Early winter · Weather & things to do
Downtown Houston in December
Downtown Houston cools off: highs slip to 64°F (18°C), from 71°F in November, with lows of 43°F (6°C) and about 3.8 in (96 mm) of rain.
At 82/100 for comfort (4th of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 64°F (18°C)
- Avg low
- 43°F (6°C)
- Rain
- 3.8 in (96 mm)
- Humidity
- 80%
- Cloud cover
- 59%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 06 min
- Comfort score
- 82/100 · Great
What December feels like
Days are mild at around 64°F (18°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
Nights cool to an average low of 43°F (6°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.8 in (96 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around December
December is one of Downtown Houston's best months on the climate data.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by January, the score drops to 79/100.
- Shortest days of the year, about 10 h 06 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 88/100 in November to 82/100.
- Our Houston 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
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 43°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.8 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Downtown Houston in December
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
POST Houston
The 1960s Barbara Jordan Post Office turned food hall and venue; its Skylawn rooftop hosts a ticketed party with midnight fireworks.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best Dec 31, 9 pm – 2 am.
Brennan's of Houston
Creole fine dining in a brick Midtown house since 1967, known for turtle soup and tableside bananas Foster.
La Carafe
A candlelit wine bar in the Kennedy Bakery building on Market Square, probably the oldest Houston building on its original site.
Why now December scores 82/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Buffalo Bayou Park
Trails along the bayou west of downtown; the Eleanor Tinsley lawn and the Sabine Street Bridge frame the classic skyline view.
Why now Highs near 64°F and 3.8 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nearby in December
- Austin in December~146 mi · highs 62°F, 1.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- San Antonio in December~189 mi · highs 64°F, 1.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Texas Hill Country in December~200 mi · highs 60°F, 1.5 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, drier
- Dallas in December~225 mi · highs 57°F, 2.4 in rain · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, drier
These averages also cover Hermann Park & Museum District.
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 Houston in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Downtown Houston?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 82/100. Expect highs of 64°F (18°C) and 3.8 in (96 mm) of rain.
How cold is Downtown Houston in December?
Average highs are 64°F (18°C) and average lows 43°F (6°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Downtown Houston in December?
Some: about 3.8 in (96 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 49.1 in (1246 mm).
What should I pack for Downtown Houston in December?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 43°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.8 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Downtown Houston
Routes in season in December
- Houston New Year's Eve Dec 30 – Jan 1
Planning Downtown Houston 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.