Toronto in December
In December, Toronto averages 2°C (36°F) during the day and -4°C (25°F) at night, with around 13 days of rain (55 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear. Snowfall occurs on roughly 8 days.
December in Toronto 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 Toronto
December is one of the coolest months in Toronto (10th of 12) and one of the wettest months (3rd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 11°C below the annual average (13°C). December runs 5°C cooler than November (7°C) and cools 3°C in January (-1°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Toronto
Times shown for Toronto local time (America/Toronto), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Toronto — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Toronto's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Toronto 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 (Off-peak) and Toronto's popularity.
December in Canada — 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 Toronto
This is off-peak for Toronto — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: challenging tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Toronto
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.
❄️ Snowy — Toronto in December
Gear: Frequent snowfall. Waterproof boots and a real insulated coat are essential — not a fashion peacoat.
Toronto in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -1°C / 30°F | -7°C / 19°F | 55 mm | 14 | 12 |
| February | 0°C / 32°F | -6°C / 21°F | 50 mm | 11 | 10 |
| March | 5°C / 41°F | -2°C / 28°F | 55 mm | 12 | 6 |
| April | 12°C / 54°F | 3°C / 37°F | 65 mm | 11 | 1 |
| May | 19°C / 66°F | 9°C / 48°F | 75 mm | 12 | 0 |
| June | 24°C / 75°F | 14°C / 57°F | 70 mm | 10 | 0 |
| July | 27°C / 81°F | 17°C / 63°F | 65 mm | 9 | 0 |
| August | 26°C / 79°F | 17°C / 63°F | 75 mm | 9 | 0 |
| September | 21°C / 70°F | 13°C / 55°F | 75 mm | 11 | 0 |
| October | 14°C / 57°F | 7°C / 45°F | 65 mm | 12 | 0 |
| November | 7°C / 45°F | 2°C / 36°F | 75 mm | 13 | 3 |
| December | 2°C / 36°F | -4°C / 25°F | 55 mm | 13 | 8 |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Toronto in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Toronto in December?
In December, Toronto averages a high of 2°C (36°F) and a low of -4°C (25°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Toronto in December?
December can be fairly wet in Toronto, with about 13 rainy days on average and roughly 8 snow days.
Is December a good time to visit Toronto?
December is cold. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Toronto in December?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Toronto for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.