Springfield in December
Not the best time
December wraps Springfield in winter's grip with cold temperatures and unpredictable snow. The holiday decorations add charm, especially around the State Capitol, but most visitors prefer staying indoors. Plan backup activities in case weather forces schedule changes.
Weather
December brings full winter conditions with snow, ice, and temperatures that rarely climb above freezing. Gray skies dominate, and the wind chill makes it feel much colder. Snow accumulation varies wildly - some years bring blizzards, others just flurries.
4°C high-4°C low7 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$95/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Holiday light displays downtown
- •Christmas at the Executive Mansion
- •New Year's Eve celebrations
December Tips
- •Winter weather can cancel flights and close roads suddenly
- •Many attractions operate on limited holiday schedules
- •Downtown holiday displays are worth braving the cold
All Months
April through June gives you the best weather without the summer humidity that makes Illinois feel like a swamp. Spring brings the prairie wildflowers, and temperatures hover in the comfortable 60-75°F range. September and October are equally sweet — fall colors peak around mid-October, and you'll get crisp mornings perfect for walking the Lincoln sites. Summer gets sticky, with July temperatures pushing 85°F plus humidity that'll have you sweating through your shirt. But summer also brings the Illinois State Fair in August, which is genuinely worth planning around if you want to see Springfield at its most authentically Midwestern. Winter is cold and gray, though December brings holiday decorations to the historic sites. Spring break timing works well for families, and you'll avoid the summer tourist buses from Chicago.
Springfield Scores
Solo
5/10
Couples
5/10
Families
8/10
Adventure
4/10
Budget
8/10
Luxury
4/10
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