December Weather in Canberra, Australia

Last updated: February 25, 2025

December in Canberra, Australia, presents a vivid tapestry of weather, characterized by warm temperatures and occasional summer rainfall. The maximum highs can soar to a sizzling 37°C (98°F), while averages hover around a comfortable 18°C (65°F), offering a pleasant atmosphere for outdoor activities. The month experiences a minimum of 5°C (42°F), providing cooler early mornings and evenings. Alongside these temperature fluctuations, 77 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation graces the city over 7 days, contributing to a humidity level of 61%. This blend of warmth and moisture sets the stage for Canberra's vibrant summer landscape.

December Temperature in Canberra

In Canberra, Australia, December brings a warm embrace as the summer season kicks off. With minimum temperatures around 5°C (42°F) and average highs soaring to 37°C (98°F), residents and visitors relish the sun-drenched days. The trends reflect a gradual warming from the brisk winter months, as the city transitions from an average of 15°C (60°F) in November to a balmy 18°C (65°F) in December. This rise in temperature not only marks the peak of summer but also invites outdoor festivities and exploration, with Canberra's vibrant parks and gardens in full bloom, creating the perfect backdrop for leisurely outings. As the year draws to a close, December’s climate encourages a spirit of adventure and relaxation, embodying the essence of Australian summer living.

December Weather in Canberra: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates December temperature patterns in Canberra, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec706663564843424348556065
Data source: Temperature data for Canberra generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

December Precipitation in Canberra

December in Canberra brings an average precipitation of 77 mm (3.0 in), marking a notable culmination of the wet season. This month typically features about 7 rainy days, offering residents and visitors a mix of sunny and overcast weather as the year draws to a close. Comparatively, while December sees less rainfall than November’s 86 mm (3.4 in), it still stands out amongst the preceding months, where precipitation steadily climbs from 34 mm in January to November. The gradual increase throughout the year hints at a clear seasonal pattern, with December’s notable precipitation levels hinting at the onset of summer rains, providing essential moisture for the thriving ecosystems of the region.

December Precipitation Trends in Canberra

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Canberra, with values for each month alongside December's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how December's conditions compare to those of other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec345572234336336443598677
Data source: Precipitation data for December generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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December Humidity in Canberra

In Canberra, Australia, December marks a shift in humidity as the year draws to a close, with levels settling at 61%. This figure reflects a moderate rise compared to the 57% recorded in November, indicating a gradual increase as the warmer months approach. Observing the broader trend, humidity has steadily climbed from 58% in January to a peak of 80% in July, before tapering off slightly in the following months. December sits comfortably in the midst of this annual cycle, showcasing a notable yet controlled humidity that sets the stage for the balmy summer ahead while still echoing the lingering freshness of spring.

December Average Humidity in Canberra

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Canberra, with December's data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, allowing you to see how December's humidity levels compare to other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec58%65%68%74%78%80%81%77%70%58%57%61%
Data source: Humidity data for December generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

December UV Index in Canberra

In Canberra, Australia, December heralds the peak of summer with a UV Index reaching 15, categorizing the exposure as extreme. This underscores a significant trend throughout the warmer months, where high levels of UV radiation dominate; both January and February also register an equally intense UV Index of 15 and 13, respectively. As the season transitions from spring to summer, the UV Index experiences a pronounced spike, demanding vigilant sun protection with a rapid burn time of only 10 minutes. In stark contrast, the cooler months of June and July reveal a much safer UV Index of 3 to 4, classifying the exposure as moderate and extending burn times to 30 minutes. Therefore, as December approaches, it's crucial for residents and visitors to remain aware and proactive about sun safety. For more detailed information, check out the Canberra UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Canberra for December

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Canberra in December, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec151312853458101215
Data source: Canberra December UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

December Sunshine in Canberra

December in Canberra, Australia, shines brightly with an impressive 340 hours of sunshine, marking it as the sunniest month of the year. This delightful surge in sunlight contrasts sharply with the winter months of June, which dips to just 214 hours. As the year progresses, the trend reveals a gradual increase in sunshine hours, peaking in October and November before the festive glow of December takes center stage. With 301 hours in November and a thrilling 40-hour jump into December, it's clear that the Australian summer is in full swing, inviting residents and visitors alike to bask in its warmth and enjoy outdoor festivities under the brilliant blue skies.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Canberra: December Highlighted

The December sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Canberra experiences direct sunlight during the month of December, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of December with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec277h290h284h268h245h214h234h252h280h296h301h340h
Data source: Canberra December Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Canberra During December

In Canberra, Australia, December brings with it a moderate chance of sunny weather, standing at 41%. This marks a noticeable increase from the gloomier months of November, which sees only 20% sunshine. As the year progresses, the likelihood of sunny days tends to fluctuate, peaking in April with 66%, while winter months dip significantly, with June falling to just 24%. Overall, December provides a pleasant balance, giving residents and visitors hope for clear skies as the festive season approaches, amidst an upward trend compared to the preceding months.

Percentage of Sunny Days in December in Canberra

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Canberra throughout the year, with December highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Canberra experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec48%35%37%66%49%24%33%43%54%44%20%41%
Data source: Canberra December chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Canberra in December

In Canberra, Australia, December marks the peak of daylight duration, basking in a generous 14 hours of sunlight. This vibrant month follows a noticeable cyclical trend where daylight gradually decreases from January's peak of 14 hours to a low of 9 hours in June. As the seasons transition, daylight gradually creeps back, reaching 10 hours in both July and August, before beginning to extend again in September. The gradual increase resumes, culminating in 13 hours in November, just before the cycle completes itself once again in December. This rhythmic pattern of daylight showcases the beauty of Canberra's seasonal shifts, inviting residents and visitors alike to savor the long, sunny days of summer.

Average Daylight Hours in Canberra for December

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Canberra throughout the year, with December highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec14h 12m13h 21m12h 16m11h 10m10h 15m9h 48m10h 2m10h 49m11h 51m12h 58m13h 57m14h 27m
Data source: Canberra daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

December Winds in Canberra

As December arrives in Canberra, Australia, the wind begins to take on a gentler tone, with an average speed of 2.7 m/s (6 mph)—a slight drop from previous months. This reduction in wind strength marks a transition into the summer season, where the gusts become more refreshing rather than bracing. Interestingly, the winds have shown a bit of fluctuation throughout the year, with the strongest breezes recorded in July at 3.4 m/s (8 mph). Overall, December’s milder winds contribute to the warm, vibrant atmosphere of the holiday season, inviting locals and visitors alike to enjoy outdoor festivities under the sunny skies.

Average December Wind Speed in Canberra

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Canberra, with values for each month shown alongside December's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how December's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.12.83.22.42.62.83.43.03.23.23.22.7 m/s
Data source: Canberra December wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How December Weather in Canberra Compares to Other Months

The weather in Canberra changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of December's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Canberra and find detailed weather information for every month.

In December, temperatures in Canberra range from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 37°C (98°F), with an average temperature of 18°C (65°F). The month experiences about 77 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation over 7 days, resulting in a humidity level of 61%. In comparison, January offers slightly warmer weather, with minimum temperatures of 6°C (44°F) and maximums reaching 38°C (101°F). The average temperature increases to 21°C (70°F), and precipitation drops significantly to 34 mm (1.4 in) over 6 days, while humidity decreases to 58%. For more detailed information, you can check Canberra weather in January.

In December, temperatures in Canberra range from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 37°C (98°F), with an average of 18°C (65°F). The month sees 77 mm (3.0 in) of rainfall over approximately 7 days, and humidity levels are around 61%. In contrast, February exhibits slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (39°F), an average of 19°C (66°F), and a maximum of 39°C (103°F). Precipitation decreases to 55 mm (2.2 in) over about 6 days, while humidity rises to 65%. For a more detailed look at the weather during this month, you can check Canberra weather in February.

December and March in Canberra present distinct weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 37°C (98°F), with an average of 18°C (65°F). The month sees an average rainfall of 77 mm (3.0 in) over about 7 days and humidity at 61%. In contrast, March experiences slightly cooler temperatures, ranging from 2°C (36°F) to 32°C (90°F), with an average of 17°C (63°F). Precipitation is slightly lower, at 72 mm (2.8 in) over 8 days, coupled with a higher humidity level of 68%. For more detailed information, you can check Canberra weather in March.

December and April showcase contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 37°C (98°F), offering warmer days with an average temperature of 18°C (65°F). This month also experiences 77 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation over 7 days, with a humidity level of 61%. In contrast, April features cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C (30°F) and a maximum of 29°C (84°F), yielding an average of 13°C (56°F). Rainfall is significantly lighter at 23 mm (0.9 in) over just 3 days, but the humidity is slightly higher at 74%. For more detailed insights on April weather, visit Canberra weather in April.

The weather in December is notably warmer and drier compared to May, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a scorching maximum of 37°C (98°F) and an average of 18°C (65°F). In contrast, May experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -3°C (27°F) and a maximum of 22°C (72°F), averaging only 9°C (48°F). While December sees higher precipitation with 77 mm (3.0 in) over 7 days, May has less rainfall at 43 mm (1.7 in) also over 7 days, though it faces higher humidity at 78%. For a detailed look at the weather conditions, you can refer to Canberra weather in May.

December and June exhibit stark differences in weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a mild 18°C (65°F) on average, with highs reaching up to 37°C (98°F), creating a warm and often humid atmosphere with 77 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation spread over 7 days. In contrast, June experiences a cooler climate, where the average temperature is only 6°C (43°F), with minimums dropping to -5°C (24°F) and maximums capping at 16°C (60°F). The month sees significantly less precipitation at 36 mm (1.4 in) over 6 days, and higher humidity at 79%. For more detailed insights, you can check Canberra weather in June.

The weather in December is significantly warmer than in July, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C to a maximum of 37°C, while July experiences much cooler conditions, with a range from -6°C to 16°C. Rainfall is more prevalent in December, totaling 77 mm over 7 days, compared to July's lighter precipitation of 33 mm over just 6 days. Additionally, December has a humidity level of 61%, while July is notably more humid at 80%. For a detailed look at the weather specifics during this cooler month, check out Canberra weather in July.

December and August present starkly contrasting weather patterns. In December, the temperature ranges from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a high of 37°C (98°F), with an average of 18°C (65°F) and monthly precipitation totaling 77 mm (3.0 in) across approximately 7 days. The humidity level hovers around 61%, contributing to a warm and often dry atmosphere. Conversely, August experiences significantly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -5°C (24°F) and a maximum of 18°C (65°F), averaging just 6°C (43°F). Precipitation is slightly lower at 64 mm (2.5 in) over about 9 days, and the humidity is higher at 77%, leading to a chillier and more damp environment. For a deeper look at the conditions in August, check out Canberra weather in August.

When comparing the weather of December and September, December tends to be significantly warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 37°C (98°F), leading to an average of 18°C (65°F). In contrast, September is noticeably cooler, with temperatures dipping as low as -3°C (27°F) and a maximum reaching 26°C (79°F), averaging only 9°C (49°F). Additionally, December experiences more precipitation, totaling 77 mm (3.0 in) over about 7 days, while September receives less at 43 mm (1.7 in) over 5 days. Humidity levels are also slightly lower in December at 61%, compared to 70% in September. For more detailed information, check Canberra weather in September.

In December, the weather in Canberra tends to be significantly warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 37°C (98°F) and an average of 18°C (65°F). This month also experiences higher humidity levels at 61% and more precipitation, totaling 77 mm (3.0 in) over approximately 7 days. In contrast, October features much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C (31°F) and a maximum of 28°C (82°F), alongside a lower average of 13°C (56°F). Precipitation in October is also less intense, measuring 59 mm (2.3 in) over around 9 days, while the humidity is slightly lower at 58%. For a more detailed view, check out Canberra weather in October.

In comparing the weather between November and December, December showcases warmer temperatures with a minimum of 5°C (42°F) compared to November's cooler 1°C (35°F). The average temperatures also rise in December to 18°C (65°F) from November's 15°C (60°F), and the maximum temperature reaches up to 37°C (98°F) compared to November's high of 35°C (95°F). Although December has slightly less precipitation, with 77 mm (3.0 in) over 7 days, November experiences a bit more rain at 86 mm (3.4 in) over 9 days. The humidity levels are also slightly higher in December at 61%, compared to November’s 57%. For further details, you can check Canberra weather in November.

Compare Canberra's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From December Weather in Canberra

As December rolls into Canberra, the city's weather transforms into a vibrant tapestry of warmth and humidity, setting it apart from the cooler months of the year. With maximum temperatures soaring up to a sizzling 37°C (98°F), residents and visitors alike bask in sunny days and the lively atmosphere of the Australian summer. The average temperature hovers around a pleasant 18°C (65°F), creating ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. Despite experiencing only a handful of rainy days, with total precipitation around 77 mm, December's weather remains invigoratingly humid at 61%, enhancing the lushness of the landscape. For an in-depth understanding of this unique climate, explore more at Canberra Climate.