Nashville in December is a vibe, but honestly, it’s rarely the "Winter Wonderland" people imagine when they’re booking a trip to Music City. If you’re picturing snowy streets and sleigh bells, I hate to be the one to break it to you: you’re more likely to need a rain jacket than a snow shovel.
The average temp in Nashville in December is a fickle thing. One day you’re walking down Broadway in a light sweater, and the next, a wind from the north makes you feel like you’ve been transported to Chicago. It’s a month of transitions, surprises, and—more often than not—a lot of gray clouds.
The Reality of the Numbers
Let's talk raw data because the averages can be pretty misleading if you don't look at the range. Typically, the daily high sits right around 50°F (10°C). That sounds mild, right? It is, until the sun goes down. Once evening hits, the low drops to an average of 33°F (1°C).
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Basically, you’re hovering right at the freezing mark for a good portion of the night.
But here’s the kicker: Nashville doesn't really "do" average. In December 2025, we saw a Christmas Eve that tied historical records at a balmy 76°F. People were wearing shorts to open presents. Then, just a few days later, a cold front slammed the city, dropping temperatures by 40 degrees in less than 24 hours. This is why locals have a love-hate relationship with the forecast.
Morning, Noon, and Night
- Mornings: Expect it to be crisp and damp. Usually in the mid-30s.
- Afternoons: If the sun peeks out, it can reach those comfortable 50s.
- Evenings: This is when the "Music City" chill sets in. It gets damp, breezy, and stays near 35°F.
Humidity and the "Wet Cold"
You’ve probably heard people from the North talk about "dry cold." Nashville is the opposite. December is one of our wettest months, averaging about 4.6 inches of precipitation.
It’s a "wet cold."
That 40-degree air feels significantly colder when the relative humidity is sitting at 86%. The moisture clings to you. It gets into your bones. It’s the kind of weather where a thin windbreaker won't do much, even if the thermometer says it’s not that cold. You’ll want something that blocks the wind and keeps the dampness out.
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Does it Actually Snow?
Technically, yes. Practically? Rarely.
While Nashville gets about 6 inches of snow a year on average, December isn’t usually the month for it. Most of our "winter weather" hits in January and February. In December, if we get anything, it’s usually a "dusting" that melts by noon or, more annoyingly, freezing rain.
If you see even a single flake of snow in the forecast, be prepared for the city to panic. We don't have a massive fleet of snowplows, and the hilly terrain makes the roads tricky. Most years, December is just a month of cold rain and foggy mornings.
What to Actually Pack (The Expert List)
Forget the heavy-duty Arctic parka unless you’re planning on standing outside for six hours straight. You need versatility.
I always tell people to think in layers. Start with a base layer—a long-sleeve tee or a light flannel. Add a sweater or a fleece. Top it off with a mid-weight jacket. Leather jackets are a Nashville staple for a reason; they look cool on Broadway and they’re great at blocking that damp December wind.
You’ll also want:
- Waterproof shoes: Broadway has a lot of puddles, and cold, wet feet will ruin your night at the honky-tonks.
- A scarf: It’s an easy way to adjust to the 20-degree temperature swings.
- An umbrella: Don't rely on the "small chance of rain." Just bring it.
The Nashville "Holiday" Experience
Despite the gray skies, Nashville goes all out in December. The average temp in Nashville in December might be chilly, but the city stays warm with events. You’ve got the Christmas village at the Fairgrounds and the massive "Enchant" light display.
If it’s a particularly cold day, head to the Gaylord Opryland Resort. They have millions of lights and indoor gardens that are climate-controlled. It’s the best way to see "winter" without actually having to deal with the 38-degree drizzle.
Final Advice for Your Visit
Don't trust a forecast that's more than three days out. Middle Tennessee weather is notoriously difficult to predict because we’re right in the path of conflicting air masses from the Gulf and the Great Plains.
Check the "RealFeel" or "Apparent Temperature" instead of just the high and low. If it’s 45 degrees but windy and humid, it’s going to feel like 32.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the National Weather Service (NWS) Nashville office specifically for "Short Term Forecasts" about 48 hours before you arrive. This will give you the most accurate picture of any sudden cold fronts or record-breaking warm streaks. Buy a pair of wool-blend socks now—they’re the only thing that stands up to the Nashville dampness.