Early winter · Weather & things to do
Whistler in December
This is the coldest month in Whistler: highs average 33°F (0°C) and lows 21°F (-6°C), with about 9.6 in (243 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 21/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 33°F (0°C)
- Avg low
- 21°F (-6°C)
- Rain or snow
- 9.6 in (243 mm)
- Humidity
- 96%
- Cloud cover
- 74%
- Daylight
- ~7 h 51 min
- Comfort score
- 21/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Highs only reach about 33°F (0°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Average lows of 21°F (-6°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 9.6 in (243 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Daylight is short, roughly 7 h 51 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are July & August.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, November – January.
- Shortest days of the year, about 7 h 51 min of daylight.
- Comfort holds steady from November (19 → 21/100).
- Our Vancouver, Whistler & Victoria route recommends Jun – Sep, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 21°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 9.6 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Whistler in December
With 9.6 in of rain or snow, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Record-setting gondola spanning 4.4 km between Whistler and Blackcomb summits.
Lost Lake Park
Forest lake a short walk from the village, with swimming docks and bike trails.
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
Centre sharing the culture of two First Nations, with a longhouse and carving.
Scandinave Spa Whistler
Outdoor Nordic baths among the trees with hot pools, cold plunges and saunas.
Garibaldi Lift Co.
Base-of-the-gondola bar for après drinks with mountain-bike park views.
Nearby in December
- Vancouver in December~58 mi · highs 40°F, 11.6 in rain · 4°C (8°F) warmer by day, wetter
- San Juan Island in December~109 mi · highs 44°F, 5.4 in rain · 7°C (12°F) warmer by day, drier
- Victoria in December~118 mi · highs 44°F, 5.4 in rain · 7°C (12°F) warmer by day, drier
- Olympic NP in December~163 mi · highs 31°F, 10.6 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~1,279 m to Whistler's ~674 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.
Whistler in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Whistler?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 21/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are July & August. Expect highs of 33°F (0°C) and 9.6 in (243 mm) of rain or snow. Our Vancouver, Whistler & Victoria route recommends Jun – Sep, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Whistler in December?
Average highs are 33°F (0°C) and average lows 21°F (-6°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Whistler in December?
Yes: about 9.6 in (243 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 74.5 in (1893 mm).
What should I pack for Whistler in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 21°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 9.6 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Whistler 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.