Edmonton Weather in December

December weather

December feels properly wintry in Edmonton. The average high is -6°C and the low is -13°C, with little sun and just over seven hours of daylight. Snow and cold can make long walks around the river valley uncomfortable, so save outdoor sightseeing for short outings.

You'll have better luck with indoor stops like the Art Gallery of Alberta, the Royal Alberta Museum or the Muttart Conservatory. For a festive evening, see the lights along Candy Cane Lane, then warm up indoors. If you're hoping for a long day of hiking or beach time, choose another month.

Christmas in Edmonton

Candy Cane Lane is a local December tradition, with decorated homes along 148 Street. You can walk through or drive past, but expect crowds on popular evenings. The Alberta Legislature grounds also put on seasonal light displays, making a brief outdoor visit easy to pair with downtown sights.

Travelling with kids? Fort Edmonton Park's Christmas events offer a festive outing, though check which activities are running during your visit.

Crowds and costs

December is much colder and quieter than Edmonton's best months, August and September. That usually makes it a low-season time for sightseeing, but holiday travel can bring more visitors and higher rates around Christmas. November is milder, while January is similarly cold.

A practical tip: take the LRT to Government Centre for the Legislature lights, rather than walking far outdoors from downtown. The cold, short daylight and patchy sunshine can make a longer evening walk feel like a lot.