Weather in December in Canada
Considering a trip to Canada this December and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:
What is the weather like in Canada in December?
Canada offers a broad spectrum of weather patterns. In December, one might encounter temperatures that range from very cold to cold, and precipitation levels ranging from low to heavy. December is a winter month.
Temperatures
The average highest temperatures fluctuate between very cold in Alert at -25°C to cold in Ucluelet at 9°C. Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 5°C in Ucluelet and -31°C in Alert. In many regions in Canada, December is characterized by its biting cold temperatures. If you're venturing into these areas during this time, it's crucial to be adequately prepared. Ensure you layer up with warm clothing to fight off the chill and stay comfortable.
Precipitation
In December, precipitation varies across different areas. From low snowfall in Alert with an average of 11 mm to heavy snowfall in Zeballos with 436 mm.Average sunshine
Most cities witness limited sunny days, expect roughly 78 hours of sunlight in Toronto. This low amount of sunlight is perfect for those who lean towards dimmer, cloudier weather rather than intense sunny days.For a closer look at December's conditions in Canada, see the map below. For a more detailed look at Canada's yearly weather, check out our Canada climate page.
Where to go in Canada in December
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Popular destinations
What is the weather like in December for the 5 most popular destinations in Canada?
Toronto
In December Toronto generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 4°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around -3°C and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.
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Montréal
In December Montréal generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 0°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around -8°C and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.
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Quebec City
In December Quebec City generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -2°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around -11°C and high monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.
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Vancouver
In December Vancouver generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 7°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around 2°C and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.
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Ottawa
In December Ottawa generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -0°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around -9°C and moderate monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.
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Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at other destinations in Canada.
Is December the best time to visit Canada?
Given the typically poor weather conditions in Toronto, December may not be the ideal time to visit Canada.
On average, the best time to visit Canada is in June, July, August and September with generally perfect weather in Toronto. The weather in January, February, March, April, November and December, on the other hand, tends to be poor.
Interested in more climate information?
We have much more information about the climate in Canada.
Interested in the weather conditions in a specific month? Select the month below.
Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Canada? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Canada.
Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.