Month guide · Whistler · Canada
Whistler in December
What December is really like in Whistler: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
December is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 0°C (32°F), lows of -6°C (21°F), about 18 rainy days and roughly 8.1 hours of daylight. Early season becomes peak season over Christmas and New Year, the most expensive weeks of the year.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 0°C (32°F) / -6°C (21°F)
- Rainy days
- About 18
- Daylight
- About 8.1 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in December
December is the coolest month in Whistler: days average 0°C (32°F) against a yearly average high of 12°C (54°F), and nights fall to about -6°C (21°F). Rain falls on roughly 18 of its 31 days. Compared with November (4°C (39°F)), December is cooler; by January highs stay near 0°C (32°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 09:05
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 17:10
- Daylight
- About 8.1 hours
Winter (December–February). Ski season at its peak, with heavy alpine snowfall, holiday crowds and the highest prices of the year.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 4 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- Whistler Film Festival (usually early December)
- Christmas and New Year celebrations in the village (late 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.
Street · Whistler Village
Village Stroll and Olympic Plaza
The pedestrian Village Stroll winds through squares and lanes of shops, restaurants and patios.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Shopping
- After dark
- Kids
- Food
Park · Village North
Lost Lake Park
Walk the loop around the lake early on a summer morning, then swim from the dock.
- Time needed
- 1–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Kids
Park · Creekside
Alta Lake and Rainbow Park
Rainbow Park, on the west shore of Alta Lake, has a sandy beach, swimming docks and one of the best views across the water to Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Views
- Couples
- Kids
Nature · Whistler Valley
Valley Trail
Rent a cruiser bike and ride a lake loop — Alta Lake to Rainbow Park and back is about an hour.
- Time needed
- 1–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Active
- Outdoors
- Kids
What to pack
For highs near 0°C, lows near -6°C and 18 wet days: a warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; shoes with good grip for icy pavements; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Whistler?
A shoulder-season month, with 2 notable events on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, January–March and July–September are better overall. Compare every month.
Whistler in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Whistler?
It is a shoulder-season month. Early season becomes peak season over Christmas and New Year, the most expensive weeks of the year.
+How warm is Whistler in December?
Average highs are around 0°C (32°F) and lows around -6°C (21°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Whistler in December?
Expect rain on about 18 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.