Month guide · Bath · United Kingdom
Bath in December
What December is really like in Bath: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: David A. Russo, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
December is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 9°C (48°F), lows of 3°C (37°F), about 13 rainy days and roughly 7.9 hours of daylight. Festive lights and the Christmas Market draw big weekend crowds until mid-month; quiet after Christmas.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 9°C (48°F) / 3°C (37°F)
- Rainy days
- About 13
- Daylight
- About 7.9 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in December
December is the 11th-warmest month in Bath: days average 9°C (48°F) against a yearly average high of 15°C (59°F), and nights fall to about 3°C (37°F). Rain falls on roughly 13 of its 31 days. Compared with November (11°C (52°F)), December is cooler; by January highs stay near 8°C (46°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 08:08
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 16:01
- Daylight
- About 7.9 hours
Winter (December–February). The Christmas Market in early December, then quiet streets, low prices and the rooftop thermal pool steaming in cold air.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 4 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in July). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- Bath Christmas Market continues (usually until mid-December)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
With cold days, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Park · Upper Town
Royal Victoria Park
Opened by the young Princess Victoria in 1830, this large park below the Royal Crescent has a botanical garden, a big adventure playground, open lawns and a pond.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Nature
Historic site · City Centre
Roman Baths
Arrive at opening or come in the late afternoon in summer to avoid the midday tour groups, and use the free audio guide.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- History
- Rainy day
- Kids
Experience · City Centre
Thermae Bath Spa
The only place in Britain where you can bathe in natural thermal spring water, this modern spa combines restored historic buildings with a glass-walled block.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- Couples
- Views
- Rainy day
- After dark
Museum · Bathwick
Holburne Museum
Walk on through Sydney Gardens behind the museum to the Kennet and Avon Canal bridges.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Art
- Rainy day
- Architecture
What to pack
For highs near 9°C, lows near 3°C and 13 wet days: a warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Bath?
A shoulder-season month, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, May–June and September are better overall. Compare every month.
Bath in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Bath?
It is a shoulder-season month. Festive lights and the Christmas Market draw big weekend crowds until mid-month; quiet after Christmas.
+How warm is Bath in December?
Average highs are around 9°C (48°F) and lows around 3°C (37°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Bath in December?
Expect rain on about 13 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.