Savannah in December: Weather, Events & What to Expect (2026)

Savannah in December is mild, festive, and quieter than most people expect. The short answer: plan on highs in the low-to-mid 60s, nights in the low-to-mid 40s, a Historic District dressed for the holidays, and a calendar built around a few big dates. The busiest stretches are the second Saturday of the month and the days after Christmas. The first two weeks of December are some of the best-value days of the whole year for a holiday trip.

TL;DR: Savannah in December

• Weather: highs around 62-66°F, lows around 42-45°F, and mostly dry days. Bring a real jacket for evenings.
• Big Saturday: the Holiday Tour of Homes is Saturday, December 12, 2026. The Lighted Christmas Street Parade has run on the same Saturday in recent years.
• All month: the free Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District runs November 19, 2026 through January 3, 2027.
• Lights: December Nights & Holiday Lights at Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens runs November 27 to December 24, 2026.
• Crowds and rates: early December is quiet and fairly cheap. Christmas week and New Year's Eve fill up fast.
• Short days: sunset comes around 5:30 p.m., so plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning and early afternoon.

What's the Weather Like in Savannah in December?

December in Savannah feels like late fall in much of the country. Long-term NOAA averages put early-December highs near 66°F, sliding to around 62-63°F by the last week of the month. Overnight lows usually sit in the 42-45°F range.

Most days are dry. On any given December date, the historical chance of measurable rain runs well under one in four. Cold snaps do happen, though. A front can drop a morning into the 30s, and a damp, windy day on the river feels colder than the thermometer says.

The practical result: you can walk the squares comfortably at midday in a light sweater, then want a coat for dinner and a ghost tour. Our Savannah in winter guide covers how December compares with January and February.

What Events Are Happening in Savannah in December 2026?

December is the heart of Savannah's holiday season. These are the dates worth planning around:

• Savannah Christmas Market: November 19, 2026 through January 3, 2027 at Plant Riverside District, open daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with free admission, per the district's own page. Some vendors may close on Christmas Day.
• Holiday Tour of Homes and Inns: Saturday, December 12, 2026, the tour's 51st year, run by the Downtown Neighborhood Association. You walk through decorated private homes and inns in the Historic District. Tickets usually sell out early, so check availability on the official site now.
• Lighted Christmas Street Parade: in 2025 it ran on Saturday, December 13, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Plant Riverside District and moving east along River Street before winding through downtown. It's part of the Christmas on the River celebration and is free. The 2026 date hadn't been announced in early October, but the second-Saturday pattern points to December 12. Confirm with Savannah's Waterfront before you plan around it.
• Twelve Bars of Christmas: a 21+ holiday bar crawl downtown, also on Saturday, December 12, with ticket prices that rise as the date gets closer.
• New Year's Eve: a free midnight fireworks show over the Savannah River, visible along River Street.

For the full holiday calendar, including theater shows and smaller events, see our Savannah Christmas events guide.

Where Can You See Christmas Lights in December?

The biggest ticketed display is December Nights & Holiday Lights at Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, a walk-through show that runs November 27 to December 24, 2026. Buy timed tickets in advance, because popular nights sell out.

The free option is downtown itself. River Street, Plant Riverside District, and the Historic District squares are lit up after dark all month. Our Savannah Christmas lights guide covers the drive-thru display at the fairgrounds, a holiday lights trolley tour, and the best free routes. If you're arriving at the very end of November, the Lighted Boat Parade on November 28 kicks off the season on the river.

Is December a Good Time to Visit Savannah?

Yes, especially in the first half of the month. Between Thanksgiving weekend and the December 12 events, the city is decorated but not crowded. Hotel rates typically run well below spring and October levels, and restaurant reservations are easier to get.

Three stretches are busier:

• The second Saturday (December 12, 2026), when the home tour, the bar crawl, and likely the street parade all land on the same day.
• Christmas week, when visiting families fill downtown. Christmas Day falls on a Friday this year, and many restaurants and attractions close or run short hours on December 24-25. Call ahead.
• December 30-31, when New Year's Eve parties, rooftop events, and riverfront hotels book up.

If you want the holiday atmosphere without the crowds, aim for a midweek trip in the first ten days of the month. Our best time to visit Savannah guide compares December with the rest of the year.

Local tip: If you're coming for December 12, book your hotel before you buy anything else. The home tour, the bar crawl, and the parade crowd all compete for the same downtown rooms that weekend, and walkable Historic District stays go first.

What Should You Do in Savannah in December?

Cool, dry weather makes December a good walking month. Spend a morning tracing the historic squares while the decorations are up, and save rainy or chilly afternoons for Savannah's museums. Early sunsets help evening plans: a ghost tour starts in full dark by 6 p.m.

December is also a strong month for holiday shopping. Broughton Street, the Christmas Market, and the neighborhood shops in our Savannah shopping guide make easy gift stops. On a sunny afternoon, Wormsloe and its oak-lined avenue are pleasant without summer's heat and bugs.

Tybee Island is quiet this time of year. The water is too cold for most swimmers, but a bundled-up beach walk is lovely, and our Tybee Island day trip guide covers the drive and parking.

What Should You Pack for Savannah in December?

Pack layers. A warm jacket or fleece for mornings and evenings, sweaters or long sleeves for the day, and a scarf if you run cold. Waterproof walking shoes help on brick sidewalks after a rain. Leave the heavy winter coat at home unless the forecast shows a hard freeze. Our Savannah packing guide has the full list.

Where Should You Stay in Savannah in December?

For a holiday trip, stay walkable to the action. A Historic District hotel puts you near the squares, the home tour, and Broughton Street. A hotel near River Street or Plant Riverside puts the Christmas Market, the parade route, and the New Year's Eve fireworks right outside your door. Compare options in our best Historic District hotels guide or browse the full hotels directory, and confirm December rates directly, since prices jump around December 12 and the last week of the month.

Bottom Line: Savannah in December

December is one of Savannah's most underrated months. The weather is mild, the city is fully decorated, and outside of a few key dates it's calmer and cheaper than spring or fall. Come in the first half of the month for the best balance of atmosphere and value. Book early if your dates include December 12, Christmas week, or New Year's Eve, and confirm event times as they're announced. Then pack a jacket and enjoy the squares at their most festive. For the month before, see our Savannah in November guide, or browse all our Savannah travel guides.