You’re planning a trip to Music City. You’ve got the boots, you’ve picked out the honky-tonks, and now you’re staring at your suitcase wondering if you need a parka or a windbreaker. Honestly, the nashville temp in december is a total wild card. One day you’re walking down Broadway in a light sweater, and the next, a damp chill settles into your bones that makes a 40-degree day feel like 20.
Nashville doesn't do "stable" weather. It’s a transition month.
📖 Related: All Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood: What Most People Get Wrong
The averages tell a neat little story that reality often ignores. Statistically, you’re looking at daily highs starting around 55°F at the beginning of the month and dropping to about 49°F by New Year's Eve. Nights are a different beast, usually hovering between 39°F and 33°F. But here’s the kicker: Nashville is humid. Even in the winter, that 65% average relative humidity means the cold is "wet." It clings to you.
The Reality of the Nashville Temp in December
If you look at the records from the National Weather Service, you’ll see just how bipolar the city can get. In December 2024, the high hit a balmy 66°F on the 9th, but just three days earlier, the mercury crashed to 18°F.
That’s a nearly 50-degree swing in one week.
Most people assume the South is always warm. Wrong. Nashville sits in a geographical bowl, and when those cold fronts sweep down from the plains, they sit right on top of the Cumberland River. It gets breezy too. Average wind speeds hover around 13 mph, which sounds like a light breeze until you’re standing in line for a show at the Ryman and that wind cuts right through your "trendy" denim jacket.
Will it actually snow?
Probably not. But maybe.
Nashville is the land of the "winter mix." We get about 4.6 inches of rain in December, making it one of the wetter months. Actual measurable snow? There's only about an 8% chance on Christmas Day. Usually, if something falls from the sky in December, it’s that annoying freezing rain that turns the hilly roads into a skating rink. Locals don't handle it well. The city basically hits the pause button if even a dusting of white shows up on the grass.
What to Pack (and What to Leave at Home)
Layering isn't just a suggestion; it's a survival strategy.
You need a base layer. Think long-sleeve tees or thin flannels. Over that, a mid-weight sweater or a fleece. Top it off with a coat that actually blocks the wind. A lot of travelers bring leather jackets because they look "Nashville," but unless it’s lined, you’re going to be shivering by 8 PM.
- Footwear: Boots are great, but make sure they have some grip. Broadway's sidewalks get slick when it rains.
- Accessories: A scarf is your best friend. It’s easy to shove in a bag when you’re inside a warm bar and essential when you step back out into the night air.
- The "Secret" Item: A travel umbrella. December is surprisingly rainy, and a soaked wool coat is a recipe for a miserable afternoon.
Exploring Music City in the Cold
Despite the unpredictable nashville temp in december, the city is actually pretty magical this time of year. The humidity that makes the cold feel sharper also makes the holiday lights at Cheekwood Estate look incredible in the evening mist.
Because the sun sets early—around 4:30 PM—you’ll be spending a lot of time in the dark.
This is when the temperature drops fast. If you’re heading to a Nashville Predators game or a concert, remember that the walk from the parking garage can be brutal. Even if the "high" for the day was 50°F, by the time the puck drops, it’ll be in the 30s.
Why the humidity matters
Natives will tell you about "bone-chilling" cold. They aren't exaggerating. In a dry climate like Denver, 35°F feels crisp. In Nashville, 35°F feels like you're standing in a cold, wet towel. It’s a "seeping" cold. That’s why a packable puffer jacket is often a better choice than a heavy wool pea coat; the synthetic materials handle the dampness better.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
Stop checking the 30-day forecast. It’s useless. Instead, wait until 48 hours before you leave and look at the "Feels Like" temperature, not just the number.
Book indoor activities for the mornings. The air is dampest and coldest right before and after sunrise. By 1 PM, you’ll usually get a few hours of "warmth" before the sun starts its quick descent. If you’re planning on hitting the honky-tonks, check if they have a coat check. Most of the smaller spots on Lower Broadway don't, which means you’ll be carrying your heavy jacket while you dance.
📖 Related: ¿Qué hora es en Grecia ahora? Por qué el horario helénico confunde a tantos viajeros
Final thought: bring the heavy socks. Your toes will thank you when you're walking between bars in 34-degree slush.
Quick Checklist:
- Check the 48-hour "Feels Like" forecast.
- Pack a waterproof outer layer.
- Bring shoes you can walk 5 miles in—even if they aren't cowboy boots.
- Keep a scarf and gloves in your daypack for the 4:30 PM sunset chill.
- Plan for rain more than snow.