December in Austin tends to feel like a reward for surviving the summer. Daytime highs hover around 19°C (67°F), and nights drop to roughly 10°C (49°F), which by Texas standards counts as real winter. The oppressive 36°C afternoons of August are 4 months gone. You might catch locals bundled in puffer jackets at 15°C, and if you're arriving from anywhere north of Oklahoma, that will likely seem amusing.
The month's defining draw is the Zilker Trail of Lights, a free holiday light display in Zilker Park that typically runs from around December 8 through December 23. It pulls close to 400,000 visitors over its 2-week run. South Congress Avenue dresses up with holiday window displays, the live music calendar on 6th Street and Red River stays packed, and the air carries woodsmoke from backyard fire pits across neighborhoods like Hyde Park and Zilker. Worth noting, December is one of Austin's driest months at around 51mm of rain across 8 days, so you're unlikely to lose much of your trip to weather.
That said, December occupies an odd pricing spot. It's nowhere near March during SXSW, when hotel rates can triple overnight. But holiday travel and events like the Trail of Lights push rates above the annual average, particularly after December 15. If you have flexibility, the first week of the month tends to offer noticeably better value before the holiday rush fully arrives.
Why visit in December
- The weather is mild and dry, with average highs of 19°C (67°F) and only 51mm of rainfall across 8 days, making December one of the most comfortable months for outdoor activities after the punishing summer heat.
- Zilker Trail of Lights, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar at Palmer Events Center, and the Blue Genie Art Bazaar give December a distinct holiday-season identity that no other month in Austin can match.
- Live music thrives in the cooler temperatures. Outdoor venues along Red River Cultural District and Rainey Street that were sweltering in August become genuinely pleasant for evening shows at 10-15°C.
- Hotel rates sit well below the SXSW (March) and ACL Fest (October) peaks, especially in the first 2 weeks of December when shoulder-season pricing still applies.
Worth knowing
- Occasional blue northers can drop temperatures 10-15°C in a matter of hours, sometimes bringing overnight lows near or below freezing (0°C / 32°F). These cold fronts hit Austin 2-3 times per December on average and catch visitors off guard.
- The last 10 days of December see holiday-inflated pricing on flights and hotels. Rates in popular areas like South Congress can climb 30-40% above early-December levels during Christmas week.
- Daylight is limited. Sunset falls around 5:30pm, cutting into afternoon outdoor plans at places like the Barton Creek Greenbelt or Mount Bonnell.
- Some restaurants and shops close for 2-4 days around Christmas. East Austin food trucks are especially unpredictable with holiday schedules.
Best for
Think twice if
December in Austin is mild and dry by most standards, though it can feel cold to locals acclimated to 9 months of heat. Expect clear mornings that warm into the upper teens by early afternoon, with occasional overcast days that stay closer to 14-15°C. Rain tends to arrive in short fronts rather than prolonged downpours. The air smells clean and carries a faint cedar note from the surrounding Hill Country. Humidity at 71% sounds high on paper, but at these temperatures it reads as a comfortable dampness, nothing like the oppressive June-August combination of 35°C and 70%+ humidity. The wildcard is the blue norther. These fast-moving cold fronts sweep down from the Great Plains 2-3 times per month, dropping temperatures dramatically over a few hours. A day that starts at 18°C can end at 3°C. Most pass within 24-48 hours.
Seasonal caution
- Blue northers (fast-moving cold fronts from the Great Plains) hit Austin 2-3 times in a typical December, capable of dropping temperatures 10-15°C in under 6 hours. Overnight lows can briefly dip below freezing (0°C / 32°F) during these events. Check the 3-day forecast daily and keep a warm layer accessible.
- Cedar fever peaks in mid-to-late December as mountain cedar (Ashe juniper) pollen counts rise in the Hill Country west of Austin. If you have tree pollen allergies, bring antihistamines. The pollen can be intense enough to affect visitors who normally have no allergy issues, producing cold-like symptoms rather than typical hayfever.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 16 | 5 | 88 |
| Feb | 18 | 6 | 60 |
| Mar | 24 | 12 | 75 |
| Apr | 27 | 16 | 131 |
| May | 30 | 20 | 213 |
| Jun | 34 | 24 | 106 |
| Jul | 35 | 25 | 122 |
| Aug | 36 | 25 | 107 |
| Sep | 33 | 23 | 58 |
| Oct | 29 | 18 | 97 |
| Nov | 22 | 12 | 83 |
| Dec | 19 | 10 | 51 |
Headline events
Zilker Trail of Lights
Approximately December 8 through December 23
Austin's signature holiday event since 1965, drawing close to 400,000 visitors over its 2-week run. Over 2 million lights line a mile-long walking trail through Zilker Park, with food vendors, live music stages, and themed light tunnels. Free admission on most nights. The scale is genuinely impressive, not a neighborhood display but a city-wide destination that backs up traffic on Barton Springs Road for blocks.
Best things to do in December
Walk the Zilker Trail of Lights
festivalA mile-long loop through Zilker Park lined with over 2 million lights, food vendors, and live music. The trail has run annually since 1965 and draws close to 400,000 visitors over roughly 2 weeks. Weeknight visits tend to be significantly less crowded than weekends.
The Trail of Lights runs only in December, typically from around December 8 through December 23. It is Austin's defining holiday event.Booking tipNo tickets needed for most nights, as general admission is free. Arrive before 7pm to avoid the heaviest crowds and parking backup on Barton Springs Road.
Hike the Barton Creek Greenbelt
outdoorA 12.9km trail system winding through limestone canyons southwest of downtown Austin. December brings 15-19°C hiking temperatures, a dramatic improvement over the 38°C+ days that make summer hiking genuinely dangerous. The trail passes several swimming holes, though the water is too cold for most swimmers this time of year. Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls are worth the walk even without swimming.
December's mild temperatures of 15-19°C make the Greenbelt comfortable for the first time since October. Summer heat advisories are 4 months away.Browse the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
shoppingAn Austin institution since 1975, this art market and live music festival runs for about 2 weeks at Palmer Events Center on Barton Springs Road. Over 100 local and regional artists sell handmade goods. Live bands play every night, the beer flows freely, and the atmosphere sits somewhere between craft fair and honky-tonk. It tends to feel more like a party than a shopping trip.
The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is a December-only event, typically running from early December through Christmas Eve.Catch live music on Red River Cultural District
nightlifeThe 4-block stretch of Red River Street between 6th and 10th Streets is Austin's densest live music corridor. Venues like Mohawk, Cheer Up Charlies, and Empire Control Room host acts nightly. December's cooler air makes the outdoor stages and patios comfortable after months of heat. The sound of 3 or 4 different bands bleeding together as you walk the strip is distinctly Austin.
Cooler evening temperatures of 10-15°C make outdoor venues pleasant again after the summer, and the holiday season brings special programming and end-of-year showcases.Sunrise at Mount Bonnell
outdoorThe 30-meter climb up 102 limestone steps to Mount Bonnell's summit rewards you with a panoramic view of Lake Austin and the Hill Country. December sunrises happen around 7:15am, which is late enough to be manageable. The cool morning air carries the cedar scent from the surrounding juniper, and you'll often have the overlook to yourself on weekday mornings.
December's late sunrise (around 7:15am) makes catching dawn realistic without an extreme early alarm, and the crisp air gives the Hill Country views exceptional clarity.Explore the Blue Genie Art Bazaar
shoppingA curated art market in the Canopy complex on Springdale Road in East Austin. Smaller and more gallery-like than the Armadillo Bazaar, it features around 50 local artists selling ceramics, prints, jewelry, and woodwork. The vibe is quieter and more browsable.
The Blue Genie runs only in December, typically from early December through Christmas Eve. It complements the Armadillo Bazaar as the more intimate alternative.Paddle Lady Bird Lake
outdoorThe 11.5km lake that runs through central Austin stays calm enough for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding year-round. December water temperatures hover around 13-15°C. Several rental outfitters operate along the south shore near the Barton Springs Road bridge. Morning paddles in December tend to be glassy and quiet, with the Congress Avenue Bridge and downtown skyline reflecting off the still water.
December's mild daytime highs of 19°C and low wind make paddling comfortable without the sunburn risk and crowding of summer months. The lake sees noticeably fewer recreational users than in peak season.What to eat in December
On menus now
Slow-smoked brisket
Cool December weather is prime brisket season in Austin. The lower temperatures make the 12-14 hour smoking process more manageable for pitmasters, and the slightly damp Hill Country air seems to help the bark set. Franklin Barbecue on East 11th Street still draws its famous 3-hour line, but la Barbecue on East Cesar Chavez and Micklethwait Craft Meats on Rosewood tend to move faster. The mesquite and post oak smoke hangs low in the cold air across East Austin on weekend mornings.
Pecan pie
Texas is one of the top pecan-producing states in the US, and December is peak harvest season. Austin bakeries lean into this hard. You'll find traditional versions alongside bourbon-pecan and chocolate-pecan variations at spots throughout the city. The pecans themselves tend to come from groves in the San Saba River valley, about 200km northwest of Austin, which has called itself the Pecan Capital of the World since the 1920s.
What to drink
Mexican hot chocolate
Ibarra-style chocolate simmered with cinnamon and piloncillo shows up on menus across Austin once temperatures dip below 15°C. Several cafes on South Congress and East 6th prepare it from scratch with Mexican chocolate tablets. The grainy texture and warm cinnamon bite set it apart from standard hot cocoa. It pairs well with the pan dulce (sweet bread) that bakeries along East Cesar Chavez and Oltorf keep stocked through the holidays.
Festival food
Tamales
December is tamale season in Texas, and Austin takes it seriously. Families in East Austin's Mexican-American neighborhoods spend weeks preparing hundreds of tamales for holiday gatherings. You'll find pork, chicken, bean, and sweet varieties at vendors across the city, from the Mueller Farmers Market to stands along East Cesar Chavez. The corn masa smell from a fresh batch is one of those scent memories that sticks. Most vendors sell by the dozen, and lines at the popular spots can stretch 30 minutes or more on weekends leading up to Christmas.
Regular events in December
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Austin's longest-running holiday art market and live music event at Palmer Events Center, featuring over 100 artists and nightly live bands since 1975.
Early December through approximately December 24Blue Genie Art BazaarFree
Curated holiday art market in East Austin's Canopy complex, featuring around 50 local artists selling handmade goods in a gallery-like setting.
Early December through approximately December 24Austin's New Year's Eve celebrationFree
Downtown Austin hosts a large-scale New Year's Eve celebration centered on Auditorium Shores, with live music stages and fireworks over Lady Bird Lake at midnight. Congress Avenue typically closes to traffic for the evening.
December 31Luminations at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
The 284-acre Wildflower Center on La Crosse Avenue transforms its gardens with thousands of luminarias (candle-lit paper bags) and light installations. The warm glow along the stone paths is genuinely atmospheric, especially on clear December nights.
Mid-December through late DecemberBest places this December
Zilker Park
parkAustin's 351-acre central park along the south bank of Lady Bird Lake. Ground zero for the Trail of Lights in December, and a pleasant daytime destination for picnics and kite flying on mild days. The Zilker Botanical Garden within the park is worth a visit when temperatures are comfortable.
ZilkerSouth Congress Avenue (SoCo)
neighborhoodThe 1.5km stretch of South Congress between the river and Oltorf Avenue is Austin's most walkable shopping and dining corridor. December brings holiday window displays to the vintage shops, boutiques, and restaurants lining both sides. The street has a particular energy on weekend evenings in December, with the smell of grilled food from multiple restaurants mixing in the cool air.
South CongressBarton Springs Pool
swimmingA 3-acre natural spring-fed swimming pool in Zilker Park, fed by the Main Barton Spring at a constant 20°C (68°F) year-round. Open for swimming in December, though the air temperature contrast makes it bracing. The pool is 270 meters long and carved from the natural limestone creek bed. Fewer than a quarter of the summer crowd shows up in December, so you might actually get a full lane.
ZilkerThe Blanton Museum of Art
museumThe University of Texas's art museum on the east side of campus holds one of the largest university art collections in the US, with over 21,000 works. The Ellsworth Kelly chapel, Austin (2018), is a 2,715-square-foot stone building with colored glass windows. A good December option when a norther makes outdoor plans less appealing.
University of TexasMount Bonnell
scenic viewpointThe highest point within Austin city limits at 237 meters elevation. The 102 limestone steps to the summit are short but steep, and the view of Lake Austin and the Hill Country from the top is one of the best in the city. December mornings tend to offer the clearest visibility.
West AustinEast Austin
neighborhoodThe stretch of East 6th Street, East Cesar Chavez, and the surrounding blocks east of I-35 has become Austin's densest concentration of independent restaurants, bars, and galleries. December tamale vendors set up along East Cesar Chavez, and the neighborhood's murals look particularly good in the low winter sunlight. The area still feels less polished than South Congress, which is part of the appeal.
East AustinCongress Avenue Bridge
landmarkHome to North America's largest urban bat colony, approximately 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats. Mind you, the bats migrate south by early November, so you won't see them in December. But the bridge still offers one of Austin's best sunset views over Lady Bird Lake, and the pedestrian walkway is a pleasant 10-minute stroll connecting downtown to South Congress.
Downtown
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Insider tips
The Zilker Trail of Lights is dramatically less crowded on weeknight visits (Tuesday through Thursday) compared to weekends. You'll spend less time in the parking queue on Barton Springs Road and more time actually walking the trail. The first 2-3 nights of the event's run also tend to be lighter.
Cedar fever catches first-time December visitors off guard. The symptoms mimic a head cold, with sinus pressure, itchy eyes, and fatigue. If you start feeling rough around mid-December and didn't pack antihistamines, most Austin pharmacies stock them prominently this time of year because the demand is so consistent.
The Mueller Farmers Market on Philomena Street runs every Sunday year-round, including December. It's one of the better places to find fresh tamales from local vendors during the holiday season without committing to a long wait at the higher-profile spots.
Austin's food truck scene is unreliable during the last week of December. Many trucks close for the holidays without posting updates online. If you're planning around a specific truck, check their social media the day of, not the week before.
For live music, the Red River Cultural District venues tend to post their December schedules in late November. Mohawk and Cheer Up Charlies often run multi-night end-of-year residencies with local acts that don't get the same attention as the SXSW showcases but are sometimes better.
The Barton Creek Greenbelt's Gus Fruh access point off Barton Hills Drive is less congested than the main Zilker Park entrance, especially on December weekends when Zilker fills up with Trail of Lights traffic.
Avoid these mistakes
- Underpacking for cold. Visitors from warmer climates sometimes treat Austin's 19°C average high as guaranteed warm weather, then get caught in a norther with nothing heavier than a light sweater. December's blue northers can drop temperatures to near freezing within hours.
- Driving to the Zilker Trail of Lights on a Saturday night. Weekend traffic on Barton Springs Road backs up for blocks in both directions. The shuttle service from various park-and-ride locations around the city is significantly faster and less stressful.
- Assuming all restaurants keep normal hours between Christmas and New Year's. Many independent restaurants along East 6th and South Congress close for several days. Checking hours the day of your visit saves a wasted trip.
- Ignoring cedar fever symptoms and assuming it's a cold. Visitors who have never been to Central Texas in December often don't realize that the sinus pressure and fatigue they're feeling is a pollen reaction, not illness. Over-the-counter antihistamines typically resolve it within a day.
- Planning only outdoor activities for a full week. December's 2-3 norther events can wipe out a day of outdoor plans with little warning. Having a museum visit or indoor option (the Blanton, the Bullock Texas State History Museum, or a brewery tour) as a backup keeps the trip on track.
Practical tips for December
December in Austin calls for flexible planning. Book accommodation in the first 2 weeks of the month for the best rates, as prices climb noticeably after December 15 and peak during Christmas week. Layers are more useful than a heavy coat because temperatures can swing 10-15°C in a single day, especially during blue norther events. The Trail of Lights runs about 2 weeks starting around December 8, and weeknight visits avoid the worst crowds. Public transit via Capital Metro's bus routes covers downtown and South Congress adequately, but a car is helpful for reaching the Barton Creek Greenbelt trailheads and spots in East Austin. If you have tree pollen allergies, start taking antihistamines a day before you arrive. Cedar fever from Ashe juniper hits mid-to-late December and can feel like a bad cold. Restaurant hours become unpredictable after December 23, so verify before heading out during the holiday week.
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Austin, Texas?
December is a solid time to visit Austin. Daytime temperatures average 19°C (67°F), the oppressive summer heat is months away, and the Zilker Trail of Lights gives the city a distinct holiday atmosphere. It currently ranks as roughly the 5th best month to visit, behind the spring and fall shoulder seasons (March outside SXSW, April, October outside ACL Fest, November) but well ahead of the brutal June-August heat.
How cold does Austin get in December?
Average highs sit around 19°C (67°F) and lows around 10°C (49°F). That said, blue northers can push overnight lows near or below freezing (0°C / 32°F) 2-3 times during the month. These cold snaps typically pass within 24-48 hours, and temperatures rebound quickly. Most December days feel mild and comfortable by northern US or European standards.
What is the Zilker Trail of Lights?
The Trail of Lights is Austin's signature holiday event, running annually since 1965. It features over 2 million lights along a mile-long walking trail through Zilker Park, with food vendors and live music. It typically runs from around December 8 through December 23 and draws close to 400,000 visitors. General admission is free on most nights.
What is cedar fever, and will it affect my December visit?
Cedar fever is an allergic reaction to pollen from Ashe juniper trees (locally called mountain cedar) in the Hill Country west of Austin. It peaks in mid-to-late December through January. Symptoms resemble a head cold, with sinus pressure, fatigue, and itchy eyes. Even people with no prior allergy history can be affected. Over-the-counter antihistamines typically manage the symptoms well.
Are Austin's hotels expensive in December?
December pricing splits into two phases. Early December (roughly December 1-14) offers shoulder-season rates, typically 10-15% below the annual average. After December 15, holiday demand pushes rates 20-30% above average. Neither phase approaches the extreme peaks of SXSW in March or ACL Fest in October, when rates can double or triple.
Can you still swim at Barton Springs Pool in December?
Barton Springs Pool stays open year-round, and its spring-fed water holds at a constant 20°C (68°F) regardless of season. Swimming in December is possible, but air temperatures of 10-15°C make getting in and out bracing. The upside is that the pool sees a fraction of its summer crowds, so you'll likely have plenty of space. Many locals still swim through December as a point of pride.
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