You've probably heard the jokes. People call it "Raincouver" for a reason, and if you’re looking at vancouver weather for december, the statistics seem to back that up. It’s the wettest time of the year. But here is the thing: most people envision a month-long, freezing downpour that ruins every outdoor plan.
That is just not how it works here.
Vancouver in December is a weird, moody, and surprisingly cozy beast. While the rest of Canada is dealing with -30°C wind chills and shoveling three feet of snow off their driveways, Vancouverites are usually walking the Seawall in a light puffer jacket and a pair of Blundstones.
The temperature reality check
Honestly, it’s rarely "cold" in the way a Winnipegger or a Montrealer would define it. We are talking about a maritime climate. The Pacific Ocean acts like a giant space heater that never quite turns off.
On an average day, the mercury hovers around 3°C to 7°C (37°F to 45°F). You might see a high of 10°C if a warm front rolls in from the south. Conversely, clear nights can dip just below freezing, especially out toward Abbotsford or up in the North Shore highlands.
But it’s the humidity that gets you. 90% relative humidity is the norm. That dampness seeps into your bones in a way that dry cold doesn't. You’ll feel a 4°C day in Vancouver more than a -5°C day in Calgary. It's a "wet cold." It clings.
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Why the rain isn't actually a dealbreaker
Yes, it rains. A lot. We’re talking an average of 160mm to 180mm of precipitation throughout the month. Environment Canada records show that about 20 to 22 days in December will have some form of "measurable precipitation."
But here is the local secret: it’s rarely a torrential thunderstorm.
It’s a mist. A drizzle. A "bright grey" sky that leaks for three hours, stops for twenty minutes, and then starts again. Most of us don't even use umbrellas because the wind—usually blowing around 16 kph—just flips them inside out anyway. You just wear a good Gore-Tex shell and keep moving.
There’s also the "Rain Shadow" effect to consider. If you stay in Tsawwassen or Delta, you might actually see the sun while North Vancouver is getting absolutely dumped on. The mountains literally grab the clouds and squeeze them dry.
The 10% White Christmas gamble
If you’re dreaming of a postcard-perfect white Christmas in the city, I’ve got some bad news. Historically, the chance of having at least 2cm of snow on the ground on December 25th in Vancouver is only about 10% to 15%.
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When it does snow in the city, it’s usually "slop." It hits the ground, turns into a salty grey Slurpee, and causes total gridlock because nobody has winter tires.
However, the mountains are a different story.
While it’s raining at Pacific Centre downtown, it’s almost certainly dumping powder on Cypress, Seymour, and Grouse Mountain. You can literally take the SeaBus and a bus and be in waist-deep snow in 40 minutes. It’s a bizarre geographical flex that never gets old.
Surviving the "Grey"
The real challenge of vancouver weather for december isn't the water. It’s the light—or the lack of it.
December 21st is the winter solstice, and in Vancouver, the sun sets at 4:15 PM. Because of the heavy cloud cover, it often feels like twilight starts at 3:00 PM.
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- Vitamin D is mandatory. Most locals start popping supplements in November.
- Light therapy. You’ll see "SAD lamps" in almost every office.
- The "Bright" spots. The city compensates for the gloom with world-class light displays. The VanDusen Festival of Lights and Stanley Park’s Bright Nights aren't just for tourists; they’re a psychological necessity for locals.
What to actually pack (Expert Advice)
Forget the heavy parka you’d wear in Toronto. You’ll just overheat and get sweaty.
- Waterproof footwear. This is non-negotiable. Not "water-resistant." Waterproof. If your socks get wet in the first ten minutes, your day is over.
- The Layering System. A moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece or wool sweater, and a high-quality waterproof shell.
- Wool socks. Specifically Merino wool. Even if they get damp, they stay warm.
- A toque. (That's a beanie for the non-Canadians). Keep the heat in your head.
The Microclimate Mistake
Don't trust the general "Vancouver" forecast if you're heading to the North Shore. The temperature can drop 4 or 5 degrees the moment you cross the Lions Gate Bridge. If you are planning to hike Norvan Falls or snowshoe at Cypress, check the specific mountain weather stations. The city might be 6°C and drizzling, while the trailhead is 0°C and icy.
Is it worth visiting in December?
Honestly, yes. But only if you change your mindset.
If you come expecting California, you’ll be miserable. If you come for the "cozy" (or hygge, as the Danes call it), it’s magical. The coffee shop culture in Mount Pleasant and Kitsilano is at its peak in December. There is nothing better than watching the rain lash against a window while you’re tucked inside with a London Fog latte.
Plus, the hotel rates are a fraction of what they are in July.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Check the 'Clear Sky' windows: Use an app like Windy or the specialized Weather Can app to find those rare 2-hour gaps in the clouds for a Seawall walk.
- Book the mountains early: If you want to ski or snowshoe, weekend slots at Cypress and Grouse fill up fast, regardless of the drizzle downtown.
- Visit the Richmond Night Market (Winter Edition) or Christmas Market: Go on a Tuesday or Wednesday. The rain keeps the crowds away, and the hot glühwein tastes better when it’s chilly.
- Monitor the freezing level: If it drops to 300 meters, head to Queen Elizabeth Park. It’s the highest point in the city proper and your best shot at seeing real snowflakes without paying for a gondola.