December Weather in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

Last updated: February 24, 2025

December in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal brings a blend of mild temperatures and frequent rainfall, making it a unique time to experience this charming city. With maximum temperatures reaching 19°C (66°F) and an average of 11°C (51°F), the climate remains relatively cool, while minimum temperatures can drop to 0°C (33°F) during chilly nights. Expect about 194 mm (7.6 in) of precipitation spread over 14 days, contributing to the high humidity levels of 87%. The seasonal moisture enhances the lush landscapes, creating a picturesque backdrop for winter strolls along the scenic banks of the Douro River.

December Temperature in Vila Nova de Gaia

December in Vila Nova de Gaia brings a subtle chill as temperatures begin to drop, with minimums hovering around 0°C (33°F) and averages settling at approximately 11°C (51°F). While daytime highs can reach a comfortable 19°C (66°F), this month marks a distinct transition as the region prepares for the cooler embrace of winter. Compared to the preceding months, December's temperatures reflect a gentle decline, signifying the move away from autumn's mildness. Visitors can expect brisk air perfect for cozying up with local cuisine and sipping port wine, making it an enchanting time to experience the region's charm amidst the seasonal change.

December Weather in Vila Nova de Gaia: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates December temperature patterns in Vila Nova de Gaia, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec485153576264696967615451
Data source: Temperature data for Vila Nova de Gaia 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 Vila Nova de Gaia

December in Vila Nova de Gaia marks the culmination of the year’s precipitation patterns, showcasing a significant increase in rainfall. With a robust 194 mm (7.6 in) of precipitation over 14 days, December stands out as one of the wettest months. This is in contrast to the drier summer months, where July and August see minimal rainfall, recording just 24 mm (1.0 in) and 19 mm (0.7 in) respectively. As autumn transitions into winter, the trend indicates a steady increase in precipitation, peaking in December after November's 164 mm (6.5 in). The consistent rain during December not only ushers in the festive spirit but also replenishes the region often seen by its lush landscapes, making it a crucial month for water reserves as the year draws to a close.

December Precipitation Trends in Vila Nova de Gaia

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Vila Nova de Gaia, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec901381441548455241945120164194
Data source: Precipitation data for December generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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December Humidity in Vila Nova de Gaia

As December arrives in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, the humidity levels experience a notable increase, reaching 87%—the same as in January. This month marks a peak in humidity, mirroring the higher levels observed earlier in the year, particularly in November, when the humidity was 86%. Leading up to winter, a gradual decline in humidity is evident from June to October, with July and August seeing the lowest levels at 63% and 64% respectively. However, as the seasons shift towards winter, moisture returns, resulting in a climate that feels quite rich and damp. This cyclical trend signifies the region's characteristic weather patterns, where summer's dryness gives way to the more humid atmosphere of late autumn and early winter.

December Average Humidity in Vila Nova de Gaia

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Vila Nova de Gaia, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec87%81%78%79%78%71%63%64%71%79%86%87%
Data source: Humidity data for December generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

December UV Index in Vila Nova de Gaia

In December, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, experiences a significant drop in UV Index, falling back to 2, categorizing it as low exposure risk, with a burn time of 45 minutes. This decrease marks a shift from the extreme and very high indices of the summer months, highlighting a more forgiving winter season where sun safety is less of a concern. As the year progresses, the UV Index in Vila Nova de Gaia fluctuates from moderate levels in early months to extreme values in June, before retreating to lower readings by December. For those seeking to stay informed about this seasonal pattern, more details can be found at Vila Nova de Gaia UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Vila Nova de Gaia for December

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Vila Nova de Gaia 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec24689111098642
Data source: Vila Nova de Gaia 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 Vila Nova de Gaia

In December, Vila Nova de Gaia basks in 182 hours of sunshine, a gentle lull that follows the vibrant glow of summer. As the year winds down, the sunny hours see a noticeable drop from peak summer months—July shines the brightest with 427 hours—reflecting a gradual retreat into winter. Despite the decrease, December's sunshine still offers a warm embrace, allowing residents and visitors to savor the tail end of the year's light. This month marks a significant shift from the glowing heights of mid-year, yet it remains a cheerful testament to the area's temperate climate, holding onto its glow amidst the seasonal transition.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Vila Nova de Gaia: December Highlighted

The December sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Vila Nova de Gaia 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec159h210h286h344h405h407h427h396h346h302h206h182h
Data source: Vila Nova de Gaia December Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Vila Nova de Gaia During December

In December, Vila Nova de Gaia experiences a 34% chance of sunny weather, marking a noticeable dip as the year draws to a close. This trend reflects the overall seasonal shift, with sunlight peaking in the summer months of July and August, where the chances rise to 58% and 65% respectively. While November starts to offer a promising 63%, the likelihood of clear skies diminishes as winter approaches. December's percentages fall below the average seen in the earlier months, particularly contrasting with the sunnier spells of March (55%) and June (54%). This pattern indicates that visitors and residents alike should prepare for more overcast days, making the glimpses of sunshine a welcome rarity during this time of year.

Percentage of Sunny Days in December in Vila Nova de Gaia

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Vila Nova de Gaia 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 Vila Nova de Gaia experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec44%17%55%37%46%54%58%66%42%44%63%34%
Data source: Vila Nova de Gaia December chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Vila Nova de Gaia in December

In Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, the rhythm of daylight unfolds beautifully throughout the year. As the year begins in January, residents enjoy 9 hours of daylight, a continuation that persists into November. However, February offers a hint of optimism with an increase to 10 hours. March ushers in spring with 11 hours, gradually paving the way for longer days as summer approaches. By June, daylight peaks at an invigorating 15 hours, creating the perfect backdrop for vibrant outdoor activities. As the seasons shift, daylight gently tapers, with July and August holding onto 14 and 13 hours, respectively. By autumn, the gradual decline continues, landing back where it started with 9 hours in December. This rhythmic dance of daylight not only reflects the changing seasons but also shapes the lifestyle and activities of the vibrant community throughout the year.

Average Daylight Hours in Vila Nova de Gaia for December

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Vila Nova de Gaia throughout the year, with December highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 35m10h 38m11h 57m13h 19m14h 28m15h 3m14h 44m13h 43m12h 25m11h 4m9h 53m9h 16m
Data source: Vila Nova de Gaia daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

December Winds in Vila Nova de Gaia

In Vila Nova de Gaia, December brings a noticeable shift as the average wind speed rises to 3.8 m/s (9 mph), marking one of the stronger gusts of the year. This increase contrasts sharply with the lighter breezes of late summer and early fall, where wind speeds hovered around 2.7 to 2.9 m/s. The trends throughout the year reveal a gentle ebb and flow, but December stands out as a moment when the winds pick up, infusing the air with a crisp freshness that heralds the winter season. As the year comes to a close, the brisk December winds offer a refreshing reminder of nature’s dynamic rhythm in this charming Portuguese locale.

Average December Wind Speed in Vila Nova de Gaia

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Vila Nova de Gaia, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.54.12.82.53.23.13.32.72.82.92.83.8 m/s
Data source: Vila Nova de Gaia December wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How December Weather in Vila Nova de Gaia Compares to Other Months

The weather in Vila Nova de Gaia 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 Vila Nova de Gaia and find detailed weather information for every month.

In December, the weather in Vila Nova de Gaia is relatively mild, with average temperatures ranging from a chilly 0°C (33°F) to a comfortable 19°C (66°F). However, it also brings significant rainfall, totaling 194 mm (7.6 in) over 14 days, accompanied by high humidity at 87%.

Contrastingly, January experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C (31°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F), although it can reach up to 21°C (69°F) at times. Precipitation decreases significantly to 90 mm (3.5 in) spread over just 8 days, while humidity remains stable at 87%.

For more detailed weather information, check out Vila Nova de Gaia weather in January.

In December, weather conditions tend to be cooler and wetter, with average temperatures ranging from 0°C (33°F) to 19°C (66°F) and an impressive 194 mm (7.6 in) of precipitation over 14 days. The humidity is quite high at 87%, contributing to a damp atmosphere. In contrast, February sees slightly warmer temperatures, with maximums reaching 21°C (71°F) while maintaining a similar minimum of 0°C (32°F). Precipitation decreases to 138 mm (5.4 in) over 11 days, accompanied by lower humidity at 81%. For more detailed information about February weather, visit Vila Nova de Gaia weather in February.

When comparing the weather in December and March, December tends to be cooler, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F), while March sees a slight increase, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F). December also experiences higher rainfall, with a total of 194 mm (7.6 in) over approximately 14 days, compared to March's 144 mm (5.7 in) over 12 days. Additionally, the humidity in December is notably higher at 87%, compared to 78% in March. For more detailed information, you can check Vila Nova de Gaia weather in March.

In December, the weather is cooler with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F), averaging around 11°C (51°F). This month also brings notable rainfall, with approximately 194 mm (7.6 in) spread over 14 days, contributing to high humidity levels of 87%. In contrast, April experiences a milder climate, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and reaching up to 27°C (80°F), averaging 14°C (57°F). The precipitation in April is slightly lower at 154 mm (6.1 in), also occurring on 14 days, but the humidity drops to 79%. For more details about the weather conditions specific to April, you can check Vila Nova de Gaia weather in April.

In December, the weather is considerably cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F), averaging around 11°C (51°F). The month experiences substantial precipitation, totaling 194 mm (7.6 in) over 14 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 87%. In contrast, May brings milder and warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from 6°C (43°F) to a pleasant 30°C (87°F), averaging at 17°C (62°F). Precipitation in May is significantly lower at 84 mm (3.3 in), spread across about 10 days, and humidity decreases to 78%. For a closer look at the weather specifics in May, check out Vila Nova de Gaia weather in May.

In December, the weather is quite cool, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F), and it is characterized by high humidity at 87%. This month experiences significant rainfall, accumulating 194 mm (7.6 in) over approximately 14 days, making it a wet season.

In contrast, June brings much warmer conditions, with temperatures varying between a minimum of 9°C (49°F) and reaching up to 32°C (90°F). The humidity drops to 71%, and precipitation is significantly lower, with only 55 mm (2.1 in) expected over about 10 days. For a detailed look at the climate during this month, you can visit Vila Nova de Gaia weather in June.

The weather in December features cooler temperatures, with averages around 11°C (51°F) and highs reaching up to 19°C (66°F). With a high precipitation of 194 mm (7.6 in) over 14 days, humidity levels soar to 87%, creating a damp and chilly atmosphere. In contrast, July boasts much warmer conditions, where temperatures range from a minimum of 11°C (51°F) to a maximum of 35°C (95°F), with an average of 20°C (69°F). The month is significantly drier, receiving only 24 mm (1.0 in) of rain across just 3 days, and humidity drops to a more comfortable 63%. This stark contrast highlights how December’s cold and wet climate stands in sharp relief to July’s hot and dry weather. For more detailed information, you can check out Vila Nova de Gaia weather in July.

December and August present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In December, temperatures range from a chilly 0°C (33°F) at their lowest to a maximum of 19°C (66°F), with an average of 11°C (51°F). This month also experiences significant precipitation, with 194 mm (7.6 in) falling over approximately 14 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 87%. In contrast, August boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (52°F) and maximum highs reaching up to 36°C (98°F), averaging around 21°C (69°F). Additionally, August features markedly less rainfall, totaling only 19 mm (0.7 in) across about 3 days, and lower humidity at 64%. For more detailed information, check out Vila Nova de Gaia weather in August.

In comparing the weather between September and December, it's evident that September is significantly warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), while December sees cooler temperatures with a minimum of 0°C (33°F) and a maximum of 19°C (66°F). Additionally, September experiences much less precipitation, totaling only 45 mm (1.8 in) over about 6 days, in contrast to December's hefty 194 mm (7.6 in) spread across 14 days. Humidity levels also differ, with September at 71% compared to December’s higher 87%. For more detailed weather information, you can check Vila Nova de Gaia weather in September.

In December, the weather in Vila Nova de Gaia is significantly cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F), averaging around 11°C (51°F). The month experiences more precipitation, accumulating about 194 mm (7.6 in) over 14 days, and the humidity is notably high at 87%. In contrast, October boasts milder temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 32°C (89°F), averaging 16°C (62°F). Additionally, October sees less rainfall, with 120 mm (4.7 in) over just 10 days and slightly lower humidity levels of 79%. For more detailed information, you can visit Vila Nova de Gaia weather in October.

In comparing the weather between November and December, we see a noticeable shift in temperatures and precipitation. December typically experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with minimums dropping to 0°C (33°F) compared to November’s 3°C (37°F), and an average temperature of 11°C (51°F) versus November's 12°C (54°F). The maximum temperatures in December also reflect this cooling trend, peaking at 19°C (66°F), which is a decrease from November's 21°C (71°F).

Additionally, December is slightly wetter, with an average precipitation of 194 mm (7.6 in) over 14 days, compared to November's 164 mm (6.5 in) over 13 days. Humidity levels remain relatively high in both months, with December at 87% and November at 86%. For more detailed insights on November weather, you can visit Vila Nova de Gaia weather in November.

Compare Vila Nova de Gaia's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From December Weather in Vila Nova de Gaia

As December settles over Vila Nova de Gaia, the weather transforms into a cooler, more humid ambiance compared to the rest of the year. With temperatures dipping to an average of 11°C and frequently punctuated by days of rain, the month brings a significant increase in precipitation compared to the drier summer months. The elevated humidity, peaking at 87%, adds to the chilly feel, making it essential to dress warmly and be prepared for wet weather during your stay. While the landscape glistens with the promise of winter, December offers a unique perspective of this charming locale. For a deeper dive into the year-round conditions, check out the detailed overview at Vila Nova de Gaia Climate.