Will I need a jacket in Columbus in December?

Yes — average lows hit about 27°F, so plan on a heavy coat with insulated layers.

Is December rainy in Columbus?

Expect roughly 11 days of rain across the month. Pack a compact umbrella and shoes that can handle wet pavement.

December Packing List for Columbus – What to Wear & Bring

0 of 11 packed

Essentials

If you only pack a few things, pack these.

Heavy Wool CoatEssential
Essential for walking the Scioto Mile where wind chill can make that 27°F low feel much colder.
Thermal Base LayersEssential
Crucial when temperatures dip to 27°F during winter strolls around the Ohio State campus.
Waterproof ShellEssential
With 11 days of precipitation expected, a shell is vital for staying dry during Columbus's winter showers.
Waterproof BootsEssential
Necessary for navigating wet sidewalks in the Short North during those 11 days of precipitation.
Warm Wool SocksEssential
Keeps feet warm during Columbus's freezing mornings that drop to a low of 27°F.
Heavyweight ScarfEssential
Protects against the biting winds at the Scioto Mile when temperatures hit their 27°F minimum.
Insulated GlovesEssential
A must-have for outdoor activities in Columbus when the low is a freezing 27°F.
Warm BeanieEssential
Keeps heat from escaping during chilly walks through the Short North when highs only reach 41°F.

Clothing

Heavy Wool CoatEssential
Essential for walking the Scioto Mile where wind chill can make that 27°F low feel much colder.
Thermal Base LayersEssential
Crucial when temperatures dip to 27°F during winter strolls around the Ohio State campus.
Mid-weight SweatersRecommended
Perfect for layering while gallery-hopping in the Short North, especially since highs only reach 41°F.
Waterproof ShellEssential
With 11 days of precipitation expected, a shell is vital for staying dry during Columbus's winter showers.
Dark Denim or Corduroy PantsRecommended
Fits the casual-smart vibe of Short North while providing warmth against the 41°F daytime highs.

Footwear

Waterproof BootsEssential
Necessary for navigating wet sidewalks in the Short North during those 11 days of precipitation.
Insulated Walking ShoesRecommended
Ideal for long walks across the Ohio State campus when temperatures hover around 41°F.
Warm Wool SocksEssential
Keeps feet warm during Columbus's freezing mornings that drop to a low of 27°F.

Accessories

Heavyweight ScarfEssential
Protects against the biting winds at the Scioto Mile when temperatures hit their 27°F minimum.
Insulated GlovesEssential
A must-have for outdoor activities in Columbus when the low is a freezing 27°F.
Warm BeanieEssential
Keeps heat from escaping during chilly walks through the Short North when highs only reach 41°F.

Local tips for Columbus in December

Layer up heavily when visiting the Scioto Mile, as the open riverfront exposure makes the 27°F lows feel much sharper.

Embrace a 'casual-smart' look for the Short North Arts District to blend in with the local gallery-hopping crowd.

Prepare for overcast skies by packing bright colors or textures that pop against Columbus's gray winter light.

FAQ — Columbus in December

Yes — average lows hit about 27°F, so plan on a heavy coat with insulated layers.
Expect roughly 11 days of rain across the month. Pack a compact umbrella and shoes that can handle wet pavement.
Prepare for overcast skies by packing bright colors or textures that pop against Columbus's gray winter light.

More tools for Columbus in December

What to wear

Outfit ideas for Columbus in December →

Layering looks and style guidance matched to the month's weather.

Best shoes

Shoe picks for December →

Waterproof, breathable, insulated — matched to the month.

Pack or skip

Umbrella? Winter coat? Sunscreen? →

Item-by-item verdict for December.

Comfort check

Will I be cold or hot? →

Day and night temp bands for December.

Packing tools

Decide jackets, outfits, shoes, and bag fees for Columbus in December

Free calculators — city and month pre-filled when we know them. No account required. Start with how many outfits, sudoku packing, or bag fees.

Trip

Planning a trip to one city?

One city → typical weather for your month, packing counts that fit your bags, and email your plan.

Outfits

How many outfits for this trip?

Trip length, bag size, and climate → exact tops, bottoms, layers, and outfit combinations.

Jacket

Not sure about a jacket?

City + month → base / mid / shell stack and pack-or-skip verdicts for rain jacket, coat, and thermals.

Shoes

Shoes for this climate?

Climate, activities, and bag size → pair count, primary/backup types, and climate-matched picks.

Bags

Will this trip cost bag fees?

Airline + fare bucket + bags you plan to bring → fit verdicts and typical carry-on / checked fee ranges.

Capsule

Try sudoku packing for this climate?

City + month → climate-ready 3 tops / 3 bottoms / 3 layers you can edit — up to 27 mix-and-match outfits.

All packing tools

December Packing List for Columbus — What to Wear & Bring

Hotels in Columbus