United States, North America

Savannah in December

Holiday decorations in the squares and on River Street. Quiet and affordable.

GoodCool, highs near 62F (17C)

Savannah Forsyth Park, United States — SavannahPhoto: Ben Loomis, CC BY 2.0

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit Savannah. Holiday decorations in the squares and on River Street. Quiet and affordable.

Weather: Cool, highs near 62F (17C)
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What December is like in Savannah

December is cool, quiet and affordable. Highs are near 62F (17C), and evenings are chilly. The squares and River Street are decorated for the holidays, and the city feels calm and festive. Hotel rates are good value for most of the month.

It suits families, couples and anyone who wants a relaxed holiday getaway. Beach days are out. Historic houses and museums keep limited hours around Christmas and New Year's, so check before planning around one. For blooms and warm evenings, come back in April. Book early if you want to be here the week between Christmas and New Year's, when rates rise.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Savannah this month.

Holiday decorations

Wreaths and lights in the squares and along River Street make evening walks feel festive.

Quiet historic district

With few visitors, the squares and Forsyth Park are calm, even on weekends.

Good-value stays

Hotel rates are among the lowest of the year outside the holiday week.

What to pack for December

A warm jacket
Layers for mild afternoons
Comfortable walking shoes
A scarf for chilly evenings

Our timing tip

Walk the decorated squares in the early evening, just after dark, when the lights come on.

Book Savannah for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Savannah
Opens a hotel search for Savannah in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Savannah
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Savannah
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Savannah for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Savannah

Full guide

The squares and Forsyth Park

Walk the historic district early in the morning. Chippewa, Monterey, and Lafayette squares are standouts.

Tickets and tours →

Bonaventure Cemetery

Moss-draped Victorian cemetery on a river bluff. Go in the morning light and respect posted hours.

Tickets and tours →

Fort Pulaski National Monument

A massive brick fort near Tybee, with trails and ranger programs. Easy half day.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Tybee Island

Beach town with a historic lighthouse. Summer weekends are busy; weekdays are easier.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Wormsloe State Historic Site

Famous oak-lined avenue and colonial ruins. The live oak drive is best in morning light.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace

Birthplace of the founder of the Girl Scouts. Tours fill with troops in spring.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Avoid St. Patrick's week unless you are coming for it. The weeks around it offer the same blooms with far fewer people.
Stay in the Victorian District or near Forsyth Park rather than River Street for quieter nights.
Take the walking tours and cemetery visits early, and save the afternoons for museums in summer.
Weekday trips in spring and fall are much calmer than weekends.

Know before you go

Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Storms can close Tybee Island and prompt evacuations.
Sand gnats (no-see-ums) are worst in spring and summer near marshes. Bring repellent.
Historic houses and museums keep limited hours on holidays; check before planning around one.