Vail in December
In December, Vail averages -1°C (31°F) during the day and -11°C (11°F) at night, with around 12 days of rain (65 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are deeply cold — proper winter gear is essential. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December in Vail 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 Vail
December is one of the coolest months in Vail (11th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 11°C below the annual average (11°C). December runs 5°C cooler than November (4°C) and cools 1°C in January (-1°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Vail
Times shown for Vail local time (America/Denver), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Vail — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Vail's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Vail 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 Vail'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 Vail
This is off-peak for Vail — 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 Vail
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.
🥶 Bitter cold — Vail in December
Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.
Vail in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -1°C / 30°F | -11°C / 13°F | 63 mm | 12 | — |
| February | 0°C / 32°F | -10°C / 14°F | 65 mm | 14 | — |
| March | 4°C / 39°F | -7°C / 20°F | 68 mm | 13 | — |
| April | 8°C / 46°F | -4°C / 26°F | 71 mm | 12 | — |
| May | 13°C / 55°F | 1°C / 33°F | 60 mm | 11 | — |
| June | 21°C / 69°F | 5°C / 40°F | 28 mm | 6 | — |
| July | 25°C / 77°F | 9°C / 49°F | 39 mm | 10 | — |
| August | 24°C / 74°F | 9°C / 48°F | 41 mm | 9 | — |
| September | 21°C / 69°F | 6°C / 42°F | 30 mm | 7 | — |
| October | 12°C / 53°F | -1°C / 30°F | 53 mm | 9 | — |
| November | 4°C / 40°F | -8°C / 17°F | 54 mm | 10 | — |
| December | -1°C / 31°F | -11°C / 11°F | 65 mm | 12 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Vail in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Vail in December?
In December, Vail averages a high of -1°C (31°F) and a low of -11°C (11°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Vail in December?
December can be fairly wet in Vail, with about 12 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Vail?
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 Vail 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 Vail for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.