Last updated: March 17, 2025
In Leeds, United Kingdom during December, the weather showcases a mix of chilly temperatures and frequent rainfall. With a maximum of 14°C (57°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F), the month can feel brisk, especially with minimums plunging to -4°C (26°F). The atmosphere is notably humid, reaching up to 90%, contributing to the overall damp feel. Rainfall is significant, with 81 mm (3.2 in) accumulated over 15 days, making waterproof gear essential for outdoor activities.
In Leeds, United Kingdom, December ushers in the chill of winter, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -4°C (26°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F), and an average hovering around 5°C (42°F). This month marks a subtle transition as the city prepares for the coldest months ahead. The consistent low temperatures remind residents that winter is fully upon them, echoing the patterns seen in November. Yet, with December's festive spirit, even the brisk air feels a bit cozier. As daylight wanes, the inviting glow of holiday lights adds warmth to the atmosphere, making the experience of the cold more enchanting. Overall, December's temperatures reflect a classic Yorkshire winter, inviting both locals and visitors to embrace the charm of the season.
In December, Leeds experiences a notable uptick in precipitation, with 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain falling over an average of 15 days. This aligns with the pattern observed in previous months, as the city's weather increasingly tends toward wetter conditions as winter progresses. Notably, December's rainfall matches that of June and July, months typically associated with summer showers, highlighting a significant seasonal shift. The gradual increase in precipitation, especially from October's 90 mm, suggests that the onset of winter brings not just cooler temperatures but also a heightened likelihood of rain, setting the stage for a typical damp British winter. As the year closes, Leeds residents should be prepared for the persistent drizzle that characterizes this time of year.
As December envelops Leeds, the humidity levels often hover around a comfortable 90%, echoing the city’s winter chill. This month marks a slight increase from the preceding months, where humidity peaked at an impressive 92% in November. Reflecting a gradual decline from the summer months, where humidity dipped to 76% in July, December’s figures suggest a trend of increasing moisture levels as the colder weather sets in, reminiscent of the New Year’s return to frosty air. With temperatures dropping, the return to higher humidity is typical, indicating that Leeds welcomes the winter season with a touch of moisture, setting the stage for the cozy atmosphere of the holidays.
In December, the UV Index in Leeds, United Kingdom, returns to a low level of 1, mirroring the values seen in the depths of winter months like January and November. With a burn time of 45 minutes, residents can enjoy the outdoors with minimal sun protection. This drop in UV exposure signals a seasonal shift from the much higher indices of summer months, where values peaked at 8 in both June and July, calling for more vigilance to shield against harmful rays. As the year closes, December’s low UV Index creates a welcome respite for the skin, making it a great time to engage in winter activities without the sun's intense glare. To explore more about sun safety in this region, refer to the Leeds UV Index.
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In December, Leeds experiences a notable dip in sunshine, with only 92 hours gracing the city, a stark contrast to the vibrant luminosity of May, which boasts 383 hours. As the year winds down, the trend showcases a gradual decline in daylight, particularly as autumn gives way to winter, with hours peaking in the warmer months of April through July. Despite the decrease, December’s soft, diffused sunlight can cast a gentle glow over the city, offering a cozy charm during the festive season. This month encapsulates the essence of winter, reminding residents and visitors alike of the natural cycles of light, as they eagerly anticipate the longer days ahead in the New Year.
When considering the likelihood of sunny weather in December in Leeds, United Kingdom, it's clear that this month tends to offer a rather gloomy outlook, with a mere 17% chance of sunshine. This figure stands in sharp contrast to the more cheerful prospects of spring, where April shines at 47% sunny days. As the year progresses toward winter, the likelihood of sun generally declines, with December falling among the lower tiers, even below January and February. Notably, December's sunshine odds are the lowest of any month, highlighting a seasonal trend where the coldest months bring fewer sunny spells, leaving locals to rely on their festive spirit and cozy indoors during this time of year.
As December settles over Leeds, the city welcomes just 7 hours of daylight, the shortest span of the year. This reduction follows a gradual decline from the longer summer days, where June and July bask in 16 hours of sunlight, to the early winter months where daylight dwindles to just 8 hours in November. The trend clearly illustrates a significant drop during the final month of the year, as residents transition from the vibrant days of summer into the darker, more subdued atmosphere of winter. With only a few hours of sunlight, December encourages a cozy embrace of indoor activities, moments of reflection, and the joy of seasonal celebrations under the dimming light.
As December sets in, Leeds experiences a gentle shift in wind dynamics, with an average wind speed of 4.2 m/s (9 mph). This marks a slight decrease from the brisker conditions of the preceding months, particularly November, which boasted an average of 4.7 m/s (11 mph). Throughout the year, Leeds sees a general trend of diminishing wind speeds from the early winter months, peaking in the late autumn with November's bluster. Comparatively, December's winds mirror those of earlier winter, slightly more subdued than the vigorous gusts of October. As the year wraps up, residents can expect a more tranquil atmosphere, perfect for cozy evenings indoors while the cool breeze hints at the coming chill of winter.
The weather in Leeds 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 Leeds and find detailed weather information for every month.
In December, temperatures in Leeds typically range from a minimum of -4°C (26°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F), with an average temperature around 5°C (42°F). The month sees about 81 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 15 days, maintaining a high humidity level of 90%. In contrast, January shares a similar temperature range with lows of -4°C (25°F) and highs reaching 14°C (58°F), while the average dips slightly to 5°C (41°F). However, January experiences less precipitation, totaling about 56 mm (2.2 in) over just 10 days, yet humidity remains consistent at 90%. For more details on weather conditions in January, you can refer to Leeds weather in January.
In December, temperatures range from a chilly -4°C (26°F) to a mild 14°C (57°F), with an average of about 5°C (42°F). The month experiences substantial precipitation, totaling 81 mm (3.2 in) over approximately 15 days and relatively high humidity at 90%. In contrast, February showcases slightly colder minimum temperatures, dropping to -6°C (22°F), but it can reach up to 17°C (63°F), maintaining the same average of 5°C (42°F). February's precipitation is marginally less at 79 mm (3.1 in) over about 14 days, accompanied by slightly lower humidity at 88%. For more details on specific weather patterns and trends, visit Leeds weather in February.
December and March exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In December, temperatures typically range from a minimum of -4°C (26°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F), with an average of 5°C (42°F). The month experiences around 81 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation over about 15 days, with humidity levels averaging a high 90%. In contrast, March sees a slight dip in minimum temperatures to -6°C (22°F) but a notable increase in maximum temperatures, reaching up to 20°C (68°F), with an average of 7°C (44°F). Precipitation levels are similar, measuring at 76 mm (3.0 in) over 14 days, while humidity is a bit lower at 86%. For a more detailed comparison, you can check Leeds weather in March.
December weather in Leeds is quite chilly, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -4°C (26°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F). It experiences higher precipitation, totaling 81 mm (3.2 in) over about 15 days, and humidity levels are notably high at 90%. In contrast, April brings a noticeable warming trend, with temperatures averaging from -3°C (27°F) to a much milder maximum of 24°C (75°F). The precipitation is significantly lower at 40 mm (1.6 in) across just 8 days, and humidity drops slightly to 84%. For more details on April weather specific to Leeds, check out Leeds weather in April.
December and May present quite differing weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilly -4°C (26°F) at night to a mild 14°C (57°F) during the day, with an average temperature of 5°C (42°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 81 mm (3.2 in) over about 15 days, coupled with high humidity at 90%. In contrast, May brings a gentle transition into warmth, with temperatures starting from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) and peaking at 25°C (78°F), resulting in an average of 12°C (53°F). Precipitation decreases to 61 mm (2.4 in) across 12 days, and humidity is slightly lower at 80%. For more detailed information on May weather, you can visit Leeds weather in May.
December and June present contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -4°C (26°F) to a mild maximum of 14°C (57°F), with an average of 5°C (42°F). The month sees significant precipitation, totaling 81 mm (3.2 inches) over approximately 15 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 90%. In contrast, June enjoys warmer temperatures, with minimums of 6°C (43°F) and maximums reaching up to 28°C (82°F), averaging 15°C (59°F). The precipitation remains consistent at 81 mm (3.2 inches), but occurs over fewer days (13), and humidity levels are slightly lower at 81%. For those interested in a detailed look at June weather in Leeds, visit Leeds weather in June.
December and July present stark contrasts in weather. December's chilly temperatures range from a minimum of -4°C (26°F) to a pleasant max of 14°C (57°F), with an average of 5°C (42°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 90% and sees precipitation on about 15 days, totaling 81 mm (3.2 in). In contrast, July is much warmer, with temperatures fluctuating from a minimum of 7°C (46°F) to a scorching maximum of 34°C (93°F), averaging around 17°C (62°F). The humidity in July is lower at 76%, and while it still sees a fair amount of rain, the precipitation is slightly less at 80 mm (3.1 in) over 12 days. For more details, you can refer to Leeds weather in July.
December weather typically presents a much cooler and wetter experience compared to August. In December, temperatures can dip as low as -4°C (26°F) with an average of 5°C (42°F), whereas August enjoys milder conditions with lows around 8°C (46°F) and an average temperature of 16°C (61°F). Both months have similar precipitation levels, with December receiving 81 mm (3.2 in) over 15 days and August slightly lower at 82 mm (3.2 in) over 13 days. Humidity levels in December are also notably high at 90%, in contrast to the more comfortable 77% experienced in August. For a closer look at August weather, you can check out Leeds weather in August.
In December, the weather is considerably colder than in September, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -4°C (26°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F), while September boasts a milder climate with temperatures between 3°C (38°F) and 28°C (82°F). Additionally, December experiences higher precipitation levels at 81 mm (3.2 in) over approximately 15 days, compared to September's 67 mm (2.7 in) spread across 12 days. Humidity is also slightly higher in December at 90%, whereas September holds a comfortable level of 85%. For more detailed information about September weather, you can visit Leeds weather in September.
When comparing the weather between October and December, notable differences in temperature and precipitation emerge. In October, the minimum temperature hovers around 0°C (32°F), with an average of 11°C (52°F) and a maximum reaching 22°C (71°F), showcasing a generally milder climate. The precipitation is slightly higher in October at 90 mm (3.6 in) over 14 days, maintaining a humidity level of 90%. Conversely, December experiences a drop in temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (26°F), an average of 5°C (42°F), and a maximum of 14°C (57°F). December sees 81 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation over 15 days, also with a humidity of 90%. For more details, check Leeds weather in October.
In comparing the weather between November and December, we see a noticeable drop in temperatures as the year comes to a close. December features a minimum of -4°C (26°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F), while November maintains slightly milder conditions with a minimum of -3°C (26°F) and an average of 7°C (46°F). Moreover, December experiences more precipitation, totaling 81 mm (3.2 in) over 15 days, compared to November's 65 mm (2.5 in) over 13 days. The humidity level remains high in both months, with December at 90% and November at 92%. For further details on November's climate, you can check this link: Leeds weather in November.
As December rolls into Leeds, the city transforms under a cloak of winter, showcasing significant deviations from the milder months. With average temperatures dipping to a chilly 5°C (42°F), it's a stark contrast to the more temperate autumn climate. The potential for frost looms, with minimum temperatures occasionally reaching -4°C (26°F). Adding to the wintry feel, December brings 81 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation across approximately 15 days, making it one of the wetter months of the year. Coupled with high humidity levels around 90%, this month can feel particularly brisk and damp. Despite the colder weather and increased precipitation, December casts a unique charm over Leeds, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy the festive spirit. For a deeper dive into the climate nuances of Leeds, explore Leeds Climate.