Last updated: February 24, 2025
Discover the enchanting December weather at Hot Springs National Park, where temperatures can vary significantly, reaching a pleasant maximum of 26°C (79°F) during the day while dipping to a chilly minimum of -7°C (19°F) at night. The average temperature settles around a comfortable 9°C (48°F), making it ideal for exploration. Visitors should expect about 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain spread across 10 days, contributing to the park's lush landscape. With humidity levels peaking at 87%, the overall atmosphere is a unique blend of cool, crisp air and warm natural springs, inviting you to enjoy the park's serene beauty.
As December rolls into Hot Springs National Park, the temperatures begin to show a marked chill compared to the mild autumn months. With a minimum dropping to -7°C (19°F) and an average temperature resting at 9°C (48°F), visitors can expect a brisk yet refreshing atmosphere. The maximum temperature can still reach a pleasant 26°C (79°F), reminiscent of early fall days. This transition heralds the onset of winter, with temperatures steadily decreasing from the highs of November and setting the stage for the cozy enjoyment of the park's famous hot springs. As the cool air settles in, it’s the perfect time to embrace the contrast of nature’s warmth and cold, making December a unique month to experience the beauty of this enchanting park.
In Hot Springs National Park, December brings a notable shift as precipitation levels rise to 130 mm (5.1 in), making it one of the wetter months of the year. This increase is accompanied by around 10 days of rainfall, suggesting that visitors should prepare for a mix of rain and cooler temperatures. December's precipitation is significantly higher than the preceding months, particularly November, which recorded only 79 mm (3.1 in) over 8 days. This trend of rising precipitation underscores the transition into winter, where the park's landscapes are refreshed and vibrant, offering a unique charm during the holiday season. Despite the rain, December's mild climate continues to attract those seeking the serene beauty of the park during its quieter, wetter days.
In December, Hot Springs National Park experiences a significant uptick in humidity, reaching 87%, the highest level of the year. This rise follows a trend seen in the fall months, where humidity levels fluctuate but generally remain high, peaking in November at 82%. As the cold winter sets in, moisture in the air becomes more pronounced, reflecting a shift from the drier conditions of late summer and early autumn, where humidity dipped to 59% in September and 61% in August. This gradual increase through the final months of the year not only showcases the park's humid subtropical climate but also enhances the park's enchanting, misty atmosphere that draws visitors into its serene wilderness during the winter season.
In December, Hot Springs National Park experiences a moderate UV Index of 4, indicating that sun protection is advisable for extended outdoor activities. This marks a return to the more temperate indices seen at the beginning of the year, with burn times extending to 30 minutes without protection. Notable trends reveal an overall seasonal climb in UV levels from January through May, reaching an extreme peak during the summer months, and then gradually declining as fall transitions into winter. As visitors enjoy the park's natural beauty this December, they can take comfort in the relatively moderate sun exposure while remaining mindful of their skin's health. For a detailed look at the UV Index throughout the year, visit Hot Springs National Park UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
December in Hot Springs National Park showcases a delightful transition as the daylight begins to wane, with 205 hours of sunshine gracing the month. While this marks a decline from the sunnier heights of summer—with July peaking at 345 hours—December still sits comfortably above the gloom of January's 148 hours. The trend clearly illustrates how the park’s lush landscapes remain vibrant even as winter approaches, with the sunshine inviting visitors to enjoy the serene beauty of the thermal springs and scenic trails. As the year winds down, the warmth of the sun continues to offer a gentle embrace, making December a perfect time for peaceful reflection amidst nature’s splendor.
In December, visitors to Hot Springs National Park can expect a lower likelihood of sunny weather, with only a 38% chance of sunshine. This marks a notable decline as the year draws to a close, especially when compared to the sunnier months of late summer and early fall, where probabilities soar above 58%. While the vibrant colors of autumn linger into November with a 64% chance of sunny days, December settles into a stark contrast, signaling the onset of winter. As temperatures dip and cloudy skies become more prevalent, it's a reminder that while sunshine may be limited, the park's beauty remains enchanting in every season.
As the year winds down, December brings shorter days to Hot Springs National Park, with just 9 hours of daylight. This decrease in daylight is part of a natural trend observed throughout the seasons. Starting from January and February, where daylight remains consistent at 10 hours, the days gradually lengthen until they peak at 14 hours in the height of summer during June and July. Following this, daylight begins to retreat once more, dipping to 13 hours in August and gradually decreasing through the fall. By the time December arrives, the fading sunlight serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of the seasons, inviting visitors to embrace the tranquility and beauty of the park as it prepares for winter's embrace.
In December, the winds in Hot Springs National Park pick up slightly, with an average wind speed of 3.3 m/s (7 mph), marking one of the brisker moments of the year. This increase contrasts with the calmer summer months, where wind speeds fall to as low as 2.0 m/s (4 mph) in July. Overall, the annual trend shows a gentle rise in wind speeds from the early winter months of January to April, keeping steady at around 3.0 m/s (7 mph) before tapering off in the summer. However, as the year draws to a close, December's winds invigorate the park, offering a refreshing backdrop to its tranquil hot springs and scenic vistas.
The weather in Hot Springs National Park 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 Hot Springs National Park and find detailed weather information for every month.
December and January exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of -7°C (19°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F), with an average of 9°C (48°F) and higher precipitation of 130 mm (5.1 in) over about 10 days. The humidity is relatively high at 87%, contributing to a colder feel. In contrast, January sees lower minimum temperatures averaging -15°C (6°F) and a slightly warmer maximum of 23°C (74°F), along with an average temperature of 6°C (43°F). Precipitation decreases to 91 mm (3.6 in) over 9 days, and humidity also lessens to 82%. For more specifics on the weather in January, you can check Hot Springs National Park weather in January.
When comparing the weather in December and February, notable differences emerge. December experiences milder temperatures with a minimum of -7°C (19°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F), while February sees colder lows reaching -19°C (-2°F), despite having a similar maximum average of around 27°C (80°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in February, totaling 154 mm (6.1 in) over 14 days, compared to December's 130 mm (5.1 in) over 10 days. Additionally, December has a higher humidity level at 87%, while February's humidity drops to 79%. For more specific details, you can check Hot Springs National Park weather in February.
In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -7°C (19°F) to a pleasant average of 9°C (48°F), peaking at a maximum of 26°C (79°F). The month is characterized by higher humidity at 87%, along with overall wet conditions, as it experiences around 130 mm (5.1 in) of precipitation over 10 days. In contrast, March brings a slightly milder climate, with minimum temperatures of -6°C (21°F) and an average of 13°C (56°F), reaching up to a warm maximum of 30°C (86°F). This month sees increased precipitation at 156 mm (6.2 in) across 14 days but with lower humidity levels at 77%. For more details on March weather, you can check Hot Springs National Park weather in March.
December and April present contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilly -7°C (19°F) at night to a mild 26°C (79°F) during the day, with an average of 9°C (48°F). The month is characterized by high humidity levels at 87% and a total precipitation of 130 mm (5.1 in) over about 10 days. In contrast, April experiences milder nights with a minimum of -1°C (31°F) and warmer days peaking at 30°C (87°F), leading to a higher average temperature of 16°C (61°F). April also sees slightly more rainfall at 162 mm (6.4 in) across 11 days, along with a lower humidity level of 78%. For more specific insights into April weather, you can refer to Hot Springs National Park weather in April.
December and May present quite contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures can drop as low as -7°C (19°F) at night, with a mild average of 9°C (48°F) and daytime highs reaching up to 26°C (79°F). The month sees quite a bit of precipitation, totaling around 130 mm (5.1 in) over approximately 10 days, with humidity levels lingering around 87%.
In stark contrast, May offers a much warmer climate, with nighttime lows of 8°C (46°F) and average temperatures climbing to 21°C (71°F), peaking at a scorching 35°C (95°F). This month experiences even more rain, totaling 168 mm (6.6 in) over about 14 days, but with slightly lower humidity at 82%. For a more detailed look at the weather conditions during this month, check Hot Springs National Park weather in May.
In December, the weather is notably colder with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -7°C (19°F) to an average of 9°C (48°F), peaking at a maximum of 26°C (79°F). This month experiences a significant amount of precipitation, totaling 130 mm (5.1 in) over 10 days, accompanied by high humidity at 87%. In contrast, June brings much warmer conditions, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 11°C (52°F) and reaching an average of 26°C (79°F), soaring up to a maximum of 38°C (100°F). Although June sees slightly less precipitation at 112 mm (4.4 in) over 12 days and lower humidity at 81%, the overall warmth is strikingly different from the chill of December. For more details on June weather, you can visit Hot Springs National Park weather in June.
December and July present stark contrasts in weather. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -7°C (19°F) to a pleasant maximum of 26°C (79°F), with an average temperature of 9°C (48°F). The month experiences considerable precipitation of 130 mm (5.1 in) over about 10 days, coupled with high humidity at 87%. In contrast, July boasts much warmer conditions, with a minimum temperature of 16°C (61°F) and a scorching maximum reaching 38°C (101°F), resulting in an average of 27°C (82°F). While July sees slightly less precipitation at 99 mm (3.9 in) over 12 days, it also has lower humidity at 75%. For more detailed weather insights, check out Hot Springs National Park weather in July.
When comparing the weather in December and August, it's clear that the two months present stark contrasts. December brings cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -7°C (19°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F), while August enjoys much warmer conditions, starting at a minimum of 17°C (63°F) and averaging 26°C (80°F). The maximum temperatures in December reach up to 26°C (79°F), significantly lower than August's peak of 37°C (98°F). In terms of precipitation, December has a slightly higher total at 130 mm (5.1 in) over 10 days, compared to August's 117 mm (4.6 in) over 11 days. Humidity levels also differ, with December being quite humid at 87%, whereas August has a more comfortable 61%. For a closer look at the specifics of August weather, you can visit Hot Springs National Park weather in August.
When comparing the weather in December and September, it's clear that September offers significantly warmer temperatures, with average highs reaching 24°C (76°F) compared to December's average high of just 9°C (48°F). In September, temperatures can soar as high as 38°C (100°F), whereas December sees a maximum of 26°C (79°F), although temperatures can drop to a chilly -7°C (19°F) at their lowest. Additionally, September experiences less precipitation, averaging 82 mm (3.2 in) over 7 days, while December sees more rainfall at 130 mm (5.1 in) across 10 days, accompanied by a much higher humidity level of 87%. For a more detailed look at September's weather, you can check out Hot Springs National Park weather in September.
When comparing the weather in December to that of October, a noticeable shift occurs. December experiences colder temperatures, with a minimum of -7°C (19°F) and a much lower average of 9°C (48°F), in contrast to October's milder average of 18°C (64°F) and maximum temperatures reaching up to 34°C (94°F). Additionally, December sees increased precipitation, totaling 130 mm (5.1 in) over 10 days, compared to October's 93 mm (3.7 in) across 8 days. Furthermore, December's humidity level is higher at 87%, compared to the more comfortable 69% recorded in October. For more detailed weather conditions specifically for October, you can refer to Hot Springs National Park weather in October.
In comparing December and November weather, December tends to be slightly milder overall, with an average temperature of 9°C (48°F) compared to November's 11°C (52°F). However, December experiences a wider temperature range, with maximums reaching 26°C (79°F), while November peaks at 28°C (82°F). Precipitation is notably higher in December, totaling 130 mm (5.1 in) over 10 days, compared to November's 79 mm (3.1 in) over 8 days. Humidity levels also increase in December, averaging 87% compared to November's 82%. For more detailed information, you may refer to this link: Hot Springs National Park weather in November.
December in Hot Springs National Park brings a notable transition from the milder temperatures of fall, with cooler averages making it a stark contrast as the year draws to a close. Visitors can expect a chilly atmosphere, highlighted by a touch of winter as minimum temperatures dip close to freezing. The month is characterized by increased precipitation, making the landscapes lush and vibrant, yet also resulting in humidity levels that can feel quite high. This creates a unique setting for those looking to enjoy the park's natural beauty in a different light. For more insights on how December fits into the annual weather patterns, check out the comprehensive overview at Hot Springs National Park Climate.