Last updated: February 24, 2025
In Palm Desert, United States, December brings a mild winter retreat with maximum temperatures reaching 24°C (76°F), while the average settles around a comfortable 10°C (51°F). Nights can dip to a brisk -1°C (30°F), adding a refreshing chill to the desert air. Notably, the month records 37 mm (1.4 in) of precipitation across just 4 days, highlighting the region's minimal winter rainfall. With humidity levels averaging 74%, visitors can enjoy pleasant outdoor activities while experiencing a unique blend of desert serenity and seasonal variation.
In December, Palm Desert experiences a cooling trend as winter settles in, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a pleasant maximum of 24°C (76°F). The average temperature hovers around 10°C (51°F), offering a refreshing contrast to the sweltering heat of the summer months. Unlike the sweltering highs of the preceding summer, December provides a mild climate, perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying the stunning desert scenery. While the nights can be chilly, the days warm up comfortably, making it an ideal escape for those seeking a warm winter getaway.
In December, Palm Desert experiences a notable uptick in precipitation, receiving 37 mm (1.4 in) over approximately 4 days of rain. This amount mirrors the early winter months, as January also sees similar levels of moisture, suggesting a pattern where rainfall peaks at the transition from fall to winter. Interestingly, while November brings a modest 16 mm (0.6 in), December signifies a bounce back in precipitation, aligning with the desert's cooler climate, which often brings sporadic rain. This December data, paired with the year's overall declining trend in rainfall post-spring, illustrates the desert's characteristic dry spell, interrupting winter's brief respite with just enough moisture to enliven the landscape.
As December arrives in Palm Desert, the humidity levels settle at a moderate 74%. This marks a slight increase from November's 66%, reflecting the region's trend of rising humidity during the winter months. Throughout the year, the desert experiences its lowest humidity in the heat of summer, particularly in August, where it dips to 42%. As the seasons change, a gradual shift can be observed; from the dry heat of summer, humidity levels consistently rise as winter approaches, peaking in the cooler months of January and February. This seasonal fluctuation creates a comfort balance, with December’s humidity offering a crisp yet pleasant atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the region’s stunning landscapes.
In December, Palm Desert experiences a moderate UV Index of 4, marking a decline in sun intensity as the year comes to a close. With a burn time of 30 minutes, residents and visitors can enjoy the sunny desert landscape while still mindful of their skin protection. This moderate index shines brightly in contrast to the extreme levels seen in the earlier months; for instance, both May and June peak at an intense UV Index of 12, necessitating much shorter exposure times. Overall, December’s UV conditions reflect a seasonal shift that encourages outdoor activity while promoting a balanced approach to sun safety. For more details, visit Palm Desert UV Index.
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As December rolls into Palm Desert, the sun continues to grace the region with a delightful 233 hours of sunshine, even as the year draws to a close. While this marks a decline from the peak of 381 hours enjoyed in July, it still reflects the area's reputation for abundant sunshine throughout the year. The trend showcases a gradual tapering of daylight hours as winter approaches, transitioning from the vibrant 375 hours in May and a consistent upward climb until that peak summer month. December’s sunshine serves as a gentle reminder that, although the year is ending, the warmth of the desert sun lingers, inviting residents and visitors alike to step outside and embrace the seasonal change.
In December, Palm Desert experiences a notable dip in sunny weather, with only a 51% chance of clear skies. This marks a significant decrease compared to the preceding months, particularly when one considers the peak sunny days of May and August, which boast chances of 84% and 87%, respectively. As the calendar year winds down, the trend highlights an interesting shift; although November offers a more promising 76% chance, the arrival of December signals a retreat into cooler days with less sunshine, contrasting sharply with the vibrant conditions of the earlier months.
As the year draws to a close, December in Palm Desert, United States, experiences its shortest daylight duration, with just 9 hours of sunlight. This decline follows a gradual increase from 10 hours in January, peaking at 14 hours during the summer months of June and July. As autumn transitions into winter, daylight starts to wane, with hours diminishing steadily—first tapering off to 12 hours in September and then slipping below 10 hours by November. The subtle rhythm of daylight hours not only reflects the changing seasons but also sets the stage for the cozy, tranquil atmosphere characteristic of Palm Desert's December.
In Palm Desert, December ushers in a gentle breeze, with an average wind speed of 1.9 m/s (4 mph), mirroring the calmness of November. Throughout the year, the wind tends to sway slightly, peaking in the spring months, where it reaches up to 2.8 m/s (6 mph) in April. As summer approaches, the winds start to ease, allowing for a tranquil desert atmosphere that continues into the cooler months. Interestingly, December's wind speed reflects a gradual decline from the slightly more active autumn, maintaining a serene environment perfect for enjoying the beautiful desert landscapes. This consistent low wind speed offers a pleasant conclusion to the year's climatic narrative, echoing the peaceful vibe that characterizes Palm Desert's winter season.
The weather in Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert and find detailed weather information for every month.
December and January both feature mild temperatures, with December averaging 10°C (51°F) and January slightly warmer at 11°C (51°F). The maximum temperatures in both months are quite similar, reaching 24°C (76°F) in December and 25°C (77°F) in January. Precipitation levels remain consistent, with December recording 37 mm (1.4 in) and January slightly higher at 37 mm (1.5 in), each occurring over four days. Humidity is also comparable, with December at 74% and January slightly lower at 72%. For more detailed information, you can check out Palm Desert weather in January.
In December, temperatures in Palm Desert range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a comfortable maximum of 24°C (76°F), with an average temperature of 10°C (51°F). The month experiences about 37 mm (1.4 in) of precipitation over four days, coupled with a humidity level of 74%. In contrast, February sees slightly colder minimum temperatures of -4°C (26°F) but boasts a higher maximum of 26°C (79°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F). Precipitation increases to 41 mm (1.6 in) over five days, with humidity rising to 77%. For more detailed information, check out Palm Desert weather in February.
In December, temperatures in Palm Desert range from a minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a maximum of 24°C (76°F), with an average temperature of around 10°C (51°F). The month sees an average precipitation of 37 mm (1.4 in) spread over about 4 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 74%. In contrast, March offers warmer conditions, with temperatures fluctuating between -1°C (31°F) and 30°C (87°F), averaging 13°C (56°F). The precipitation decreases to 26 mm (1.0 in) over 5 days, and the humidity drops to 67%. Overall, March presents a more pleasant and warmer climate compared to the cooler and wetter December. For more details, check out Palm Desert weather in March.
In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a comfortable average of 10°C (51°F), peaking at a pleasant 24°C (76°F). The month experiences 37 mm (1.4 in) of precipitation over about four days, contributing to a higher humidity level of 74%. In contrast, April brings warmer conditions, with a minimum temperature of 4°C (40°F) and an average of 18°C (64°F), reaching a maximum of 34°C (94°F). Precipitation is significantly lower at just 15 mm (0.6 in) spread over two days, resulting in a drier atmosphere with humidity at 56%. For more details on the April climate, check out Palm Desert weather in April.
December and May present strikingly different weather conditions. In December, temperatures can range from a chilly -1°C (30°F) at night to a pleasant 24°C (76°F) during the day, with an average of 10°C (51°F). The month sees about 37 mm (1.4 in) of precipitation over approximately 4 days, coupled with a high humidity level of 74%, making it feel cooler. In contrast, May boasts much milder temperatures, with nighttime lows of 5°C (42°F) and daytime highs soaring up to 39°C (102°F), averaging around 20°C (69°F). The dry conditions in May are notable, with just 4 mm (0.2 in) of rainfall and no recorded rainy days, resulting in a lower humidity of 46%. For more details, you can check Palm Desert weather in May.
December and June present stark contrasts in weather. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a pleasant average of 10°C (51°F), peaking at a maximum of 24°C (76°F). The month experiences about 37 mm (1.4 in) of precipitation over four days, with humidity sitting at a relatively high 74%. In contrast, June boasts a much warmer climate, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 10°C (50°F), averaging 26°C (80°F), and soaring to a maximum of a scorching 43°C (109°F). Notably, June sees negligible precipitation at just 2 mm (0.1 in) over the entire month and lower humidity at 48%. For more insights into the weather during this summer month, check out Palm Desert weather in June.
The weather in December and July presents a stark contrast. December experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C (30°F) and an average of 10°C (51°F), while July boasts significantly higher temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 15°C (59°F) to an average of 30°C (86°F), peaking at a scorching 42°C (107°F). Precipitation is more frequent in December, with 37 mm (1.4 in) over four days, compared to July's much drier conditions, which see only 11 mm (0.4 in) over two days. Additionally, December’s humidity levels are higher at 74%, whereas July enjoys a lower humidity of 46%. For those interested in more specific details, you can check out Palm Desert weather in July.
The weather in December and August presents a stark contrast. December experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C and an average of 10°C, with highs reaching up to 24°C. The month sees around 37 mm of precipitation over four days, accompanied by a humidity level of 74%. In comparison, August is significantly warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16°C to a maximum of 42°C, and an average of 29°C. Precipitation is minimal, with only 8 mm over just two days, and the humidity drops to 42%. For a closer look at the conditions, check out Palm Desert weather in August.
December weather is significantly cooler than September, with average temperatures ranging from a chilly 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 24°C (76°F), while September boasts much warmer conditions, with averages between 9°C (49°F) and a sweltering 43°C (110°F). In terms of precipitation, December experiences more rainfall, averaging 37 mm (1.4 in) over four days, whereas September is quite dry, with only 5 mm (0.2 in) of rainfall on just one day. Additionally, the humidity in December is higher at 74%, compared to a more comfortable 52% in September. For more details on September weather, check out Palm Desert weather in September.
When comparing the weather in December to October, a notable shift in temperatures and conditions is evident. December experiences a cooler range, with minimum temperatures dipping to -1°C (30°F) and an average of 10°C (51°F), while October boasts a milder climate with average temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and a maximum of 37°C (99°F). Precipitation is also significantly higher in December, with 37 mm over 4 days, compared to just 8 mm in October over 2 days. Additionally, December has a higher humidity level at 74%, compared to October's 58%. For more details on October's weather, you can check Palm Desert weather in October.
In comparing the weather of December and November, December tends to be cooler with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a maximum of 24°C (76°F), while November experiences slightly milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from 0°C (33°F) to 29°C (85°F). Additionally, December is characterized by higher humidity levels at 74% compared to November’s 66%. Precipitation also increases in December, reaching 37 mm (1.4 in) over four days, whereas November typically sees less rainfall at 16 mm (0.6 in) over just two days. For more detailed information, check out Palm Desert weather in November.
In December, Palm Desert experiences a delightful shift in weather that sets it apart from other months. With comfortable temperatures and increased humidity, the desert's winter charm invites visitors to enjoy the great outdoors without the scorching heat of summer. Although the precipitation increases slightly, with a few rainy days to nourish the landscape, the overall atmosphere remains inviting and pleasant. This month's crisp air and mild conditions create an ideal backdrop for holiday festivities and outdoor adventures. For a detailed look at the weather trends throughout the year, check out Palm Desert Climate.