Washington Weather in December
Thinking of visiting Washington in December? Expect low temperatures reaching 10°C (50°F) during the day, dropping to 1°C (34°F) at night, and note that quite a bit of rainfall is likely.
Rainfall in Washington in December
Rain is expected on roughly 11 days, totalling around 98 mm (3.9 in) for the month. Rainfall intensity is on the higher side this month. Expect more substantial showers rather than light, passing rain.
Temperature in Washington in December
Temperatures in Washington in December top out at 10°C (50°F) and drop to 1°C (34°F) overnight. The winter season takes place during December. The days stay cool from start to finish. Layering up well will make outdoor time much more comfortable. At 1°C (34°F) overnight, it gets properly cold after dark. On the bright side, cold nights tend to make for excellent sleeping conditions.
Sunshine in Washington in December
The city usually sees around 130 hours of sunlight, indicating a moderately sunny period.
Wind Speed in Washington in December
In December, average wind speeds reach 4 m/s (8 knots), leading to light to moderate breezes. Conditions vary from day to day, with both calm and windier periods.Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. April and September typically offer the best weather for Washington.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Washington's climate page.
Washington Temperature in December
Min Temperature
1°C (34°F)
Max Temperature
10°C (50°F)
Chance of Rain
37%
Precipitation
98 mm (3.9 in)
Rainy days
11 days
Humidity
64% *
Windspeed
4 m/s (8 knots) *
Sunshine
130 hours *
Percentage Sunshine
45% *
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Washington typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 10°C (50°F). Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from -1°C (30°F) to 3°C (37°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 Washington in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Washington spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Washington historical weather extremes in December
Based on 49 years of weather observations in Washington between 1976 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes.
- The hottest December day on record in Washington reached 26°C (79°F) (December 6, 1998).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to -16°C (3°F) on December 25, 1983, marking the coldest December night on record.
Best Places in the United States of America in December
Find out more about the weather in the United States of America and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the United States of America in December →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Washington in December
We recommend to layer up for chilly conditions in Washington in December. You could start with thermal underwear or a good base layer to keep your core warm on the cooler days this month. Maybe also add a sweater or fleece, and top it off with a windproof jacket. High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho. Sunglasses could come in handy during the sunnier parts of your trip.What To Do in Washington in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Washington's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed
See the full Washington climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.
