December is Vancouver’s most festive month, with Christmas markets, light festivals, carol ships and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Days are short and wet, but the mountains are usually white and ski season is under way.
December in Vancouver at a glance
- Average high / low: 7°C / 1°C
- Precipitation: about 172 mm, on about 21 days
- Daylight: about 8 hours a day
- Sunshine: about 57 hours over the month
- What it feels like: festive, dark and wet in the city, snowy in the mountains
Weather in Vancouver in December
Highs average about 7°C and lows about 1°C. Rain falls on about two days in three, and the city sees some snow in most winters. The shortest day, around December 21, has only about 8 hours of daylight.
Averages are for Vancouver International Airport, 1991 to 2020, from Environment and Climate Change Canada (sunshine 1981 to 2010). The North Shore and the mountains are cooler and wetter than the city.
What to pack for Vancouver in December
- A waterproof jacket, warm layers, hat and gloves
- Waterproof boots
- Ski or snowshoe gear for the mountains (rentals available)
- Something smart for holiday dinners and New Year’s Eve
Events and festivals in December
- The Vancouver Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza, until Christmas Eve
- Light festivals: VanDusen Festival of Lights, Canyon Lights at Capilano and St. Paul’s Lights of Hope
- The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain, with skating and Santa
- Bright Nights in Stanley Park, a holiday train ride through lights
- Carol Ships sailing past waterfront neighbourhoods in the evenings
- New Year’s Eve countdowns and fireworks downtown
- For a full list of holiday events, see our sister site Vancouver Christmas
Dates change every year. See the December events calendar for this year’s dates, or check things to do in Vancouver today and this weekend.
Things to do in Vancouver in December
- Tour the light displays at VanDusen, Capilano and Stanley Park
- Ski or snowshoe at Grouse, Cypress or Seymour, or head to Whistler
- Shop for gifts at Granville Island and the Lonsdale Quay market
- Skate outdoors at Grouse Mountain or at seasonal rinks downtown
- Visit the Bloedel Conservatory or the Vancouver Aquarium on a rainy day
- Walk the Seawall on a crisp clear day for snowy mountain views
Tips for visiting Vancouver in December
- Hotels are cheap early in December and busy around Christmas and New Year’s.
- Christmas Day is a statutory holiday, and many shops and restaurants close; check hours.
- Book light shows and holiday dinners early, especially for weekends.
Plan your trip
Build a day out with our free trip planner, follow one of our Vancouver itineraries or browse all upcoming events in Vancouver. On wet days, our rainy day guide has plenty of indoor ideas.
Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit Vancouver?
Yes for holiday events, Christmas markets, lights and skiing. Expect short, wet days in the city.
Does it snow in Vancouver in December?
Sometimes. The city averages about 14 cm of snow in December, often melting quickly, while the mountains are usually snow-covered.
What is there to do in Vancouver at Christmas?
Christmas markets, light festivals at VanDusen and Capilano, the Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain, carol ships and skiing.
Vancouver month by month
Previous: Vancouver in November · Best time to visit Vancouver (all months) · Next: Vancouver in January
More local guides
- Best Time to Visit Vancouver: Month-by-Month Guide
- Vancouver in November: Weather, Events and Things to Do
- Things to Do in Vancouver Today
- Vancouver in October: Weather, Events and Things to Do
- Vancouver in January: Weather, Events and Things to Do
- Vancouver in September: Weather, Events and Things to Do
