Things to Do in St. Johns in December

December Weather in St. Johns

25°C (77°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

45 mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather with temperatures between 18-25°C (64-77°F) and low humidity - ideal for Signal Hill and North Head Trail exploration without the summer heat exhaustion
Peak iceberg season along the coast - December brings spectacular Arctic icebergs within 5-10 km (3-6 miles) of shore, visible from Cape Spear and Quidi Vidi
Festive season atmosphere with George House Christmas market, local craft fairs, and traditional Newfoundland holiday celebrations that showcase authentic local culture
Excellent indoor cultural season - The Rooms museum, Newman Wine Vaults, and historic sites offer extended winter programming perfect for cooler December days

Considerations

Limited daylight with sunrise around 8:15 AM and sunset by 4:00 PM - only 7.5 hours of daylight restricts outdoor activity timing
Unpredictable maritime weather - December storms can bring 50-80 km/h (31-50 mph) winds and sudden temperature drops, potentially disrupting boat tours and flights
Many seasonal attractions closed - Witless Bay boat tours, some hiking trails, and outdoor festivals shut down until spring, limiting nature-based activities

Best Activities in December

Historic Downtown Walking Tours

December's cool, crisp weather is perfect for exploring Water Street, Jellybean Row houses, and historic sites without summer's heat and crowds. The festive decorations add charm, and shorter daylight hours mean you can cover the compact downtown core during optimal 10 AM-3 PM window. Indoor warming stops at cafes and shops every few blocks.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours work well, or book guided historical tours 3-5 days ahead. Typically ₵35-65 for guided options. Look for tours that include indoor stops at The Rooms or colonial buildings. Check current tour options in the booking section below.

Cape Spear and Coastal Viewpoints

December offers the best iceberg and whale watching from shore, with clear winter air providing visibility up to 15-20 km (9-12 miles). The 30-minute drive to Cape Spear is stunning in winter conditions, and the lighthouse area is less crowded. Perfect for photography between 11 AM-2 PM when light is optimal.

Booking Tip: Rent a car or book day trips that include multiple coastal viewpoints. Transportation tours typically ₵75-120 per person. Look for tours covering Cape Spear, Signal Hill, and Quidi Vidi in one trip. Current options available in booking section below.

The Rooms Museum and Cultural Centers

December is prime indoor cultural season when The Rooms extends winter programming. Perfect weather to spend 2-3 hours exploring Newfoundland's maritime history, art galleries, and archives. The building's architecture and harbor views are spectacular against December's dramatic skies and possible snow.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for general admission (₵12-18). Special exhibitions may require timed entry. Combine with nearby colonial-era buildings and Newman Wine Vaults for a full cultural day. Check current cultural tour packages in booking section below.

Signal Hill Winter Hiking

December's cool temperatures make the 1.6 km (1 mile) Signal Hill Trail comfortable without summer's heat and bugs. Spectacular views of St. Johns harbor, icebergs, and the Atlantic. The Cabot Tower provides warming shelter, and winter conditions often mean dramatic sky photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Free self-guided hiking, but consider guided historical hikes that explain the site's significance. Guided options typically ₵25-45. Wear proper footwear for potentially icy conditions. Current guided hiking tours available in booking section below.

Traditional Newfoundland Food Experiences

December brings traditional winter foods - toutons, fish and brewis, and holiday treats like figgy duff. Local restaurants feature seasonal menus, and the George House Christmas market showcases traditional baked goods. Perfect weather for hearty indoor dining and pub experiences.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically ₵65-95 and book 5-7 days ahead in December due to holiday demand. Look for experiences that include traditional pubs, local markets, and cooking demonstrations. Current culinary tour options in booking section below.

Quidi Vidi Village and Brewery

December transforms this historic fishing village into a winter wonderland. The brewery offers seasonal tours and tastings, perfect for 45-60 minutes of indoor activity. The lake often has ice formations, and the village's 500-year history comes alive without summer tourist crowds.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours ₵15-25, book same day or day ahead. Combined village and brewery experiences typically ₵40-60. Look for tours that include the historic village, brewery, and lake viewpoints. Check current options in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

George House Christmas Heritage Festival

Traditional Newfoundland Christmas celebration featuring local crafts, baked goods, and historical demonstrations in a restored heritage building. Includes traditional music, storytelling, and authentic holiday foods like figgy duff and Christmas cake.

Early December through New Year

Festival of Lights Downtown

Water Street and surrounding historic areas are illuminated with holiday displays, making evening walks magical despite early darkness. Local businesses participate with window displays and extended hours.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots with good grip - December sidewalks can be icy and Signal Hill trails may have snow patches up to 10 cm (4 inches)

Layered clothing system - base layer, fleece/wool mid-layer, waterproof outer shell for temperatures ranging 18-25°C (64-77°F)

Warm hat and gloves - windchill factor near the harbor and on Signal Hill can make 20°C (68°F) feel like 15°C (59°F)

Compact umbrella - 10 rainy days in December with light showers averaging 45 mm (1.8 inches) total

UV protection sunglasses - winter sun reflection off water and possible snow creates glare, UV index still reaches 6

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 20-30% faster, essential for GPS and photography

Cash in small bills - many local craft vendors and markets prefer cash, ATMs downtown but limited in Quidi Vidi area

Camera with extra memory card - iceberg and winter harbor photography opportunities are exceptional in December's clear air

Thermal underlayers - indoor heating varies in heritage buildings and museums, comfortable base layer prevents overheating/cooling cycles

Insider Knowledge

Best iceberg viewing is 10 AM-2 PM from Cape Spear's east side - locals check the iceberg tracker app and Witless Bay Ecological Reserve website for current positions within 15 km (9 miles) of shore

December grocery shopping at Dominion or Sobeys reveals traditional Newfoundland holiday foods like partridgeberry sauce and touton mix that visitors rarely discover - locals stock up mid-December

The real Christmas market action happens at the farmers market on Saturdays at the Avalon Mall area, not just downtown tourist spots - local families shop here for traditional baked goods and crafts

Locals avoid driving to Cape Spear after 3 PM in December due to rapid temperature drops and potential ice formation on the coastal road - morning visits are safer and offer better light

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how early darkness falls - planning outdoor activities after 3 PM means missing optimal viewing conditions and safety concerns on coastal paths

Wearing cotton layers instead of synthetic or wool - December's 70% humidity means cotton stays damp from light rain or snow and loses insulation properties

Booking boat tours without checking seasonal schedules - most whale watching and iceberg tours suspend operations in December, leaving visitors disappointed with land-based viewing only