Last updated: February 24, 2025
December in Santa Ynez, United States, presents a delightful climate characterized by mild temperatures and a touch of moisture. With a maximum of 23°C (74°F) and an average temperature of 13°C (56°F), residents and visitors alike can enjoy comfortable outdoor activities. Nights bring a cooler minimum of 7°C (45°F), perfect for cozy gatherings. Although the month sees 72 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation across 6 days, the 76% humidity creates a refreshed ambiance, enriching the charm of this picturesque locale. Whether exploring vineyards or strolling through scenic vistas, December offers a unique blend of warmth and crispness to savor.
In December, Santa Ynez experiences a mild transition into winter, with temperatures showing a gentle symmetry to the previous months. The minimum temperature hovers around a cool 7°C (45°F), while the average settles at a comfortable 13°C (56°F). Daytime highs reach a pleasant 23°C (74°F), mirroring the cozy warmth of November. This trend highlights a gradual cooldown from the warmer summer months, yet retains an inviting chill that enhances the charm of the season. Overall, December's climate in Santa Ynez offers a delightful balance, perfect for enjoying the stunning landscapes and festive activities of this picturesque Californian region.
In December, Santa Ynez experiences a significant increase in precipitation, recording 72 mm (2.8 in) over 6 days. This uptick marks a shift from the drier months of summer, where rainfall is almost nonexistent, to a more active wet season that typically begins in late fall. Notably, December's precipitation effectively bridges the gap between the low rainfall of earlier months like June and July, which see less than 2 mm, and the robust January average of 103 mm (4.1 in). The consistent precipitation in December not only nourishes the region's landscapes but also sets the stage for a lush winter season, highlighting the cyclical nature of Santa Ynez's climate.
In December, Santa Ynez experiences a slight rebound in humidity, rising to 76%, reflecting a seasonal trend as the year comes to a close. Throughout the year, the humidity levels show a gradual decline from the peak of 83% in February to 70% in September and October, highlighting the region's transition from the wet winter months to the drier summer season. As autumn fades into winter, November sees a modest increase to 74%, and December's humidity continues this upward trend. This fluctuation not only marks the shift in weather patterns but also sets the stage for the lush surroundings that Santa Ynez is famous for, providing a picturesque backdrop for the holiday season.
In December, Santa Ynez experiences a moderate UV Index of 4, marking a gentle decline as the year winds down. This is a continuation of the trend seen in late autumn, where November also recorded a UV Index of 5. With a suggested burn time of 30 minutes, residents and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities with reasonable sun protection, reminiscent of the more intense summer months when the UV Index peaked at extreme levels of 11 and 12. As the cooler season settles in, it's essential to stay mindful of the sun’s rays, even in winter. For detailed information on UV exposure throughout the year, check out Santa Ynez UV Index.
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In Santa Ynez, December welcomes a blend of crisp air and sunlight, boasting 226 hours of sunshine. While this marks a noticeable decrease from the sun-soaked peaks of summer, with July shining brightly at 382 hours, it still offers a warm glow in contrast to the chill of winter. The trend throughout the year reveals a steady increase in sunshine hours from January's 184 hours to a vibrant May, where the count reaches its zenith at 368 hours. As the year draws to a close, December reflects a transition, echoing a gentle winding down from the sun-drenched days of summer, yet still providing ample opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this charming region under the clear skies of winter.
As December rolls in, the chance of sunny weather in Santa Ynez dips to 55%, marking it as the least sunny month of the year. This contrasts sharply with the peak sunshine experienced from May to September, when the likelihood consistently hovers around 80% or more. Interestingly, sunlight begins to fade just as winter approaches, reflected in November's 73% sunny days. While December might not boast the warm glow of the summer months, this seasonal shift hints at a cozy charm, inviting locals and visitors alike to embrace the beauty of winter in this picturesque region.
In Santa Ynez, the daylight duration follows a distinct seasonal rhythm that reflects the changing climate. December, with its 9 hours of daylight, marks the shortest days of the year, transitioning from the longer days of the summer months. After enjoying up to 14 hours of natural light in June and July, the sunlight gradually wanes, leading to a more subdued atmosphere in winter. As the year progresses, January and February hold steady at 10 hours each, before a gradual increase resumes in March, hinting at the approach of spring. This cyclical pattern not only accentuates the cozy charm of winter but also sets the stage for the vibrant rejuvenation that follows as daylight stretches back toward the long, sun-filled days of summer.
As December settles in over Santa Ynez, the winds begin to whisper a gentle lullaby, with an average speed of 3.7 m/s (8 mph). This marks a slight drop from the previous months, continuing a distinct trend of decreasing wind speeds as the year comes to a close. The transition from the brisk 5.8 m/s (13 mph) in April to the softer breezes of December paints a picture of the region's tranquil winter atmosphere. With each passing month, the winds have gradually subsided, reaching their annual lows in the final stretch. Despite the mellow gusts, the charm of Santa Ynez remains undiminished, inviting all to relish the peacefulness that this December wind offers.
The weather in Santa Ynez 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 Santa Ynez and find detailed weather information for every month.
In comparing the weather between December and January, both months exhibit similar temperature ranges with December having a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and January slightly lower at 6°C (42°F). The average temperatures remain consistent at 13°C (56°F) for both months, while the maximum temperature peaks at 23°C (74°F). However, January is notably wetter, with precipitation reaching 103 mm (4.1 in) compared to December's 72 mm (2.8 in), making it a rainier month. Additionally, humidity levels rise slightly from 76% in December to 80% in January, contributing to a more humid feel. For more detailed information on January weather, you can explore Santa Ynez weather in January.
In comparing the weather in December and February, we see a slight drop in average temperatures. December boasts temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 23°C (74°F), with an average of 13°C (56°F). In contrast, February experiences slightly cooler conditions, with minimum temperatures around 5°C (41°F) and an average of 12°C (55°F), while maintaining the same maximum temperature of 23°C (74°F). Precipitation also increases in February, totaling 89 mm (3.5 in) over six days, compared to December's 72 mm (2.8 in) during the same number of days. Additionally, February tends to be a bit more humid, with humidity levels reaching 83%, up from December's 76%. For more detailed information, check Santa Ynez weather in February.
December and March share similar maximum temperatures, both reaching around 23°C (73°F to 74°F), but the overall weather experience is quite different. December has slightly milder daytime conditions, with an average temperature of 13°C (56°F), compared to March’s average of 12°C (55°F). However, March tends to be wetter, receiving 93mm (3.7 inches) of precipitation over 9 days, while December records 72mm (2.8 inches) across just 6 days. Humidity levels increase slightly from December's 76% to March's 80%, contributing to a more humid atmosphere as spring approaches. For more details, you can check out Santa Ynez weather in March.
In comparing the weather between December and April, we see a notable shift in conditions. December features cooler temperatures, with an average of 13°C (56°F) and maximums reaching only 23°C (74°F), while April enjoys a slightly warmer average of 14°C (58°F) and can peak at a pleasant 28°C (84°F). Precipitation is more frequent in December, with about 72 mm over 6 days, whereas April is considerably drier, receiving only 19 mm over just 2 days. Despite the differences in temperature and rainfall, both months maintain a consistent humidity level of 76%. For more specific insights on the weather in April, you can check this link: Santa Ynez weather in April.
In December, temperatures in Santa Ynez range from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 23°C (74°F), with an average of 13°C (56°F). The month sees more precipitation, accumulating 72 mm (2.8 in) over approximately 6 days, and maintaining a humidity level of 76%. In contrast, May offers slightly warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), and an average of 15°C (59°F). Notably, May experiences significantly less precipitation, totaling just 11 mm (0.4 in) over 2 days, and a humidity level that is marginally lower at 75%. For more details on Santa Ynez weather, you can visit Santa Ynez weather in May.
In December, the weather is relatively mild, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 23°C (74°F) and an average around 13°C (56°F). This month experiences more precipitation, totaling 72 mm (2.8 in) over about six days, contributing to a higher humidity level of 76%. In contrast, June offers warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (53°F) and a maximum of 26°C (79°F), averaging at 17°C (63°F). Notably, June is much drier, with only 2 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation recorded over zero days and a slightly lower humidity at 74%. For more details on June weather, you can visit Santa Ynez weather in June.
When comparing the weather in December and July, distinct contrasts emerge. December features cooler temperatures, with minimums around 7°C (45°F) and average highs reaching 23°C (74°F). It also tends to be wetter, with about 72 mm (2.8 inches) of precipitation over six days, contributing to a relatively high humidity level of 76%. In contrast, July is significantly warmer, with minimum temperatures of 14°C (57°F) and maximums soaring to 30°C (85°F). Remarkably, July experiences minimal precipitation—just 1 mm (0.0 inches)—over the entire month and maintains a consistent humidity of 75%. For a more detailed look at the weather in July, visit Santa Ynez weather in July.
The weather in December and August presents a stark contrast in temperature, precipitation, and overall climate. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 23°C (74°F), with an average of 13°C (56°F), accompanied by 72 mm (2.8 inches) of precipitation over about six days, resulting in a relatively humid environment at 76%. In contrast, August offers milder conditions with temperatures peaking at 29°C (84°F) and an average of 20°C (68°F), displaying much less precipitation at just 1 mm (0.1 inches) and no rainy days, while maintaining a comfortable humidity level of 72%. This makes August a much drier and warmer month compared to the cooler and wetter December. For more details on August's climate, visit Santa Ynez weather in August.
December and September present quite distinct weather patterns. December typically experiences cooler temperatures, with an average of 13°C (56°F) compared to September's warmer average of 19°C (67°F). While December sees a more significant range in temperatures, experiencing minimums of 7°C (45°F) and maximums reaching 23°C (74°F), September boasts higher highs, averaging 32°C (90°F) during the day. Additionally, December is marked by significantly more rainfall, with an average precipitation of 72 mm (2.8 in) over about 6 days, unlike September, which enjoys dry conditions with only 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain and no rainy days. Humidity levels are slightly higher in December at 76%, while September maintains a comfortable 70%. For a closer look at September's weather, you can visit Santa Ynez weather in September.
In comparing the weather between October and December, October generally enjoys warmer temperatures, with an average of 18°C (65°F) and maximums reaching up to 31°C (88°F), while December's averages drop to around 13°C (56°F) and maxes at 23°C (74°F). Additionally, October boasts a drier climate with only 10 mm (0.4 in) of precipitation and no rainy days, compared to December's 72 mm (2.8 in) spread across six rainy days. Humidity levels are slightly higher in December at 76%, compared to 70% in October. For a more detailed look at the weather during this month, you can visit Santa Ynez weather in October.
When comparing the weather in December to November, we observe noticeable differences. December tends to be slightly cooler, with minimum temperatures around 7°C (45°F) compared to November's 6°C (44°F). However, November boasts a higher average temperature of 16°C (61°F) and maximum temperatures reaching 27°C (81°F), while December's averages are lower, peaking at 23°C (74°F). Additionally, December experiences more rainfall, with 72 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation over 6 days, compared to November's minimal 27 mm (1.1 in) over just 2 days. Humidity remains relatively constant, with December at 76% and November at 74%. For more detailed weather insights, you can check out Santa Ynez weather in November.
As December rolls in, Santa Ynez experiences a notable shift in weather compared to the milder autumn months. With an average temperature that hovers around a crisp 13°C (56°F), this month brings cooler days and refreshing evenings, marked by the rare but welcome rainfall that totals approximately 72 mm (2.8 in) across about six days. The increased humidity of 76% adds to the seasonal ambiance, making it a unique time to enjoy the local charm amidst the lush landscapes brought to life by winter showers. For a deeper dive into how December stacks up against other months throughout the year, check out Santa Ynez Climate.