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Banff Weather in December

December in Banff averages -10°C (14°F) during the day and -18°C (0°F) at night. Around 35 mm (1.4 in) of snowfall is typical for this time of year.

Rainfall in Banff in December

The climate data from previous years indicates about 9 days of snow, averaging 35 mm (1.4 in) for the month. A fairly balanced picture this month, some wet days but nothing too extreme in terms of intensity.

Temperature in Banff in December

If you're visiting Banff in December, expect highs of -10°C (14°F) and overnight lows around -18°C (0°F). Experience the winter season in December. It stays very cold throughout much of the day, so warm winter clothing is essential. With lows of -18°C (0°F), nights are freezing. Packing a spare blanket is worth considering if you're staying somewhere that might not be fully heated. As the coldest month of the year, it's important to pack plenty of warm clothes and winter gear.

Sunshine in Banff in December

With limited sunshine this month, there are about 45 hours of sun. It's ideal for those who prefer a cooler, cloudier climate.

December in Banff has its charm, but if you're looking for destinations with pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, our weather planner can help you explore other options in the world.

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Canada, check out our Banff's climate page.

Banff Temperature in December

Min TemperatureMin Temperature -18°C (0°F)  
Max TemperatureMax Temperature -10°C (14°F)  
Chance of RainChance of Rain 30%  
PrecipitationPrecipitation 35 mm (1.4 in)  
Rainy daysRainy days 9 days  
HumidityHumidity 66%  
SunshineSunshine 45 hours  
Percentage SunshinePercentage Sunshine  

Daily Historical Temperatures

50-year average (1976-2025)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Banff typically drop from around -4°C (25°F) at the start of December to approximately -7°C (19°F) by the end. Nights are very cold, with lows typically ranging from -17°C (1°F) to -11°C (12°F).

Average temperatures in December

Daily Historical Precipitation

50-year average (1976-2025)

Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.

Average precipitation in December

Historical weather for Banff in December

Browse day-by-day weather records for Banff spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Banff historical weather extremes in December

The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in Banff from 1976 through 2025.

Best Places in Canada in December

Find out more about the weather in Canada and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Canada in December →

Map not visible? Whoops sorry! Please refresh the page.
Legend perfect weather pleasant tolerable unpleasant poor
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

What to Wear in Banff in December

Winter clothing is essential for visiting Banff in December. If you have a heavy coat, waterproof boots with good traction, and plenty of warm layers it's smart to bring them. Pack cloths like thermal underwear, wool socks, and insulated gloves. Pack a light rain jacket or compact umbrella for occasional showers. You can probably leave your sunglasses at home, because sunny days are pretty rare this month.

What To Do in Banff in December

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

Swimming
1/10
Cycling
1/10
Walking
1/10
Camping
2/10
Outdoor sports
1/10

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Canada, check out our Banff's climate page.

More climate data for Banff