With the summer crowds gone, Cannon Beach in December is all about the twinkling lights, breezy beach walks, and sitting in the peace that the season brings. Whether you’re here for storm watching, holiday shopping in local boutiques, or unwinding by fire in one of our Cannon Beach vacation rentals, December offers an intimate way to experience the beauty of Cannon Beach.
Weather in Cannon Beach in December
The weather in Cannon Beach in December typically ranges from 48°F to 51°F, and this time of year can be a bit wetter than the other seasons. You’ll want to pack a jacket and your rain gear, but even if December may be rainier, there are many perks to vacationing in Cannon Beach in December. One of the biggest benefits is the absence of crowds, meaning you’ll skip waiting in long lines and get to enjoy wide open spaces on the beach.
Where to Stay in Cannon Beach
When deciding where to stay in Cannon Beach, our Cannon Beach luxury vacation rentals offer comfort, space, and a true home-away-from-home experience. Instead of a standard hotel room, you can enjoy private living areas, full kitchens for home-cooked meals, and outdoor spaces perfect for taking in coastal views. With thoughtful amenities, added privacy, and the freedom to relax on your own schedule, our Cannon Beach vacation rental lets you settle in and experience the coast like a local.
Tip: Book one of our Cannon Beach beachfront rentals, rentals with a private hot tub, or pet-friendly accommodations to elevate your stay with Haystack Luxury Vacation Rentals.
Winter Activities in Cannon Beach
Winter in Cannon Beach is all about slowing down and savoring the coast at its quietest. Spend crisp mornings walking the shoreline, admiring Haystack Rock through the mist, or simply curl up in your Cannon Beach vacation rental with a good book. With fewer crowds, Cannon Beach in winter is a calm, cozy escape. Here are our favorite Cannon Beach activities in December:
Treat Yourself at the Chocolate Cafe – For those with a sweet tooth, a visit to Cannon Beach’s Chocolate Cafe is a must. The cafe is filled with all the goodies you can imagine, from European chocolate, homemade pastries, and delicious espresso drinks using world-famous Illy espresso. Crowd favorites include the Coconut Haystack, Peanut Butter Cup, Sea Foam, and Nut Cluster. Indulge in all the chocolate goodness, or sip on a cup of hot chocolate or latte to keep you nice and warm.
Seaside Arcade – 15 minutes down the road, you’ll find the Seaside Arcade, which has been a part of Seaside’s history since 1929! There are so many games to choose from, including Fruit Ninja, skeeball, air hockey, Dance Dance Revolution, bumper cars, and more!
Grab a Book from Cannon Beach Book Company – Nothing beats cozying up by the fireplace with a good read and watching a storm roll in. Cannon Beach Book Company carries a large selection of titles from both classic and contemporary reads. You’ll also find art supplies, stationery, and other reading accessories.
Whale Watching at Ecola State Park – One of the best times to see whales in Cannon Beach is from mid-December to mid-January. Ecola State Park offers the perfect viewing point for spotting whales, right from the main parking lot or at the top of Clatsop Loop Trail in Ecola State Park.
Storm Watching – The winter marks the start of the storm watching season on the Oregon Coast. Grab your camera and get ready to take photos and videos as you watch magnificent waves crash and reach as high as 300 feet. Ecola State Park is always a top choice for storm watching near Cannon Beach, as well as Indian Beach overlooks.
Tidepooling at Haystack Rock – Grab a tide chart from the Visitor’s Center and get to tidepooling at Haystack Rock or Silver Point. You’ll get a chance to see marine life like anemones, barnacles, sea stars, and so much more. If you plan on tidepooling, practice tidepool etiquette so that you preserve and protect the animals and beaches that make it possible.
Holiday Events & Seasonal Activities
Haystack Holidays is one of Cannon Beach’s biggest annual events. While it even begins in November, many of the events run into the month of December, so be sure to attend one!
Cannon Beach in Lights: December 1-31, 2025
Downtown Cannon Beach will be covered in lights for the month of December, with the fan-favorite business winning a prize. Stroll up and down downtown and make note of your favorite decor display and submit your vote online.
Lamp Lighting Ceremony: December 5th @4 PM
Join the Cannon Beach community at Sandpiper Square for the annual Lamp Lighting Ceremony. There will be performances, a visit from Santa, and lamp lighting!
Tolovana Arts Colony Holiday Bazaar: December 6-7 & December 13-14
The Tolovana Arts Colony will host its seventh annual Holiday Bazaar for two weekends in December. This is the perfect place to find holiday gifts for your loved ones! Shop locally-made arts, crafts, and more.
Operation Candy Cane: Nightly at 6 PM on Dec. 11, 12, and 13
Santa will be hitting the streets of Cannon Beach with local firefighters, passing out candy canes to those who donate cans of food or items for the warming center and food bank.
For a full list of Haystack Holiday events, visit CannonBeach.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Cannon Beach?
If you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind cooler temperatures, December is a great time to visit Cannon Beach.
What is the weather like in Cannon Beach in December?
The weather in December is cooler, typically reaching highs in the mid-40s to mid-50s. Rain is a little more prevalent during this time of year, so pack a raincoat and rain boots!
What is there to do in Cannon Beach in the winter?
December is packed with events thanks to Haystack Holidays. From wreath-making shops to Christmas caroling, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Where is the best place to stay in Cannon Beach?
Haystack Luxury Vacation Rentals offers Cannon Beach rentals that boast amenities like pet-friendly accommodations and beachfront locations.