Austin in December
In December, Austin averages 18°C (64°F) during the day and 8°C (46°F) at night, with around 12 days of rain (84 mm total).
High seasonConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December in Austin is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Austin
December is one of the coolest months in Austin (11th of 12) and one of the driest months (12th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 8°C below the annual average (26°C). December runs 3°C cooler than November (21°C) and cools 1°C in January (16°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Austin
Times shown for Austin local time (America/Chicago), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Austin — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Austin's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Austin in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (High season) and Austin's popularity.
December in United States — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Major travel surge plus widespread Dec 24-26 and Jan 1 business closures.
Plan: Book flights and hotels well ahead; expect many restaurants/shops closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.
Crowds & pricing — December in Austin
This is a busy month in Austin — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Austin
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Austin in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°C / 61°F | 6°C / 42°F | 65 mm | 12 | — |
| February | 18°C / 64°F | 7°C / 45°F | 76 mm | 14 | — |
| March | 23°C / 73°F | 12°C / 54°F | 78 mm | 17 | — |
| April | 26°C / 79°F | 15°C / 60°F | 127 mm | 17 | — |
| May | 29°C / 85°F | 20°C / 67°F | 187 mm | 22 | — |
| June | 33°C / 91°F | 23°C / 74°F | 97 mm | 19 | — |
| July | 35°C / 95°F | 25°C / 77°F | 55 mm | 13 | — |
| August | 35°C / 96°F | 25°C / 77°F | 117 mm | 15 | — |
| September | 32°C / 89°F | 22°C / 72°F | 103 mm | 16 | — |
| October | 27°C / 81°F | 17°C / 62°F | 114 mm | 13 | — |
| November | 21°C / 69°F | 11°C / 52°F | 84 mm | 15 | — |
| December | 18°C / 64°F | 8°C / 46°F | 84 mm | 12 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Austin in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Austin in December?
In December, Austin averages a high of 18°C (64°F) and a low of 8°C (46°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Austin in December?
December can be fairly wet in Austin, with about 12 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Austin?
December is mild and pleasant. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Austin in December?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Austin for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.