Buffalo in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Buffalo

-1°C (30°F) High Temp

-7°C (19°F) Low Temp

76 mm (3 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak winter activities: Elmwood Village transforms into a winter wonderland with outdoor ice skating at Canalside, cross-country skiing in Delaware Park's 350 acres (142 hectares), and snowshoeing trails within 16 km (10 miles) of downtown
Holiday festivities reach their peak: Albright-Knox Art Gallery hosts world-class winter exhibitions, Shea's Performing Arts Center runs Broadway holiday shows, and the Elmwood Village holiday market operates weekends through December 23rd
Lake-effect snow creates impressive photography opportunities: this destination Complex covered in snow, this destination partially frozen (30-minute drive/48 km), and Buffalo's grain elevators silhouetted against winter skies
Lowest accommodation prices of the year: Downtown hotels drop 40-60% from summer rates, with boutique properties in Elmwood averaging $89-129 versus $189-249 in peak season

Considerations

Brutal weather conditions: Daily highs rarely exceed -1°C (30°F), with wind chills reaching -18°C (0°F) near Lake Erie. Snow accumulation averages 61 cm (24 inches) for the month
Limited outdoor sightseeing: Many waterfront attractions close or operate reduced hours, and walking tours become impractical due to icy sidewalks and 24 km/h (15 mph) average wind speeds
Transportation challenges: Lake-effect snow can shut down Buffalo Niagara International Airport for hours, and driving to this destination requires winter tires or chains during active snow bands

Best Activities in December

Elmwood Village Winter Walking Tours

December transforms Buffalo's cultural heart into a cozy winter destination. Art galleries stay open late for First Friday events, independent bookstores host author readings, and cafes serve seasonal specialties. The neighborhood's Victorian architecture looks spectacular under snow, and you can duck into warm shops every few blocks. Best experienced during afternoon hours (1-4 PM) when temperatures peak.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours work best - download maps from Visit Buffalo. Guided tours typically cost $15-25 and run weekends only in December. Book indoor backup activities since weather can change rapidly.

Canalside Winter Activities

Buffalo's waterfront becomes a winter sports hub in December. Ice skating rink operates daily (weather permitting), with skate rentals available. The adjacent outdoor market sells local crafts and hot beverages. Lake Erie views are dramatic in winter, with ice formations starting to build. Plan for 2-3 hours including warming breaks.

Booking Tip: Ice skating typically costs $5-8 plus $4 rentals. Check ice conditions before visiting - rink closes during active snowstorms. Combine with nearby Buffalo History Museum visit for indoor backup.

Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture Tours

The Darwin D. Martin House Complex offers heated indoor tours showcasing Wright's Prairie School masterpiece. December provides unique photo opportunities with snow highlighting the building's horizontal lines. Tours include the conservatory, pergola, and carriage house. The visitor center museum provides excellent context about Buffalo's architectural heritage.

Booking Tip: Reserve 1-2 weeks ahead as December tours are limited to smaller groups. Standard tours cost $18-28, specialty tours $35-45. Tours run Thursday-Sunday in December with reduced frequency.

Buffalo Museum District Exploration

December is perfect for museum hopping with the Buffalo History Museum, Burchfield Penney Art Center, and Buffalo Museum of Science all within 3.2 km (2 miles). The Albright-Knox Art Gallery features special winter exhibitions. Indoor attractions provide respite from harsh weather while showcasing Buffalo's cultural depth.

Booking Tip: Many museums offer December discounts or holiday specials. Day passes typically cost $12-20 per museum. Consider the Buffalo Museum Pass ($35-45) if visiting multiple locations over 2-3 days.

Niagara Falls Winter Photography Tours

December offers spectacular ice formations as the falls begin their winter transformation. Ice bridges start forming below American Falls, and rainbow mist creates ethereal winter scenes. The 48 km (30-mile) drive from Buffalo requires winter driving skills but rewards with fewer crowds and unique photographic opportunities.

Booking Tip: Photography tours typically cost $75-125 and include transportation from Buffalo. Book weather-dependent tours with flexible cancellation policies. Bring professional camera protection for mist and cold.

Buffalo Brewery District Tours

December is prime time for Buffalo's craft beer scene, with seasonal releases and warm taproom atmospheres. The Larkin District hosts several breweries within walking distance, plus distilleries featuring winter cocktails. Indoor venues provide perfect refuge from cold weather while sampling local specialties.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours typically cost $20-35 including tastings. Many offer weekend packages combining multiple locations. Designated driver services or rideshare recommended due to winter driving conditions.

December Events & Festivals

Weekends through December 23rd

Elmwood Village Holiday Market

Local artisans sell handcrafted gifts, jewelry, and artwork in heated outdoor pavilions along Elmwood Avenue. Features live acoustic music, hot cider, and unique Buffalo-made items perfect for holiday shopping. Family-friendly atmosphere with activities for children.

Throughout December

Shea's Holiday Broadway Series

Buffalo's premier theater presents holiday classics and seasonal Broadway shows in the beautifully restored 1926 theater. Past December productions include holiday musicals and family-friendly performances in the ornate downtown venue.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated winter boots rated to -18°C (0°F) - Buffalo sidewalks become icy and snow depth averages 61 cm (24 inches)

Heavy winter coat with wind protection - Lake Erie generates 24 km/h (15 mph) average winds that drop feels-like temperatures significantly

Multiple thermal layers including merino wool base layers - Indoor venues are well-heated but outdoor waiting/walking requires serious insulation

Waterproof gloves and warm hat covering ears - Frostbite risk is real during December wind chills of -18°C (0°F)

Slip-resistant boot treads or ice cleats - Buffalo's freeze-thaw cycles create hazardous walking conditions on sidewalks

Portable phone charger and power bank - Cold temperatures drain batteries rapidly during outdoor photography or navigation

SPF 30+ sunscreen for snow reflection - UV index is low at 2, but snow reflection increases exposure during sunny periods

Cash in small bills - Some holiday markets and seasonal vendors don't accept cards, especially during outdoor events

Emergency car kit if driving - Include jumper cables, ice scraper, blanket, and emergency food for potential weather delays

Insider Knowledge

Lake-effect snow bands are highly localized - downtown Buffalo might be clear while suburbs get 15 cm (6 inches). Check hyper-local weather forecasts before traveling between neighborhoods

Most locals embrace winter activities rather than hibernating - join them at Delaware Park for cross-country skiing or ice skating at Canalside for authentic Buffalo winter experience

Buffalo's snow removal is exceptionally efficient due to expertise - major roads clear within hours, but parking becomes challenging as snow piles grow throughout December

Indoor restaurant reservations book faster in December - locals dine out more frequently during cold months, so popular spots fill up weekends and holidays

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold Lake Erie winds feel - tourists dress for temperature but ignore wind chill factor that makes -1°C (30°F) feel like -12°C (10°F)

Planning too many outdoor activities - even 30 minutes outside requires warming breaks, and weather can deteriorate rapidly during lake-effect snow events

Renting regular cars without winter preparations - Buffalo requires all-season tires minimum, and ice scraper/snow brush are essential for any vehicle use