December in Cincinnati, OH: cool / cold season for golf — expect distance loss and stiff muscles. Best tee times: midday when temperatures are warmest.
| Average December Weather | |
|---|---|
| Avg daily high | 46°F |
| Avg daily low | 32°F |
| Rainy days | 14 / mo |
| Avg peak wind | 11 mph |
December brings an 8°F drop in average high from November's 54°F, putting Cincinnati at 46°F and lows right at 32°F — meaning frost delays are a real possibility most mornings. With 14 precipitation days, it's the 4th-wettest month of the year, and the 11 mph peak wind makes wind chill a factor on any exposed layout. Playable rounds exist, but they require timing.
The window worth targeting is midday on dry, calm days when temps can briefly approach the mid-40s. That's below the 60–80°F comfort range, so layers and hand warmers aren't optional — they're the round. Cart paths are frequently soft or closed, and daylight is at its shortest, compressing usable tee times into roughly a 10 AM–3 PM band. Go in with realistic expectations and December golf in Cincinnati can still deliver.
Book midday slots — 10 AM or later — to let frost clear and temps climb as much as they will; late-afternoon times after 2 PM leave little margin before daylight runs out given December's short days. Weekend tee sheets tend to stay thin this time of year, so last-minute availability is common, but call ahead to confirm cart path conditions after any precipitation. See how conditions rate hour by hour on our playability scale.
December arrives 8°F colder than November and adds two more precipitation days, making it a meaningful step down in playing conditions rather than a gradual slide. By the time January arrives, the high drops another 6°F to 40°F, precipitation edges up one more day to 15, and peak wind ticks up to 11.5 mph — so December actually sits in a narrow but real gap between a still-marginal November and a largely unplayable January.
Climate normals show the long-term picture, but day-to-day weather varies. Check today's live golf weather score for Cincinnati, OH for the current playability rating, hourly wind, temperature, and the recommended tee time window.
← November in Cincinnati, OH • January in Cincinnati, OH →
Most public courses in the Cincinnati area stay open through December on a weather-permitting basis, though some close cart paths or go to walk-only after rain. With 14 precipitation days on average and lows hitting 32°F, you should call the pro shop the morning of your round to confirm conditions rather than assuming the course is fully operational.
Average highs reach only 46°F and lows drop to 32°F, creating a 14-degree daily swing that means frost is possible well into the morning. Wind averages 11 mph at its peak, which can push the feels-like temperature several degrees below the thermometer reading, so plan for conditions closer to the low 40s during your round rather than the afternoon high.