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Sun Valley, United States · Alpine mountain climate

Sun Valley in December: go or not?

Tough period. Sun Valley in December only reaches 1.0/10.

📅 Updated August 2026 🛰️ ERA5 · 10 years 📍 43.70°N · 114.35°W
⚡ This month's verdict
Avoid
Sun Valley · December
1.0
-12–0°
Temperature
33%
Rain
5h
Sun
❄️ Alpine climate☀️ High-altitude UV🌦️ Changeable weather
Photo : Drew Bernard via Unsplash
The month in detail

What to expect in December

Off-season for skiing Sun Valley — lifts are closed. Consider hiking, mountain biking or summer activities at altitude.

December ranks 10 out of 12 months in Sun Valley. Compared to November: −9°F daytime, 6 pts more rainy days, −0.7h of sun per day.

This month's conditions

What it's like in December

UV index
2 · low
no protection needed
Feels like
dry air
-11°
Daylight
8.8h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 35
Compare

Is December the right month?

The best month in Sun Valley is July (9.3/10), 8.3 pts higher than December.

See July →See all 12 months →
Context

Our verdict

Sun Valley, Idaho, is the oldest ski resort in North America (1936), created by Averell Harriman for his Union Pacific railway. Historic resort that invented the chairlift.

Read Gilles' full review →

Book

Plan your trip

Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.

🏨
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Sun Valley
Expedia →
🎟️
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
✈️
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →

🎟️ Activities & tours · Sun Valley

GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation

See all →
Affiliate link · GetYourGuide
Practical info

What you need to know before you go

Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a mountain stay.

Country · United States

🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyUS Dollar ($)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘExpensive · 4/5

🌡️ Climate

🌍Climate typeAlpine mountain climate
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthJuly · 82°F
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 32°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘMay · 38%

🏔️ Mountain stay

⛰️Village altitude5751 ft
🎿Ski area5751 → 9150 ft
⛷️Ski seasonDec → May
🥾Hiking seasonJun → Sep
🧗High mountains ⓘGuide recommended
Explore

Other destinations in December

If December doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.

Similar climate
Park CityUnited StatesSteamboat SpringsUnited StatesJackson HoleUnited StatesAspenUnited StatesBanskoBulgaria
Nearby
YellowstoneUSA311 kmPortlandUnited States689 kmLake TahoeUnited States696 kmBig WhiteCanada755 km
Other top picks
AlgarvePortugal4.5TanzaniaTanzania5.4JordanJordan7.2PetraJordan7.2El HierroSpain7.3
← NovemberJanuary →
🗺️ See all 754 destinations on the map
Location

Where is Sun Valley ?

Global position + regional geographic context.

🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
United States
Alpine mountain climate climate with a 9.3 → 1.0 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
43.70°N · 114.35°W
Questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Sun Valley?
It depends on the activity. For skiing: March (ski score 8.4/10). For hiking/suiner: June (8.6/10, 21.0°F).
Can you ski in Sun Valley in winter?
Yes, it's peak ski season. Average ski score December–February: 8.0/10. Cold temperatures (0°F max in January) and frequent snowfall.
Is it warm in Sun Valley in suiner?
In June, temperatures average 21.0°F. Ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
What is the wettest month in Sun Valley?
April is the wettest month with April has the lowest climate score of the year.
Do you need sun protection in Sun Valley in December?
The average UV index reaches 2 in December in Sun Valley (low), with about 8.8h of daylight. No protection needed.