Aspen weather in December
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 11 rainy days across the month, on average.
In december, Aspen settles into its cold, contemplative stillness. The city keeps a different pulse than in summer or midwinter, and travellers who arrive with the right expectations are rewarded.
Days average around 1°C (34°F), cooling to -12°C after sunset. Rainfall is moderate — around 11 rainy days spread through the month.
These figures are climatological averages, drawn from a decade of daily records via the Open-Meteo Archive — not a forecast. But they are honest, and they are the sort of thing a good travel guide ought to tell you before you book the flight.
What to pack for Aspen in December
- •A properly warm coat — not a fashion piece
- •Layers, because the day changes
- •A compact travel umbrella — one you'll actually carry
- •A merino base layer for the cold evenings
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
What to pack for Aspen in December
- →Merino wool base layerAmazon · shop this
- →Insulated puffer jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Thermal glovesAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
- →Compression packing cubesAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Aspen
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Aspen in December — FAQ
Q01Is December a good month for Aspen?
Is December a good month for Aspen?
It is a challenging month — you may want to consider another time of year. In December, Aspen averages a high of 1°C (34°F) and a low of -12°C (10°F), with 65mm of rainfall across roughly 11 rainy days.
Q02How warm does Aspen get in December?
How warm does Aspen get in December?
The average high temperature in Aspen during December is 1°C (34°F), with an average low of -12°C (10°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03Does it rain a lot in Aspen in December?
Does it rain a lot in Aspen in December?
Aspen averages approximately 11 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 65mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What clothes should I bring to Aspen in December?
What clothes should I bring to Aspen in December?
For Aspen in December, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05Are there many tourists in Aspen in December?
Are there many tourists in Aspen in December?
Tourist crowds in Aspen during December are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.