falling into January. The next month's average high: 8.1°C (46.6°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
Tips for visiting Nashville in December
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Quick questions
How warm is Nashville in December?
It feels chilly: typical highs are 10.8°C (51.4°F), with lows near 2.2°C (36°F).
Does it rain a lot in Nashville in December?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 124 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Nashville in December?
Pack versatile layers, rain protection and warm layers. Bring something extra for the cooler evenings.
Is December or January better for visiting Nashville?
January scores better on our climate ranking (#10 of 12 vs #12), rated Fair against Fair. January is cooler and has fewer rainy days.