Last updated: August 31, 2025
In December, Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, experiences a dramatic contrast in temperatures, with a maximum of 1°C (33°F) and a chilly average of -9°C (16°F), reaching lows of -26°C (-14°F). The month is marked by consistent precipitation, totaling 53 mm (2.1 in) over approximately 12 days, creating a predominantly humid atmosphere with levels soaring at 98%. This unique weather pattern contributes to the stunning Arctic landscape, cloaked in a layer of snow and ice, making it a captivating time for visitors seeking an authentic winter experience in one of the northernmost inhabited places on Earth.
In December, Longyearbyen experiences a true winter chill, with temperatures showcasing a marked decline as the year draws to a close. The minimum temperature dips to a frosty -26°C (-14°F), while the average hovers around -9°C (16°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year. For those braving the elements, the maximum temperature reaches a mere 1°C (33°F), reinforcing the seasonal embrace of subzero conditions. As daylight wanes and the Polar Night envelops the town, Longyearbyen's temperatures reflect a gradual drop compared to November, signaling the peak of winter's frigid grasp, yet offering a unique beauty that dazzles those willing to explore its stark landscape.
In December, Longyearbyen and the Jan Mayen islands experience a notable increase in precipitation, with 53 mm (2.1 in) of rainfall measured over 12 days. This marks a peak in the autumn wet spell, as precipitation patterns show a gradual rise through the fall, culminating in this month’s totals. December's rainfall is on par with the previous summer months, particularly July and August, which also recorded significant precipitation. Interestingly, while the winter months typically showcase lower precipitation amounts, the consistent rainfall in December suggests a shift towards wetter conditions preceding the long Arctic winter. Overall, the data indicates a clear trend of increased precipitation during the transition from late autumn to winter, offering a unique juxtaposition to the frost-laden landscapes commonly associated with this time of year.
In Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and Jan Mayen, December brings a consistent humidity level of 98%, maintaining the trend observed throughout the colder months. As the year progresses, humidity levels remain notably high, peaking at 101% in August and generally hovering between 94% and 99% from May through November. Interestingly, January to April also hold steady at an impressive 98-99%, reflecting the region's crisp Arctic air and the minimal evaporation due to low temperatures. This seasonal humidity creates a unique atmosphere, often enveloping the landscapes in a persistent cloak of frost and creating a dreamlike winter wonderland that characterizes the region during the dark, enchanting month of December.
In Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, the UV Index experiences a notable fluctuation throughout the year, reflecting the changing seasons. As the year progresses from the depths of winter in December and January, the UV Index remains at a low 0, offering a comfortable safety margin with a burn time of 45 minutes. In the spring, the levels begin to rise slightly, reaching 2 by April, while summer months see a moderate index of 3, indicating a need for cautious sun exposure, especially with a reduced burn time of 30 minutes. However, as autumn approaches, levels drop back down, mirroring the winter months. This cyclical pattern clearly illustrates the limited UV radiation during the darker months, making it essential to remain aware of sun exposure as the sun re-emerges in the brighter months. For more detailed insights, you can check the Longyearbyen UV Index.
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In Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and Jan Mayen, December delivers a stark reality of darkness with zero hours of sunshine, mirroring the absence of light throughout November. This prolonged darkness is part of a dramatic seasonal shift that starts to emerge in January, where the sun is completely absent. However, as the year progresses, February brings a glimmer of hope with 14 hours of daylight, steadily increasing to a peak in May, where residents can bask in 495 hours of sunlight. The transition into summer is marked by a dip in sunshine during August and a sharp decline as autumn approaches, eventually leading back to the polar night. This cyclical pattern of daylight is not just a meteorological phenomenon, but a profound experience for the community, shaping their lives and culture amid the icy Arctic landscape.
In Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and Jan Mayen, December brings a slightly increased chance of sunshine compared to many preceding months, with a 19% likelihood of clear skies. This marks a subtle upswing from November's 16% probability, suggesting a hopeful glimmer during the dark winter days. While still modest, this increase is part of a broader trend where the chances of sun tend to rise as the year progresses, particularly peaking in late spring with May's robust 33%. As winter deepens, December stands as a beacon of light, hinting at nature’s gradual transition from the long polar night towards brighter days ahead.
In the Arctic locales of Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and Jan Mayen, daylight duration showcases a dramatic seasonal rhythm. The year kicks off in January and December with a complete absence of daylight, casting a long, dark spell over these regions. As February approaches, a faint glimmer of light returns, offering just four hours of daylight. The sun's presence quickly escalates through March and April, where it teams up with the lingering chill to produce a notable increase to 11 and then 20 hours. By May, the days stretch into a continuous 24-hour marvel of daylight that blankets the summer months, only to gradually wane again in August as the days shorten to 23 hours. September reintroduces a more familiar daylight cycle with 14 hours, before plunging back into darkness as the year closes out. This stark contrast from endless daylight in summer to total darkness in winter vividly illustrates the extreme and captivating nature of life in the Arctic.
As December settles into Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, the wind begins to pick up slightly from the calm of autumn, with an average speed of 3.2 m/s (7 mph). This marks a modest increase from the preceding months, suggesting a transition towards the more blustery winter conditions typical of the Arctic. Notable is the consistent drop in wind speed observed from May through October, reaching a low of 2.2 m/s (5 mph) in August, which provides a rare, tranquil respite during the polar summer. As autumn leaves, November ushers in a gustier phase, leading to December's steady winds, indicative of the broader climatic shifts in this remote archipelago. This pattern underscores the unique seasonal rhythm of Longyearbyen, where the interplay of temperature and wind shapes both the landscape and the human experience.
Weather in Longyearbyen varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Longyearbyen, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
December and January share similarly chilly temperatures, with December experiencing a minimum of -26°C (-14°F) and an average of -9°C (16°F), while January sees slightly milder conditions with a minimum of -24°C (-12°F) and an average of -12°C (11°F). The maximum temperatures in both months hover just above freezing, reaching 1°C (33°F) in December and 2°C (35°F) in January. Precipitation decreases from 53 mm (2.1 in) over 12 days in December to 35 mm (1.4 in) over just 7 days in January, indicating a drier start to the new year. Humidity remains high at 98% for both months, contributing to the cold, crisp air. For more detailed information, you can check Longyearbyen weather in January.
In December, the weather features a frigid minimum temperature of -26°C (-14°F) and an average of -9°C (16°F), with maximums reaching just 1°C (33°F). The month sees around 53 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation over 12 days, coupled with high humidity levels at 98%. In contrast, February maintains a similar minimum of -26°C (-15°F) but experiences a slightly milder average temperature of -12°C (11°F) and a maximum of 2°C (36°F). Precipitation is minimal in February at 47 mm (1.9 in) over 11 days, while humidity rises to a near-total 99%. These figures reflect the consistently cold climate of the season and can be explored further at Longyearbyen weather in February.
When comparing the weather in December and March, December tends to have a slightly milder average temperature of -9°C (16°F), whereas March is typically colder with an average of -14°C (7°F). Interestingly, both months experience frigid minimum temperatures, with December's low at -26°C (-14°F) and March dipping even lower to -30°C (-22°F). Precipitation levels are also notable, as December receives more at 53 mm (2.1 in) over 12 days compared to March's 38 mm (1.5 in) over 9 days. Humidity remains high in both months, peaking at 99% in March and reaching 98% in December. For those interested in detailed insights, you can find more information at Longyearbyen weather in March.
December and April in Longyearbyen showcase intriguing similarities and subtle differences in weather patterns. Both months experience a chilling minimum temperature of -26°C (-14°F), but December boasts a slightly higher average temperature of -9°C (16°F) compared to April's average of -10°C (15°F). In terms of precipitation, December receives a bit more moisture at 53 mm (2.1 in) over 12 days, while April sees 38 mm (1.5 in) across 10 days. Humidity remains consistently high at 98% in both months, contributing to the frigid atmosphere. For those curious about the specifics of April weather in Longyearbyen, you can find further details here: Longyearbyen weather in April.
In December, the weather is notably harsher, with temperatures ranging from a chilling minimum of -26°C (-14°F) to a maximum of just 1°C (33°F), and a high humidity level of 98%. The month sees an average of 53 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation spread over 12 days, creating a stark winter landscape. In contrast, May experiences a milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -16°C (4°F) to a maximum of 6°C (43°F) and slightly lower humidity at 94%. Precipitation is also reduced to 35 mm (1.4 in) over 9 days, indicating a transition towards spring. To learn more about the weather specifics in May, you can visit Longyearbyen weather in May.
December and June present dramatically contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plummet to a chilling minimum of -26°C (-14°F), with an average of -9°C (16°F) and a maximum only reaching 1°C (33°F). With 53 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation occurring over 12 days and a humidity level of 98%, the month can feel quite harsh and frigid. In contrast, June experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (29°F), an average of 2°C (36°F), and a maximum of 10°C (50°F). The precipitation decreases to 31 mm (1.2 in) spread over 8 days, and humidity, while still high at 95%, is slightly more tolerable. For more detailed insights into Longyearbyen's June weather, you can explore Longyearbyen weather in June.
In December, temperatures in Longyearbyen plunge to a chilling minimum of -26°C (-14°F), with an average around -9°C (16°F) and a maximum of just 1°C (33°F). The month sees substantial precipitation, totaling 53 mm (2.1 in) over 12 days, and the humidity hovers near 98%. In contrast, July offers a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to an average of 6°C (43°F) and a maximum of 16°C (61°F). Precipitation remains consistent at 53 mm (2.1 in), but occurs over 13 days, and humidity increases slightly to 99%. For more details, visit Longyearbyen weather in July.
December and August offer strikingly different weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -26°C (-14°F), with an average of -9°C (16°F) and only reaching a maximum of 1°C (33°F). The month experiences high humidity at 98% and sees precipitation on about 12 days, totaling 53 mm (2.1 in). In contrast, August presents a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) to an average of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 14°C (58°F). Precipitation is slightly lower at 52 mm (2.0 in) over about 10 days, and humidity reaches an even higher peak at 101%. For more detailed insights into the weather during August, you can visit Longyearbyen weather in August.
In December, the weather in Longyearbyen is significantly colder, with average temperatures ranging from a brisk -26°C (-14°F) to a mild 1°C (33°F), while September experiences milder conditions, with temperatures fluctuating between -10°C (15°F) and a maximum of 8°C (46°F). Despite December's lower average temperatures, it has less precipitation (53mm) compared to September, which sees more moisture at 75mm, though both months feature high humidity levels, hovering around 98% in December and slightly higher at 99% in September. Additionally, September typically has more days of precipitation, occurring over 16 days compared to December's 12 days. For more detailed information, you can check out Longyearbyen weather in September.
In December, the weather is significantly colder compared to October, with average temperatures around -9°C (16°F) versus -4°C (26°F) in October. The minimum temperatures drop to a chilling -26°C (-14°F) in December, while October's lows are milder at -15°C (5°F). Precipitation levels also differ, with December experiencing more moisture at 53 mm (2.1 in) over 12 days, compared to October's 34 mm (1.4 in) across 9 days. The humidity remains high in both months, peaking at 98% in December and slightly lower at 97% in October. For more details on October’s weather, you can check Longyearbyen weather in October.
December experiences slightly colder temperatures compared to November, with average daily highs reaching only 1°C (33°F) versus November's maximum of 5°C (41°F). The minimum temperatures in December can drop to -26°C (-14°F), while November's lows sit around -23°C (-9°F). Precipitation is a bit higher in December, totaling 53 mm (2.1 in) over the same number of days, contributing to the prevalent winter conditions. Both months share a high humidity level of 98%, creating a consistently chilly atmosphere. For more insights into the weather during this period, you can visit Longyearbyen weather in November.
December in Longyearbyen is a unique experience, where the cold truly sets in, contrasting sharply with milder months. As the sun disappears from the horizon, temperatures dip significantly, making the average chill feel more intense against the often high humidity of 98%. With about 12 days of precipitation, the town sees its share of snow and rain, adding to the winter wonderland atmosphere. If you're drawn to the northern climate, December's frigid beauty is unlike any other month, inviting you to explore the stark yet stunning landscape. For more insights on the weather patterns, visit Longyearbyen Climate.