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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the BuzzLayer Weather Desk. Data from Environment and Climate Change Canada and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
December in Canada brings the official start of winter, with average highs ranging from –10°C to 2°C depending on your region, and snow cover across most of the country by mid-month. The December weather forecast points to a colder-than-normal month for the Prairies and near-seasonal temperatures for southern Ontario and British Columbia.
What is the typical December weather in major Canadian cities?
In Edmonton, December daytime highs average –10°C with lows near –18°C and about 25 cm of snow; December weather Edmonton residents can expect frequent snow squalls and short days. Toronto sees highs around 0°C and lows of –6°C, with mix of rain and snow; the December weather forecast Toronto often includes several freeze-thaw cycles. Vancouver remains the mildest, with highs near 6°C and rain rather than snow.
How does December weather affect travel and daylight?
Canada weather December Celsius readings hover below freezing for most of the country, so travellers should pack for snow and ice. Days are short—Toronto gets roughly 9 hours of daylight by month’s end, while Edmonton sees barely 7 hours. December weather Brampton and other GTA communities often includes lake-effect snow squalls near Lake Ontario, so check our Toronto Weather page for updates.
Does it snow everywhere in Canada during December?
No—coastal British Columbia stays above freezing most days, so rain is more common than snow. The Prairies, Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic provinces all see consistent snowfall by mid-December.
What is the coldest December city in Canada?
Winnipeg and Edmonton regularly rank as the chilliest. December weather edmonton can dip to –30°C during Arctic outbreaks, while Winnipeg sees similar extremes with dry, biting cold.
When is the best time to travel in Canadian December?
The first two weeks are often milder and less snowy than the post-Christmas period. Check the Calgary Weather and Ottawa Weather pages for city-specific conditions before booking.