Last updated: February 6, 2025
In December, Canada experiences a wide temperature range with maximums reaching 22°C (71°F), averaging around 9°C (49°F), and dipping as low as -4°C (25°F). This month is also marked by an average precipitation of 24 mm (1.0 in), occurring over approximately 4 days, which contributes to an humidity level of 80%. In stark contrast, Spain boasts milder temperatures, creating a captivating juxtaposition in weather patterns between these two countries during the festive season. Whether you're embracing the winter chill or enjoying the moderate climate, December offers unique experiences to cherish.
In December, temperatures in Canada take a chilly turn, with minimums dipping to a brisk -4°C (25°F). The average hovers around 9°C (49°F), while maximums reach a mild 22°C (71°F), reflecting the stark contrasts typical of a North American winter. In contrast, Spain enjoys a significantly warmer December, where temperatures rarely drop below 7°C (45°F) during the day, making it a more inviting destination for those seeking to escape the cold. As we transition from autumn to winter, Canada’s frigid landscape contrasts sharply with Spain's mild climate, highlighting the diverse weather patterns found across these two countries.
In December, Canada and Spain experience notable shifts in precipitation patterns, reflecting the seasonal changes unique to each region. Canada sees 24 mm (1.0 in) of precipitation over just 4 days, marking a decline from the wetter months preceding it, with September and October receiving significantly more rain at 90 mm (3.6 in) and 48 mm (1.9 in), respectively. Conversely, Spain's December tends to bring lighter showers compared to its earlier months, maintaining a somewhat dry disposition akin to July's 8 mm (0.3 in), which recorded the year's lowest levels. These trends highlight a transition into winter for Canada, characterized by decreasing precipitation, while Spain, although drier in December, continues to show variability in its rainfall patterns throughout the year. The contrast between these two countries' December weather showcases the diverse climate profiles and seasonal behaviors influenced by geography.
As the year winds down, December brings a notable spike in humidity across Canada, reaching 80%—the highest level recorded since January. This trend showcases an overall gradient of decreasing humidity from the winter peak in January (78%) down to the summer lows in June (49%), only to rebound as the year closes. The months leading up to December reveal a pattern of fluctuating humidity, with a gradual increase from the seasons passing. Notably, November sets the stage for this rise, climbing to 76% and hinting at the wetter conditions to follow. This cyclical dance of humidity underscores the seasonal shifts characteristic of Canadian climate, providing an intriguing glimpse into Canada’s atmospheric rhythm as December wraps the year in a humid embrace.
In Canada and Spain, the UV Index exhibits distinct seasonal trends, particularly as winter sets in. December sees a moderate UV Index of 3, with a burn time of 30 minutes, reflecting the lower sun intensity typical for this time of year. As we move from winter to spring, the UV levels gradually increase, peaking in the summer months—June reaches an extreme 12, where sun exposure can lead to burns in just 10 minutes. The transition from high to very high indices, particularly in April and May, illustrates the growing intensity of sunlight, making it crucial to adapt sun safety practices as the seasons change. For a comprehensive understanding of fluctuations and safe practices in UV exposure, check out Canada UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As the year winds down, December brings a notable shift in sunlight for both Canada and Spain. While sunshine hours in Canada linger around 268 hours, mirroring November's totals, Spain enjoys a more vibrant December, benefiting from a warmer climate that keeps daylight hours more consistent throughout the winter months. Looking back at the yearly progression, both countries have experienced a steady increase in sunshine from January's modest 214 hours through June's peak of 407 hours—particularly evident in Spain, where the warmth of summer directly translates into daylight hours. As the final chapter of the year unfolds, it’s clear that the sun's journey reflects a bittersweet transition into the winter months, bringing a close to the longer days and inviting the serene beauty of a snowy landscape for Canadians, while Spaniards enjoy a cozy winter warmth under the fading glow of their sunlit days.
When examining the likelihood of sunny weather in December, a few interesting trends emerge. The chance of sun sits at 49%, marking a slight dip compared to the preceding months, particularly November when sunshine probability peaks at 57%. As the year winds down, we witness a gradual decrease from January's 55% to a low of 28% in April, before it begins to recover in the summer months. This pattern suggests that while December offers a fair chance of sunny days, it's still a time when the sun becomes a bit more elusive, especially as winter progresses. Overall, Canada and Spain experience diverse weather patterns, but in December, both can expect a balanced mix of sunshine and cloudiness.
In Canada, December marks a period of dwindling daylight, with only 9 hours of sun each day, a trend that mirrors the darkening months leading up to winter. This decrease is part of a broader seasonal pattern, where daylight gradually increases from January’s 9 hours to a peak of 14 hours in the summer months of June, July, and August, before tapering back into shorter days. In contrast, Spain basks in longer daylight hours throughout the winter, with December offering around 10 hours, setting a distinctly vibrant stage against the darker backdrop of northern latitudes. As the year unfolds, both countries experience a gradual shift, with longer days in spring and summer welcoming the sun back to their skies, a universal rhythm that connects diverse climates and cultures.
As December arrives, a noticeable shift in wind patterns emerges across Canada and Spain. The average wind speed climbs to 3.3 m/s (7 mph), signaling a refreshing gust just in time for the holiday season. In the months leading up to December, wind speeds gradually declined, peaking at 3.7 m/s (8 mph) in January and steadily dropping to a low of 2.0 m/s (4 mph) in October. However, November, with a rebound to 2.8 m/s (6 mph), hints at the approaching winter winds that December embraces. This trend reveals a unique rhythm in seasonal changes, intertwining the crispness of December winds with the fading warmth of fall, inviting both Canadians and Spaniards to enjoy the brisk air as they celebrate the year's end.
The weather in Canada 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 Canada and find detailed weather information for every month.
In December, the weather showcases a mild average temperature of 9°C (49°F), with minimums dropping to -4°C (25°F) and maximums reaching up to 22°C (71°F). The month experiences relatively low precipitation, with only 24 mm (1.0 in) over four rainy days and humidity levels at 80%. In contrast, January sees a slight dip in average temperature to 7°C (46°F) and a minimum of -5°C (23°F), while the maximum climbs to 24°C (75°F). Interestingly, January experiences increased precipitation of 57 mm (2.2 in) over just three days, resulting in a slightly lower humidity level of 78%. For a more detailed overview of weather patterns, you can refer to Canada weather in January.
In December, temperatures can drop to a minimum of -4°C (25°F), with an average of 9°C (49°F) and a maximum of 22°C (71°F). The month experiences approximately 24 mm (1.0 in) of precipitation over about 4 days, combined with a high humidity of 80%. In contrast, February boasts slightly warmer conditions, featuring a minimum temperature of -3°C (27°F), an average of 10°C (50°F), and a maximum temperature of 25°C (77°F). Precipitation in February decreases to 19 mm (0.7 in) over just 3 days, while humidity drops to 75%. Overall, February tends to be milder and drier compared to December. For more information on weather patterns, check out Canada weather in February.
December and March present notable differences in weather patterns. December tends to be cooler, with temperatures ranging from a low of -4°C (25°F) to a high of 22°C (71°F), while experiencing relatively high humidity at 80%. In contrast, March sees slightly milder temperatures, with lows around -1°C (31°F) and highs peaking at 27°C (82°F). Precipitation also varies; December receives 24 mm (1.0 in) over just 4 days, compared to March's more substantial 63 mm (2.5 in) over 7 days. This increase in precipitation in March, combined with lower humidity at 64%, contributes to a noticeably different climate. For further details, you can check Canada weather in March.
In December, the weather tends to be cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -4°C (25°F) to a maximum of 22°C (71°F) and an average of 9°C (49°F). The month experiences relatively low precipitation, with only 24 mm (1.0 in) over about 4 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 80%. In contrast, April brings warmer conditions, featuring a minimum of 0°C (32°F) and a maximum of 27°C (82°F). The average temperature rises to 13°C (56°F), while precipitation increases significantly to 76 mm (3.0 in) across 10 days, with a lower humidity of 58%. This makes April feel more dynamic and lively compared to the colder and drier December. For more details on weather in April, you can check Canada weather in April.
In comparing December and May, the weather shows a distinct contrast. December experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (25°F) and an average of 9°C (49°F), while May sees much warmer conditions, starting from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and averaging 18°C (65°F). The maximum temperatures in December reach up to 22°C (71°F), compared to a much warmer maximum of 32°C (90°F) in May. Precipitation is slightly higher in May at 35 mm (1.4 in) over about 6 days, compared to December's 24 mm (1.0 in) over 4 days. Additionally, humidity levels are notably different, with December at 80% and May at a much lower 53%. For further insights, you can explore Canada weather in May.
December and June present starkly contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilly -4°C (25°F) to a milder 22°C (71°F), with an average of 9°C (49°F). The month experiences a total of 24 mm (1.0 in) of precipitation over about four days, and humidity levels are relatively high at 80%. In contrast, June boasts a warmer climate, with minimum temperatures of 10°C (50°F) and maximums soaring up to 37°C (99°F), along with an average of 22°C (73°F). Rainfall in June increases to 46 mm (1.8 in) but also occurs on just four days, and humidity drops significantly to 49%. For a detailed look at weather specifics in June, visit Canada weather in June.
December and July present stark contrasts in weather. December experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (25°F) and an average of 9°C (49°F), peaking at 22°C (71°F). The month is relatively wet, receiving 24 mm (1.0 in) of precipitation over about 4 days, with high humidity at 80%. In contrast, July boasts much warmer temperatures, starting at a minimum of 13°C (56°F) and averaging 26°C (79°F), while reaching scorching highs of 41°C (105°F). Precipitation decreases significantly to just 8 mm (0.3 in) over 2 days, and humidity drops to a more comfortable 51%. For more detailed information, check out Canada weather in July.
When comparing the weather in December and August, there's a stark contrast in temperatures and humidity. December experiences much cooler conditions, with average temperatures ranging from a chilly min of -4°C (25°F) to a mild max of 22°C (71°F), accompanied by higher humidity levels at 80%. In contrast, August brings sweltering heat, with average temperatures soaring from a minimum of 14°C (57°F) to an impressive maximum of 41°C (106°F), while humidity is significantly lower at 51%. Additionally, while December sees about 24 mm (1.0 in) of precipitation over 4 days, August has slightly more precipitation at 32 mm (1.2 in) spread across 6 days. For more details on the August weather patterns, check out Canada weather in August.
December weather features a significant drop in temperatures, with averages around 9°C (49°F) and maximums reaching only 22°C (71°F), compared to September, where temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 33°C (92°F). Additionally, December experiences much less precipitation, with only 24 mm (1.0 in) over 4 days, while September sees more rainfall at 90 mm (3.6 in) spread across 10 days. The humidity is notably higher in December at 80%, whereas September enjoys a more comfortable humidity level of 58%. For more details on September weather, visit Canada weather in September.
The weather in December is generally cooler than in October, with minimum temperatures dipping to -4°C (25°F) compared to 4°C (40°F) in October. The average temperature in December is 9°C (49°F), significantly lower than October's 17°C (63°F), and maximum temperatures in December only reach up to 22°C (71°F), while October can go as high as 30°C (86°F). Additionally, December sees less precipitation than October, with 24 mm (1.0 in) over 4 days, compared to October's 48 mm (1.9 in) over 5 days. Humidity levels are also higher in December at 80%, compared to 71% in October. For more details, you can check Canada weather in October.
In comparing the weather of December and November, December experiences a broader temperature range with minimums dipping to -4°C (25°F) and maximums reaching up to 22°C (71°F), contrasted to November's more moderate temperatures that range from a minimum of 1°C (33°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F). While November sees slightly higher average temperatures, it also has more precipitation, totaling 54 mm (2.1 in) over 8 days compared to December's 24 mm (1.0 in) over just 4 days. Humidity levels remain relatively high in both months, with December at 80% and November slightly lower at 76%. For a more detailed look at weather patterns, you can visit Canada weather in November.
As December unfolds in Canada, it brings a distinct chill that sets it apart from the milder months of the year. With temperatures typically hovering around a biting average of 9°C, the air becomes crisp, and the landscape may even don a frosty crown. While precipitation occurs on just a few days, the 80% humidity adds a layer of dampness that can make the cold feel more penetrating. Unlike the warmth of summer, December invites activities like snow sports and cozy indoor gatherings, making it a unique experience in Canada’s varied climate. For more insights into how the weather in Canada changes throughout the year, check out Canada Climate.