Early winter · Weather & things to do
Halifax in December
The year's rain peaks now, with about 5.6 in (141 mm) falling in Halifax, alongside highs near 38°F (4°C) and lows of 28°F (-2°C).
With a comfort score of 31/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 38°F (4°C)
- Avg low
- 28°F (-2°C)
- Rain
- 5.6 in (141 mm)
- Humidity
- 86%
- Cloud cover
- 80%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 38 min
- Comfort score
- 31/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Highs only reach about 38°F (4°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Average lows of 28°F (-2°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Rain is a real factor, with about 5.6 in (141 mm) across the month.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 80%.
Daylight is short, roughly 8 h 38 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are July and September.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 28°F.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, October – December.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 38 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 46/100 in November to 31/100.
- Our Nova Scotia Coast & Cabot Trail route recommends Jun – Oct, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 28°F
- Shoes with gripfrost and ice are possible
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes5.6 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Halifax in December
With 5.6 in of rain, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
The Bicycle Thief
North American-Italian waterfront restaurant with a big patio on the boardwalk.
Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk
Four-kilometre harbourside walk past ferries, tall ships and food kiosks.
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Star-shaped hilltop fort with costumed soldiers and the noon gun.
The Five Fishermen
Seafood restaurant in an 1817 building, known for lobster and its mussel bar.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 5.6 in of rain.
Halifax Public Gardens
Victorian formal gardens with ponds, a bandstand and old trees, open spring to fall.
Nearby in December
- Lunenburg & Mahone Bay in December~41 mi · highs 38°F, 5.4 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Cape Breton Highlands & Cabot Trail in December~202 mi · highs 30°F, 5.0 in rain or snow · 5°C (8°F) cooler by day, drier
- Maine in December~307 mi · highs 32°F, 4.5 in rain or snow · 4°C (6°F) cooler by day, drier
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.
Halifax in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Halifax?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 31/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are July and September. Expect highs of 38°F (4°C) and 5.6 in (141 mm) of rain. Our Nova Scotia Coast & Cabot Trail route recommends Jun – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Halifax in December?
Average highs are 38°F (4°C) and average lows 28°F (-2°C), making it the 4th-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it rain a lot in Halifax in December?
Yes: about 5.6 in (141 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 51.2 in (1300 mm).
What should I pack for Halifax in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 28°F), shoes with grip (frost and ice are possible), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (5.6 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Halifax in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.