Last updated: February 24, 2025
December in Leadville, United States, presents a stark yet beautiful winter landscape characterized by freezing temperatures and significant humidity. With maximum temperatures reaching only 9°C (48°F) and plunging to a chilling minimum of -28°C (-18°F), residents and visitors experience an average temperature of -10°C (14°F). The month receives 44 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation over 10 days, contributing to the region’s snow-covered terrain. The high humidity of 89% adds to the brisk winter air, making December a quintessential month for embracing the season’s beauty while staying warm.
In Leadville, Colorado, December ushers in the coldest temperatures of the year, with minimums plummeting to a chilling -28°C (-18°F). The average temperature sits around -10°C (14°F), nudging into a brisk zone that characterizes winter in this mountainous region. Afternoon highs can reach just 9°C (48°F), which feels particularly frosty against the stark winter backdrop. Compared to the milder autumn months, December's cold is a stark reminder of the season's full arrival, as the temperature trends demonstrate a consistent drop from the more temperate conditions of previous months. The biting chill of December makes it a prime time for winter sports enthusiasts eager to embrace the snow-laden landscape.
In December, Leadville experiences a moderate level of precipitation, totaling 44 mm (1.8 in) over approximately 10 days, which marks a slight uptick from the drier months of November and October. This consistent precipitation hints at the onset of winter, as the region shifts from the autumnal dryness with November's 41 mm contributing to a progressive trend of increasing moisture through the fall. Notably, December’s precipitation aligns with the winter weather patterns, which tend to bring more precipitation as temperatures drop. As residents gear up for the snowy landscape of January, this month's rainfall serves as a gentle reminder of the seasonal transition, setting the stage for the heavier precipitation that often characterizes the heart of winter in Leadville.
In Leadville, December marks a notable peak in humidity levels, reaching 89%. This increase is part of a broader trend observed throughout the colder months, with humidity gradually rising from 76% in October to November's 82%, ultimately culminating in December's notable spike. As winter settles in, the air retains more moisture, in stark contrast to the drier summer months, where July and August boast the lowest humidity levels at 52% and 56% respectively. This seasonal fluctuation highlights Leadville's transition into a more humid winter environment, offering a cozy embrace as temperatures drop and the holiday season unfolds.
As the year winds down, December in Leadville, United States, brings a moderate UV Index of 4, indicative of the sun's decreasing intensity. This trend continues from November, which also recorded a UV Index of 5, signaling a gradual decline in exposure levels compared to the peaks experienced during the summer months. With a burn time of 30 minutes, residents and visitors can enjoy the outdoors while still being mindful of sun protection. This seasonal shift is part of a larger yearly pattern where the UV Index escalates from moderate in the winter to extreme levels in the summer, peaking in June. As such, December serves as a gentle reminder to remain cautious under the sun, even in the colder months. For more details, check out the Leadville UV Index.
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In Leadville, United States, the month of December invites a gentle embrace of sunshine, delivering 232 hours of daylight, a noteworthy count as winter sets in. Although December sees shorter days than the sun-soaked months of summer, where June peaks with 384 hours, it still maintains a bright glow compared to the preceding November with its 248 hours. This pattern highlights a consistent seasonal trend, where daylight begins to dwindle significantly from the vibrant May at 362 hours, yet, in December, the sun's rays offer a comforting presence during the cold winter nights. As the year closes, Leadville's December sunshine provides a warm reminder of nature's cyclical journeys, blending the flicker of autumn with the creeping chill of winter.
In December, Leadville enjoys a 52% chance of sunny weather, showcasing a slight dip from the preceding months of October and November, which both feature higher probabilities of sunshine at 56% and 62%, respectively. As the year wraps up, this month still holds a respectable likelihood of clear skies, indicative of a trend where the winter months maintain a balance of sunny days despite the chill. Interestingly, while December’s sunlight chances are lower than the peak summer months, it remains more favorable than the early winter months of January and February, which struggle to reach 50%. This seasonal transition underscores Leadville's characteristic shift from vibrant autumns into the serene beauty of winter, where the sun still graces the town on nearly half the days.
As December arrives in Leadville, United States, the winter season settles in with a shrinkage in daylight to just 9 hours. This decline marks the end of a gradual decrease that began after the summer months peaked with nearly 14 hours of sunlight in June, July, and August. The trend is clear: as the year progresses from the crisp beginnings of January to the cozy days of February, daylight begins to wane, reaching its minimum in the heart of winter. Following December, longer days will gradually return, beginning a cycle that promises the eventual awakening of spring by March when daylight stretches to 11 hours once again. This rhythmic shift is symbolic of Leadville's climate, echoing the changes in nature and the passage of time throughout the year.
As December arrives in Leadville, the wind begins to pick up, showcasing an average speed of 2.8 m/s (6 mph). This slight increase is a part of a gentle upward trend that starts in the late fall months, as November also registers at 2.6 m/s (6 mph). Notably, December's winds mark a change from the summer months when wind speeds dipped to their lowest, hovering around 1.7 m/s (4 mph) in July and averaging 2.0 m/s (4 mph) in both August and September. This seasonal variability, with winds generally stronger in late autumn and winter, paints a picture of Leadville's dynamic climate—a blend of crisp air and invigorating breezes that herald the winter months ahead. As the year wraps up, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the brisk winds that add an extra chill to the already enchanting atmosphere of this mountain town.
The weather in Leadville 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 Leadville and find detailed weather information for every month.
December and January exhibit remarkably similar weather patterns, with average temperatures hovering around -10°C (14°F) for both months. December typically sees slightly lower minimum temperatures, averaging around -28°C (-18°F), compared to January's minimum of -26°C (-14°F). Precipitation levels are also comparable, with December recording 44 mm (1.8 in) and January just slightly less at 43 mm (1.7 in), occurring over approximately 10 days in each month. Humidity remains high, at 89% in December and 88% in January, further contributing to the cold and often damp conditions. For a closer look at the specifics of January's weather, you can check out Leadville weather in January.
When comparing the weather in December and February, both months experience similar cold temperatures, with average highs around 9°C (49°F) and lows near -28°C (-17°F). December tends to have slightly higher humidity at 89%, while February is slightly lower at 87%. Precipitation is more frequent in February, with 59 mm (2.3 in) over 13 days, compared to December's 44 mm (1.8 in) over 10 days. For more detailed insights on February weather specifically, you can check out Leadville weather in February.
In December, the weather is notably colder, with temperatures ranging from a frigid -28°C (-18°F) to a maximum of 9°C (48°F), accompanied by high humidity at 89%. Precipitation is modest, averaging 44 mm (1.8 in) over about 10 days. Conversely, March sees a slight warming trend, with temperatures varying from -23°C (-10°F) to a max of 10°C (50°F) and an average of -5°C (23°F). While precipitation increases to 65 mm (2.6 in) spread across 13 days, humidity drops to 81%. For more detailed insights on March weather, visit Leadville weather in March.
December weather is characterized by a much colder climate, with average temperatures hovering around -10°C (14°F) and a maximum of 9°C (48°F). The month experiences considerable humidity at 89% and receives about 44 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation over 10 days. In contrast, April brings slightly milder conditions, with an average temperature of -2°C (28°F) and maximums reaching 11°C (52°F). This month sees an increase in precipitation, totaling 71 mm (2.8 in) spread across 13 days, along with lower humidity at 76%. For more detailed information on April weather, you can click here: Leadville weather in April.
December and May present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plummet to a chilling minimum of -28°C (-18°F), with an average of -10°C (14°F) and a maximum reaching only 9°C (48°F). The month experiences substantial humidity at 89% and precipitation over 10 days, totaling 44 mm (1.8 in). In comparison, May offers a milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -12°C (11°F) to a pleasant maximum of 18°C (64°F), and an average temperature of 2°C (36°F). Although May is wetter, with 72 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation spread over 13 days, the humidity is notably lower at 66%. For more details on May weather patterns, visit Leadville weather in May.
December and June present starkly contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures can plunge to a chilling minimum of -28°C (-18°F), with an average of -10°C (14°F) and a maximum reaching just 9°C (48°F). The month experiences significant humidity at 89% and receives around 44 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation over about 10 days. In contrast, June brings milder weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -9°C (15°F) to an average of 8°C (47°F), and peaking at a pleasant 24°C (75°F). Despite similarly having around 45 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation over 10 days, June's humidity drops to a comfortable 58%. For more details on June weather, check out Leadville weather in June.
December and July present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plummet as low as -28°C (-18°F), with an average of -10°C (14°F) and a maximum of 9°C (48°F). Humidity is notably high at 89%, and the month experiences around 44 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days. In contrast, July brings much milder conditions, where temperatures range from a minimum of -3°C (28°F) to an average of 12°C (53°F), peaking at 24°C (75°F). This month sees more rainfall—101 mm (4.0 in)—distributed over 16 days, accompanied by a significantly lower humidity of 52%. For more insights about July weather patterns, you can check Leadville weather in July.
December and August present dramatically different weather conditions. In December, temperatures plunge to a minimum of -28°C (-18°F), with an average of -10°C (14°F) and a maximum of 9°C (48°F). The month sees about 44 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation over 10 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 89%. In stark contrast, August offers a much milder climate, with a minimum temperature of 0°C (33°F), an average of 11°C (52°F), and a maximum of 23°C (73°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 58 mm (2.3 in) over 12 days, and the humidity drops significantly to 56%. This makes August a far more comfortable month overall. For more details, check out Leadville weather in August.
December and September present strikingly different weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -28°C (-18°F), with an average of -10°C (14°F) and a maximum of 9°C (48°F), making it significantly colder than September, which has a milder range with minimums around -11°C (13°F), an average of 8°C (46°F), and highs reaching 23°C (73°F). Both months experience similar precipitation levels, with December seeing 44 mm (1.8 in) over 10 days and September recording 44 mm (1.7 in) over 9 days, though the humidity is much higher in December at 89% compared to September's 65%. For more insights into September weather, check out Leadville weather in September.
In comparing the weather between December and October, we observe a notable shift in temperature and conditions. December experiences more extreme cold, with average temperatures around -10°C (14°F) and a minimum reaching -28°C (-18°F), while October has a milder average of 0°C (31°F) and a maximum of 18°C (64°F). Precipitation levels are similar, with December receiving 44 mm (1.8 in) across 10 days, compared to October’s 54 mm (2.1 in) spread over 9 days, though humidity is significantly higher in December at 89% versus October's 76%. For a more detailed look at October's climate, visit Leadville weather in October.
In comparing the weather between November and December, it's evident that December experiences slightly colder temperatures, with an average of -10°C (14°F) compared to November's -6°C (21°F). The minimum temperature in December drops to a frigid -28°C (-18°F), while November has a slightly milder minimum of -26°C (-14°F). Additionally, December sees a higher level of precipitation, accumulating 44 mm (1.8 in) over approximately 10 days, in contrast to November's 41 mm (1.6 in) over 7 days. Humidity levels also rise in December to 89%, up from November’s 82%. For more detailed information on November weather, you can check Leadville weather in November.
December in Leadville is a month of striking contrasts, where the winter chill takes center stage and residents experience a unique blend of icy temperatures and notable precipitation. Unlike the milder months of autumn, December brings much colder conditions, with average temperatures plummeting and the occasional frigid minimum that plunges below -20°C. The high humidity levels add to the chilly atmosphere, contributing to the season’s crisp feel. With about ten days of measurable precipitation, it's a time when snow begins to blanket the landscape, significantly altering the scenery and inviting winter enthusiasts to embrace the outdoors. For a deeper understanding of how December weather stands apart in Leadville's yearly cycle, explore more at Leadville Climate.