Salt Lake City weather in December
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 10 rainy days across the month, on average.
December transforms Salt Lake City into a crisp winter destination with average highs of 4°C (39°F) and lows of -4°C (25°F). You'll experience about 9.5 rainy days throughout the month with 63mm of precipitation, often mixing rain and snow at higher elevations. Sunshine is limited to roughly 6.7 hours daily, so daylight is precious. The city sits at 1,288 meters elevation, which intensifies the cold and increases snowfall potential in nearby canyons and ski resorts.
December is peak holiday season in Salt Lake City. Temple Square glows with Festival of Lights, attracting families and festive crowds. The nearby ski resorts—Alta, Snowbird, and Park City—enter their busiest period as powder seekers arrive. Downtown experiences moderate tourist traffic, while shopping districts fill with holiday shoppers. The atmosphere is decidedly festive but not overwhelming, making it ideal for those seeking seasonal charm without summer crowds.
If you're visiting Salt Lake City in December 2026, prepare for cold, variable weather. Layer aggressively and bring waterproof outerwear for rain and potential snow. This month suits ski enthusiasts, holiday celebration seekers, and travelers who enjoy winter activities. Book accommodations early, especially near ski resorts, as availability tightens quickly during this season.
What to pack for Salt Lake City in December
December requires serious winter layering. Temperatures dip below freezing most mornings, and precipitation can fall as rain or snow. Pack insulated, moisture-wicking base layers and bring both rain and snow gear. Waterproof boots are essential for navigating wet, potentially icy sidewalks.
- Insulated winter parka or down jacket
- Waterproof hiking boots or insulated snow boots
- Thermal base layers (merino wool or synthetic)
- Fleece-lined winter hat and gloves
- Waterproof rain jacket or snow shell
What to pack for Salt Lake City 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
We may earn a small commission on any purchase — it doesn't change the price you pay.
Where to stay in Salt Lake City
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in Salt Lake City across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Things worth doing
Ski at Alta or Snowbird, explore Temple Square Festival of Lights, snowshoe in nearby canyons, visit Salt Lake City's holiday markets and downtown shopping.
December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Salt Lake City. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Salt Lake City
While December has its own character in Salt Lake City, the data-backed best months to visit Salt Lake City are April, May, September, October. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across a ten-year climate record.
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for Salt Lake CityOther places with a similar climate right now
Salt Lake City in December — FAQ
Q01Is December a good time to visit Salt Lake City?
Is December a good time to visit Salt Lake City?
It is a challenging month — you may want to consider another time of year. In December, Salt Lake City averages a high of 4°C (39°F) and a low of -4°C (24°F), with 63mm of rainfall across roughly 10 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Salt Lake City in December?
What is the average temperature in Salt Lake City in December?
The average high temperature in Salt Lake City during December is 4°C (39°F), with an average low of -4°C (24°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Salt Lake City have in December?
How many rainy days does Salt Lake City have in December?
Salt Lake City averages approximately 10 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 63mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Salt Lake City in December?
What should I pack for Salt Lake City in December?
For Salt Lake City 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.
Q05How crowded is Salt Lake City in December?
How crowded is Salt Lake City in December?
Tourist crowds in Salt Lake City 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.