Canada (Vancouver) · December
Low seasonCanada · North America
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 7° (45°)1– (34–)11 (52) | 8° (46°)3– (37–)11 (52) | 10° (50°)5– (41–)15 (59) | 13° (55°)7– (45–)19 (66) | 18° (64°)11– (52–)24 (75) | 20° (68°)13– (55–)27 (81) | 24° (75°)16– (61–)29 (84) | 23° (73°)17– (63–)28 (82) | 19° (66°)13– (55–)25 (77) | 14° (57°)9– (48–)18 (64) | 10° (50°)4– (39–)14 (57) | 7° (45°)2– (36–)12 (54) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 3° (37°)-3– (27–)8 (46) | 3° (37°)-2– (28–)7 (45) | 5° (41°)0– (32–)8 (46) | 7° (45°)2– (36–)10 (50) | 10° (50°)5– (41–)14 (57) | 13° (55°)9– (48–)16 (61) | 15° (59°)12– (54–)19 (66) | 15° (59°)11– (52–)18 (64) | 13° (55°)8– (46–)16 (61) | 9° (48°)4– (39–)13 (55) | 5° (41°)-1– (30–)10 (50) | 3° (37°)-2– (28–)8 (46) |
☀️Sunshine | 2h UV 2 | 4h UV 3 | 5h UV 4 | 6h UV 6 | 8h UV 7 | 8h UV 7 | 9h UV 7 | 8h UV 7 | 6h UV 5 | 4h UV 3 | 3h UV 2 | 2h UV 1 |
🌊Water Temp | 7° (45°) | 7° (45°) | 8° (46°) | 10° (50°) | 12° (54°) | 14° (57°) | 15° (59°) | 16° (61°) | 15° (59°) | 12° (54°) | 9° (48°) | 8° (46°) |
🌧Rain Days | 14d216mm (8.5") | 10d108mm (4.2") | 13d146mm (5.8") | 10d100mm (3.9") | 6d68mm (2.7") | 6d56mm (2.2") | 3d29mm (1.1") | 3d36mm (1.4") | 6d81mm (3.2") | 11d158mm (6.2") | 15d237mm (9.3") | 15d201mm (7.9") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Deep off-season — very low prices, but weather conditions are suboptimal.
December is the coldest winter month in Canada (Vancouver) — with highs of only 7°C (45°F), it holds little appeal for sun-seekers. Better travel in May, June, July, August, and September.
Temperatures reach a maximum of 7°C (45°F) during the day and drop to 3°C (37°F) at night — warm layers recommended. Peaks reach around 12°C (54°F), the coldest nights around -2°C (28°F) — frost does occur. With 2 sunshine hours per day and 15 rain days (201 mm (7.9 in)), this is one of the cloudier months. At 8°C (46°F), the water is still quite cool in December — a wetsuit may be useful.
An umbrella or waterproof jacket is essential. On rainy days, plan indoor activities like museums and markets.
Grey, wet and cosy: rain is the default and cloud hangs low over Stanley Park and the North Shore mountains. In compensation there is snow in the hills, so you can ski in the morning and sit in a café on Granville Island in the evening. The city is calm and hotels are cheap.
Packing list for Canada (Vancouver) in December
- Winter coat
- Thermal clothing and warm layers
- Hat, scarf and gloves
- Warm, waterproof shoes
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is December a good time to visit Canada (Vancouver)?
- No — December is not among the recommended months for Canada (Vancouver) (Score: 11/100). Climate conditions are unfavourable. For better conditions, consider May, June, July, August, and September.
- How warm is it in Canada (Vancouver) in December?
- In December, Canada (Vancouver) sees daily highs of 7°C (45°F). Nights cool to 3°C (37°F), with a daily average of 5°C (41°F). Peaks reach around 12°C (54°F), the coldest nights around -2°C (28°F) — frost does occur.
- How much rain falls in Canada (Vancouver) in December?
- In December, Canada (Vancouver) receives an average of 201 mm (7.9 in) of rain over 15 rain days. With frequent rain days, waterproof clothing is recommended.
- How many sunshine hours does Canada (Vancouver) get in December?
- Canada (Vancouver) averages 2 sunshine hours per day in December — below the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Canada (Vancouver) in December?
- Water temperature in Canada (Vancouver) in December averages 8°C (46°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.
