Early winter · Weather & things to do
Richmond in December
Richmond cools off: highs slip to 49°F (9°C), from 58°F in November, with lows of 31°F (-1°C) and about 3.7 in (95 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 58/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 49°F (9°C)
- Avg low
- 31°F (-1°C)
- Rain
- 3.7 in (95 mm)
- Humidity
- 83%
- Cloud cover
- 58%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 25 min
- Comfort score
- 58/100 · Fair
What December feels like
Cool days top out near 49°F (9°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 31°F (-1°C), so expect frost and ice.
Some rain is likely, about 3.7 in (95 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Only about 9 h 25 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April and October.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 31°F.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 25 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 78/100 in November to 58/100.
- Our Williamsburg & Richmond 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
- Insulated jackethighs only 49°F
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 31°F
- Shoes with gripfrost and ice are possible
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Richmond in December
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
Carytown
Nine blocks of independent shops, cafes and the 1928 Byrd Theatre along West Cary Street.
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
Richmond brewery whose seasonal Gingerbread Stout, brewed with local ginger and honey, arrives each winter.
Maymont
Gilded Age estate on the James River with gardens, wildlife habitats and the Dooley Mansion, decorated for the holidays.
Virginia State Capitol
Capitol designed by Thomas Jefferson after a Roman temple, with free guided tours.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Free-admission art museum with Faberge eggs, American paintings and a large sculpture garden.
Nearby in December
- Williamsburg in December~44 mi · highs 49°F, 3.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Shenandoah in December~85 mi · highs 38°F, 3.0 in rain or snow · 6°C (11°F) cooler by day, drier
- Washington, DC in December~97 mi · highs 45°F, 3.7 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Corolla in December~120 mi · highs 53°F, 3.9 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
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.
Richmond in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Richmond?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 58/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are April and October. Expect highs of 49°F (9°C) and 3.7 in (95 mm) of rain.
How cold is Richmond in December?
Average highs are 49°F (9°C) and average lows 31°F (-1°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it rain a lot in Richmond in December?
Some: about 3.7 in (95 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 46.5 in (1182 mm).
What should I pack for Richmond in December?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 49°F), hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 31°F), shoes with grip (frost and ice are possible), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Routes in season in December
- Williamsburg & Richmond Late Nov – Dec
Planning Richmond in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.