2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Salt Lake City — December

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

👍 Climate Overview

December is a good time to visit Salt Lake City. Expect cold weather with temperatures around 6°C during the day. With only around 9 hours of daylight, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds.

6.5
GoTripzi Score Good

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

6°C

Avg Low

-2°C

Rainy days

9days

Daylight

9.3h

Feels like 3°C / -6°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

51mm

Sunshine

6.9h/day

Humidity

70%

Humid
Sun Strength

3

Moderate
Wind

11 km/h (gusts 30)

Is December a good time to visit Salt Lake City?

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Moderate
  • Travel Costs Shoulder Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

07:45

Sunset

17:01

9.3h daylight

Visiting Salt Lake City in December: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Things to Do in December

Events & Festivals

🎊
Temple Square Christmas Lights
Late November–January 1 (hundreds of thousands of lights on Temple Square; some areas may be limited due to renovation) Holiday

Recommended for This Weather

☕ Cozy cafes & local food scene
🏛️ Indoor attractions & shopping
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Salt Lake City Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 5°C -3°C 11d (55mm) 7h
72% Humid
3.4 Moderate
Excellent
Feb 7°C -3°C 9d (50mm) 8.1h
64% Moderate
5 Moderate
Excellent
Mar 12°C 1°C 12d (59mm) 9.7h
59% Moderate
7.1 Very High
Excellent
Apr 17°C 5°C 8d (46mm) 11.5h
51% Moderate
9.3 Very High
Good
May 23°C 10°C 7d (37mm) 12.6h
47% Comfortable
10.7 Extreme
Excellent
Jun 30°C 16°C 4d (19mm) 13.5h
39% Comfortable
11.7 Extreme
Excellent
Jul 35°C 21°C 2d (7mm) 13.5h
33% Comfortable
11.7 Extreme
Good
Aug 33°C 19°C 5d (35mm) 12.4h
41% Comfortable
10.1 Extreme
Good
Sep 29°C 15°C 3d (21mm) 11.2h
44% Comfortable
8.4 Very High
Excellent
Oct 20°C 7°C 6d (48mm) 9.3h
56% Moderate
5.8 High
Excellent
Nov 11°C 1°C 6d (36mm) 7.7h
65% Humid
3.8 Moderate
Good
Dec Current 6°C -2°C 9d (51mm) 6.9h
70% Humid
3 Moderate
Good

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Your Best MonthJulScore: 7.4
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4.28.Dec
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3.810.Feb
2.911.Mar
2.512.Jan
1.5

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Salt Lake City – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Salt Lake City

Framed by the snow-capped Wasatch Range, Salt Lake City serves as the ultimate basecamp—world-class ski resorts within 30 minutes, five legendary national parks within a day's drive, and a surprisingly vibrant downtown food and craft beer scene.

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What to Pack for December

Bundle up with a warm coat, scarf, and closed-toe shoes. Thermal layers underneath give flexibility as you move between indoors and outdoors. Pack a compact umbrella or light rain jacket for occasional showers.

Moderate Moderate

🎒Personalized Packing List

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📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Salt Lake City?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December a good time to visit Salt Lake City?
December is typically good for visiting Salt Lake City, with average highs of 6°C and around 9 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Salt Lake City in December?
Yes, nights in Salt Lake City during December are cold, averaging -2°C. Pack warm layers, a coat, and consider thermal underwear for extended outdoor evenings. Restaurants and cafés have indoor seating, and many museums stay open late.
What should I pack for Salt Lake City in December?
With highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C in December, we recommend: Warm winter coat, Thermal base layers, Scarf and gloves, Compact umbrella. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Salt Lake City in December?
Salt Lake City typically sees around 9 rainy days in December. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Salt Lake City in December?
In December, Salt Lake City gets approximately 9.3 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is December peak season in Salt Lake City?
No, December is not peak season in Salt Lake City. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: America/Denver)

Last Updated: February 2026

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