Last updated: February 24, 2025
In December, Kenai, United States, experiences a striking range of temperatures, with maximum highs reaching 7°C (45°F) and minimum lows descending to a brisk -16°C (4°F). The average temperature hovers around -2°C (29°F), creating a chilly backdrop for the month. With 106 mm (4.2 in) of precipitation over 17 days, residents often brace for a mix of snow and rain, contributing to the region's 98% humidity that envelops the town in a wintry embrace. Emphasizing the beauty and challenges of a Kenai winter, December showcases nature's splendor alongside the need for cozy comforts.
In December, Kenai experiences a deep chill as winter firmly takes hold, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -16°C (4°F) to a maximum of 7°C (45°F). The average temperature hovers around -2°C (29°F), marking a noticeable drop from the milder fall months. This month effectively bridges the gap between the harshness of winter seen in previous months, particularly November's lows of -19°C (-2°F), and the somewhat warmer temperatures anticipated in January. As daylight shortens and snow begins to blanket the landscape, December's crisp air and frosty scenery invite outdoor enthusiasts to embrace a variety of winter activities, all while reminding residents and visitors alike to bundle up against the cold.
In December, Kenai experiences a notable shift in its precipitation patterns, with 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain spread over 17 days. This is a significant increase compared to earlier months, illustrating a transition into the wetter winter season. November's rainfall, which totaled 94 mm (3.7 in) over 13 days, gives way to December's heightened moisture levels, emphasizing the trend of increasing precipitation as the year draws to a close. This pattern peaks in September and October but retains a robust presence in December, suggesting that the region's winter months are characterized by persistent and substantial precipitation, creating a distinctive atmosphere for both residents and visitors.
In Kenai, December is characterized by notable humidity levels, reaching 98%, which is consistent with the region's trend of high moisture throughout the winter months. The humidity remains elevated from January to June, with a peak of 100% in July. Notably, the summer months exhibit staggering humidity, particularly 99% in August, creating a damp atmosphere that lingers into the fall. While March experiences a slight dip to 90%, the overall trend shows that Kenai's climate is heavily influenced by coastal conditions, resulting in high humidity that persists well into the year, particularly in the chill of December.
In Kenai, the UV Index in December registers at a low level of 1, mirroring the values observed in both January and November. This consistent trend indicates minimal risk for sunburn during these winter months, with the recommended burn time of 45 minutes remaining unchanged. Following a peak in June and July, where the Index reached a high of 7, there's a noticeable decline as the year wraps up, with exposure categories dipping back to low levels. As the hands of the clock turn towards winter, residents and visitors can enjoy the outdoors with reduced concern for UV exposure, emphasizing the importance of seasonal awareness in sun safety. For more insights on the UV Index throughout the year, visit Kenai UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In Kenai, United States, December's sunshine offers a stark contrast to the bright, sun-soaked days of summer, with the month providing a mere 37 hours of sunlight. This significant drop exemplifies a broader trend throughout the year, where the long, sun-filled days of June peak at 333 hours before gradually diminishing. As autumn arrives, sunlight hours plummet from 200 in September to just 94 in November, setting the stage for December's stark reduction. This pattern underscores the striking seasonal cycle in Kenai, where the vibrant light of summer gives way to the quiet, reflective beauty of winter, inviting residents and visitors alike to embrace the serene, albeit shadowed, charm of the month.
In Kenai, the likelihood of sunny weather tends to fluctuate throughout the year, with December showing a modest 25% chance of sun. This percentage aligns closely with the winter months, reflecting a typical trend where the chances of clear skies dip during the colder season. While the highest chances of sunshine occur in spring, peaking at 48% in April, December's likelihood is slightly lower than the averages of the preceding months, particularly November, which stands at 33%. As the year winds down, residents and visitors can expect the sun to play a less prominent role, making those rare sunny days in December all the more special.
As December arrives in Kenai, the days shrink to just 5 hours of daylight, a stark contrast to the long, sun-drenched days of summer, where June boasts a remarkable 18 hours. This month marks the culmination of a gradual decline in daylight that begins after the summer solstice, as the sun increasingly retreats in the sky. November offers a slight reprieve with 7 hours, but by late December, residents experience the low point of the year’s daylight cycle. The transition from the long 17 hours in May to this minimal January glow illustrates the dramatic shift in seasons, inviting anticipation for the gradual return to brighter days as winter wanes.
As December settles over Kenai, the winds begin to pick up slightly, averaging 3.7 m/s (8 mph), a gentle increase compared to the calmer months of summer and fall. This shift in wind speed marks a notable trend as the year comes to a close, contrasting with the lower figures seen in the spring and early summer. January usually welcomes the new year with a bit more bluster, but December’s winds offer a gentle reminder of nature's transition into winter. Overall, the consistent wind patterns throughout the year, peaking in January and gently decreasing towards mid-year, culminate in a refreshing breeze that characterizes the Alaskan winter landscape.
The weather in Kenai 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 Kenai and find detailed weather information for every month.
December and January present a stark contrast in weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of -16°C (4°F) to an average of -2°C (29°F) and peak at 7°C (45°F), accompanied by considerable precipitation totaling 106 mm (4.2 in) over 17 days, resulting in high humidity levels at 98%. January, on the other hand, experiences even colder conditions, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of -20°C (-4°F) and an average of -5°C (24°F), while still maintaining a maximum of 7°C (45°F). Precipitation decreases significantly to 50 mm (2.0 in) spread over just 9 days, and humidity also declines slightly to 95%. For further details on this month’s weather, you can check Kenai weather in January.
December and February showcase some striking contrasts in weather patterns, despite both being winter months. December experiences a slightly broader temperature range with minimums dipping to -16°C (4°F) and maximums reaching 7°C (45°F), while February maintains a similar minimum but shows a slight decrease in the average maximum temperature, peaking at 6°C (43°F). Precipitation levels are notably higher in December, with 106 mm (4.2 in) over 17 days compared to February's 54 mm (2.1 in) over just 11 days, resulting in a less humid environment in February at 95%, down from December's 98%. For more detailed information about February conditions, you can check out Kenai weather in February.
December and March weather exhibit notable similarities and differences. Both months feature an average temperature of -2°C (29°F), but December tends to have a slightly colder minimum temperature of -16°C (4°F) compared to March's -15°C (5°F). March does see a higher maximum temperature, reaching 10°C (50°F) compared to December's 7°C (45°F). Additionally, December is characterized by significantly higher precipitation, with 106 mm (4.2 in) over 17 days, while March experiences only 37 mm (1.5 in) across 9 days. The humidity levels are also higher in December at 98%, compared to 90% in March. For more details on the weather in March, you can check out Kenai weather in March.
In December, the weather is characterized by significantly colder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -16°C (4°F) to a maximum of 7°C (45°F), with an average temperature of -2°C (29°F). The month experiences frequent precipitation, totaling 106 mm (4.2 inches), across 17 days, resulting in a high humidity level of 98%.
In contrast, April brings a noticeable warming trend, with temperatures rising to a minimum of -11°C (13°F) and reaching a maximum of 13°C (55°F), while the average temperature settles at 3°C (39°F). The precipitation is much lighter in April, amounting to 37 mm (1.4 inches) spread over just 9 days, and humidity drops to 82%. For more details on the weather in this month, visit Kenai weather in April.
December and May present striking contrasts in weather. December's temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -16°C (4°F), with an average around -2°C (29°F) and highs reaching only 7°C (45°F). The month also experiences significant precipitation, totaling 106 mm (4.2 in) across 17 days, along with a high humidity level of 98%. In contrast, May offers a much milder climate, with temperatures starting from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) and averaging 9°C (48°F), peaking at a comfortable 20°C (68°F). Precipitation is lower, at 65 mm (2.5 in) over 14 days, and humidity drops to 85%. For more detailed information, you can check Kenai weather in May.
December weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with minimums plummeting to -16°C (4°F) and averagely hovering around -2°C (29°F). The month sees significant precipitation, totaling 106 mm (4.2 in) across 17 days, alongside a high humidity level of 98%. In stark contrast, June brings milder conditions with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a pleasant maximum of 22°C (73°F), averaging around 12°C (54°F). Rainfall in June is significantly lower at 43 mm (1.7 in) over just 9 days, and the humidity, while still high at 95%, feels less oppressive compared to the winter months. For a detailed look at Kenai's June weather, you can visit Kenai weather in June.
December and July present markedly different weather conditions. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -16°C (4°F) to a mild maximum of 7°C (45°F), with an average temperature of -2°C (29°F). This month also sees substantial precipitation at 106 mm (4.2 in) spread over 17 days, coupled with an exceptionally high humidity level of 98%. In contrast, July boasts a much warmer climate, with temperatures varying from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F), and an average of 15°C (59°F). Precipitation is lower, at 67 mm (2.7 in), occurring over just 10 days, while humidity remains high at 100%. For more insights into the warm weather of July, check out Kenai weather in July.
In December, the weather is markedly colder, with temperatures ranging from a frigid -16°C (4°F) to a maximum of 7°C (45°F), and an average temperature of -2°C (29°F). The month experiences significant precipitation totaling 106 mm (4.2 inches) over 17 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 98%. In contrast, August offers a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a pleasant maximum of 24°C (75°F), and an average of 15°C (58°F). Precipitation in August is lower at 82 mm (3.2 inches) over 12 days, with humidity reaching a similar level of 99%. For those interested in a deeper look at August weather, refer to Kenai weather in August.
When comparing the weather in December and September, it's clear that December is significantly colder, with average temperatures ranging from a chilly -16°C (4°F) at its minimum to a maximum of just 7°C (45°F). In contrast, September boasts much milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (35°F) to a pleasant maximum of 19°C (66°F). Both months experience notable precipitation, with December receiving 106 mm (4.2 in) over 17 days, while September has slightly higher precipitation at 118 mm (4.6 in) across 16 days. Humidity levels are quite similar, with December at 98% and September at 97%. For more detailed information on September weather, you can refer to Kenai weather in September.
December weather in Kenai is notably colder than in October, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -16°C (4°F) to a maximum of 7°C (45°F), while October enjoys milder temperatures between -4°C (24°F) and 15°C (59°F). Precipitation is significant in both months, but October receives slightly more at 132 mm (5.2 in) compared to December's 106 mm (4.2 in), despite both experiencing precipitation on 17 days. Additionally, December has a higher humidity level at 98%, making the cold feel even more biting, whereas October's humidity is a lower 93%. For more detailed insights, check out Kenai weather in October.
December weather shows a slight warming trend compared to November, with average temperatures increasing from 0°C (31°F) in November to -2°C (29°F) in December. While both months experience cold temperatures, December’s minimum is not as frigid as November's, which can drop to -19°C (-2°F). Additionally, December sees more precipitation, totaling 106 mm (4.2 in) over 17 days, compared to November's 94 mm (3.7 in) over 13 days. The humidity remains high throughout both months, with December slightly higher at 98% compared to November's 97%. For more specifics on November weather, you can check Kenai weather in November.
In December, Kenai transitions into the heart of winter, where the chill deepens and the landscape is blanketed in snow. With an average temperature hovering around -2°C (29°F), the month stands out with its colder extremes compared to the milder autumn months. The high humidity level of 98% paired with significant precipitation—often manifesting as snow—creates a distinctly wintry atmosphere, unlike the more temperate conditions experienced earlier in the year. This month averages 17 days of precipitation, adding to the wintry charm and inviting outdoor enthusiasts to embrace the unique beauty of Kenai in December. For a deeper dive into the weather trends throughout the year, check out Kenai Climate.