Nashville in December
In December, Nashville averages 11°C (53°F) during the day and 3°C (37°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 14 days of the month see precipitation (137 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Nashville. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Nashville
December is one of the coolest months in Nashville (10th of 12) and one of the driest months (10th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 9°C below the annual average (21°C). December runs 3°C cooler than November (15°C) and cools 3°C in January (9°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Nashville
Times shown for Nashville 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 Nashville — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Nashville's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Nashville 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 (Shoulder) and Nashville'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 Nashville
Nashville is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Nashville
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.
Nashville in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C / 47°F | -1°C / 31°F | 115 mm | 15 | — |
| February | 11°C / 52°F | 1°C / 35°F | 162 mm | 16 | — |
| March | 16°C / 60°F | 5°C / 41°F | 132 mm | 17 | — |
| April | 21°C / 69°F | 9°C / 49°F | 137 mm | 16 | — |
| May | 26°C / 79°F | 15°C / 60°F | 123 mm | 19 | — |
| June | 30°C / 86°F | 20°C / 68°F | 154 mm | 20 | — |
| July | 32°C / 89°F | 22°C / 71°F | 167 mm | 22 | — |
| August | 30°C / 87°F | 21°C / 70°F | 200 mm | 22 | — |
| September | 28°C / 82°F | 18°C / 64°F | 125 mm | 13 | — |
| October | 22°C / 72°F | 12°C / 53°F | 128 mm | 14 | — |
| November | 15°C / 59°F | 5°C / 41°F | 102 mm | 12 | — |
| December | 11°C / 53°F | 3°C / 37°F | 137 mm | 14 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Nashville in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Nashville in December?
In December, Nashville averages a high of 11°C (53°F) and a low of 3°C (37°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Nashville in December?
December can be fairly wet in Nashville, with about 14 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Nashville?
December is cool but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Nashville in December?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Nashville for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.