Early winter · Weather & things to do
Leavenworth in December
This is the coldest month in Leavenworth: highs average 37°F (3°C) and lows 26°F (-3°C), with about 4.9 in (125 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 35/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 37°F (3°C)
- Avg low
- 26°F (-3°C)
- Rain or snow
- 4.9 in (125 mm)
- Humidity
- 94%
- Cloud cover
- 76%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 15 min
- Comfort score
- 35/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Highs only reach about 37°F (3°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Average lows of 26°F (-3°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 4.9 in (125 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 76%.
Only about 8 h 15 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – September.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 26°F.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, November – January.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 15 min of daylight.
- Our Seattle, Snoqualmie Pass & Leavenworth route is planned for Late Nov – Dec, 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 4.9 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Leavenworth in December
Wet days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum
Upstairs museum on Front Street with thousands of nutcrackers from around the world, some centuries old.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop for a month with 4.9 in of rain.
München Haus
Open-air Bavarian grill on Front Street serving bratwurst and German beer year-round, with heaters and fire pits in winter.
Andreas Keller
German cellar restaurant under Front Street with schnitzel, sausages and an accordion player on busy nights.
Kris Kringl
Year-round Christmas store on Front Street selling ornaments, nutcrackers and German smokers.
Blackbird Island
Riverside trails in Waterfront Park, a short walk from Front Street, along the Wenatchee River.
Nearby in December
- Snoqualmie Pass in December~37 mi · highs 33°F, 9.8 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Seattle in December~78 mi · highs 44°F, 6.9 in rain · 4°C (7°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Bainbridge Island in December~87 mi · highs 44°F, 6.9 in rain · 4°C (7°F) warmer by day, wetter
- San Juan Island in December~127 mi · highs 44°F, 5.4 in rain · 4°C (7°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~997 m to Leavenworth's ~355 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Leavenworth in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Leavenworth?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 35/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May – September. Expect highs of 37°F (3°C) and 4.9 in (125 mm) of rain or snow.
How cold is Leavenworth in December?
Average highs are 37°F (3°C) and average lows 26°F (-3°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Leavenworth in December?
Yes: about 4.9 in (125 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 31.9 in (810 mm).
What should I pack for Leavenworth 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 4.9 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Leavenworth
Routes in season in December
- Seattle, Snoqualmie Pass & Leavenworth Late Nov – Dec
Planning Leavenworth 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.