Last updated: April 22, 2025
December in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada showcases a remarkable contrast in weather, with temperatures ranging from a maximum of 12°C (53°F) to a chilling minimum of -29°C (-20°F), averaging around -5°C (23°F). The month is characterized by high humidity levels of 92%, creating a crisp atmosphere that is typical of Canadian winters. Residents and visitors can expect around 67 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation, spread over 14 days, often manifesting as snow that blankets the town in a picturesque winter scene. Whether you're embracing the frost or seeking warmth, December's varied climate offers a unique experience in this charming city.
As December settles in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada, temperatures drop significantly, heralding the onset of winter. With a chilly average of -5°C (23°F), residents brace for lows that can plummet to -29°C (-20°F), while the daytime highs hover around a crisp 12°C (53°F). This month starkly contrasts with the milder late autumn of November, where temperatures were more forgiving. The biting cold serves as a reminder of the frigid winters typical in this region, setting the stage for snow-covered landscapes and a holiday atmosphere. Embracing the chill of December often inspires both locals and visitors to engage in winter festivities, making the most of the season's frosty charm.
In December, Sault Ste. Marie experiences an average precipitation of 67 mm (2.7 in), making it one of the wetter months of the year. This precipitation typically falls over about 14 days, reflecting a notable consistency in winter weather as the year draws to a close. While slightly lower than the 78 mm recorded in November, December's figures highlight a transition into the colder months, where snowfall may contribute significantly to the total. Notably, the precipitation pattern leading into winter shows a gradual increase from the drier summer months, culminating in the higher rainfall of October at 134 mm. As the region braces for the winter season, the prevalence of precipitation underscores the climatic changes and shorter daylight hours of this time of year.
In December, Sault Ste. Marie experiences a noticeable uptick in humidity, reaching 92% as the city embraces the depth of winter. This increase is part of a seasonal trend, following the cooler months where humidity numbers hover relatively high—starting from 95% in January and gradually easing through the spring. The transition into winter months sees humidity peak in early winter, then dip as temperatures rise through the summer, with July recording the lowest at 69%. However, as December arrives, residents can feel the moisture climb, reminiscent of the atmospheric changes preceding the frost and snowfall, creating a stark contrast to the dry heat experienced in the summer months. This seasonal cycle not only influences the comfort level but also paints a vivid picture of Sault Ste. Marie's diverse winter climate.
In Sault Ste. Marie, December ushers in a notable dip in the UV Index, showcasing a low rating of 2. This decrease signals a shift from the intense summer months, where UV levels peak at 9 from June to August, and even a significant 8 in May. As winter settles in, residents can expect a lengthened burn time of 45 minutes, reflecting a relaxed environment for outdoor activities without the typical intense sun exposure that characterizes earlier months. Overall, the data reveals a clear trend throughout the year where UV Index levels rise dramatically in the warmer months, prompting greater caution, while December allows for more leisurely outdoor enjoyment. For further details, check out the full Sault Ste. Marie UV Index.
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Sault Ste. Marie, Canada, experiences a captivating shift in daylight as the year unfolds. December brings with it 104 hours of sunshine, marking a subtle decline from the preceding month while still holding the charm of winter's embrace. This slight dip is part of a broader trend throughout the year, where sunshine hours peak dramatically during the summer, with July boasting an impressive 347 hours. As autumn transitions to winter, the hours gradually diminish, with November’s 123 hours providing a poignant reminder of the colder months ahead. Yet, each season adds its unique beauty to this northern community, reflected in the sun-drenched days of summer, and the serene, albeit shorter, sunny spells of winter.
In Sault Ste. Marie, Canada, the likelihood of sunny weather takes a notable dip in December, with just a 16% chance of sunshine gracing the skies. This trend marks a continuation of the decline seen from the warmer months, where July boasts the highest probability of sun at 57%. As the year progresses to winter, the chances of bright days diminish significantly, reflecting the transition from the vibrant spring and summer months—where sunbeams shine more frequently—to the colder, cloudier winter. This pattern emphasizes the region's chilly December climate, inviting residents and visitors alike to embrace cozy indoor activities as the sun recedes and daylight hours shorten.
In Sault Ste. Marie, Canada, December is marked by a notable decrease in daylight, with only 8 hours of sunlight to illuminate the winter days. Following the gradual decline that begins in November, the trend continues as the length of daylight reaches its annual low. This reduction is a stark contrast to the bright months of late spring and summer, where daylight stretches to a generous 15 hours in June and July. As the year progresses into the depth of winter, day length decreases significantly from a peak of 15 hours in May to a mere 8 hours by December, underscoring the cyclical nature of seasons and the stark transition from the vibrant energy of summer to the quiet stillness of winter.
As winter encroaches upon Sault Ste. Marie, December brings a noticeable shift in wind patterns, with average speeds rising to 4.2 m/s (9 mph). This increase marks a departure from the more gentle breezes of summer, where July recorded the calmest winds at 2.6 m/s (6 mph). As the year draws to a close, December's winds pick up pace, surpassing November's 3.4 m/s (8 mph), suggesting a trend toward brisker conditions. These invigorating winds set the stage for the snowy landscape ahead, inviting residents and visitors alike to embrace the chill of the Canadian winter.
The weather in Sault Ste. Marie 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 Sault Ste. Marie and find detailed weather information for every month.
In December, temperatures in Sault Ste. Marie range from a chilly minimum of -29°C (-20°F) to a more moderate maximum of 12°C (53°F), with an average temperature of -5°C (23°F). The month experiences around 67 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over 14 days, with humidity levels at 92%. In contrast, January sees even colder conditions, with a minimum temperature dropping to -34°C (-28°F) and an average of -9°C (17°F). The maximum temperature in January is capped at 5°C (41°F), and precipitation decreases to 46 mm (1.8 in) over 10 days, accompanied by higher humidity at 95%. For a detailed look at January weather specifics, you can check Sault Ste. Marie weather in January.
In comparing the weather between December and February, both months experience frigid temperatures, but February tends to be slightly milder overall. December's average temperature is -5°C (23°F) with a maximum of 12°C (53°F), while February's average is a chillier -8°C (17°F), peaking at 7°C (45°F). Precipitation levels are similar, with December receiving 67 mm (2.7 in) over 14 days and February slightly less at 63 mm (2.5 in) over 12 days. Humidity is also high in both months, reaching 92% in December and 94% in February, contributing to the biting cold. For those interested in more specifics, you can check out Sault Ste. Marie weather in February.
December and March in Sault Ste. Marie exhibit contrasting winter weather patterns despite similar maximum temperatures. In December, the minimum temperature can plunge to -29°C (-20°F), contributing to an average of -5°C (23°F) and resulting in a notably high humidity level of 92%. This month also experiences more precipitation, totaling 67 mm (2.7 in) over 14 days, making it feel quite wintry. In contrast, March sees milder conditions with a minimum temperature of -22°C (-8°F) and an average of -4°C (26°F). Precipitation decreases to 54 mm (2.1 in) spread over 10 days, and the humidity drops slightly to 89%. For a more in-depth look at the weather specifics, check out Sault Ste. Marie weather in March.
December and April present contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures can plummet as low as -29°C (-20°F), with an average near -5°C (23°F) and a maximum of 12°C (53°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 92% and considerable precipitation, with 67 mm (2.7 in) distributed over 14 days. In contrast, April sees a milder climate, with minimum temperatures around -13°C (10°F) and a more comfortable average of 2°C (37°F), occasionally reaching up to 17°C (64°F). While precipitation increases slightly to 88 mm (3.5 in) over the same number of rainy days, humidity remains lower at 87%. For a closer look at spring weather, check out Sault Ste. Marie weather in April.
December and May present starkly contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures can plunge to a chilling -29°C (-20°F), with an average of -5°C (23°F) and a maximum of only 12°C (53°F). The month is characterized by heavy precipitation totaling 67 mm (2.7 in) over 14 days, coupled with high humidity at 92%. Conversely, May ushers in milder temperatures, with lows of -3°C (27°F), averages around 10°C (50°F), and peaks reaching up to 26°C (79°F). Although precipitation is slightly higher at 75 mm (2.9 in), it occurs over fewer days—only 9—aiding in the lower humidity level of 74%. For a closer look at May’s weather specifics, check out Sault Ste. Marie weather in May.
December and June present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -29°C (-20°F), with an average temperature around -5°C (23°F) and a maximum reaching only 12°C (53°F). The month also sees considerable precipitation of 67 mm (2.7 in) over 14 days, coupled with high humidity levels at 92%. In contrast, June boasts much milder temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F), an average of 16°C (61°F), and a maximum soaring up to 29°C (85°F). The precipitation slightly increases to 113 mm (4.4 in) but occurs over fewer days—just 10—resulting in a lower humidity level at 72%. This dramatic difference highlights the seasonal shift from the harsh, frigid winter of December to the warm, inviting summer of June. For more details, check out Sault Ste. Marie weather in June.
December and July in Sault Ste. Marie present starkly contrasting weather patterns. December experiences frigid temperatures, with averages around -5°C (23°F) and lows plummeting to -29°C (-20°F), while July enjoys a much milder climate, averaging 19°C (67°F) and peaking at 30°C (87°F). Precipitation is quite similar, with December receiving 67 mm (2.7 in) over 14 days and July slightly higher at 74 mm (2.9 in) over just 7 days, reflecting the dampness of winter versus the summer rain. Humidity levels also differ significantly, with December’s humidity at a chilly 92% compared to July’s more comfortable 69%. For more information on summer weather conditions, check Sault Ste. Marie weather in July.
December and August in Sault Ste. Marie present strikingly different weather experiences. December's temperatures plunge to a minimum of -29°C (-20°F), with an average of -5°C (23°F) and a maximum of 12°C (53°F), creating a frigid atmosphere marked by high humidity at 92%. In contrast, August enjoys milder conditions with a minimum of 6°C (44°F) and an average of 19°C (66°F), peaking at a comfortable 28°C (83°F). While December sees about 67 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over 14 days, August is wetter, with 112 mm (4.4 in) spread over just 11 days. For more detailed insights on summer weather, visit Sault Ste. Marie weather in August.
December and September showcase vastly different weather patterns in Sault Ste. Marie. In December, temperatures plummet, with lows reaching -29°C (-20°F) and an average of -5°C (23°F), while maximum temperatures hover around 12°C (53°F). The month sees a high level of humidity at 92%, with precipitation totaling 67 mm (2.7 in) over 14 days. In contrast, September experiences much milder conditions, with minimum temperatures of 2°C (36°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F), peaking at a warm 29°C (85°F). Although September has a higher total precipitation of 114 mm (4.5 in), it falls over just 13 days, and the humidity is notably lower at 77%. For more details, check out Sault Ste. Marie weather in September.
December weather contrasts significantly with that of October. In December, temperatures plunge, with a minimum of -29°C (-20°F) and a chilly average of -5°C (23°F), while the maximum rarely exceeds 12°C (53°F). Precipitation remains moderate at 67 mm (2.7 in) over 14 days, accompanied by high humidity at 92%. In stark contrast, October showcases a milder climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -8°C (19°F) to an average of 8°C (47°F), peaking at 23°C (73°F). Although October experiences a higher total precipitation of 134 mm (5.3 in) over 16 days, the humidity is slightly lower at 85%. For more insights about October weather, you can explore Sault Ste. Marie weather in October.
In December, temperatures dip significantly compared to November, with minimums reaching as low as -29°C (-20°F) and an average of -5°C (23°F), while November experiences milder conditions with a minimum of -20°C (-3°F) and an average of 0°C (32°F). Precipitation in December totals 67 mm (2.7 in) over 14 days, showing a slight decrease from November's 78 mm (3.1 in) across 15 days. Humidity also rises slightly in December to 92%, compared to November's 88%, making the air feel even colder as the year comes to a close. For a detailed look at November's weather, you can check Sault Ste. Marie weather in November.
As December rolls into Sault Ste. Marie, a stark transformation takes place; the crisp chill of winter fully embraces the region, contrasting sharply with the milder temperatures of previous months. While the average temperature hovers around -5°C (23°F), the potential for extreme lows can plunge to a frigid -29°C (-20°F). Notably, the month experiences a significant increase in precipitation, often falling as snow, which contributes to a 92% humidity level that can make the air feel even more biting. Despite these challenges, the snowy landscape creates a picturesque winter wonderland unique to this time of year. For more insight into the weather patterns throughout the year, explore the Sault Ste. Marie Climate page.