WinterOff season ~52°F highs

Things to do in Raleigh in December

December is off season (quieter, and often cheaper) to visit Raleigh, with average highs around 52°F. Museums and indoor sights come into their own, with fewer crowds outside.

Plan a December weekend Where else in December

Best picks for December

What's famous here, weighted toward what shines in December.

1Indoor escape

North Carolina Museum of Art

state art museum in Raleigh, North Carolina

2Indoor escape

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

North Carolina’s state museum for science and nature, located in Raleigh

3Indoor escape

Holidays in December 2026

Christmas Day · Fri, Dec 25

Expect busier roads and pricier stays around these dates. See long weekends.

What’s on in Raleigh in December

Concerts, games and shows in the next few weeks. Tickets open on Ticketmaster.

Thu, Dec 3 · 7:00 PMCarolina Hurricanes vs. Columbus Blue JacketsLenovo Center Plan a weekend around it

Raleigh in December: quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Raleigh?

December is off season (quieter, and often cheaper) to visit Raleigh, with average highs around 52°F. Museums and indoor sights come into their own, with fewer crowds outside.

What is the weather like in Raleigh in December?

Average daytime highs are around 52°F, compared with 91°F in the warmest month. Check the forecast a week out; our planner favors indoor stops on rainy days.

What are the best things to do in Raleigh in December?

Top picks for December: North Carolina Museum of Art, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Ackland Art Museum, Nasher Museum of Art, Morehead Planetarium.