Houston in December
In December, Houston averages 19°C (66°F) during the day and 10°C (50°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 16 days of the month see precipitation (145 mm total).
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
December offers comfortable temperatures in Houston, with some rain to plan around.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Houston
December is one of the coolest months in Houston (11th of 12) and one of the driest months (10th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 7°C below the annual average (26°C). December runs 2°C cooler than November (21°C) and cools 2°C in January (17°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Houston
Times shown for Houston 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 Houston — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Houston's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Houston 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 Houston'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 Houston
This is a busy month in Houston — 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 Houston
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.
Houston in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17°C / 63°F | 7°C / 45°F | 118 mm | 15 | — |
| February | 19°C / 66°F | 10°C / 49°F | 95 mm | 17 | — |
| March | 22°C / 72°F | 13°C / 56°F | 135 mm | 19 | — |
| April | 25°C / 78°F | 16°C / 61°F | 164 mm | 20 | — |
| May | 29°C / 84°F | 21°C / 69°F | 206 mm | 22 | — |
| June | 32°C / 89°F | 24°C / 74°F | 180 mm | 23 | — |
| July | 33°C / 91°F | 25°C / 76°F | 145 mm | 23 | — |
| August | 33°C / 92°F | 25°C / 77°F | 185 mm | 23 | — |
| September | 31°C / 87°F | 23°C / 73°F | 190 mm | 21 | — |
| October | 27°C / 80°F | 18°C / 64°F | 140 mm | 16 | — |
| November | 21°C / 70°F | 12°C / 54°F | 110 mm | 15 | — |
| December | 19°C / 66°F | 10°C / 50°F | 145 mm | 16 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Houston in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Houston in December?
In December, Houston averages a high of 19°C (66°F) and a low of 10°C (50°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Houston in December?
December is quite rainy in Houston, with about 16 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Houston?
December is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. 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 Houston 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 Houston for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.