Last updated: March 17, 2025
December in Durham, United Kingdom brings a seasonal chill, with daytime temperatures peaking at a mild 13°C (56°F), while the average temperature hovers around 5°C (42°F). Nighttime can be quite brisk, dipping to a minimum of -5°C (23°F). The month is marked by considerable moisture, averaging 71 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation over 13 days, resulting in an 88% humidity level that wraps the city in a damp embrace. Expect overcast skies and the occasional drizzle, making warm layers and umbrellas essential for navigating this wintry month.
As December settles in, Durham, United Kingdom experiences a notable drop in temperatures, with minimums reaching around -5°C (23°F), while the average hovers at 5°C (42°F), and maximums peak at a brisk 13°C (56°F). This chill marks a shift from the milder delights of autumn, ushering in the crispness of winter. Compared to the preceding months, December’s temperatures are distinctly cooler, indicating the onset of the colder season. The decline in warmth from November's average of 7°C (46°F) hints at the seasonal transition, inviting locals and visitors alike to wrap themselves in cozy layers and partake in the festive spirit as the year draws to a close.
In December, Durham experiences a notable transition as precipitation settles at 71 mm (2.8 in), just shy of the year's peak in October. This month sees 13 days of rain, contributing to the overall dampness that characterizes the winter season. December's rainfall surpasses April's modest totals and aligns closely with June and July's wetter months, reflecting a consistent pattern of increased moisture as the year winds down. As the days grow shorter and colder, the steady precipitation reinforces the cozy ambiance of the holiday season, making Durham's charm all the more enchanting against the backdrop of its winter rains.
In Durham, United Kingdom, December ushers in a humidity level of 88%, marking a slight dip from the 90% recorded in November. This subtle decrease highlights a general trend of relatively high humidity throughout the winter months, with levels consistently above 85% from October through February. Interestingly, while December might feel a tad less oppressive than November's peak, it remains part of a pattern where humidity tends to hover near the higher end of the spectrum as the year wraps up. As temperatures drop, the air retains moisture, setting the stage for the chilly, often damp winter days that define this season in Durham.
In December, Durham experiences a low UV Index of 1, aligning with the trend of reduced sunlight as the year comes to a close. This signifies a comfortable level of sun exposure, allowing for approximately 45 minutes before skin damage may occur. As we observe the months, there's a clear pattern: as spring advances into summer, the UV Index rises sharply, peaking at 8 in July and June, reflecting the need for greater sun protection during those months. Conversely, the winter months culminate in minimal UV intensity, reinforcing the idea that sun safety is context-dependent. For more detailed information, check out the Durham UV Index.
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As the year draws to a close, December in Durham witnesses a notable dip in sunlight, with only 98 hours illuminating the winter days. This decline is a reflective contrast to the vibrant, sun-soaked months of summer, where July boasts a generous 406 hours of sunshine. The shifting seasons become evident; while January starts with a meager 89 hours, February begins to offer a faint glimmer of hope with 149 hours. As we transition through the spring and into summer, sunshine peaks in May, basking the city in 396 hours of radiant light, before gradually receding into the shorter days of autumn. The steady decline, culminating in December, serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of light and warmth, inviting residents to cherish each moment that breaks through the cloud cover.
In December, Durham, United Kingdom, experiences its lowest likelihood of sunny weather, with only a 17% chance of sunshine. This decline is noticeable against the backdrop of the annual cycle, where sunny days begin to increase during the spring months, peaking in April at 49%. As the year winds down, the chances of sun sharply drop, moving through the milder autumn months where November sees a slightly higher 29% chance. The trend indicates that if you're planning for sunshine in December, you might be in for a cloudy surprise, as winter takes full hold and the sun seems to retreat.
In Durham, United Kingdom, December marks the return to shorter days as daylight dwindles to just 7 hours. This is a continuation of the downward trend that begins in October, where daylight lasts 10 hours, and continues through the darker months of November. The contrast is striking when compared to the bright days of summer, where June peaks at 17 hours of daylight. As the year progresses from January to May, daylight duration gradually increases, with April seeing a notable surge to 14 hours. However, as winter settles in, daylight hours diminish, creating a cycle that highlights the seasonal shift from the long, sunlit hours of summer to the cozy, shorter days of the colder months.
As December sweeps into Durham, the average wind speed settles at 4.3 m/s (10 mph), presenting a notable shift from the blustery heights of late autumn. Following a slight decline in November's winds at 5.1 m/s, December continues the trend of reduced breeziness that begins with the summer months, where July's gentle breath measured only 2.8 m/s. This month bridges the gap between the more active autumn season and the calmness typically associated with the cozy winter months, creating a refreshing atmosphere perfect for brisk walks and festive cheer. Overall, the trend reveals a rhythmic ebb and flow of wind, with December's moderate breeze providing a serene backdrop as the year draws to a close.
The weather in Durham 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 Durham and find detailed weather information for every month.
In December, the weather tends to be quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F), and an average temperature of around 5°C (42°F). The month experiences approximately 71 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation over 13 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 88%.
January, on the other hand, sees slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (25°F) and a maximum of 14°C (57°F), maintaining an average of 5°C (41°F). Precipitation decreases to about 51 mm (2.0 in) over 10 days, while humidity remains relatively high at 89%. Overall, while both months are cold and wet, January offers marginally less rain and slightly warmer temperatures compared to December. For more details, you can check Durham weather in January.
December and February both feature similar average temperatures, hovering around 5°C (42°F), but February experiences slightly milder highs, reaching up to 17°C (63°F), compared to December's maximum of 13°C (56°F). Precipitation levels are fairly comparable, with December receiving 71 mm (2.8 in) over 13 days, while February sees a slight increase to 76 mm (3.0 in) across 15 days. Humidity levels remain high in both months, though December is slightly more humid at 88% compared to February’s 87%. For more details on February’s climate, please visit Durham weather in February.
In December, temperatures are colder, with a minimum of -5°C (23°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F), reaching a maximum of 13°C (56°F). The month also experiences higher humidity at 88% and more precipitation over 13 days, totaling 71 mm (2.8 in). In contrast, March offers a slight warming trend, with the average temperature rising to 7°C (44°F) and maximums reaching 18°C (65°F), while still experiencing a minimum of -5°C (24°F). The month is also drier, with only 64 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over 12 days and slightly lower humidity at 85%. For a more detailed look at specific conditions, you can check Durham weather in March.
December weather in Durham is characterized by colder temperatures, with minimums reaching -5°C (23°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 71 mm (2.8 in) over about 13 days, coupled with high humidity at 88%. In contrast, April ushers in milder conditions, featuring minimum temperatures around -2°C (29°F) and an average of 8°C (47°F), with maximums peaking at 23°C (74°F). The precipitation drops significantly to 35 mm (1.4 in) over just 7 days, and humidity decreases slightly to 84%. For more detailed insights, check Durham weather in April.
In December, the weather is quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F) and an average of about 5°C (42°F). This month experiences significant precipitation, with around 71 mm (2.8 in) falling over 13 days and a high humidity level of 88%. In contrast, May sees a more moderate climate, with temperatures increasing to a minimum of 0°C (32°F) and peaking at 24°C (76°F), averaging around 11°C (53°F). The precipitation is slightly lower at 56 mm (2.2 in), also over 13 days, and the humidity is slightly reduced at 83%. For a more detailed look at weather patterns, check out Durham weather in May.
In December, the weather in Durham is markedly cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F), averaging around 5°C (42°F). The month experiences about 71 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation over 13 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 88%. In contrast, June brings much milder conditions with temperatures between 5°C (42°F) and 27°C (81°F), averaging 14°C (58°F). Although June sees slightly higher precipitation at 80 mm (3.2 in) over 11 days, the humidity is slightly lower at 85%. For a detailed look at what to expect in June, check out Durham weather in June.
In December, the weather is notably colder, with temperatures ranging from a brisk -5°C (23°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F). The month experiences significant humidity at 88% and receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation spread over 13 days. In contrast, July brings a much warmer climate with temperatures varying from a minimum of 7°C (46°F) to a max of 30°C (86°F), averaging 16°C (62°F). Although July has slightly more precipitation at 77 mm (3.0 in) over the same number of days, the humidity is lower at 83%. For more detailed insights into the summer weather, you can visit Durham weather in July.
When comparing the weather in December and August, notable differences emerge. December experiences much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -5°C (23°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F), while August boasts milder conditions, seeing temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (46°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F). Precipitation levels are relatively close, with December receiving 71 mm (2.8 in) over 13 days compared to August's 80 mm (3.2 in) over 15 days. Humidity levels are slightly higher in December at 88%, compared to August's 82%. For more detailed insights into August temperatures, you can explore Durham weather in August.
In December, temperatures range from a chilly -5°C (23°F) to a mild 13°C (56°F), averaging around 5°C (42°F), while the month experiences 71 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation over 13 days, accompanied by high humidity at 88%. In contrast, September offers much warmer conditions, with temperatures fluctuating between a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and a maximum of 27°C (80°F), averaging 14°C (57°F). The precipitation in September is slightly less at 65 mm (2.6 in) across 12 days, with a humidity level of 87%. This stark difference showcases December as a much colder and wetter month compared to the mild and relatively dry weather of September. For more details on September conditions, check out Durham weather in September.
In comparing the weather between October and December, we see notable differences in temperature and precipitation. December tends to be colder, with average temperatures ranging from a low of -5°C to a maximum of 13°C, while October enjoys milder averages of 1°C to 21°C. Additionally, October experiences slightly more precipitation at 83 mm over 14 days compared to 71 mm over 13 days in December. Humidity levels are quite similar, hovering around 88% for December and 89% for October. For a closer look at October's weather patterns, you can visit Durham weather in October.
In December, temperatures tend to be slightly colder than in November, with average highs of 5°C (42°F) compared to November's 7°C (46°F). Additionally, December experiences slightly more precipitation, totaling 71 mm (2.8 in) over 13 days, whereas November sees 62 mm (2.5 in) over 14 days. Humidity remains high in both months, at 88% in December and 90% in November, contributing to a damp and chilly atmosphere. For more details, you can check out Durham weather in November.
As December settles over Durham, the weather takes on a distinctly cooler and wetter character compared to other months. With temperatures averaging around 5°C, chilly days become common, and the increased humidity of 88% adds to the crispness in the air. December also stands out with its notable 71 mm of precipitation, making it one of the wetter months, with rain gracing the city on about 13 days. Unlike the milder, drier spells of autumn, December invites residents to bundle up and embrace the seasonal shift. For more detailed insights on Durham's weather throughout the year, check out Durham Climate.