What December feels like in Toronto
For Toronto, December is early winter on the calendar. Days barely climb above freezing, so it feels properly wintry outdoors even at midday. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights hover around freezing, so frost is common and the temperature hardly changes after dark. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Toronto in December
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 3. Wet days average about 6.6 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. That is close to Toronto's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 7 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in December
In mid-December, sunrise is at about 7:44 am and sunset at about 4:41 pm (local time) — 8 h 58 min of daylight. Compared with mid-November, the day has lost 45 min. The sun is out for roughly 48% of those daylight hours, so sun and cloud share the day.
How December compares to the rest of the year
In Toronto's temperature order, December sits as the 3rd coolest month. Against November, the average high is 5.2°C (9.4°F) lower, with 14 mm more rain. Temperatures keep falling into January. January averages a high of -0.4°C (31.3°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — warm places to spend the coldest part of the day.
Tips for visiting Toronto in December
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Quick questions
How warm is Toronto in December?
Afternoons average 2.6°C (36.7°F) and nights about -3°C (26.6°F) — freezing by most people's standards. It is the 3rd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Toronto in December?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 72 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Toronto in December?
The numbers point to rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is December or January better for visiting Toronto?
January, narrowly: it ranks #11 of 12 among Toronto's months, against #12 for the other. January is cooler and has fewer rainy days.