Things to do in Tofino in December

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Overview

December is a less popular time to visit Tofino. The weather is usually cold with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 38—43°F (3—6°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Tofino during this time. Some of our top recommendations: go on a scenic drive along Pacific Rim Highway, attend the Tofino Winterlights Festival, try your hand at winter surfing, and more!

Tofino has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your December trip to Tofino. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to December. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Tofino in December. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout December, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Tofino in December

Top experiences in December
Go on a scenic drive along Pacific Rim Highway
The Pacific Rim Highway offers breathtaking views of Tofino's rugged coastline, ancient rainforest, and pristine beaches, and December is a great time to take a leisurely drive along this scenic route. Marvel at the wild and untamed beauty of the landscape as you wind your way through the coastal mountains and along the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as bald eagles, black bears, and sea otters, and be sure to stop at the various lookout points and beach access trails along the way. It's a peaceful and rejuvenating way to soak in the natural splendor of Tofino.
Attend the Tofino Winterlights Festival
The Tofino Winterlights Festival is a magical celebration of the holiday season, featuring enchanting light displays, festive music, and seasonal activities for the whole family. Stroll through the twinkling gardens and pathways of the Tofino Botanical Gardens, where thousands of lights create a whimsical and enchanting atmosphere. Warm up by the fire pits, enjoy live music and entertainment, and indulge in delicious holiday treats and hot beverages. It's a heartwarming and joyful experience that will fill you with the spirit of the season.
Try your hand at winter surfing
Tofino is a world-renowned surfing destination, and December is a great time to experience the thrill of riding the waves on the Pacific Ocean. Bundle up in a thick wetsuit and brave the chilly waters for an exhilarating winter surfing session. The winter swells can be powerful and challenging, making for an adrenaline-pumping and unforgettable surfing experience. Whether you're a seasoned surfer or a beginner, Tofino's waves offer something for everyone, and the stunning coastal scenery adds to the magic of the experience.
Take a hot springs soak at Hot Springs Cove
One of the most magical experiences you can have in Tofino in December is taking a soak in the natural hot springs at Hot Springs Cove. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the hot springs are nestled in a remote cove surrounded by lush rainforest. The contrast of the warm, soothing waters against the cool, crisp air is incredibly rejuvenating, and the stunning coastal scenery adds to the sense of tranquility. It's a truly unique and unforgettable way to relax and unwind during the winter months.
Explore the rainforest on a guided hike
Tofino is surrounded by lush, temperate rainforest that comes alive with vibrant greenery and moss-covered trees in December. Joining a guided hike through the rainforest is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of this unique ecosystem. Learn about the diverse plant and animal species that call the rainforest home, and marvel at the towering old-growth trees and cascading waterfalls. It's a peaceful and enriching experience that will deepen your connection to nature.
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Sample local seafood at a waterfront restaurant
Tofino is renowned for its fresh and delicious seafood, and December is a great time to indulge in the local culinary delights. Head to a waterfront restaurant and savor the flavors of the ocean, from succulent Dungeness crab and plump oysters to buttery wild salmon and delicate spot prawns. Pair your meal with a glass of local wine or craft beer, and enjoy the cozy ambiance of the restaurant as you watch the waves crash against the shore. It's a truly decadent and memorable dining experience.
Go whale watching in Clayoquot Sound
December is a great time to go whale watching in Tofino, as it's the peak season for spotting gray whales as they migrate along the coast. Clayoquot Sound is a prime whale watching area, with its rich marine ecosystem and abundance of wildlife. Hop on a boat tour and keep your eyes peeled for the majestic sight of these gentle giants breaching and spouting in the waters. It's a thrilling and awe-inspiring experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the natural world.
Go storm watching at Long Beach
December in Tofino is the perfect time to witness the power of the Pacific Ocean as it churns up massive waves and creates dramatic stormy skies. Long Beach is a popular spot for storm watching, with its wide expanse of sandy shoreline and rugged coastline. Bundle up in warm, waterproof clothing and head out to the beach to experience the raw energy of the winter storms. It's a truly unique and exhilarating experience that will leave you in awe of nature's power.
Go on a wildlife watching tour
December is a fantastic time to observe the diverse wildlife that calls Tofino home, from majestic bald eagles and playful sea otters to elusive black bears and majestic gray whales. Joining a wildlife watching tour gives you the opportunity to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitat, and learn about the
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Holidays in Tofino in December
December
  • Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster (December 11)
  • Christmas Eve (December 24)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)
  • New Year's Eve (December 31)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Tofino in December

Temperatures on an average day in Tofino in December

The average temperature in Tofino in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 43°F (6°C) to a low of 38°F (3°C). Some would describe it as cold with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Tofino, August, has days with highs of 66°F (19°C) and lows of 55°F (13°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 43°F (6°C) and lows of 37°F (3°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Tofino in December based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in December
43°F
highs
38°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold with a gentle breeze
Feels like
65%
Chance of rain
0.546 in
Amount
14.4 mph
Wind speed
88%
Humidity
8.3 hrs
Daylight length
8:09 AM
Sunrise
4:27 PM
Sunset
26%
Cloud cover
Jacket, rain coat and rain boots
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 43°F (6°C) and a low of 38°F (3°C), it generally feels cold with a gentle breeze. There might also be a moderate chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket and top it off with a rain coat and rain boots
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Best attractions for Tofino in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Tofino has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Tofino that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Tofino for December.
Chesterman Beach Rd
1. Chesterman Beach Rd
5.0
(14)
Notable street
Outdoor Activities
Dotted with lodging, this tree-lined road leads to a renowned surf spot with beach access.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Long Beach Unit
2. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Long Beach Unit
4.8
(298)
Park
Outdoor Activities
Long Beach
3. Long Beach
Outdoor Activities
Beaches
Rainforest Trail
4. Rainforest Trail
4.8
(931)
Hiking area
Outdoor Activities
Wood boardwalk & gravel trail through a forest of cedar & hemlock trees hung with mosses.
Hot Springs Cove
5. Hot Springs Cove
Nature & Parks
Hot Springs & Geysers
Hot Springs Cove, formerly Refuge Cove, is an unincorporated settlement on Sydney Inlet on West Coast of Vancouver Island. It is located on the west side of the Openit Peninsula in the western Clayoquot Sound region. Wikipedia.
Schooner Cove Trail
6. Schooner Cove Trail
3.0
(4)
Outdoor Activities
Beaches
Pretty 1.24-mile rainforest trail along a boardwalk leading from a parking lot to a Pacific beach.
Tofino Brewing Co
7. Tofino Brewing Co
4.7
(608)
Brewery
Food & Drink
Naa'Waya'Sum Gardens (formerly the Tofino Botanical Gardens)
8. Naa'Waya'Sum Gardens (formerly the Tofino Botanical Gardens)
4.4
(282)
Ecological park
Nature & Parks
Radar Hill
9. Radar Hill
4.3
(52)
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
Tonquin Park
10. Tonquin Park
4.8
(459)
Park
Nature & Parks
Natural coastal park overlooking the sound with a sandy beach backed by forest & viewing platform.
Cox Bay Beach
11. Cox Bay Beach
4.9
(356)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
This large, sandy beach on a bay is surrounded by trees & is a popular spot for surfing.
Roy Henry Vickers Gallery
12. Roy Henry Vickers Gallery
4.7
(263)
Art gallery
Museums
Clayoquot Sound Theatre
13. Clayoquot Sound Theatre
4.7
(3)
Event venue
Nature & Parks
Big Tree Trail
14. Big Tree Trail
4.8
(146)
Hiking area
Outdoor Activities
Lone Cone Mountain Hostel
15. Lone Cone Mountain Hostel
4.3
(70)
Hostel
Outdoor Activities
Basic dorms in a down-to-earth hostel offering a communal kitchen, gardens & free Wi-Fi.
Wild Side Trail
16. Wild Side Trail
4.8
(9)
Park
Outdoor Activities

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