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December Weather in Vancouver
Well, with the surprising and unusual snowfall Vancouver got in November, all bets are off as to what December has in store. Snowfall is rare in winter, but rain is the norm - especially in November and December, Vancouver's rainiest months.- Average December temperature: 3ºC / 37ºF
- December average high: 7ºC / 45ºF
- December average low: 1ºC / 34ºF
Be prepared for rain on any given day in Vancouver in December; but don't let the rain discourage you - there's plenty to do in Vancouver on a rainy day.
What to Pack for Vancouver in December:
- Warm, waterproof clothing; sweaters, hoodies, light jackets, heavier jacket
- Closed-toe shoes; boots
- Gloves, hat
- Umbrella
Vancouver in December Perks:
- Visitors can enjoy West Coast Christmas traditions. Suggested Christmas Vancouver itinerary .
- Ski season at Whistler / Blackcomb is underway
- Despite November rain, there's plenty of things to do in Vancouver on a rainy day.
Vancouver in December Cons:
- Rain
Good to Know about Vancouver in December:
- December 25th is a statutory holiday where pretty much everything is closed.
- December 26 is not a statutory holiday in Vancouver or British Columbia; however, many people take holidays at this time. December 26, or Boxing Day, is the day when stores offer the biggest sales of the year. See more about shopping in Vancouver.
Vancouver in December Highlights:
- Christmas at Canada Place , mid-December: Located outdoors on the West Promenade of Canada Place: highlights include giant Gingerbread Men, our 35-foot high Christmas Tree, animated Woodward’s Window characters, Dickens carolers and Santa Claus himself. Arts & crafts and letter-writing to Santa available for the kids.
- Bright Nights in Stanley Park, December to January: Nights of magic and illumination in the middle of wondrous Stanley Park. Ride a train through the enchanted, illuminated woods past Santa's workshop.
- Winter Solstice Lantern Festival, some time between December 20 and December 23: A celebration of Dong zhi at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.
- Christmas Carol Ship Parade, beginning of December to before Christmas: Peak evenings see more than 80 ships decked out in festive lights cruise around the waters of Vancouver Harbour.
- Festival of Lights, mid to end of December: The Festival of Lights creates a wonderland illuminated by more than 1.4 million lights spread over 15 acres of the VanDusen Botanical Gardens.
