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Vancouver, Canada · Temperate oceanic

Vancouver in December: go or not?

Tough period. Vancouver in December only reaches 0.5/10.

📅 Updated August 2026 🛰️ ERA5 · 10 years 📍 49.28°N · 123.12°W
⚡ This month's verdict
Avoid
Vancouver · December
0.5
2–6°
Temperature
65%
Rain
2h
Sun
🌊 Seaside☀️ Bright🍴 Gastronomy
Photo : Alejandro Luengo via Unsplash
The month in detail

What to expect in December

Winter in Vancouver is cool (6.0°F during the day). Days are short (1.8h of sunshine) but the city reveals a different side. With 65.0% of rainy days, always have indoor alternatives planned.

December ranks 12 out of 12 months in Vancouver. Compared to November: −5°F daytime.

This month's conditions

What it's like in December

UV index
1 · low
no protection needed
Feels like
dry air
Sea
7°C
cold, for the brave
Daylight
8.0h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 23
Compare

Is December the right month?

The best month in Vancouver is July (8.4/10), 7.9 pts higher than December.

See July →See all 12 months →
Context

Our verdict

Vancouver is the most accessible city for Europeans on the Pacific coast of Canada: Pacific on one side, mountains (North Shore Mountains) on the other. July is my favorite month (9.1/10): 59-72°F, 15% rain, finally clear skies, swimming at Kits Beach and English Bay, hiking at Grouse Mountain.

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.

🎟️ Activities & tours · Vancouver

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 beach trip.

Country · Canada

🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyCanadian Dollar ($)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety Very safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living Moderate · 3/5

🌡️ Climate

🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend Stable
🔥Hottest monthJuly · 72°F
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 43°F
🌧️Rainiest month December · 65%

🏖️ Beach trip

📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) Modérée
Location

Where is Vancouver ?

Global position + regional geographic context.

🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
Canada
Temperate oceanic climate with a 8.4 → 0.5 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
49.28°N · 123.12°W
Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Vancouver?
July is the best month with 72°F highs, 59°F lows, 9.3h of sunshine and 15.0% rainy days. The months of July & August offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Vancouver get in July?
Vancouver averages 9.3 sunshine hours per day in July. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.9/10.
What is the rainiest month in Vancouver?
December is the most unfavourable month with December has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Vancouver in July?
In July, overnight lows reach 59°F, while afternoon highs average 72°F.
Is Vancouver good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Vancouver scores 0.6/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains July with a score of 7.9/10.
When should you avoid Vancouver?
December is the most difficult month to visit Vancouver, with December has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Vancouver in December?
In December, the sea averages 45°F in Vancouver: cold, for the brave. Best left to hardened swimmers or those with a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Vancouver in December?
The average UV index reaches 1 in December in Vancouver (low), with about 8.0h of daylight. No protection needed.