Victoria Weather in December

December weather

December in Victoria is cool, damp and often grey. Highs reach 7°C, and rain falls on 21 days, so you'll want indoor plans ready. The Royal BC Museum and the cafés around Government Street work well when showers set in. On a clear spell, walk the Inner Harbour, but expect little daylight and only brief sunshine.

The wet paths and low cloud make longer hikes less appealing. Save a visit to the Galloping Goose Trail for a dry day, and don't count on a sunny beach afternoon. December is slightly drier than November, but rain remains part of the visit.

Christmas lights and holidays

The holiday season brings lights to the Inner Harbour and the Parliament Buildings. Butchart Gardens' Christmas displays are another seasonal outing; dress for a damp evening among the lights. Christmas Day and Boxing Day can mean closed attractions and limited services, so check opening hours for the places you want to see.

Families who enjoy festive lights and museum stops may find December a cosy fit, even when the weather keeps you indoors.

Crowds and local tips

Victoria is quieter in winter than during its popular July and August peak. The Christmas period brings more visitors and can push up hotel prices, while the rest of December is usually calmer. The weather is a trade-off: you'll get fewer summer crowds, but far more rain and much less sun.

For a practical rainy-day plan, take the short walk from the Inner Harbour to the Royal BC Museum, then warm up with tea nearby. If you're heading to Butchart Gardens for the lights, check the evening shuttle from downtown; it saves you driving on dark, wet roads.