Last updated: February 24, 2025
Experience the charm of Gulf Shores, United States, in December, where the weather is as dynamic as the coastal scenery. With a maximum temperature reaching 22°C (73°F) and an average of 16°C (60°F), visitors can expect pleasantly mild conditions. However, temperatures can dip to a minimum of 5°C (41°F), so packing layers is advisable. Rain is part of the seasonal charm, with 141 mm (5.5 in) of precipitation spread over 12 days, resulting in a humid atmosphere with an average humidity of 87%. Whether exploring the beach or enjoying local attractions, December in Gulf Shores offers a unique blend of warmth and refreshing coastal breezes.
In Gulf Shores, December ushers in the onset of winter with temperatures that are notably mild compared to many other regions. The average temperature hovers around 16°C (60°F), with nighttime lows rarely dipping below 5°C (41°F), making it a comfortable escape for those seeking respite from harsher climates. Daytime highs can reach up to 22°C (73°F), allowing residents and visitors alike to enjoy outdoor activities amidst a backdrop of picturesque coastal views. This trend of moderate temperatures sets the stage for a pleasant transition into the new year, as the climate slowly hints at the warmth of the approaching spring months.
In Gulf Shores, December marks a transition into cooler, wetter weather, with precipitation totaling 141 mm (5.5 in) over approximately 12 days. This increase in rainfall comes after a relatively dry November, which saw just 50 mm (2.0 in) of rain across only 6 days. Interestingly, December's precipitation amount positions it among the wetter months of the year, second only to the summer peak in June and August. The trend suggests that while the Gulf Coast enjoys mild temperatures during winter, it also prepares for the rainier season ahead, contrasting sharply with the drier, more stable conditions of spring and fall.
In December, Gulf Shores experiences its highest humidity of the year at 87%, contributing to a distinctly damp and cozy atmosphere. This marks a notable increase from November's 83%, highlighting a trend of rising humidity levels as the winter months approach. Overall, the year demonstrates a gradual decline in humidity from the highs of early winter, with levels peaking in the colder months—82% in January and gradually tapering off to 71% by June. As the year culminates in December, residents and visitors alike can expect a significant level of moisture in the air, reinforcing Gulf Shores' reputation for a humid, subtropical climate.
In Gulf Shores, December marks a notable shift in UV Index values as the year draws to a close. With a UV Index of 4, the exposure category is classified as moderate, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes—a comfortable buffer compared to the intense levels experienced in the summer months. This decrease from the peak UV levels of 11-12 in mid-summer highlights a seasonal trend where winter brings milder sun exposure, making December an ideal time for outdoor activities without the immediate risk of sunburn. However, even in December, it’s wise to stay mindful of sun protection, especially during peak hours. For more detailed information about sun exposure throughout the year, check the Gulf Shores UV Index.
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When it comes to December sunshine in Gulf Shores, visitors can still bask in a generous 226 hours of daylight, making it a welcoming destination for those seeking warmth amidst the winter chill. As the year winds down, the sunshine hours remain vibrant, although slightly less than the peak seen in late spring and summer months, where May boasts an impressive 332 hours. Interestingly, while December’s sunlight dips from its summer highs, it stands in stark contrast to the early months of the year, such as January, which averages only 185 hours. This trend reveals that while the temperatures may cool, the Gulf Shores still offers a cheerful embrace of sunlight for guests looking to escape the winter blues.
As December rolls in, Gulf Shores, United States, enjoys a 49% chance of sunny weather, making it a relatively bright month compared to several earlier winter months. Interestingly, this marks a slight dip from the 68% chance in November, but it still outshines early winter months like January and February, which sit at 45% and 42% respectively. The trend showcases a transitional phase, where the sunny probabilities begin to wane slightly but remain favorable as the year draws to a close. Overall, December in Gulf Shores offers a promising balance of sun and seasonal charm, appealing to those looking to escape the harsh winter chill elsewhere.
As the year draws to a close, December in Gulf Shores, United States, offers a daylight duration of 10 hours—an echo of January's meager daylight. Throughout the year, daylight increases steadily from 10 hours in January, peaking at 14 hours in the vibrant month of June. Following this zenith, daylight duration gradually wanes, reflecting a rhythmic ebb and flow of sunlight. July and August maintain this warmth with 13 hours of daylight, before a slow descent begins in September. The result is a seasonal pattern that starts with shorter winter days, transitions into the brightness of summer, and gradually returns to the tranquil embrace of winter, culminating once again in December's softer glow.
In December, Gulf Shores experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 5.2 m/s (12 mph), marking a slight increase from the calmer summer months of July and August. As the year comes to a close, the winds tend to mirror the transitional climate, reminiscent of the preceding November which also held steady at 5.1 m/s. This consistency hints at the region's unique climate pattern, where winds pick up again in the late fall and winter months after the summer lull. Overall, December's winds add a refreshing touch to the coastal atmosphere, providing a pleasant backdrop for beach walks and outdoor activities.
The weather in Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores and find detailed weather information for every month.
In December, the weather tends to be milder with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 22°C (73°F), accompanied by relatively high humidity at 87%. Precipitation is frequent, averaging 141 mm (5.5 in) over 12 days. Conversely, January brings a noticeable drop in the minimum temperature, averaging -1°C (30°F), while the maximum remains similar at 23°C (74°F). The month experiences lower precipitation levels, around 92 mm (3.6 in) across 8 days, along with slightly reduced humidity at 82%. For more details about the January conditions, you can check Gulf Shores weather in January.
December and February exhibit similarities in their average temperatures, often hovering around 16°C (60°F). However, December tends to be milder with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 22°C (73°F), while February experiences cooler nights, with temperatures dropping to as low as 0°C (32°F). In terms of precipitation, December is wetter, receiving 141 mm (5.5 inches) over 12 days, compared to February's 115 mm (4.5 inches) across 10 days. Additionally, December's humidity at 87% is notably higher than February's 80%, contributing to a slightly more comfortable feel in late winter. For a more detailed look at February weather, check out this link: Gulf Shores weather in February.
In December, the weather tends to be cooler with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 22°C (73°F), averaging around 16°C (60°F). This month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 141 mm (5.5 in) over approximately 12 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 87%.
In contrast, March brings slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (40°F) and a maximum reaching 25°C (77°F), averaging at 18°C (64°F). Rainfall is noticeably less, totaling 67 mm (2.7 in) over about 8 days, and humidity decreases to 80%. For more detailed insights, you can check Gulf Shores weather in March.
In December, temperatures in Gulf Shores range from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 22°C (73°F), with an average of 16°C (60°F). The month experiences considerable rainfall, totaling 141 mm (5.5 in) over approximately 12 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 87%. In contrast, April sees a rise in temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (48°F) and a maximum of 25°C (77°F), averaging around 20°C (69°F). There is slightly less precipitation in April, measuring 123 mm (4.9 in) spread over just 9 days, and the humidity decreases to 78%. This makes April a more pleasant month for outdoor activities compared to the cooler and wetter December. For more detailed information, check out the Gulf Shores weather in April.
In December, the weather is notably cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 22°C (73°F), and an average of 16°C (60°F). This month sees considerable rainfall, totaling 141 mm (5.5 in) over 12 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 87%. In contrast, May brings warmer conditions with temperatures fluctuating between a comfortable minimum of 16°C (60°F) and a peak of 30°C (85°F), averaging around 24°C (76°F). Precipitation decreases to 97 mm (3.8 in) over 9 days, with lower humidity levels at 73%. For a more detailed look at weather during this vibrant month, check out Gulf Shores weather in May.
December and June present strikingly different weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 22°C (73°F), with an average of 16°C (60°F), while humidity levels are notably high at 87%. This month experiences relatively frequent precipitation, totaling 141 mm (5.5 in) over 12 days. In contrast, June boasts significantly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 22°C (72°F) and a maximum of 32°C (89°F), accompanied by an average temperature of 27°C (81°F). Although June has higher precipitation at 228 mm (9.0 in) over 16 days, the humidity level drops to 71%, making it feel less muggy than December. For more details on the climate specifics, check out Gulf Shores weather in June.
December and July present distinctly different weather patterns. In December, temperatures typically range from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 22°C (73°F), with an average of 16°C (60°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, averaging 141 mm (5.5 in) over around 12 days, accompanied by high humidity at 87%. In contrast, July is much warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 24°C (76°F) to a maximum of 32°C (89°F) and an average of 28°C (82°F). Although July receives slightly more precipitation at 154 mm (6.1 in) over 18 days, the humidity is comparatively lower at 79%. For more specific insights into summer weather, you can check this link: Gulf Shores weather in July.
In comparing the weather between December and August, one can observe notable differences in temperature and precipitation. December features milder temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and an average of 16°C (60°F), while August boasts significantly warmer conditions, showing a minimum of 24°C (75°F) and an average of 28°C (83°F). Precipitation is also more prevalent in August, totaling 230 mm (9.0 in) over 20 days, compared to December's 141 mm (5.5 in) spread across 12 days. Moreover, while December experiences higher humidity at 87%, August has a slightly lower humidity level of 78%. For those interested in a closer look at Gulf Shores weather specifics, you can find more details here: Gulf Shores weather in August.
When comparing the weather in December to September, the differences are quite pronounced. December experiences cooler temperatures, with an average of 16°C (60°F) and daily highs reaching up to 22°C (73°F). In contrast, September boasts warmer weather, with average temperatures around 27°C (81°F) and maximums hitting 32°C (90°F). Additionally, December is characterized by a higher humidity level of 87% and less precipitation than September, which sees 223 mm (8.8 in) over 13 days compared to December’s 141 mm (5.5 in) over 12 days. For more detailed insights, you can check Gulf Shores weather in September.
December weather is generally cooler than that of October, with minimum temperatures dropping to around 5°C (41°F) compared to October's milder minimum of 10°C (50°F). Average temperatures also reflect this shift, with December averaging 16°C (60°F) against October's more pleasant 24°C (76°F). While both months experience a similar amount of precipitation—with December receiving 141 mm (5.5 in) over 12 days and October slightly less at 130 mm (5.1 in) over 11 days—the humidity in December is notably higher at 87%, compared to October's 76%, making December feel more damp and chilly. For a detailed look at October weather in the region, you can check out Gulf Shores weather in October.
In comparing the weather between November and December, December tends to be cooler overall, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 22°C (73°F), compared to November’s warmer temperatures of 3°C (38°F) to 25°C (78°F). Precipitation in December also significantly increases, totaling 141 mm (5.5 in) over 12 days, while November sees only 50 mm (2.0 in) across 6 days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in December at 87%, compared to November's 83%. For more detailed insights on November weather, you can explore this link: Gulf Shores weather in November.
As December rolls in, Gulf Shores transforms into a cooler, yet still inviting, coastal retreat. With average temperatures dipping to a comfortable 16°C (60°F), this month marks a departure from the warmer peaks of summer. Rainfall becomes more frequent, with around 12 days experiencing precipitation, making it the wettest month of the year. Despite the increased humidity lingering at 87%, the refreshing air paired with mild temperatures offers a pleasant atmosphere for visitors seeking a quieter escape. For a more in-depth look at what to expect, check out the Gulf Shores Climate page.