Early winter · Weather & things to do
Downtown Raleigh in December
Downtown Raleigh cools off: highs slip to 52°F (11°C), from 61°F in November, with lows of 33°F (0°C) and about 3.7 in (94 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 65/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 52°F (11°C)
- Avg low
- 33°F (0°C)
- Rain
- 3.7 in (94 mm)
- Humidity
- 81%
- Cloud cover
- 54%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 35 min
- Comfort score
- 65/100 · Good
What December feels like
Afternoons only reach about 52°F (11°C), so plan on a warm jacket.
Lows average 33°F (0°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.7 in (94 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around December
December sits mid-table; the best months are April and October & November.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 35 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 83/100 in November to 65/100.
- Our Raleigh 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 52°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Downtown Raleigh in December
December is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
First Night Raleigh and the Acorn Drop
Artsplosure's New Year's Eve festival on Fayetteville Street, ending with the copper acorn lowered over City Plaza and fireworks.
Why now December scores 65/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Bida Manda
Laotian restaurant run by a brother and sister since 2012, known for crispy pork belly soup and lemongrass dishes.
Poole's Diner
Ashley Christensen's diner in a 1945 luncheonette, known for macaroni au gratin and a chalkboard menu.
The Raleigh Times Bar
Bar in the 1906 building of the old Raleigh Times newspaper, with a rooftop patio a block from City Plaza.
Why now Highs near 52°F and 3.7 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nearby in December
- Uptown Charlotte in December~130 mi · highs 53°F, 4.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Richmond in December~139 mi · highs 49°F, 3.7 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Williamsburg in December~149 mi · highs 49°F, 3.7 in rain · 1°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Ocracoke in December~156 mi · highs 60°F, 4.2 in rain · 4°C (8°F) warmer by day, about as wet
These averages also cover Dix Park & West Raleigh.
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 Raleigh in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Downtown Raleigh?
It's middling, scoring 65/100. The best months are April and October & November, at up to 89. Expect highs of 52°F (11°C) and 3.7 in (94 mm) of rain.
How cold is Downtown Raleigh in December?
Average highs are 52°F (11°C) and average lows 33°F (0°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Downtown Raleigh in December?
Some: about 3.7 in (94 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 46.7 in (1187 mm).
What should I pack for Downtown Raleigh in December?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 52°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Downtown Raleigh
Routes in season in December
- Raleigh New Year's Eve Dec 30 – Jan 1
Planning Downtown Raleigh 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.