You're planning a trip to the Hostess City of the South. Maybe you’re dreaming of Spanish moss draped in twinkling white lights or a quiet stroll through Forsyth Park without the sweltering 90% humidity that defines a Georgia July. But then you look at the forecast. One day it says 75 degrees. The next? It’s calling for a freeze.
Honestly, weather December Savannah GA is a bit of a wild card.
It’s not "winter" in the way a New Yorker or a Chicagoan thinks of it. You won't find a snow-covered wonderland here—unless you count the rare 1989 fluke where nearly four inches fell, but let’s be real, that’s a once-in-a-century event. Instead, Savannah in December is a fickle, beautiful, and sometimes damp transition zone. It's the kind of place where you can wear flip-flops to a Christmas market in the afternoon and need a wool coat by the time you're ordering a cocktail on River Street at 8:00 PM.
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The Temperature Rollercoaster: Highs, Lows, and Everything Between
Most travel brochures will tell you the average high is around 64°F and the low is 45°F.
That’s a lie. Well, it's a "statistical average," which is a fancy way of saying it’s rarely actually that temperature.
In reality, Savannah’s December is a battleground between lingering tropical air from the Gulf and sharp cold fronts pushing down from the North. You might wake up to a crisp 38-degree morning, only to see the mercury climb to a stunning 78 degrees by lunchtime. On December 25, 2025, the city hit a high of 78°F—hardly "sweater weather" for the locals who were likely running their AC while opening presents.
A Typical December Day Break-Down
- Morning (7 AM - 10 AM): Chilly. Expect damp fog rolling off the Savannah River. Temperatures often hover in the low 40s.
- Afternoon (12 PM - 4 PM): The "Sweet Spot." If the sun is out, it feels like a perfect spring day. This is when the 60°F to 72°F range usually hits.
- Evening (6 PM - Midnight): Rapid cooling. Once the sun dips behind the historic steeples, the temperature drops fast. The humidity makes the cold "sink" into your bones more than dry mountain air does.
Is it actually rainy?
Surprisingly, December is actually one of the driest months for the Georgia coast. While the summer brings those violent, clockwork afternoon thunderstorms, December is much more mellow.
You’re looking at about 3 inches of rain for the whole month.
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When it does rain, it's usually a gray, misty drizzle that lasts all day rather than a dramatic downpour. It makes the cobblestones on Jones Street look incredibly romantic, but it also makes the air feel significantly colder than the thermometer suggests. If a cold front moves through, you might get a "breezy" day where the wind whipped off the Atlantic makes the 55-degree air feel like 40.
What You Should Actually Pack (The Survival Guide)
If you pack a heavy parka, you’ll look like a tourist. If you pack only T-shirts, you’ll be shivering by dinner.
The secret to mastering weather December Savannah GA is the "Three-Layer System."
Basically, you need a base layer (a light cotton shirt), a mid-layer (a denim jacket, cardigan, or light fleece), and a "just in case" outer layer. Leather jackets are a local favorite here because they block the river breeze but don't look too bulky for a nice dinner at The Olde Pink House.
Don't forget the shoes. Savannah is a walking city. Those 22 squares aren't going to explore themselves. However, the humidity can make the ground damp even when it hasn't rained. Leave the suede boots at home unless you want them ruined by damp moss or river mist. Go with leather loafers, Chelsea boots, or a clean pair of sneakers.
Expert Tip: River Street sits at a lower elevation and is directly exposed to the water. It is always at least 5 degrees colder down there than it is three blocks inland at Broughton Street. Pack a scarf even if you think you don't need one.
The "Sand Gnat" Factor
You'd think winter would kill off the bugs. Usually, you'd be right. But Savannah's "no-see-ums" (sand gnats) are legendary. If the temperature stays above 65 degrees for a few days—which happens often in December—the gnats come back out to play. They don't care that it's nearly Christmas. If you’re planning on a sunset walk near the marshes or Tybee Island, keep some repellent handy.
The Tybee Island Reality Check
A lot of people think, "Hey, I'm going to Georgia! Let's go to the beach!"
Slow down.
While Tybee Island is only 20 minutes from downtown, the ocean temperature in December is usually in the high 50s or low 60s. Unless you’re a member of a Polar Bear Club, you aren't swimming. However, December is actually one of the best times to visit the beach for a walk. The crowds are gone, the parking is cheaper (or free in some spots), and the sunsets over the Back River are world-class. Just wear a windbreaker. The Atlantic wind is no joke in the winter.
Real Talk: Why December is Actually the Best Time to Visit
Despite the unpredictable thermometer, December is arguably the best month to experience the city.
Why? Because the weather finally allows you to walk.
In June, you walk one block and you’re drenched in sweat. In December, you can spend four hours wandering from the Mercer-Williams House down to the Starland District and actually enjoy the architecture. The air is crisp, the smell of wood-burning fireplaces drifts through the Historic District, and the city feels "lived in" rather than just a tourist backdrop.
Must-Do Weather-Proof Activities
- The Savannah Christmas Market: Head to Plant Riverside District. It’s modeled after European markets. Even if it's 70 degrees, they have enough decorations to make it feel like the North Pole.
- Holiday Home Tours: Many of the historic mansions, like the Davenport House, do special candlelit tours. It’s the perfect way to escape a chilly evening drizzle.
- The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist: Go inside. It’s stunning, it’s quiet, and it’s perfectly climate-controlled regardless of the chaos outside.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of your December visit to Savannah, you need a strategy that accounts for the "fickle beast" of Georgia weather.
- Check the 48-hour forecast, not the 10-day. Anything beyond two days in Savannah is basically a guess. Look at the "RealFeel" or "Apparent Temperature" to account for the humidity.
- Book a trolley tour for your first day. If the weather is biting, the heated trolleys give you a lay of the land without the wind chill.
- Pack an umbrella that can handle wind. Cheap gas station umbrellas will turn inside out the moment you hit the riverfront.
- Make dinner reservations early. Because the weather is so nice for walking, December has become a "peak" off-season. Tables at the big-name spots fill up weeks in advance.
- Carry a "day bag." Since you'll be shedding layers as the sun comes up, bring a small backpack or tote to stash your sweater so you aren't carrying it over your arm all afternoon.
Savannah doesn't do "winter" by the book. It does it with a weird mix of warm sunshine, foggy mornings, and the occasional blast of Arctic air that makes everyone buy out the grocery store's bread and milk. But as long as you've got layers and a flexible attitude, it’s easily the most charming time to see the city.