Early winter · Weather & things to do
German Village in December
German Village cools off: highs slip to 40°F (4°C), from 52°F in November, with lows of 26°F (-4°C) and about 2.9 in (74 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 41/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 40°F (4°C)
- Avg low
- 26°F (-4°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.9 in (74 mm)
- Humidity
- 85%
- Cloud cover
- 76%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 11 min
- Comfort score
- 41/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 40°F (4°C).
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 26°F (-4°C), so expect frost and ice.
About 2.9 in (74 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with lows well below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 76%.
Daylight is short, roughly 9 h 11 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 26°F.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 11 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 65/100 in November to 41/100.
- Our Columbus 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
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 26°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.9 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in German Village in December
With highs near 40°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Lindey's
Bistro in an 1880s building that has been German Village's special-occasion dinner spot since 1981.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 40°F.
Schmidt's Sausage Haus
Family-run German restaurant from a meat-packing family dating to 1886, known for bratwurst and jumbo cream puffs.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
The Book Loft
Independent bookstore with 32 rooms of books spread through a 19th-century building and courtyard.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 40°F.
Scioto Audubon Metro Park
Riverside park on a former industrial site just west of German Village, with wetland trails and skyline views.
Nearby in December
- Downtown Cincinnati in December~100 mi · highs 43°F, 3.6 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Cleveland in December~127 mi · highs 38°F, 2.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Lexington in December~155 mi · highs 43°F, 4.2 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Mount Washington in December~161 mi · highs 38°F, 3.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
These averages also cover Downtown & the Short North.
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.
German Village in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit German Village?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 41/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are September & October. Expect highs of 40°F (4°C) and 2.9 in (74 mm) of rain or snow.
How cold is German Village in December?
Average highs are 40°F (4°C) and average lows 26°F (-4°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in German Village in December?
Some: about 2.9 in (74 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 38.8 in (986 mm).
What should I pack for German Village in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 26°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.9 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on German Village
Routes in season in December
- Columbus New Year's Eve Dec 30 – Jan 1
Planning German Village in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.