Last updated: February 26, 2025
In December, La Rochelle, France experiences a chilly coastal climate, with a maximum temperature reaching 16°C (60°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F). The thermometers can dip to a minimum of 0°C (32°F), reminding visitors that winter is in full swing. With precipitation totaling 121 mm (4.8 in) across approximately 16 days, the city enjoys a notably humid environment with levels around 90%, contributing to a crisp, invigorating atmosphere. Adventurers and locals alike can embrace the magic of the season against a backdrop of enchanting French architecture and festive décor.
In La Rochelle, December ushers in the chill of winter, with temperatures typically ranging from a crisp 0°C (32°F) at night to a mild daytime maximum of 16°C (60°F). The average temperature settles around 9°C (48°F), providing a brisk yet manageable climate for visitors. Compared to the preceding months, December marks a noticeable drop, signaling the transition from the temperate autumn into the heart of winter. Despite the cooler air, the city remains vibrant, with festive activities that make exploring its charming streets feel all the more inviting.
December in La Rochelle, France, brings a notable increase in precipitation, with 121 mm (4.8 inches) of rain falling over 16 days—the highest for any month of the year. This uptick marks a sharp contrast to the drier summer months, where rainfall is significantly lower, such as in July and August, which average just 29 mm (1.1 inches) and 33 mm (1.3 inches), respectively. The shift to a wetter climate typically starts in October, culminating in December's peak, making it a key month for replenishing the area's water supply. As temperatures drop and the weather turns more unpredictable, these rainy days create a cozy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the season's charm while contemplating the warm glow of the festive lights amidst the showers.
December in La Rochelle, France, marks a peak in humidity levels, reaching 90%. This is a noticeable rise from the relatively lower figures recorded in the summer months, where July and August enjoy more moderate humidity levels of 65% and 67%, respectively. As the year progresses, humidity steadily climbs, with October and November displaying levels of 85% and 88%. The trend is clear: as the seasons shift towards winter, so does the moisture content in the air, creating a rich, chilly ambiance in December that often accompanies the festive spirit. This seasonal shift emphasizes the maritime climate of La Rochelle, ensuring that even in the heart of winter, the air remains thick with humidity, offering a distinct character to the city during this time.
In December, La Rochelle experiences a low UV Index of 2, indicating minimal sun exposure risk with a burn time of 45 minutes. This month marks a noticeable dip from the moderate levels seen in the autumn months of October and November, where the UV Index reached 5 and 3, respectively. As we transition into winter, the UV Index continues its gradual decline from the heights of summer, where it peaked at 9 in June and July, categorizing those months as very high risk. With shorter days and less intense sunlight, December presents a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with less concern, making it a perfect time to embrace the festive season in La Rochelle. For more detailed information on the UV Index throughout the year, visit La Rochelle UV Index.
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December in La Rochelle, France, offers a serene yet sunlit finale to the year, with an average of 195 hours of sunshine. While this marks a decline from the vibrant summer months, where sunshine peaked at 422 hours in July, the city's milder winter still invites a comforting glow. There’s a gradual decrease in sunlight as the year progresses, starting from the bustling 398 hours in May to the cooler 234 hours in November. Despite December's shorter days, its 195 hours shimmer with promise, reminding us that even in winter, La Rochelle's charm shines brightly, encouraging both locals and visitors to bask in its festive atmosphere and enchanting vistas.
In La Rochelle, France, December presents a transitional period as the year winds down, with a 38% chance of sunny weather—a notable drop compared to the brighter spring months. Following the sunny peaks of March and April, where the likelihood of sunshine exceeds 50%, the colder months reflect a decrease in sunlit days. Contrastingly, December's weather is not as dismal as some winter months; while the 40% chance in November hints at lingering autumn sunlight, December still offers glimpses of brightness among the increasing clouds. As holiday festivities unfold, residents and visitors can cherish those rare sunny moments, even as the chill of winter begins to settle in.
In La Rochelle, France, the daylight duration throughout the year showcases a captivating rhythm that reflects the shifting seasons. Starting from a modest 8 hours in December, the days gradually lengthen, reaching a peak of 15 hours in both June and July. As the summer fades, daylight begins to wane, leading back to 9 hours by November. This pattern highlights a clear trend: as winter approaches, daylight diminishes, only to be rejuvenated with the arrival of each spring month, bringing an increase from 10 hours in February to 14 hours in May. This cyclical change invites residents and visitors alike to cherish each fleeting moment of sunlight throughout the year.
As December unfolds in La Rochelle, France, the coastal environment transforms with an invigorating average wind speed of 5.5 m/s (12 mph), matching the breezy conditions of January and May. This uptick in windiness is a notable shift, especially following the calmer summer months of June and September, where speeds dipped as low as 3.5 m/s (8 mph). The increase in wind energy during winter not only invigorates the landscape but also sets the stage for a dynamic atmosphere, perfect for those who relish in the dance of the elements. With December’s winds echoing the briskness of early winter, visitors and locals alike find themselves wrapped in the refreshing embrace of the maritime climate that characterizes this charming port city.
The weather in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle and find detailed weather information for every month.
In comparing the weather between December and January, December tends to be slightly milder with average temperatures around 9°C (48°F), while January experiences a drop with an average of 7°C (45°F). December also sees a higher minimum temperature of 0°C (32°F), whereas January can dip to -4°C (25°F). Precipitation is more prevalent in December, with 121 mm (4.8 in) falling over 16 days compared to January's lighter total of 61 mm (2.4 in) over 10 days. Additionally, humidity remains relatively high in both months but is marginally lower in January at 88% compared to 90% in December. For more detailed insights, you can visit La Rochelle weather in January.
In December, the weather tends to be cool and wet, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a maximum of 16°C (60°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F). The month sees significant precipitation, accumulating 121 mm (4.8 in) over 16 days, coupled with high humidity at 90%. In contrast, February experiences slightly colder temperatures, with minima dropping to -5°C (24°F) but still an average of 9°C (48°F), and a maximum reaching 19°C (66°F). Precipitation decreases significantly to 69 mm (2.7 in) over just 11 days, and humidity remains lower at 87%. For a detailed look at weather trends during February, you can check La Rochelle weather in February.
December and March present striking contrasts in weather conditions. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a mild maximum of 16°C (60°F), averaging around 9°C (48°F). This month is characterized by higher humidity at 90% and considerable precipitation, totaling 121 mm (4.8 in) over approximately 16 days. In comparison, March sees a wider temperature range with lows of -5°C (23°F) and highs reaching 22°C (72°F), averaging 10°C (51°F). The precipitation is notably lower at 75 mm (3.0 in) across 12 days, and humidity decreases to 84%. For more detailed insights on the weather in March, you can check La Rochelle weather in March.
December and April showcase distinctly different weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a mild maximum of 16°C (60°F), with an average of 9°C (48°F). The month is also characterized by high humidity at 90% and significant precipitation, totaling 121 mm (4.8 in) over 16 rainy days. In contrast, April experiences more moderate temperatures, with a minimum of 1°C (34°F), an average of 13°C (55°F), and a maximum of 24°C (76°F). Additionally, April sees much less precipitation, with only 42 mm (1.7 in) over 8 days and slightly lower humidity at 83%. For a closer look at weather specifics in April, visit La Rochelle weather in April.
In December, the weather is quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a maximum of 16°C (60°F) and an average temperature of 9°C (48°F). The month sees significant precipitation, totaling 121 mm (4.8 in) over 16 days, and a high humidity level of 90%. In contrast, May offers a more pleasant climate, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 5°C (41°F), peaking at 29°C (84°F), and averaging 16°C (60°F). Rainfall is reduced to 69 mm (2.7 in) over just 11 days, and the humidity is slightly lower at 81%. For a detailed look at the weather in May, you can visit La Rochelle weather in May.
In December, the weather is notably cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a maximum of 16°C (60°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F). This month also experiences high humidity at 90% and significant precipitation of 121 mm (4.8 in) over approximately 16 days. In contrast, June offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 11°C (52°F), reaching an average of 19°C (66°F), and climbing up to a maximum of 33°C (92°F). The humidity drops to 75%, and precipitation is less frequent, totaling 74 mm (2.9 in) over just 10 days. For a more detailed overview of June weather, you can check this link: La Rochelle weather in June.
December and July exhibit stark contrasts in weather. December experiences cooler temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a maximum of 16°C (60°F), with an average of 9°C (48°F). The month is quite wet, with precipitation totaling 121 mm (4.8 inches) over 16 days and high humidity at 90%. In contrast, July offers a much warmer climate, featuring minimum temperatures of 13°C (55°F) and peaking at 33°C (91°F), with an average of 21°C (70°F). This summer month sees significantly less rain, with only 29 mm (1.1 inches) over 6 days and lower humidity at 65%. For further details on July weather, visit La Rochelle weather in July.
December and August present stark contrasts in weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilly 0°C (32°F) to a mild 16°C (60°F), with an average of 9°C (48°F). This month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 121 mm (4.8 in) spread over 16 days, accompanied by high humidity at 90%. In contrast, August is much warmer, with temperatures fluctuating between 12°C (55°F) and a steamy 33°C (92°F), averaging 20°C (69°F). Precipitation in August is significantly lower, at 33 mm (1.3 in) over just 7 days, and humidity is more comfortable at 67%. For more details, visit La Rochelle weather in August.
In comparison to September, December experiences significantly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 0°C (32°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F), compared to September's milder minimum of 10°C (49°F) and average of 18°C (65°F). Daytime highs peak at 16°C (60°F) in December, while September can reach a warm 30°C (87°F). Additionally, December is much wetter, receiving 121 mm (4.8 in) of precipitation over 16 days, in contrast to September's 44 mm (1.7 in) over only 9 days. The humidity is also higher in December at 90%, compared to September's 75%. For more detailed information on September weather, you can check this link: La Rochelle weather in September.
December weather contrasts sharply with October in terms of temperature and precipitation. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a more moderate average of 9°C (48°F), peaking at 16°C (60°F). Conversely, October enjoys milder temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (40°F) and an average of 15°C (59°F), reaching a maximum of 24°C (75°F). Additionally, December sees higher precipitation levels, totaling 121 mm (4.8 in) over 16 rainy days, compared to October's 85 mm (3.4 in) over just 12 days. The humidity also rises in December, averaging 90% versus October's 85%. For more details, check out La Rochelle weather in October.
In comparing the weather from November to December, we observe a slight drop in temperatures, with December recording an average of 9°C (48°F) compared to November's 10°C (51°F). December sees a minimum temperature of 0°C (32°F) and a maximum of 16°C (60°F), whereas November's temperatures range from 1°C (35°F) to 20°C (67°F). Additionally, December experiences more precipitation, totaling 121 mm (4.8 in) over 16 days, while November has 94 mm (3.7 in) across 12 days. Humidity remains fairly high in both months, with December at 90% and November at 88%. For a more detailed look at November weather patterns, you can check La Rochelle weather in November.
As December wraps La Rochelle in its cool embrace, the weather stands in stark contrast to the milder months preceding it. With temperatures dipping to a brisk low of 0°C and a considerably damp atmosphere boasting 90% humidity, the charm of this coastal city is painted with a palette of gray skies and frequent rainfall, totaling 121 mm over 16 days. While the occasional sunny spell may grant a fleeting respite, December generally invites a cozy indoor atmosphere, making it a time for warm gatherings and exploration of the city's rich heritage. For more insights into what to expect throughout the year, check out La Rochelle Climate.