Toronto Weather in December

December feels cold and damp

Toronto in December is chilly, grey and often wet, with just a little sunshine. The days are short, and the damp can make time outdoors feel colder than the thermometer suggests. You'll be glad of indoor stops between walks.

Keep sightseeing close to cafés, museums and covered routes. The Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario work well when the weather turns. Skip long waterfront strolls at the Harbourfront on wet, windy days; the lake can make them feel especially raw. Beach time and long hikes aren't good bets now.

Holiday lights and skating

The Distillery District's Christmas Market fills its brick lanes with seasonal stalls and lights. Nathan Phillips Square is another festive stop, with its outdoor skating rink beneath the TORONTO sign. Expect crowds around these popular spots, especially near the holidays.

Families who enjoy seasonal lights and skating will find plenty to do, but should leave room for warm-up breaks indoors.

Crowds, costs and a local tip

December is quieter than Toronto's busy summer months for much of the month. The stretch around Christmas and New Year gets busier, and accommodation can cost more than during quieter winter weeks. If you dislike crowds, visit the Distillery District on a weekday rather than a holiday evening.

For a rainy downtown day, use the PATH, Toronto's network of indoor walkways. It links shops, food spots and office towers, so you can get around much of the core without staying outside. Follow the signs from Union Station, but allow time: the network is large, and it's easy to take a wrong turn.