Early winter · Weather & things to do
Truckee in December
This is the coldest month in Truckee: highs average 36°F (2°C) and lows 20°F (-7°C), with about 4.1 in (103 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 42/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 36°F (2°C)
- Avg low
- 20°F (-7°C)
- Rain or snow
- 4.1 in (103 mm)
- Humidity
- 77%
- Cloud cover
- 62%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 14 min
- Comfort score
- 42/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Highs only reach about 36°F (2°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 20°F (-7°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 4.1 in (103 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Only about 9 h 14 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – October.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (December – February), which brings about 10.2 in (259 mm) in total.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 14 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 61/100 in November to 42/100.
- December sits inside the Dec – Mar window our South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City & Truckee route recommends.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 20°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 4.1 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Truckee in December
With highs near 36°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Moody's Bistro Bar & Beats
Downtown restaurant and bar in the Truckee Hotel building, with live music most nights.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 36°F.
Donner Memorial State Park
Park at the east end of Donner Lake with the Pioneer Monument and a museum on the Donner Party and the railroad.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 36°F.
Royal Gorge Cross Country
Large cross-country ski area on Donner Summit, with groomed classic and skate trails and snowshoe routes.
Northstar California
Family-friendly ski resort south of Truckee, with long groomed runs and an outdoor ice rink in its village.
Nearby in December
- Tahoe City & Palisades in December~13 mi · highs 37°F, 4.8 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- South Lake Tahoe in December~31 mi · highs 37°F, 4.8 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Old Sacramento Waterfront in December~89 mi · highs 57°F, 4.6 in rain · 12°C (22°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Napa in December~126 mi · highs 54°F, 6.4 in rain · 10°C (18°F) warmer by day, wetter
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.
Truckee in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Truckee?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 42/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May – October. Expect highs of 36°F (2°C) and 4.1 in (103 mm) of rain or snow. December is inside the Dec – Mar window our South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City & Truckee route recommends.
How cold is Truckee in December?
Average highs are 36°F (2°C) and average lows 20°F (-7°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Truckee in December?
Some: about 4.1 in (103 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 21.0 in (534 mm).
What should I pack for Truckee in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 20°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 4.1 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Routes in season in December
- South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City & Truckee Dec – Mar
Planning Truckee 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.