Last updated: February 26, 2025
December in Sarlat-la-Canéda, France, is characterized by a cool, often damp climate. With average temperatures hovering around 7°C (44°F) and maximums reaching up to 16°C (62°F), chilly days are punctuated by the occasional frost, as the minimum temperatures can drop to -5°C (23°F). The month experiences substantial precipitation, totaling 132 mm (5.2 in) over approximately 16 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 92%. Despite the wet conditions, the enchanting beauty of Sarlat's medieval architecture combined with its festive holiday spirit makes December an alluring time to visit this picturesque destination.
In Sarlat-la-Canéda, December marks a notable transition as temperatures begin to dip, setting the stage for winter. With minimums averaging -5°C (23°F), the chill in the air is palpable, although the average temperature hovers around 7°C (44°F), offering a mild reprieve during the day. The maximum temperature reaches up to 16°C (62°F), hinting at the lingering warmth of autumn. As the year winds down, these cooler conditions create a cozy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the town's vibrant holiday festivities and exploring its picturesque streets, all wrapped in a blanket of seasonal charm.
In December, Sarlat-la-Caneda experiences its rainiest month of the year, with precipitation reaching a notable 132 mm (5.2 in) over 16 days. This significant uptick in rainfall compared to the preceding months creates a striking contrast, as November recorded 84 mm over just 12 days. The extended rainy spell in December signifies a transition into the wetter winter season, with the number of rainy days peaking just as temperatures drop. Such trends not only emphasize the region's climatic variability but also contribute to the lush landscape that surrounds this charming French town, making it a captivating destination, even amidst the rain.
In Sarlat-la-Canéda, December ushers in a notable rise in humidity, reaching 92%—the highest level of the year. This month marks a departure from the trend of gradually declining humidity seen from August, where levels dipped to 75%. As the year draws to a close, the humidity begins to creep back up, reflecting the transition into winter. Notably, November also experiences elevated humidity at 90%, suggesting that the colder months bring a consistent moisture to the air. Despite the initial drop during the summer, the late-year figures highlight a return to dampness, with December's humidity underscoring the region's characteristic winter climate.
In December, Sarlat-la-Caneda enjoys a low UV Index of 2, offering a welcome pause from the high levels of sun exposure seen in the preceding months. This trend marks a shift from the very high UV ratings of late spring and summer, where burn times drop to just 15 minutes. As the year winds down, residents and visitors can comfortably spend up to 45 minutes outdoors without the same level of risk for sunburn. This cyclical pattern highlights the region's transition from vibrant sun-soaked days to the cooler, more forgiving winter months. For a detailed look at UV levels throughout the year in Sarlat-la-Caneda, check out Sarlat-la-Caneda UV Index.
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In Sarlat-la-Canéda, December casts a gentle glow with approximately 173 hours of sunshine, marking a subtle lull in its vibrant yearly warmth. As winter sets in, the number of sunny hours dips from the peak summer months of July and June, which bask in over 400 hours of sunlight. This seasonal trend reveals a consistent ebb and flow of daylight, with autumn transitioning gracefully into winter. Interestingly, while December sees a decrease, it still surpasses the earlier winter months of January and February, which struggle with just 145 and 212 hours, respectively. This flattering balance of light makes Sarlat a charming destination even in the cooler months, inviting visitors to enjoy the picturesque medieval streets illuminated by the soft winter sun.
In Sarlat-la-Canéda, the likelihood of sunny weather in December stands at 42%, showcasing a noticeable increase compared to the earlier winter months. As the year progresses, the chance of clear skies begins to rise from January's low of 23% to a peak of 55% in both March and April. While December’s sunshine likelihood is lower than the summer months, such as August with 52%, it offers a promising respite from the gloom of late fall. This trend indicates that while December may not guarantee sunny days, it certainly holds a better chance than the colder months preceding it, inviting visitors to enjoy the picturesque beauty of the region during the festive season.
In December, Sarlat-la-Canéda experiences a significant decrease in daylight, with only 8 hours of sunlight. This marks a stark contrast to the longer days of summer, where daylight peaks at 15 hours from June to July. As the year progresses from October’s 10 hours to November’s 9 hours, December symbolizes the height of winter, leading into a cycle of shorter days in the colder months. From January to March, daylight gradually begins to reclaim ground, setting the stage for the 11 hours in March as spring approaches. This cyclical pattern not only highlights the seasonal transitions but also invites locals and visitors to embrace the cozy charm of winter in this picturesque French town.
As December unfolds in Sarlat-la-Canéda, the winds begin to pick up once more, echoing the festivities of the season. With an average wind speed of 3.0 m/s (7 mph), December's breezes mirror those seen in the earlier months of the year, particularly January and March. This slight increase signifies a transition from the warmer, calmer air of summer and early autumn, when speeds dipped to their lowest at approximately 2.1 m/s (5 mph) in September. While the winds may be brisker, they remain gentle enough to complement the enchanting charm of this medieval town, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy its timeless beauty wrapped in the crisp winter air.
The weather in Sarlat-la-Caneda 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 Sarlat-la-Caneda and find detailed weather information for every month.
In December, temperatures in Sarlat-la-Caneda range from a chilly minimum of -5°C to a comfortable maximum of 16°C, with an average of 7°C. The month is relatively wet, experiencing 132 mm of precipitation over 16 days, and maintaining high humidity levels at 92%. In contrast, January sees slightly colder temperatures, with a minimum of -7°C and an average of 5°C, but it matches December's maximum of 17°C. Precipitation decreases to 69 mm across 11 days, and humidity remains slightly lower at 90%. For a more detailed look at January weather, you can visit Sarlat-la-Caneda weather in January.
In December, the weather is noticeably cooler with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to a maximum of 16°C (62°F), while February offers slightly milder conditions with temperatures dipping to -7°C (20°F) but peaking at a warmer 24°C (76°F). December experiences higher precipitation levels at 132 mm (5.2 in) over 16 days, compared to February's 75 mm (2.9 in) across just 10 days, indicating a drier month. Additionally, December has a higher humidity level at 92%, whereas February averages around 87%. For a more detailed look at February's climate, you can visit Sarlat-la-Caneda weather in February.
December and March in Sarlat-la-Caneda present quite different weather experiences. In December, temperatures typically range from a chilly -5°C (23°F) to a mild 16°C (62°F), with an average of 7°C (44°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 92% and significant precipitation, totaling 132 mm (5.2 in) over about 16 days. In contrast, March sees slightly cooler minimum temperatures at -6°C (22°F) but a warmer maximum of 25°C (77°F) and an overall average of 10°C (50°F). Precipitation drops to 81 mm (3.2 in) spread over 14 days, and humidity decreases to 85%. For more details on the weather conditions in March, refer to Sarlat-la-Caneda weather in March.
In December, the weather in Sarlat-la-Caneda is quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to a maximum of 16°C (62°F), averaging around 7°C (44°F). The month sees considerable precipitation, totaling 132 mm (5.2 in) over approximately 16 days, and a high humidity level of 92%. Conversely, April brings a more pleasant climate, with temperatures increasing significantly; the minimum dips to -2°C (28°F), while the average rises to 13°C (55°F) and can peak at 28°C (82°F). Additionally, April experiences less rainfall, with only 64 mm (2.5 in) spread over 9 days and a slightly lower humidity of 84%. For more details, check out the Sarlat-la-Caneda weather in April.
December in Sarlat-la-Caneda is characterized by a cold and damp climate, with temperatures ranging from a chill -5°C (23°F) at night to a mild 16°C (62°F) during the day. The month experiences significant precipitation, averaging 132 mm (5.2 inches) over about 16 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 92%. In contrast, May brings a dramatic shift in weather, with temperatures rising from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a warmer maximum of 32°C (90°F). The total precipitation decreases to 99 mm (3.9 inches) over 14 days, and humidity levels drop to 84%. For more insight into the weather specifics in May, you can check Sarlat-la-Caneda weather in May.
December and June exhibit contrasting weather patterns that highlight the seasonal shifts in Sarlat-la-Caneda. In December, temperatures typically range from a chilly -5°C (23°F) to a mild 16°C (62°F), with an average of 7°C (44°F). The month is marked by high humidity at 92% and considerable precipitation, averaging 132 mm (5.2 in) over 16 days. In contrast, June brings warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and an average high of 39°C (102°F), resulting in an average of 20°C (68°F). The month experiences lower humidity at 82% and less rain, with 100 mm (4.0 in) spread over only 11 days. For a deeper look at the weather specifics in June, check out Sarlat-la-Caneda weather in June.
December and July present a stark contrast in weather, showcasing the seasonal extremes. In December, temperatures average around 7°C (44°F), with lows dipping to -5°C (23°F) and highs reaching 16°C (62°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, with 132 mm (5.2 in) falling over 16 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 92%. In sharp contrast, July boasts much warmer temperatures, with an average of 22°C (72°F), minimums of 10°C (50°F), and a maximum peaking at 40°C (104°F). Precipitation during this summer month is notably less, at 54 mm (2.1 in) over just 8 days, coupled with a lower humidity of 79%. For more details, check out Sarlat-la-Caneda weather in July.
The contrast between December and August weather is striking. In December, temperatures range from a chilly -5°C (23°F) at night to a mild 16°C (62°F) during the day, accompanied by high humidity at 92% and substantial precipitation of 132 mm (5.2 in) over about 16 days. In contrast, August boasts much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (48°F) and a sizzling maximum of 39°C (103°F), and significantly less rainfall at 50 mm (2.0 in) over just 8 days, alongside a lower humidity of 75%. For more detailed information on August weather, you can refer to Sarlat-la-Caneda weather in August.
December and September in Sarlat-la-Canéda showcase strikingly different weather patterns. December features much colder temperatures, with minimums dropping to -5°C (23°F) and an average of 7°C (44°F), while September enjoys milder conditions, with minimums around 5°C (42°F) and a much warmer average of 18°C (65°F), peaking at 34°C (93°F). Precipitation is also more frequent in December, occurring over 16 days with a total of 132 mm (5.2 in), compared to September's 67 mm (2.6 in) over just 9 days. The humidity levels are notably higher in December at 92%, while September maintains a more comfortable 79%. For more specific insights on the weather, you can check out Sarlat-la-Caneda weather in September.
In comparing the weather of December and October, October generally experiences milder temperatures, with an average of 14°C (57°F) compared to December's average of 7°C (44°F). October also showcases warmer highs, reaching up to 28°C (82°F), while December's maximum temperature averages at 16°C (62°F). Additionally, October tends to have less precipitation, with 85 mm (3.3 in) over 11 days, compared to December's 132 mm (5.2 in) spread over 16 days. The humidity levels are slightly lower in October at 86%, versus December’s higher humidity of 92%. For more details on the October climate, you can refer to this link: Sarlat-la-Caneda weather in October.
December experiences slightly colder temperatures than November, with minimums reaching -5°C (23°F) compared to November's -3°C (27°F). The average temperature in December is about 7°C (44°F), which is lower than November's average of 9°C (48°F), while the maximum temperature in December peaks at 16°C (62°F), whereas November boasts a higher maximum of 21°C (70°F). December also sees increased precipitation, with 132 mm (5.2 in) over 16 days, compared to November's 84 mm (3.3 in) spread over 12 days. Humidity levels are slightly higher in December at 92%, compared to 90% in November. For more detailed weather statistics, you can check Sarlat-la-Caneda weather in November.
As December settles over Sarlat-la-Caneda, the city's weather transforms into a cooler and more humid atmosphere compared to the preceding months. With average temperatures dipping to a brisk 7°C, residents and visitors alike experience the charm of winter, highlighted by an increase in precipitation that often graces the town with a romantic mist. While December brings a higher humidity level, it also offers cozy moments ideal for exploring the delightful Christmas markets and enjoying local culinary treats. For a detailed look at the annual patterns of this picturesque location, visit Sarlat-la-Caneda Climate.