Last updated: March 17, 2025
In December, Dover, United Kingdom experiences a typical winter climate characterized by cool temperatures and substantial precipitation. Daytime highs reach around 14°C (58°F), while average temperatures hover near 7°C (45°F), dipping to chilly lows of 0°C (33°F) at night. With 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain splashing down over an average of 14 days, residents and visitors alike should be prepared for damp conditions, compounded by a high humidity level of 92%. This combination of factors creates a crisp atmosphere, ideal for cozy indoor activities and brief excursions amidst the seasonal charm of coastal Dover.
In December, temperatures in Dover, United Kingdom begin to shift into the chill of winter, with minimums reaching around 0°C (33°F) and average highs peaking at 14°C (58°F). This slight decrease from the milder autumn months creates a crisp atmosphere, inviting cozy gatherings against the backdrop of increasing holiday cheer. While the coldest nights can be brisk, with temperatures dipping just above freezing, daytime warmth offers a pleasant reprieve, enabling locals and visitors alike to enjoy the festive season outdoors. As the year draws to a close, these conditions lay the groundwork for the colder months ahead, making December a transitional but lovely time in Dover.
In Dover, United Kingdom, December marks the peak of precipitation, with 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain falling over an average of 14 days. This is notably higher than the preceding months, reflecting a seasonal shift as winter conditions set in. While October and November show significant rainfall with 88 mm and 60 mm, respectively, December’s totals strongly indicate a trend towards wetter winters. The increase in both the volume and the number of rainy days suggests a prevailing shift to more consistent moisture during this final month of the year, setting the stage for a typically damp British winter.
In December, Dover, United Kingdom, experiences a notable humidity level of 92%, consistent with the trend seen in the preceding months of November and January, both of which also recorded high humidity. As the year draws to a close, the coastal town feels the effects of winter, with moisture levels peaking as the temperature drops. Interestingly, this spike is part of a gradual decline observed from summer's lower averages—July and August marked the lowest humidity levels at 76% and 73% respectively. However, autumn brings back the dampness, as September sees a jump to 80%, leading into the wetter months. This trend highlights Dover's transition from the dryness of the summer months to the wet, chilly embrace of winter, making December one of the year's most humid months.
In December, Dover's UV Index drops to a low level of 1, indicating minimal sun exposure risks and a burn time of 45 minutes for fair-skinned individuals. This trend of reduced UV levels in late autumn and winter is consistent following a peak during the summer months, where June and July reached a high of 8, categorized as very high. As the year progresses, the UV Index typically begins at low values in January and February, gradually increasing with the arrival of spring and summer before tapering off again in the fall. Therefore, while December offers a safer window for outdoor activities without intense sun protection concerns, it’s still important to stay informed about the fluctuating UV levels throughout the year. For more details, visit Dover UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In Dover, December brings a serene beauty marked by a modest 117 hours of sunshine, a gentle decline reflecting the transition into winter. This is a noticeable dip from the vibrant 414 hours in May and the long, sun-filled days of summer, where July enjoyed the most with 422 hours. As the year concludes, daylight hours gradually wane, settling into a cozy atmosphere that invites introspection and warmth. Interestingly, despite its shorter sunnier days in December, the month still stands out as a poignant reminder of the year's progression, bridging the vividness of autumn with the crisp chill of winter. Essentially, the sunshine trend in Dover showcases a natural rhythm, where each month gracefully yields to the next, underscoring the region’s seasonal charm.
In Dover, the chances of enjoying sunny weather in December are relatively low, sitting at just 19%. This figure reflects a broader trend of decreasing sunshine as the year draws to a close; in fact, December offers one of the least favorable prospects for clear skies when compared to the rest of the year. As we move from the more promising month of April, with its 49% likelihood of sun, the chances steadily decline through the summer months and linger close to 20% in the last months of the year. Despite the occasional bright day, those looking forward to sunny moments in December should prepare for a typical cloudy and damp winter scenario in this charming coastal town.
As the year comes to a close, December in Dover, United Kingdom witnesses the shortest daylight duration, offering just 7 hours of light. This is a notable decline from the 8 hours experienced in November, and it marks the continuation of a downward trend that began in the fall. The days have been shrinking steadily since the summer peak, where residents enjoyed their longest days with up to 16 hours of sunlight in June and July. Following this peak, daylight gradually diminishes, dropping to 9 hours by February, before starting its ascent once more in spring. While December’s shorter days may evoke a sense of cozy indoor gatherings and festive spirit, they also highlight the natural rhythm of daylight, reminding us that brighter days are just around the corner.
As December settles in Dover, the average wind speed picks up to 5.6 m/s (13 mph), slightly higher than many previous months. This increase reflects a seasonal trend, as it’s common for winter months to usher in more pronounced breezes. Notably, December's winds are more robust than those of the preceding months, which tend to hover around 4 to 5 m/s. This steady pattern hints at a transition as colder air masses move in, invigorating the coastal landscape with refreshing gusts. As we progress into winter, the winds may continue to whip through the streets, offering a brisk reminder of the season's change.
The weather in Dover 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 Dover and find detailed weather information for every month.
In December, temperatures in Dover range from a chilly minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a milder average of 7°C (45°F), with highs reaching up to 14°C (58°F). The month is characterized by significant precipitation, totaling 96 mm (3.8 in) over 14 days, and a high humidity level of 92%. In contrast, January sees a slight drop in temperatures, with minimums dipping to -3°C (27°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F), peaking at 13°C (56°F). Precipitation decreases to 57 mm (2.3 in) over 11 days, while humidity remains relatively stable at 91%. For a more detailed look at the weather in Dover during January, you can visit Dover weather in January.
December and February in Dover showcase distinct weather patterns, with December being generally milder but more humid. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F), with an average of 7°C (45°F). The month is relatively wet, with 96 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation across 14 days and a high humidity level of 92%. In contrast, February tends to be colder, featuring a minimum temperature of -4°C (26°F) and a maximum of 15°C (59°F), while maintaining a similar average of 7°C (44°F). However, it experiences significantly less precipitation at 59 mm (2.3 in) over 13 days, and slightly lower humidity at 89%. For a more detailed look at February weather, check out Dover weather in February.
December and March present distinct weather characteristics, reflecting the transition from winter to spring. In December, temperatures range from a chilly 0°C (33°F) at night to a mild average of 7°C (45°F) during the day, with highs reaching 14°C (58°F). Precipitation is relatively high, averaging 96 mm (3.8 in) over about 14 days, and humidity levels hover around a damp 92%. In contrast, March offers a slight chill with temperatures dipping to -4°C (25°F) at night, but warming up to an average of 8°C (46°F) and peaking at 19°C (66°F) during the day. The month sees less rain, with total precipitation of 51 mm (2.0 in) over approximately 12 days and lower humidity at 86%. For more detailed insights, check out Dover weather in March.
December weather is characterized by colder temperatures, with minimums reaching as low as 0°C (33°F) and an average of 7°C (45°F). Precipitation is significant during this month, totaling 96 mm (3.8 in) over about 14 days, leading to a high humidity level of 92%. In contrast, April brings milder temperatures, with a minimum of 1°C (34°F) and an average of 10°C (49°F), peaking at 21°C (70°F) on warmer days. The rainfall decreases dramatically to 27 mm (1.1 in) spread over just 6 days, resulting in a slightly lower humidity of 85%. For more detailed information about the weather in April, check out Dover weather in April.
In December, temperatures tend to be quite chilly, ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F), with an average temperature of 7°C (45°F). The month also experiences significant precipitation, totaling 96 mm (3.8 in) over 14 days, accompanied by high humidity at 92%. In contrast, May brings a much milder climate with temperatures varying from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a pleasant maximum of 23°C (73°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F). Additionally, May sees less rainfall, with only 60 mm (2.4 in) over 11 days and lower humidity at 82%. This makes May a much more comfortable and enjoyable month compared to December, as highlighted in this resource: Dover weather in May.
December and June present contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F), with an average of 7°C (45°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 96 mm (3.8 in) over approximately 14 days, and humidity levels are notably high at 92%. In stark contrast, June warms up considerably, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 28°C (83°F), averaging 16°C (61°F). Both months see rainfall, but June is drier, with only 55 mm (2.2 in) over 9 days and a lower humidity level of 81%. For a more detailed look at June weather, check out Dover weather in June.
December and July exhibit strikingly different weather conditions. In December, temperatures range from a cool minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F), with an average of 7°C (45°F). The month is characterized by high humidity levels at 92%, along with significant precipitation totaling 96 mm (3.8 in) over 14 days. In stark contrast, July boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (52°F) and an impressive maximum of 33°C (92°F), averaging 18°C (65°F). Precipitation in July is also lower, at 51 mm (2.0 in) spread over 11 days, combined with a more moderate humidity level of 76%. For those interested in more details, you can explore Dover weather in July.
December and August present two contrasting weather patterns. December, with temperatures ranging from a chilly 0°C (33°F) to a mild 14°C (58°F), experiences more precipitation, averaging 96 mm (3.8 in) over 14 days, and boasts high humidity at 92%. In contrast, August offers much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (51°F) and a maximum of 31°C (89°F), alongside lower precipitation totals of 72 mm (2.8 in) spread across 11 days and a comfortable humidity of 73%. For more details on the weather during this vibrant summer month, check out Dover weather in August.
December weather tends to be much cooler and wetter compared to September. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F), with an average temperature of 7°C (45°F). This month also sees significant precipitation, totaling 96 mm (3.8 in) over about 14 days, accompanied by high humidity at 92%. In contrast, September enjoys milder conditions with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (44°F) to a maximum of 25°C (77°F) and an average of 16°C (61°F). Precipitation is lighter, at 46 mm (1.8 in) over 9 days, and the humidity is lower at 80%. For more detailed insights, you can explore Dover weather in September.
When comparing the weather in December to that of October, we notice a significant drop in temperature. December sees minimum temperatures as low as 0°C (33°F) and averages around 7°C (45°F), while October enjoys milder conditions with a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and an average of 13°C (56°F). Additionally, December experiences slightly more precipitation, totaling 96 mm (3.8 in) across 14 rainy days, compared to October's 88 mm (3.5 in) over 13 days. Humidity also rises in December to 92%, compared to October's 89%. For a more detailed look at October's climate, check out Dover weather in October.
As winter sets in, December's weather shows a noticeable drop in temperatures compared to November. The minimum temperature in December can reach 0°C (33°F), while November typically maintains a milder minimum of 2°C (36°F). The average temperature in December is also cooler at 7°C (45°F) compared to November's 9°C (49°F). December experiences more precipitation, with 96 mm (3.8 in) over 14 days, compared to November's 60 mm (2.3 in) over 12 days, suggesting that December is generally wetter. Both months share a consistent humidity level of 92%. For more details on November weather, you can check Dover weather in November.
December in Dover marks a significant shift in weather compared to other months, with cooler temperatures and increased precipitation. The average temperature hovers around a brisk 7°C (45°F), and while maximums can reach a mild 14°C (58°F), chilly lows often drop to around 0°C (33°F). This month is characterized by frequent rain, with a total precipitation of 96 mm (3.8 in) over approximately 14 damp days, contributing to the city's notably high humidity levels of 92%. As the year winds down, Dover's weather offers a crisp atmosphere perfect for cozy winter activities and festive cheer. For a deeper dive into what makes Dover's climate unique, visit Dover Climate.