Early winter · Weather & things to do
Downtown Cincinnati in December
Downtown Cincinnati cools off: highs slip to 43°F (6°C), from 54°F in November, with lows of 27°F (-3°C) and about 3.6 in (92 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 43/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 43°F (6°C)
- Avg low
- 27°F (-3°C)
- Rain or snow
- 3.6 in (92 mm)
- Humidity
- 85%
- Cloud cover
- 74%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 16 min
- Comfort score
- 43/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Cool days top out near 43°F (6°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
Average lows of 27°F (-3°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 3.6 in (92 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with lows well below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Daylight is short, roughly 9 h 16 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are September & October.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 27°F.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 16 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 68/100 in November to 43/100.
- Our Cincinnati New Year's Eve route is planned for Dec 30 – Jan 1, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — December is part of it.
What to pack for December
- Insulated jackethighs only 43°F
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 27°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 3.6 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Downtown Cincinnati in December
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
Fountain Square
Downtown's central square around the 1871 Tyler Davidson Fountain, which held a ticketed 21+ party in 2025.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best evening Dec 30.
Camp Washington Chili
Diner open since 1940 serving Cincinnati chili over spaghetti with a pile of shredded cheddar.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best lunch Dec 31.
Findlay Market
Ohio's oldest public market, from 1855, with butchers, bakers and goetta stands in Over-the-Rhine.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best morning Dec 30.
Mecklenburg Gardens
German restaurant and beer garden open since 1865 near the university, serving schnitzel, sausages and local beer.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best dinner Dec 30.
Nearby in December
- Lexington in December~73 mi · highs 43°F, 4.2 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Louisville in December~89 mi · highs 43°F, 4.3 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Indianapolis in December~99 mi · highs 39°F, 3.3 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- German Village in December~100 mi · highs 40°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, drier
These averages also cover Covington.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Downtown Cincinnati in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Downtown Cincinnati?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 43/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are September & October. Expect highs of 43°F (6°C) and 3.6 in (92 mm) of rain or snow.
How cold is Downtown Cincinnati in December?
Average highs are 43°F (6°C) and average lows 27°F (-3°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Downtown Cincinnati in December?
Some: about 3.6 in (92 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 44.0 in (1117 mm).
What should I pack for Downtown Cincinnati in December?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 43°F), hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 27°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 3.6 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Downtown Cincinnati
Routes in season in December
- Cincinnati New Year's Eve Dec 30 – Jan 1
Planning Downtown Cincinnati in December?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.