Early winter · Weather & things to do
Salt Lake City in December
This is the coldest month in Salt Lake City: highs average 37°F (3°C) and lows 22°F (-6°C), with about 2.5 in (64 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 46/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 37°F (3°C)
- Avg low
- 22°F (-6°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.5 in (64 mm)
- Humidity
- 81%
- Cloud cover
- 63%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 05 min
- Comfort score
- 46/100 · Fair
What December feels like
Highs only reach about 37°F (3°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Average lows of 22°F (-6°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 2.5 in (64 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Only about 9 h 05 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May & June and September & October.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 22°F.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 05 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 65/100 in November to 46/100.
- Our Salt Lake City & Park City route is planned for Late Nov – Jan, 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 22°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.5 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Salt Lake City in December
With highs near 37°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Ballet West's Nutcracker at the Capitol Theatre
Ballet West dances Willam Christensen's Nutcracker, descended from the first full-length American staging, in a 1913 theater.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 37°F.
Cathedral of the Madeleine
Salt Lake's 1909 Catholic cathedral, with painted interiors and Christmas concerts by its choir school in December.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Red Iguana
Family-run Mexican restaurant on North Temple, known for its moles and a line out the door.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 37°F.
Hogle Zoo
Salt Lake's zoo at the mouth of Emigration Canyon, which runs its ZooLights evenings through December.
Nearby in December
- Park City in December~22 mi · highs 30°F, 2.3 in rain or snow · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Capitol Reef in December~174 mi · highs 42°F, 0.8 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, drier
- Arches in December~186 mi · highs 42°F, 1.1 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, drier
- Jackson in December~196 mi · highs 27°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · 5°C (10°F) cooler by day, about as wet
These averages also cover Downtown Salt Lake City.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~1,744 m to Salt Lake City's ~1,300 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.
Salt Lake City in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Salt Lake City?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 46/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May & June and September & October. Expect highs of 37°F (3°C) and 2.5 in (64 mm) of rain or snow.
How cold is Salt Lake City in December?
Average highs are 37°F (3°C) and average lows 22°F (-6°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Salt Lake City in December?
Some: about 2.5 in (64 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 21.3 in (542 mm).
What should I pack for Salt Lake City in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 22°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.5 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Salt Lake City
Routes in season in December
- Salt Lake City & Park City Late Nov – Jan
Planning Salt Lake City in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.