December Weather in Umea, Sweden

Last updated: August 27, 2025

December in Umeå, Sweden, offers a chilly yet captivating winter experience, with temperatures ranging from a maximum of 6°C (44°F) to a minimum of -16°C (4°F). The average temperature hovers around -2°C (29°F), creating an atmosphere perfect for embracing the season's beauty. Residents and visitors alike can expect considerable precipitation, with 91 mm (3.6 in) spread over 16 days, contributing to the region's wintry charm. With humidity levels reaching 93%, the air is crisp, enhancing the overall winter landscape. Whether witnessing the serene snowfall or enjoying seasonal festivities, December in Umeå is a magical time to immerse in the splendor of northern Sweden.

December Temperature in Umea

In Umeå, Sweden, December brings a noticeable chill as winter firmly establishes itself. With temperatures plunging to a minimum of -16°C (4°F), residents can expect an average of -2°C (29°F), providing a stark contrast to the milder months that precede it. This transition into winter highlights a sharp drop, where daytime highs struggle to reach 6°C (44°F). December's climate is characterized by its frosty ambiance, making it a perfect time for winter activities and cozy gatherings, as the city embraces the enchanting beauty of its snowy landscape. As the year draws to a close, Umeå's December temperatures set the stage for the winter wonderland that captivates both locals and visitors alike.

December Weather in Umea: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates December temperature patterns in Umea, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends. In Umea, December typically has an average temperature of {2}°C ({3}°F), with highs reaching up to {4}°C ({5}°F) and lows dropping to around {6}°C ({7}°F).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec252329354455615951423429
Data source: Temperature data for Umea 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 Umea

In December, Umeå, Sweden, experiences a notable shift in precipitation patterns, with an average of 91 mm (3.6 in) spread over approximately 16 rainy days. This marks a significant rise from November's 79 mm (3.1 in) on 13 days, showcasing a trend of increasing moisture as winter fully sets in. The escalation in both the amount of rain and the frequency of precipitation days highlights December as a relatively wet month compared to the preceding months, signaling early winter's influence on weather dynamics. Overall, December transitions Umeå into a season marked by increased precipitation, making it a critical period for the region's hydrological cycle.

December Precipitation Trends in Umea

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Umea, 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. In Umea, December typically receives around {2} mm ({3} inches) of precipitation spread over approximately {4} days.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec5554472846556377851147991
Data source: Precipitation data for December generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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December Humidity in Umea

In December, Umea, Sweden, experiences a humidity level of 93%, maintaining a consistency seen in the preceding months of November and October. This late-autumn figure illustrates a slight uptick from the comfortable levels common in the late spring and summer, where humidity dipped to its lowest in June at 74%. The overall trend showcases a gradual increase in humidity as the year progresses, peaking during the colder months. As winter approaches, residents can expect the air to feel increasingly damp, a reflection of the region's chilly climate and its proximity to water bodies, which significantly influence humidity levels year-round.

December Average Humidity in Umea

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Umea, with December’s data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, helping you understand how conditions vary by season. In December, average humidity in Umea is approximately {2}%, offering insight into how humid the weather typically is during this month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec95%93%91%85%77%75%80%82%88%92%92%93%
Data source: Humidity data for December generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

December UV Index in Umea

In December, Umea experiences a UV Index of 1, indicating a low exposure category and a burn time of approximately 45 minutes. This trend of lower UV levels continues from previous months, with January and November also sharing the same Index of 1. As the year draws to a close, residents can enjoy the winter scenery without much concern for sun exposure. Throughout the year, Umea's UV Index typically peaks in the summer months, particularly in June and July when it reaches a high of 6. For those looking to track UV levels year-round, this seasonal variation highlights the importance of being aware of sun exposure, particularly in the brighter months. For more details, visit the Umea UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Umea for December

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Umea 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. In December, the maximum UV index in Umea typically reaches {2}, which falls under the {3} exposure category.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec112356653211
Data source: Umea 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 Umea

Nestled in the heart of Sweden, Umeå experiences a stark contrast in sunlight throughout the year, with December offering a mere 42 hours of sunshine, the lowest for any month. This bitterly short daylight contrasts sharply with the bright promise of summer, where June shines the brightest with a remarkable 507 hours. As the year progresses, one can observe a gradual increase in light from the depths of winter, with February showing a welcoming 141 hours and March ramping up to 276 hours. The transition from November's 109 hours to December's meager total illustrates the chilling grip of winter. Yet, as the new year beckons, Umeå's journey toward brighter months becomes ever clearer, promising a return to longer, sunnier days ahead.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Umea: December Highlighted

The December sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Umea 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec52h141h276h361h463h507h502h430h294h196h109h42h
Data source: Umea December Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Umea During December

In December, Umea, Sweden sees a 21% chance of sunny weather, reflecting the city's transition into the depths of winter. As the year progresses, there is a noticeable decline in sunlight, starting from a peak of 53% in July and gradually tapering off as the days shorten. While the gloom of November offers a 30% chance for a few sunlit moments, December ushers in even less light, ranking among the lowest for sunny days. This trend emphasizes the Arctic winter's grip on the region, where the chance of sunshine remains scarce, making those rare sunny days in December all the more precious.

Percentage of Sunny Days in December in Umea

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Umea 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 Umea experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9%31%40%47%36%41%53%40%29%18%30%21%
Data source: Umea December chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Umea in December

As December envelops Umeå, Sweden in its wintry embrace, the city experiences its shortest days, offering just 4 hours of daylight. This marks a stark contrast to the vibrant light of June, where residents bask in an impressive 20 hours of brightness. Following the gradual decline from the long days of summer, daylight diminishes steadily from November's 6 hours to December's twilight. However, this seasonal shift mirrors the rejuvenating arrival of spring, with daylight hours steadily increasing from January's 5 hours towards the more sunlit months of April and May, where the promise of longer days begins to take shape. Umeå’s seasonal rhythm, characterized by gradual transitions, showcases the beauty of nature’s cycle, inviting residents to cherish fleeting moments of daylight even in the depths of winter.

Average Daylight Hours in Umea for December

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Umea throughout the year, with December highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec5h 37m8h 36m11h 49m15h 6m18h 21m20h 34m19h 19m16h 10m12h 55m9h 42m6h 32m4h 30m
Data source: Umea daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

December Winds in Umea

As December rolls into Umeå, Sweden, the average wind speed reaches 5.2 m/s (12 mph), marking a notable increase compared to previous months. This uptick in wind intensity reflects a transition from the relatively calm conditions of late autumn, where November's winds measured 4.8 m/s. The trends observed throughout the year show a gradual increase in wind speeds from the milder summer months, peaking in October and December. This shift not only adds a brisk chill to the air but also hints at the transformative power of winter in this northern landscape. With each gust, the December winds invigorate the city, embracing its residents with the crisp energy that defines the season.

Average December Wind Speed in Umea

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Umea, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec4.84.95.24.54.13.94.14.34.55.54.85.2 m/s
Data source: Umea December wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How December Weather in Umea Compares to Other Months

Weather in Umea varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Umea, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.

December and January showcase a notable shift in weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of -16°C (4°F) to a maximum of 6°C (44°F), with an average temperature of -2°C (29°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 91 mm (3.6 in) over 16 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 93%. Conversely, January brings even colder temperatures, with minimums dropping to -20°C (-4°F) and an average of -4°C (25°F). The maximum temperature slightly rises to 7°C (45°F), but precipitation decreases to 55 mm (2.2 in) spread over just 10 days. Interestingly, January sees an increase in humidity to 95%, making the air feel colder. For those looking for more detailed information, visit Umea weather in January.

In December, the weather can be quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -16°C (4°F) to an average of -2°C (29°F) and a maximum of 6°C (44°F). This month sees significant precipitation, totaling 91 mm (3.6 in) over 16 days, combined with high humidity levels of 93%.

Comparatively, February experiences even colder temperatures, with a minimum of -19°C (-3°F) and an average of -5°C (24°F), although the maximum temperature remains similar at 6°C (43°F). Precipitation also decreases in February to 53 mm (2.1 in) across just 9 days, while humidity remains constant at 93%.

For more detailed insights into February weather, you can visit Umea weather in February.

In December, temperatures in Umea typically range from a chilly minimum of -16°C (4°F) to a maximum of 6°C (44°F), with an average temperature around -2°C (29°F). The month sees considerable precipitation, totaling 91 mm (3.6 in) over 16 days, accompanied by high humidity at 93%. In contrast, March experiences slightly milder weather, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of -17°C (1°F) and rising to a maximum of 9°C (48°F), while maintaining the same average of -2°C (29°F). Precipitation decreases significantly to 47 mm (1.8 in) over just 10 days, with humidity slightly lower at 91%. For more details on what to expect, check out Umea weather in March.

December and April present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In December, Umeå experiences frigid temperatures, with a minimum reaching -16°C (4°F) and an average of -2°C (29°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year. Precipitation is considerable at 91 mm (3.6 in) over 16 days, coupled with high humidity levels at 93%. In contrast, April brings a significant warming trend, with temperatures climbing to a minimum of -9°C (17°F) and an average of 2°C (35°F), peaking at 12°C (54°F). Precipitation decreases markedly to 28 mm (1.1 in) over just 7 days, and humidity lightens slightly to 85%. The change from December to April reflects a transition from the depths of winter to the early stirrings of spring, making April a more temperate and drier month. For more details, check out Umea weather in April.

December and May present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -16°C (4°F) and hover around an average of -2°C (29°F), reaching a maximum of 6°C (44°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 93% and significant precipitation, totaling 91 mm (3.6 in) over 16 days. In contrast, May brings milder weather, with minimum temperatures just above freezing at -1°C (30°F), and averages climbing to 7°C (44°F) and maxima soaring to 21°C (71°F). Precipitation in May is considerably lower at 46 mm (1.8 in) across just 9 days, and the humidity drops to a more comfortable 77%. This transition marks a shift from the frigid cold of winter to the pleasant warmth of early summer. For more detailed insights on May weather, check out Umea weather in May.

In December, Umeå experiences a cold and snowy climate, with temperatures plummeting to a minimum of -16°C (4°F) and averaging around -2°C (29°F). The maximum temperature barely reaches 6°C (44°F), accompanied by significant precipitation of 91 mm (3.6 in) over 16 days, and a high humidity level of 93%. In stark contrast, June brings a much milder atmosphere, with minimum temperatures of 3°C (38°F) and an average of 13°C (56°F), peaking at a pleasant 23°C (73°F). Precipitation is reduced to 55 mm (2.2 in) over just 9 days, and humidity drops to a more comfortable 74%. For more details, you can check Umea weather in June.

In December, Umea experiences a chilly climate with temperatures ranging from a frigid minimum of -16°C (4°F) to a maximum of 6°C (44°F), averaging around -2°C (29°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 93%, and precipitation occurs on 16 days, totaling 91 mm (3.6 in). In contrast, July brings a much milder setting, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a warm maximum of 26°C (80°F), averaging at 16°C (61°F). The humidity decreases to 80%, with precipitation occurring on 11 days and totaling 63 mm (2.5 in). For more details about Umea's July weather, you can refer to Umea weather in July.

December and August present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures plummet, with a minimum of -16°C (4°F) and an average of -2°C (29°F), while maximum temperatures reach only 6°C (44°F). The month also sees significant precipitation, totaling 91 mm (3.6 in) over 16 days, accompanied by a high humidity of 93%. In contrast, August offers a milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (44°F) to a pleasant maximum of 25°C (76°F) and an average of 15°C (59°F). Precipitation is lighter at 77 mm (3.0 in) spread across 12 days, and humidity is lower at 82%. To learn more about the weather in August, visit Umea weather in August.

In December, Umeå experiences significantly colder temperatures compared to September, with minimums dipping to -16°C (4°F) and average temperatures around -2°C (29°F). Conversely, September offers a milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F). Precipitation levels are relatively similar, with December averaging 91 mm (3.6 in) over 16 days and September at 85 mm (3.4 in) across 12 days. Furthermore, humidity is slightly higher in December at 93%, compared to 88% in September. For more details, you can visit Umea weather in September.

In December, the weather in Umeå is significantly colder than in October, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -16°C (4°F) to a maximum of 6°C (44°F), compared to October's more moderate range of -5°C (23°F) to 14°C (58°F). Additionally, December experiences higher humidity at 93% and sees a lower average temperature of -2°C (29°F), while October enjoys a more comfortable average of 5°C (42°F). Precipitation in December totals 91 mm (3.6 in) over 16 days, which is slightly less than October's 114 mm (4.5 in) across 17 days, making both months relatively wet. For a more detailed look at October weather, visit Umea weather in October.

In comparing the weather of December and November, we see notable differences despite the similar minimum temperatures of -16°C (4°F) in both months. December experiences a lower average temperature of -2°C (29°F), dropping from November's average of 1°C (34°F). Additionally, December brings more precipitation, totaling 91 mm (3.6 in) over 16 days, compared to November's 79 mm (3.1 in) across 13 days. Humidity levels remain high in both months, with December at 93% and November at 92%. For more detailed information on November weather, visit Umea weather in November.

Compare Umea's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From December Weather in Umea

As December descends upon Umeå, the weather experiences a notable transition, characterized by cooler temperatures and increased precipitation compared to other months. With an average of -2°C, the city embraces the winter chill, often dipping to a brisk -16°C at night. The days grow shorter, and the humidity lingers at a high 93%, making the air feel even colder. With 16 days of recorded precipitation, December sets the stage for a wintry landscape, distinguishing it from the milder months that precede it. For those interested in understanding Umeå's unique weather patterns throughout the year, be sure to check out Umea Climate.