Last updated: March 17, 2025
December in Stornoway, United Kingdom, presents a chilly yet captivating atmosphere, with temperatures typically ranging from a maximum of 14°C (57°F) to a minimum of -3°C (27°F), averaging around 6°C (43°F). Residents and visitors can expect a wet month, accumulating approximately 98 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation across 18 days, contributing to the sense of freshness in the coastal air. With an average humidity level of 79%, the month can feel brisk and invigorating, making it a unique time to experience the breathtaking winter scenery of the Hebrides.
In December, Stornoway ushers in the chill of winter, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -3°C (27°F). The average temperature hovers around 6°C (43°F), providing a frosty backdrop to the holiday season. Although the maximum can reach a mild 14°C (57°F), the overall sensation is distinctly cold, aligning with the trend of gradually declining temperatures as the year comes to a close. This final month of the year reflects a shift from the autumn months, where temperatures began to cool down from the warmth of summer. As the winter truly sets in, residents and visitors alike can expect to bundle up while enjoying the crisp, refreshing air and the festive spirit of Stornoway.
In December, Stornoway experiences notable precipitation figures, with an average rainfall of 98 mm (3.8 in) spread over 18 days. This marks a slight decline from the wetter months of October and November, which recorded 128 mm (5.0 in) and 106 mm (4.2 in) respectively. The trend during the late fall indicates a shift towards moderately lower precipitation, while still maintaining a substantial level of rain typical for the season. December’s combination of chilly winds and persistent rainfall contributes to the town's characteristic winter atmosphere, setting the stage for a strikingly beautiful, albeit damp, holiday season.
In December, Stornoway experiences a noticeable dip in humidity, averaging around 79%. This reduction marks the lowest level since the early months of the year, when humidity hovered between 80% and 81% from January to April. Following this period, May and June usher in a rise, peaking with July's humid conditions at 87%, only to slightly wane again in October and November. Overall, December wraps up the year with a refreshing breath of drier air, contrasting sharply with the high levels noted during the summer months.
In December, Stornoway experiences a UV Index of 1, categorizing it within the low exposure range, which means you can enjoy the outdoors without much concern for sunburn, with a generous burn time of 45 minutes. This trend of low UV levels continues from the previous months, consistent since November and spanning back to the winter months of January and February, where similar low indices were recorded. Interestingly, as the year progresses into the spring and summer months, the UV Index rises significantly, peaking at 7 during June and July, reminding us of the importance of sun protection during those sunnier days. For more detailed insights into UV levels across the year, visit Stornoway UV Index.
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In Stornoway, December brings a noticeable dip in sunshine, offering only 69 hours of daylight, a sharp contrast to the vibrant 389 hours in May and a steady 398 hours in June. This reduction marks the end of a gradual descent from the summer months, where sunlight peaked, to the shorter days of winter. Despite December's gloom, the town illuminates with festive spirit, reminding us that even in the depths of winter, there’s a unique charm to be found. Interestingly, the month also reflects a broader trend of fluctuating sunlight throughout the year, from January’s modest 53 hours to the brighter springtime, providing insight into Stornoway's diverse seasonal character.
In December, Stornoway experiences a 25% chance of sunny weather, showing a slight increase from the preceding months of November and October, both at 19%. This modest uptick in sunshine potential reflects a seasonal transition as the days grow shorter and the weather becomes increasingly chilly. Interestingly, while the likelihood of sunny days varies throughout the year, December sits comfortably in the middle—higher than the notoriously gloomy summer months but lower than early spring. As residents and visitors look forward to the festive season, those glimmers of sunlight offer a welcome respite amid the colder, cloudier days of winter.
In Stornoway, United Kingdom, December ushers in the shortest days of the year, with only 6 hours of daylight, a stark contrast to the long, sun-drenched days of summer when daylight reaches its peak at 18 hours in June. As the year progresses from January's 7 hours to February's 9 hours, daylight gradually increases, culminating in the vibrant month of May with 16 hours. However, the trend reverses as autumn sets in; the days shrink steadily from October's 10 hours to November's 7 hours, before dipping to their nadir in December. This rhythm of daylight not only marks the changing seasons but also influences the community's activities and the natural beauty of the landscape throughout the year.
As December arrives in Stornoway, the wind continues to make its presence felt, averaging a brisk 5.0 m/s (11 mph). This marks a slight dip from November's quicker pace of 6.5 m/s (15 mph), yet still aligns with the maritime temperament typically observed during this month. Throughout the year, wind speeds in Stornoway display interesting fluctuations, often reaching their peak in the heart of winter, as seen in February's gusty 7.3 m/s (16 mph). Conversely, the summer months tend to be the calmest, with July and August recording averages around 3.4 m/s (7 mph) and 3.5 m/s (8 mph) respectively. As the year wraps up, December’s winds carry with them hints of the robust gales to come, a reminder of Stornoway’s ever-changing coastal climate.
The weather in Stornoway 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 Stornoway and find detailed weather information for every month.
In December, temperatures in Stornoway typically range from a minimum of -3°C (27°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F), with an average of 6°C (43°F). The month experiences considerable precipitation, totaling 98 mm (3.8 in) over 18 days, and maintains a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, January sees similar temperature patterns, with a minimum of -3°C (27°F) and a slightly lower maximum of 13°C (56°F), along with an average temperature of 6°C (43°F). Precipitation decreases to 77 mm (3.0 in) spread across 13 days and humidity rises slightly to 81%. For more detailed information on January weather, check out Stornoway weather in January.
Both December and February exhibit similar temperature ranges, with minimums hovering around -3°C (27°F), average highs of 6°C (43°F), and maximums reaching 14°C (57°F). While December experiences a total precipitation of 98 mm (3.8 in) over 18 days, February sees slightly more rainfall at 99 mm (3.9 in) across 16 days. Humidity levels remain comparable as well, with December at 79% and February slightly higher at 80%. To explore more about the weather specifics in February, you can visit Stornoway weather in February.
December and March present a notable contrast in weather patterns, despite similar low temperatures of around -3°C (27°F). In December, the average temperature is slightly lower at 6°C (43°F), while in March it rises to an average of 7°C (44°F). Both months see a considerable amount of precipitation, with December recording 98 mm (3.8 in) over 18 days and March experiencing a little more at 102 mm (4.0 in) across 19 days. Humidity levels are also comparable, with December at 79% and March at 80%. For more specific details about the weather during March, visit Stornoway weather in March.
December weather typically features colder temperatures, with averages around 6°C (43°F) and a maximum of 14°C (57°F), while April sees a slight increase, averaging 8°C (47°F) and peaking at 21°C (70°F). Although December has a lower minimum temperature at -3°C (27°F) compared to April's -2°C (29°F), both months experience a high level of humidity, hovering around 79% and 80% respectively. Precipitation is more pronounced in December, with 98 mm (3.8 in) spread over 18 days, whereas April has less rainfall at 63 mm (2.5 in) across 15 days. For more specific insights into the weather conditions in April, you can visit Stornoway weather in April.
December and May present a striking contrast in weather conditions. In December, temperatures hover between a chilly -3°C (27°F) and a milder 14°C (57°F), with an average of 6°C (43°F). The month sees significant precipitation, totaling 98 mm (3.8 in) over 18 days, and a humidity level of 79%. In stark contrast, May enjoys more pleasant temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), with an average of 10°C (51°F). Precipitation is also lower in May at 73 mm (2.9 in) across 17 days, accompanied by a slightly higher humidity of 83%. For more details on May weather, check Stornoway weather in May.
December and June present contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilly -3°C (27°F) to a mild 14°C (57°F), with an average of 6°C (43°F). This month sees considerable precipitation, totaling 98 mm (3.8 in) over 18 days, and a humidity level of 79%. In stark contrast, June boasts milder temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (39°F), an average of 13°C (56°F), and a maximum of 23°C (75°F). Precipitation in June is lighter, amounting to 70 mm (2.7 in) over 15 days, accompanied by a slightly higher humidity of 84%. For more detailed insights, you can visit Stornoway weather in June.
In December, temperatures in Stornoway can drop to a chilly minimum of -3°C (27°F), with an average around 6°C (43°F) and highs reaching up to 14°C (57°F). The month sees significant precipitation, with 98 mm (3.8 in) of rain spread over 18 days, coupled with a relatively high humidity of 79%. In contrast, July offers a much warmer climate, with minimum temperatures around 6°C (43°F), an average of 14°C (58°F), and maximum temperatures peaking at 25°C (77°F). July experiences slightly less precipitation, totaling 89 mm (3.5 in) over 19 days, though the humidity is higher at 87%. For more detailed insights, you can explore Stornoway weather in July.
In December, temperatures tend to be cooler, ranging from a minimum of -3°C (27°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F), with an average of 6°C (43°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, with about 98 mm (3.8 in) spread over 18 days, and humidity levels are around 79%. In contrast, August offers milder weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (44°F) to a maximum of 22°C (71°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F). Precipitation is slightly higher at 102 mm (4.0 in), occurring over 20 days, and humidity rises to 86%. For a detailed overview of the climatic conditions, you can check Stornoway weather in August.
In December, the weather tends to be colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -3°C (27°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F). The month sees significant precipitation, totaling 98 mm (3.8 in) over approximately 18 days, and maintains a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, September offers milder conditions, featuring temperatures that range from a minimum of 1°C (35°F) to a maximum of 22°C (71°F), with an average temperature of 13°C (55°F). September experiences slightly higher precipitation at 110 mm (4.3 in) over about 19 days, along with a higher humidity of 87%. For more detailed information, check out Stornoway weather in September.
In comparing the weather of December and October, we observe notable differences in both temperature and precipitation patterns. December tends to be colder, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -3°C (27°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F), while October offers milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from 0°C (33°F) to 17°C (63°F). Precipitation is also slightly less in December at 98 mm (3.8 in), compared to October's 128 mm (5.0 in), despite December having 18 rainy days compared to October's 20. Additionally, humidity levels are higher in October at 86%, while December's humidity averages around 79%. For more detailed insights about the October weather, you can visit Stornoway weather in October.
In comparing the weather between December and November, we notice some interesting differences. Both months experience similar minimum temperatures of around -3°C (27°F) and -3°C (28°F), respectively. However, December tends to be slightly cooler overall with an average temperature of 6°C (43°F) compared to November's 8°C (46°F).
December also sees slightly less precipitation, with a total of 98 mm (3.8 in) over 18 days, compared to November's 106 mm (4.2 in) over 17 days. Humidity remains relatively high throughout both months, but December has a lower average at 79% compared to November's 85%. For a closer look at November's weather specifics, you can check Stornoway weather in November.
In December, Stornoway experiences a significant shift in weather compared to other months, marking the heart of winter with its chilly temperatures and increased precipitation. While the maximum temperature hovers around a brisk 14°C, the average dips considerably, presenting a chilly atmosphere that can drop to a minimum of -3°C. This month witnesses a notable increase in rainfall, with approximately 98 mm spread over 18 days, contributing to a damp and humid feel that permeates the air at 79% humidity. Embrace the wintery charm of Stornoway and learn more about its seasonal variations at Stornoway Climate.