Last updated: March 17, 2025
In December, Ballater, United Kingdom experiences a chilly climate, with temperatures ranging from a brisk minimum of -10°C (14°F) to a maximum of 11°C (52°F), resulting in an average of 2°C (36°F). The month is characterized by high humidity levels at 88% and frequent rainfall, accumulating around 93 mm (3.7 in) over approximately 16 days. Visitors should prepare for a blend of frosty days and damp weather, making it an ideal time for cozy indoor activities and exploring the stunning winter scenery.
In December, Ballater, United Kingdom experiences a chilly transition as winter fully embraces the town. Temperatures dip, with a minimum of -10°C (14°F), creating a crisp atmosphere that's perfect for cozying up indoors or enjoying the snowy outdoors. The average temperature hovers around 2°C (36°F), while the highs reach a mere 11°C (52°F), marking the coldest month of the year. This slight rise from November suggests a steady winter pattern, where the landscape is often blanketed in frost, fostering a serene, picturesque environment. The blend of sub-zero nights and cool daytime highs offers a unique charm, making December in Ballater a time for warm gatherings and festive spirit.
In December, Ballater, United Kingdom, experiences a notable precipitation pattern characterized by an average of 93 mm (3.7 in), spread across 16 days of rainfall. This aligns closely with November's figures, reflecting a trend of consistent moisture as the year draws to a close. The rainfall is significant enough to maintain the lush landscapes typical of the Scottish Highlands, as Ballater transitions into the winter season. While December's precipitation is lower than the summer months, it unmistakably underscores the area's propensity for dampness, which is a hallmark of its climate, ensuring that the region remains vibrantly green even in the colder months.
In December, Ballater experiences a humidity level of 88%, showing a subtle decrease from the preceding months. This slight dip contrasts with the relatively high humidity observed in November at 92% and aligns with the trend of increasing humidity during the onset of winter. As the year unfolds, humidity initially peaks in the late autumn with 90% in September and gradually stabilizes throughout the winter months, although it remains notably high compared to the spring and summer ranges. This pattern suggests that while December may herald the cold, it also retains a lingering moisture reminiscent of the wetter fall period, creating a crisp yet humid atmosphere that defines the season in this charming Scottish locale.
In Ballater, United Kingdom, the UV Index in December remains low at 1, mirroring the similarly low indices seen in January and November. This consistent rating indicates a minimal risk for UV-related harm, allowing for extended outdoor activities with a comfortable burn time of approximately 45 minutes. As the year progresses from the brighter spring and summer months, where UV exposure peaks significantly at levels 6 to 8, December offers a welcome reprieve from intense sunlight, promoting safer outdoor experiences. To stay informed and plan your outings effectively, explore more about the Ballater UV Index.
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In Ballater, December greets visitors with a modest 90 hours of sunshine, a stark contrast to the vibrant brightness of the spring and summer months. As the year winds down, the sunshine wanes, peaking in July with a generous 424 hours. The trend is clear: as the seasons shift from the lush days of May and June—where sunlight exceeds 400 hours—to the darker months, the light diminishes significantly, particularly in November and December. The gradual descent from summer’s warmth to winter’s chill highlights Ballater’s atmospheric charm, inviting guests to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the countryside, even under the gently overcast skies of winter.
In Ballater, United Kingdom, the likelihood of sunny weather in December is relatively modest, with a sunshine probability of 21%. This percentage mirrors the trend observed in the preceding months of November and January, both sitting at similar levels. Interestingly, while the spring months see a notable increase, particularly in April with a 40% chance of sun, December tends to close the year with a consistent but subdued outlook for sunny days. This persistent cloud cover reflects the overall climate patterns of winter in this charming Scottish village, suggesting that visitors should prepare for a typically overcast December, with only a few glimpses of sunshine to brighten the month.
In Ballater, United Kingdom, the daylight duration experiences a notable transformation throughout the year, with December marking a significant dip to just 6 hours of sunlight. This decline mirrors the transition from the vibrant, long days of summer—where June and July bask in nearly 17 hours of daylight—to the shorter, more subdued winter months. January begins the year with a slight recovery to 7 hours, but as the seasons shift, the gradual increase in daylight becomes apparent, peaking in spring with 11 hours in March and further extending to a lush 16 hours by May. This seasonal dance underscores the natural rhythm of light in Ballater, where each month offers its own unique experience of the sun.
As December rolls into Ballater, the average wind speed settles at 3.3 m/s (7 mph), reflecting a familiar seasonal calmness after the gustier months of November and February, which both see higher averages of 4.4 m/s and 4.7 m/s, respectively. This pattern indicates a gentle breath of wind accompanying the winter chill, typical for this picturesque United Kingdom locale. While summer months experience a notable dip, with wind speeds dropping to a tranquil 2.1 m/s (5 mph) in July, the end of the year showcases a slight rebound, suggesting that Ballater's winter winds whisper softly through the landscape, inviting a serene yet brisk atmosphere perfect for cozying up indoors or embracing the rugged beauty of the outdoors.
The weather in Ballater 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 Ballater and find detailed weather information for every month.
December and January present relatively similar weather patterns, but with some notable differences. In December, temperatures typically range from a minimum of -10°C (14°F) to a maximum of 11°C (52°F), with an average temperature of 2°C (36°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 93 mm (3.7 in) over 16 days, alongside a humidity level of 88%. In contrast, January sees slightly colder temperatures, with a minimum of -12°C (11°F) but maintaining the same maximum of 11°C (52°F) and an average of 2°C (35°F). Precipitation drops to 53 mm (2.1 in) across 11 days, and humidity increases marginally to 89%. For more detailed information about the weather during this month, visit Ballater weather in January.
December and February share similar average temperatures, both hovering around 2°C (36°F), but February typically experiences colder minimum temperatures, dipping to -14°C (7°F) compared to December's -10°C (14°F). Interestingly, while both months see almost identical precipitation levels of 93 mm (3.7 in), February has just one less day of precipitation, with rain or snow occurring on 15 days. Humidity remains consistent at 88% throughout both months, contributing to the chill. For a more detailed look at February weather patterns, you can visit Ballater weather in February.
In December, temperatures in Ballater can dip as low as -10°C (14°F), with an average of 2°C (36°F) and a maximum reaching up to 11°C (52°F). The month sees considerable precipitation, totaling 93 mm (3.7 in) across 16 days, and the humidity is quite high at 88%. In contrast, March experiences slightly milder conditions, with a minimum temperature of -8°C (19°F) and an average of 3°C (38°F), peaking at 16°C (61°F). Precipitation decreases to 82 mm (3.2 in) over the same number of days, and humidity remains relatively comparable at 86%. For more detailed insights on weather conditions in March, visit Ballater weather in March.
December and April present notably different weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -10°C (14°F) to a mild maximum of 11°C (52°F), with an average of 2°C (36°F). The month is characterized by frequent precipitation, totaling 93 mm (3.7 in) over about 16 days, and high humidity at 88%. In contrast, April experiences a milder range of temperatures, with lows of -6°C (21°F) and highs reaching 20°C (69°F), contributing to an average of 5°C (42°F). Precipitation decreases to 51 mm (2.0 in) across 12 days, with slightly lower humidity at 84%. For more detailed insights on April weather, you can visit Ballater weather in April.
December and May offer contrasting weather experiences. In December, temperatures range from a chilly -10°C (14°F) to a milder 11°C (52°F) with an average temperature of 2°C (36°F). The month sees significant precipitation, totaling 93 mm (3.7 in) over 16 days, and high humidity at 88%. In contrast, May greets us with a more temperate climate, with temperatures fluctuating between -4°C (26°F) and 23°C (74°F), and an average of 9°C (48°F). While precipitation is slightly higher at 100 mm (3.9 in) and also spread over 16 days, humidity is lower at 82%. For more specific details about the weather in May, you can visit Ballater weather in May.
In December, the weather is typically much colder, with temperatures ranging from a brisk -10°C (14°F) at night to an average of 2°C (36°F) during the day, peaking at 11°C (52°F). The month sees considerable humidity at 88% and experiences precipitation on 16 days, amounting to about 93 mm (3.7 in). In contrast, June offers a significant warm-up, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 0°C (32°F) and averaging 12°C (53°F), reaching highs of 27°C (80°F). Despite similar precipitation levels of 93 mm (3.7 in) over 16 days, June's humidity is slightly lower at 84%, providing more comfortable conditions. For more detailed insights on June weather, you can refer to Ballater weather in June.
December weather is characterized by much colder temperatures, with lows reaching -10°C (14°F) and an average of 2°C (36°F), while July enjoys warmer climes with averages around 14°C (57°F) and highs of 24°C (75°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in July at 105 mm (4.1 in) over 17 days compared to December's 93 mm (3.7 in) over 16 days. Humidity levels are relatively similar, with December at 88% and July at 86%. For a closer look at July weather specifics, visit Ballater weather in July.
When comparing the weather in December to that of August, striking differences emerge. December experiences colder temperatures, with a minimum of -10°C (14°F) and an average around 2°C (36°F), while August enjoys a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F). Precipitation levels are relatively close, with December receiving 93 mm (3.7 in) over 16 days and August slightly higher at 103 mm (4.1 in) over 17 days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly elevated in December at 88%, compared to August's 86%, adding to the chill of winter days. For more specifics on August conditions, you can check out Ballater weather in August.
When comparing the weather between December and September, notable differences in temperature and precipitation emerge. December tends to be much colder, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -10°C (14°F) to a maximum of 11°C (52°F), while September enjoys milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 24°C (76°F). Precipitation is also a factor; December experiences 93 mm (3.7 in) of rainfall over 16 days, moderately wetter than September's 80 mm (3.2 in) over 14 days. The humidity remains relatively high in both months, hovering at 88% in December and 90% in September. For those looking to explore more about September's climate, check out Ballater weather in September.
In comparing the weather between December and October, December tends to be colder, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -10°C (14°F) to a maximum of 11°C (52°F), while October sees milder temperatures, averaging between -3°C (26°F) and 16°C (62°F). Precipitation levels are also notable, with December experiencing 93 mm (3.7 in) of rainfall over 16 days, slightly less than October's 105 mm (4.1 in) across 18 days. Humidity remains relatively high in both months, with December averaging 88% compared to October's 91%. For a detailed look at October's weather, you can visit Ballater weather in October.
In comparing the weather patterns of December and November, December tends to be colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -10°C (14°F) to a maximum of 11°C (52°F), while November has slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of -6°C (21°F) and a maximum of 13°C (55°F). Both months experience significant precipitation, with December receiving 93 mm (3.7 in) compared to November's 102 mm (4.0 in), and both months have similar rainfall days at 16. Humidity levels are also high in both months, with December at 88% and November at 92%. For a closer look at November's weather details, you can visit Ballater weather in November.
As December unfolds in Ballater, the weather distinctly shifts, bringing a chill that sets it apart from the milder months of the year. With temperatures averaging around 2°C, it is one of the coldest times, often dipping to a brisk -10°C during the night. This month also marks a significant increase in precipitation, with rain or snow falling on approximately half the days, contributing to a damp humidity level that can feel quite penetrating. In contrast to the warmer seasons, December's weather invites cozy indoor gatherings and the festive spirit, making it a unique chapter in Ballater's climate story. For detailed insights about the variations throughout the year, visit Ballater Climate.