December Weather in Dawson City, Canada

Last updated: April 22, 2025

Experience the chill of Dawson City, Canada in December, where temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -44°C (-46°F), with an average chill lingering around -21°C (-6°F). Despite the harsh conditions, the maximum temperature occasionally rises to a brisk 2°C (36°F). This winter month witnesses 27 mm (1.1 in) of precipitation over approximately 5 days, wrapped in a blanket of near-total 99% humidity. Those daring enough to venture out will find a mesmerizing, frost-kissed landscape that truly embodies the essence of a Northern winter.

December Temperature in Dawson City

In Dawson City, Canada, December brings a significant chill, with temperatures plunging to an ominous minimum of -44°C (-46°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year. The average temperature rests around a biting -21°C (-6°F), while highs barely peek above freezing at 2°C (36°F). The descent into winter can be observed as December’s temperatures are a continuation of November's frigid patterns, though notably colder, showcasing the region’s stark, icy landscape. This month sets the stage for the deep freeze of January, emphasizing Dawson City's reputation for severe Arctic conditions where warmth is but a fleeting memory. As the year wraps up, the town prepares for its longest nights, with temperatures that remind residents and visitors alike to bundle up and embrace the rugged beauty of winter.

December Weather in Dawson City: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates December temperature patterns in Dawson City, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec-12-9929485861554327-1-6
Data source: Temperature data for Dawson City generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

December Precipitation in Dawson City

In December, Dawson City experiences a notable shift in its precipitation patterns, with a total of 27 mm (1.1 in) of rainfall spread over just 5 days. This marks a decrease compared to the wetter summer months, but still reflects the region's variable climate. The transition from the previous months brings a crispness in the air, and with the snowfall starting to dominate, December's precipitation is vital for restoring the winter landscape. It signals the approach of the colder, darker months while maintaining a connection to the wetter fall, as the amount of rain in December remains significant enough to facilitate the transition into winter. Thus, as the year closes, the city embraces both its icy beauty and the last remnants of autumn's moisture.

December Precipitation Trends in Dawson City

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Dawson City, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec121311224977547038363227
Data source: Precipitation data for December generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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December Humidity in Dawson City

In Dawson City, Canada, December marks a continuation of the region's winter humidity trend, with levels hovering around a noteworthy 99%. This high humidity is a reflection of the preceding months, particularly November's peak at 100%, while January follows closely with 97%. Over the winter, humidity remains consistently elevated, showcasing a progression from 95% in February to 87% in April, before modestly decreasing through the spring. As the year closes, Dawson City's atmosphere is thick with moisture, emphasizing the stark contrast between the icy winter landscape and the lush promise of the warmer months ahead. The cyclical rise and fall of humidity throughout the year not only illustrates the stark seasonal shifts but also emphasizes the unique character of this northern Canadian locale.

December Average Humidity in Dawson City

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Dawson City, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec97%95%91%87%81%83%86%89%91%98%100%99%
Data source: Humidity data for December generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

December UV Index in Dawson City

In December, Dawson City, Canada experiences a low UV Index of 1, similar to the preceding months of January and November. This consistent reading indicates that while sun exposure is minimal, it’s still essential to practice some skin protection, especially during outdoor activities, as the burn time remains around 45 minutes. Interestingly, as the year progresses from the winter months into spring and summer, the UV Index gradually rises, peaking at 5 during the summer, before declining again in the fall. This trend highlights the seasonal variations in UV radiation, emphasizing the importance of staying informed throughout the year. For more detailed information, check out the Dawson City UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Dawson City for December

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Dawson City 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec112455553211
Data source: Dawson City 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 Dawson City

In Dawson City, December offers a stark contrast to the vibrant sunshine of the summer months, basking in just 48 hours of light, the lowest of the year. This decline follows a remarkable upward trend from January's 58 hours, gradually climbing to a peak in July with 392 hours of bright summer days. As autumn approaches, the daylight dwindles, slipping to 240 hours in September and then further to 83 hours in November. The marked seasonal variations highlight the long, dark winters typical of the region, underscoring the dramatic shift from the sun-drenched days of summer to the crisp, shadowy December evenings.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Dawson City: December Highlighted

The December sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Dawson City 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec58h140h249h327h386h382h392h296h240h134h83h48h
Data source: Dawson City December Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Dawson City During December

In December, Dawson City experiences a mere 23% chance of sunny weather, reflecting the city's transition into winter. While this percentage is slightly better than the gloomy October and November, both of which hover around 20%, it still indicates that sunshine is a scarce commodity during this time of year. Interestingly, as the seasons change, the likelihood of sun gradually improves from winter's depths, with month-to-month fluctuations suggesting brighter days ahead in the spring months. Notably, April boasts the highest chance at 54%, showing a marked contrast to December's frosty gloom. If you're dreaming of sunlit scenes in December, be prepared for the likelihood of overcast skies as the long winter nights take hold in this northern town.

Percentage of Sunny Days in December in Dawson City

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Dawson City 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 Dawson City experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec31%46%43%54%27%36%37%27%30%19%20%23%
Data source: Dawson City December chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Dawson City in December

In Dawson City, Canada, the transition from winter to summer presents a remarkable shift in daylight duration, underscoring the region's unique seasonal rhythm. December marks a low point, with just 4 hours of daylight, as the long, dark nights unfold. This brief glimmer of sunlight gradually increases in the coming months; by February, daylight expands to 8 hours, signaling the first signs of the sun's return. As spring approaches, the days lengthen rapidly—from 11 hours in March to 15 hours in April—culminating in the longest days of summer, where June showcases a generous 20 hours of sunlight. Even as the days begin to shorten again in late summer, daylight remains plentiful, providing a striking contrast to the depths of winter, where even November's 6 hours feel like a distant memory compared to the bright glow of midsummer. This dynamic interplay between light and darkness shapes the vibrant lifestyle of Dawson City's residents, illustrating the beauty of nature's cycles.

Average Daylight Hours in Dawson City for December

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Dawson City throughout the year, with December highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec5h 33m8h 36m11h 52m15h 11m18h 30m20h 46m19h 24m16h 10m12h 53m9h 37m6h 24m4h 21m
Data source: Dawson City daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

December Winds in Dawson City

As December ushers in the calm of winter in Dawson City, Canada, the average wind speed settles at a gentle 1.5 m/s (3 mph), mirroring the tranquility of January and February. This slight, consistent breeze is a part of a broader trend throughout the year, where wind speeds fluctuate modestly but rarely exceed 2.2 m/s (5 mph). In the warmer months, such as April to September, winds feel a bit stronger, hovering around 2.0 to 2.2 m/s, creating a pleasant atmosphere for outdoor activities. However, as temperatures drop in the latter part of the year, the winds recede to their winter averages. This pattern showcases the subdued yet steady presence of wind in Dawson City, adding to the serene beauty of its winter landscape.

Average December Wind Speed in Dawson City

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Dawson City, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1.51.51.62.22.01.71.71.81.81.71.41.5 m/s
Data source: Dawson City December wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How December Weather in Dawson City Compares to Other Months

The weather in Dawson City 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 Dawson City and find detailed weather information for every month.

In December, temperatures in Dawson City can be frigid, with a minimum of -44°C (-46°F) and an average of -21°C (-6°F), giving way to a maximum of 2°C (36°F). The month experiences about 27 mm (1.1 in) of precipitation over five days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 99%. In contrast, January brings even colder conditions, with the minimum plummeting to -48°C (-55°F) and an average of -24°C (-12°F), while still reaching a high of 2°C (36°F). Precipitation decreases to 12 mm (0.5 in) across just two days, and humidity remains relatively high at 97%. For more detailed insights, check out Dawson City weather in January.

December and February in Dawson City both feature frigid temperatures, but December is slightly milder on average. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of -44°C (-46°F) to a maximum of 2°C (36°F), while February sees a similar maximum but colder averages, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of -45°C (-48°F) and an average of -23°C (-9°F). Precipitation is more frequent in December, with 27 mm (1.1 in) over 5 days compared to just 13 mm (0.5 in) over 4 days in February. Additionally, December has a slightly higher humidity at 99%, compared to February’s 95%. For more specific details, check Dawson City weather in February.

In December, temperatures in Dawson City are significantly colder, with a minimum of -44°C (-46°F) and an average of -21°C (-6°F), while March brings slightly milder conditions, with minimums around -38°C (-35°F) and an average of -13°C (10°F). December also sees a maximum of just 2°C (36°F), whereas March can reach up to 10°C (51°F). Precipitation is heavier in December at 27 mm (1.1 in) over five days, compared to March, which only receives 11 mm (0.4 in) over four days. Humidity levels also diminish from an impressive 99% in December to 91% in March, making March feel comparatively drier. For more detailed information, check out Dawson City weather in March.

In December, the weather in Dawson City is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -44°C (-46°F) and an average of -21°C (-6°F), rarely climbing above freezing at 2°C (36°F). The month sees a modest 27 mm (1.1 in) of precipitation spread over 5 days, accompanied by almost complete saturation at 99% humidity. In contrast, April brings a significant shift with milder conditions; temperatures range from a minimum of -28°C (-18°F) to a comfortable maximum of 15°C (60°F), and the average rises to -2°C (29°F). Precipitation decreases slightly to 22 mm (0.9 in) over just 4 days, and humidity levels drop to 87%. For more detailed information on April weather, visit Dawson City weather in April.

December and May present strikingly different weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plummet to a frigid minimum of -44°C (-46°F), with an average temperature of -21°C (-6°F) and a maximum reaching only 2°C (36°F). The month sees low precipitation levels at 27 mm (1.1 in) over just 5 days, coupled with a remarkable 99% humidity, making the air feel particularly crisp. In contrast, May brings a significant warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -7°C (20°F) to a sunny maximum of 26°C (79°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F). Precipitation increases to 49 mm (1.9 in) spread over 12 days, but the humidity drops to a more comfortable 81%. For a detailed look at May’s weather patterns, visit Dawson City weather in May.

The weather in December and June presents a stark contrast, showcasing the extremes of seasonal changes. In December, temperatures plunge to a chilling minimum of -44°C (-46°F), with an average around -21°C (-6°F) and a maximum of just 2°C (36°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 99%, coupled with limited precipitation of 27 mm (1.1 in) over just five days. In sharp contrast, June welcomes milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a pleasant average of 14°C (58°F), reaching a maximum of 29°C (85°F). June also experiences more rainfall, totaling 77 mm (3.0 in) across about 15 days, but with a lower humidity level of 83%. For a closer look at the warm and vibrant conditions of this month, visit Dawson City weather in June.

December and July present stark contrasts in weather for Dawson City. In December, temperatures plunge, with a minimum of -44°C (-46°F) and an average of -21°C (-6°F), creating a frigid environment. The month experiences minimal precipitation, averaging 27 mm (1.1 in) over just five days, while humidity remains extremely high at 99%. In contrast, July brings warmth and life, with a minimum temperature of 4°C (39°F) and an average of 16°C (62°F), peaking at a pleasant 29°C (85°F). The summer month sees more precipitation at 54 mm (2.1 in) spread over 12 days, accompanied by lower humidity at 86%. For a closer look at the vibrant July weather, you can check out Dawson City weather in July.

The weather in December presents a stark contrast to that of August in Dawson City. In December, temperatures plunge to a minimum of -44°C (-46°F), with an average of -21°C (-6°F) and a maximum of only 2°C (36°F). This frigid month sees significant humidity at 99%, and while precipitation is relatively low at 27 mm (1.1 in) over just 5 days, the cold can feel particularly biting.

In contrast, August brings much milder conditions, where temperatures range from a minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a warm average of 13°C (55°F) and can even reach a maximum of 30°C (85°F). This month is also wetter, with 70 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation spread over 13 days, though the humidity remains relatively high at 89%. For more details on August's weather, visit Dawson City weather in August.

When comparing the weather in December and September, the contrast is striking. December's frigid temperatures drop to a minimum of -44°C (-46°F) and average around -21°C (-6°F), with a maximum of only 2°C (36°F), while September enjoys a much milder range, with minimums of -7°C (20°F) and maximums reaching 22°C (72°F). Precipitation in September is slightly higher at 38 mm (1.5 in) over 9 days, compared to December's 27 mm (1.1 in) over just 5 days. Additionally, December's humidity is notably higher at 99%, compared to September's 91%. For a more detailed look at the September weather in Dawson City, you can check out Dawson City weather in September.

December weather in Dawson City presents a stark contrast to October. While October experiences milder temperatures with a minimum of -23°C (-9°F) and an average of -3°C (27°F), December plunges to extreme lows, with a minimum of -44°C (-46°F) and an average of -21°C (-6°F). Precipitation is slightly lower in December at 27 mm (1.1 in) over 5 days, compared to October's 36 mm (1.4 in) across 8 days. Additionally, December's humidity reaches a near-saturation level at 99%, making the cold feel even more biting, whereas October maintains a slightly lower humidity at 98%. For more insights on October weather, visit Dawson City weather in October.

In comparing the weather between December and November, December experiences slightly higher average temperatures, with a minimum of -44°C (-46°F) and a maximum of 2°C (36°F) compared to November's minimum of -39°C (-39°F) and maximum of 0°C (32°F). However, December sees a lower average precipitation of 27 mm (1.1 in) over 5 days, while November has a bit more precipitation at 32 mm (1.2 in) across 8 days. Both months maintain high humidity levels, with December at 99% and November reaching 100%. For more detailed insights, you can check Dawson City weather in November.

Compare Dawson City's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From December Weather in Dawson City

December in Dawson City marks a significant departure from the milder months, plunging into the grip of deep winter. With temperatures averaging a chilling -21°C (-6°F) and nighttime lows reaching an astonishing -44°C (-46°F), it's a time when the town is blanketed in snow and ice. The high humidity of 99% further intensifies the cold, making it feel even more frigid. Precipitation, though minimal at 27 mm over just five days, falls predominantly as snow, adding to the serene winter landscape. For those curious about how this stark seasonal change shapes life in Dawson City, you can explore more at the Dawson City Climate page.