Early winter · Weather & things to do
Toronto in December
Toronto cools off: highs slip to 37°F (3°C), from 46°F in November, with lows of 29°F (-1°C) and about 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 40/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 37°F (3°C)
- Avg low
- 29°F (-1°C)
- Rain
- 2.5 in (63 mm)
- Humidity
- 84%
- Cloud cover
- 81%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 46 min
- Comfort score
- 40/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Highs only reach about 37°F (3°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 29°F (-1°C), so expect frost and ice.
Some rain is likely, about 2.5 in (63 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 81%.
It's breezy, with average winds near 12 mph (5.3 m/s) at ground level.
Daylight is short, roughly 8 h 46 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are June – September.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 29°F.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 46 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 51/100 in November to 40/100.
- Our Toronto, Niagara & Prince Edward County route recommends May – Oct, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 29°F
- Shoes with gripfrost and ice are possible
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Windproof shellaverage wind 12 mph
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Toronto 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.
Kensington Market
Bohemian blocks of vintage shops, cafés and global food counters.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 37°F.
Distillery District
Pedestrian Victorian industrial district of galleries, cafés and shops.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Bar Raval
Spanish pintxos and cocktail bar with sculpted wood interiors on College Street.
Art Gallery of Ontario
Frank Gehry-redesigned gallery with Canadian art and a Group of Seven collection.
Carousel Bakery
St. Lawrence Market stall that made the peameal bacon sandwich famous.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 37°F.
Nearby in December
- Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake in December~36 mi · highs 37°F, 2.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Prince Edward County in December~109 mi · highs 35°F, 3.0 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Seneca Lake in December~133 mi · highs 36°F, 3.3 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Keuka Lake in December~135 mi · highs 35°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, 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.
Toronto in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Toronto?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 40/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are June – September. Expect highs of 37°F (3°C) and 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain. Our Toronto, Niagara & Prince Edward County route recommends May – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Toronto in December?
Average highs are 37°F (3°C) and average lows 29°F (-1°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it rain a lot in Toronto in December?
Some: about 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 5th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 30.5 in (774 mm).
What should I pack for Toronto in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 29°F), shoes with grip (frost and ice are possible), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely), windproof shell (average wind 12 mph) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Toronto 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.