Last updated: February 24, 2025
In December, Mount Crested Butte experiences a crisp and invigorating climate, with temperatures ranging from a maximum of 8°C (47°F) to a frigid minimum of -30°C (-22°F), averaging around -9°C (16°F). This winter wonderland receives approximately 67 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over 11 days, contributing to the picturesque snow-covered landscape, perfect for skiing and outdoor adventures. High humidity levels at 89% add to the chill, enveloping the region in a serene, frosty atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for winter enthusiasts.
In December, temperatures in Mount Crested Butte showcase the persistent chill of winter, with minimums plunging to an icy -30°C (-22°F) and a biting average of -9°C (16°F). While this month is consistently cold, it marks a slight shift from the harsher depths of earlier winter, where November saw even colder lows. Daytime peaks, hovering around 8°C (47°F), offer a glimmer of warmth against the frigid backdrop. As the year draws to a close, December sets the scene for a winter wonderland, encouraging visitors to embrace the snow-covered landscape amidst the crisp mountain air.
In December, Mount Crested Butte experiences a notable increase in precipitation, amounting to 67 mm (2.6 in) over approximately 11 days. This pattern follows the trend of autumn, where the region gradually transitions to winter, enhancing its snowy allure. Comparing this month to earlier ones, December's precipitation figure is a slight rise from November's 49 mm, indicating an uptick as the colder weather sets in. The consistent rainfall in December not only solidifies its status as a transition month but also prepares the area for the winter sports season, enriching the landscape with a fresh blanket of snow. Overall, December marks a pivotal moment in the year, highlighting the shift to a more moisture-laden climate in Mount Crested Butte.
In December, Mount Crested Butte experiences a notable rise in humidity, reaching 89%, marking one of the highest levels of the year. This increase follows a consistent downward trend since the summer months, where humidity dipped to its lowest in July at 52%. As the seasons shift, autumn brings a gradual uptick, culminating in the winter months where moisture is abundant. With November concluding at 82%, December’s humidity spike signals the onset of a more humid winter climate, creating a stark contrast to the dryer summer days and enriching the town's charm during the festive season.
In Mount Crested Butte, December marks a return to a more moderate UV Index, measuring 4 and requiring about 30 minutes for burning to occur. This reflects a noticeable decrease from the intense levels experienced in the summer months, where values soared as high as 14 in June. The winter season consistently provides a reprieve from extreme exposure, with UV Index readings generally stabilizing around moderate levels in both January and December. In contrast, the spring months see a sharp increase in UV radiation, peaking in April and May. As you enjoy outdoor activities in the winter months, it's essential to recognize that while December’s UV index is lower, sun safety remains important, especially at higher altitudes. For more information on seasonal UV variations, visit Mount Crested Butte UV Index.
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In Mount Crested Butte, December welcomes winter with 220 hours of sunshine, a dip compared to the vibrant days of late summer and early fall. This month typically sees a gradual decrease in sunlight as the year draws to a close, continuing the trend from November's 243 hours. However, it still offers a solid amount of daylight amidst the snowy landscape, creating a picturesque setting for outdoor activities and holiday festivities. As the year progresses into spring, the daylight hours will pick up significantly, with March boasting 285 hours and leading into a brilliant May with 365 hours. December’s sunshine may be less plentiful, but it serves as a cozy reminder of the warmth and brightness that will return with the changing seasons.
When considering the likelihood of sunny weather in December in Mount Crested Butte, the statistics reveal a noteworthy trend. With a 49% chance of sunshine, December presents a moderate possibility for clear skies, falling just shy of the month’s average of sun-filled days. As winter sets in, sunshine chances dip slightly from the vibrant fall months, with November peak at 60% and a gradual decline into December. Interestingly, this month boasts a higher likelihood of sunny weather compared to January and February, which both hover around the mid-40% range. In the greater context of the year, while December may not be the sunniest, it holds its own as a delightful interlude before the winter's deep chill fully takes over.
As the year draws to a close, December in Mount Crested Butte offers a glimpse of the shortest daylight with just 9 hours of sun—a stark contrast to the vibrant 14 hours experienced in the height of summer. This decrease reflects a consistent seasonal trend where daylight gradually diminishes from the longest hours in June and July, tapering down through the months. After peaking in May, daylight wanes, showcasing the region's picturesque winter landscape bathed in a softer, more tranquil light. As December wraps up the year, it serves as a gentle reminder of the cyclical nature of time, inviting both residents and visitors to embrace the cozy charm of the season.
In Mount Crested Butte, December ushers in a refreshing breeze with an average wind speed of 2.1 m/s (5 mph), slightly higher than the preceding months. This uptick marks a trend as wind speeds in winter months tend to show a gentle rise, reflecting the transition into colder weather. Interestingly, while July experiences the calmest winds at 1.6 m/s (4 mph), the subsequent autumn months maintain a consistent pattern of light breezes before December breathes new energy into the air. Overall, December's winds serve as a reminder of the crisp, invigorating atmosphere characteristic of mountain winters, inviting both skiers and adventurers to embrace the season's charm.
The weather in Mount Crested Butte 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 Mount Crested Butte and find detailed weather information for every month.
In December, the weather is characterized by a wide temperature range, with minimums dropping as low as -30°C (-22°F) and maximums reaching 8°C (47°F). The month experiences an average temperature of -9°C (16°F) and sees significant precipitation totaling 67 mm (2.6 in) over 11 days, resulting in high humidity levels around 89%. In contrast, January brings slightly milder conditions with minimum temperatures of -24°C (-11°F) and a maximum of 5°C (42°F). The average temperature remains similar at -9°C (17°F), but precipitation decreases to 60 mm (2.4 in) over the same number of days, contributing to a slightly lower humidity of 88%. For more specific weather details, check out Mount Crested Butte weather in January.
December and February showcase similar cold climates, but there are notable differences in their weather patterns. In December, temperatures drop to an average of -9°C (16°F), with minimums reaching as low as -30°C (-22°F) and a maximum of 8°C (47°F). With 67 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over approximately 11 days, December experiences high humidity at around 89%. Conversely, February sees slightly milder conditions, with an average temperature of -7°C (19°F), minimums of -25°C (-12°F), and a maximum of 10°C (51°F). Precipitation increases to 79 mm (3.1 in) over 14 days, accompanied by a relative humidity of 87%. For those considering a visit, more details can be found at Mount Crested Butte weather in February.
In comparing the weather of December and March, we notice a significant increase in temperatures as the seasons transition. December sees a chilling range with minimum temperatures dropping to -30°C (-22°F) and an average of -9°C (16°F), while March experiences milder conditions, with minimums around -21°C (-6°F) and an average of -3°C (27°F). Precipitation also varies, with December receiving 67 mm (2.6 in) over 11 days compared to March's 77 mm (3.0 in) spread across 14 days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in December at 89%, compared to 81% in March. For a more detailed look at March conditions specifically, check out Mount Crested Butte weather in March.
December and April present distinctly different weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plummet as low as -30°C (-22°F), with an average of -9°C (16°F) and a maximum reaching only 8°C (47°F). The month experiences a higher humidity at 89% and sees around 67 mm (2.6 inches) of precipitation over 11 days. In contrast, April brings milder temperatures, with lows around -18°C (0°F) and averages hovering around 0°C (32°F), peaking at 12°C (54°F). Though April has slightly less precipitation at 64 mm (2.5 inches) spread over 13 days, its lower humidity of 76% contributes to a more comfortable atmosphere. For a closer look at April weather specifics, check out Mount Crested Butte weather in April.
December and May present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -30°C (-22°F), with an average of -9°C (16°F) and a maximum reaching up to 8°C (47°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 89% and sees precipitation on 11 days, totaling 67 mm (2.6 in). In contrast, May offers a milder climate with minimum temperatures around -11°C (13°F), an average of 4°C (39°F), and maximums that can soar to 20°C (69°F). Precipitation slightly decreases to 58 mm (2.3 in) over 10 days, accompanied by a more comfortable humidity level of 66%. To explore the specifics of May weather in more detail, visit Mount Crested Butte weather in May.
The weather in December is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -30°C (-22°F) and an average of -9°C (16°F), while June offers a much milder climate, where the temperatures range from a minimum of -6°C (21°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F). December sees significant precipitation, averaging 67 mm (2.6 in) over 11 days, combined with high humidity at 89%, creating a cold and often snowy atmosphere. In contrast, June experiences much less rainfall at 27 mm (1.1 in) over just 6 days, alongside a drop in humidity to 58%, making for a more comfortable and pleasant outdoor environment. For a detailed look at how the weather unfolds during this summer month, you can check Mount Crested Butte weather in June.
December and July present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plummet to a chilling -30°C (-22°F), with an average around -9°C (16°F) and a maximum of only 8°C (47°F). This month sees higher humidity levels at 89% and experiences about 67 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation over 11 days. On the other hand, July enjoys milder conditions with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to an average of 14°C (58°F), peaking at 26°C (80°F). Precipitation is slightly less at 61 mm (2.4 in) but occurs over 13 days, with a significantly lower humidity of 52%. For more details on summer weather, refer to Mount Crested Butte weather in July.
December and August present striking contrasts in weather. December is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum dipping to -30°C (-22°F) and an average around -9°C (16°F), while August enjoys milder conditions, where temperatures range from a minimum of 2°C (35°F) to an average of 14°C (57°F). Precipitation is also more frequent in December, occurring on 11 days and totaling 67 mm (2.6 in), compared to just 30 mm (1.2 in) over 7 days in August. Additionally, the humidity level in December is high at 89%, while August experiences a much more moderate humidity of 56%. For more detailed insights into how Mount Crested Butte's weather unfolds during August, you can check this link: Mount Crested Butte weather in August.
In December, the weather is notably harsher compared to September, with temperatures plummeting to a minimum of -30°C (-22°F) and averaging around -9°C (16°F), while the maximum reaches only 8°C (47°F). This stark chill is accompanied by a high humidity level of 89% and increased precipitation of 67 mm (2.6 in) over 11 days. In contrast, September enjoys much milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -7°C (20°F) to a pleasant average of 10°C (50°F) and a maximum of 25°C (77°F). Precipitation is lighter at 33 mm (1.3 in) over just 7 days, paired with a lower humidity level of 65%. For more details on the vibrant weather in September, check out Mount Crested Butte weather in September.
In comparing the weather of December to that of October, December exhibits slightly milder temperatures, with an average of -9°C (16°F) compared to October's average of 2°C (35°F). While both months experience significant cold, October's minimum temperature can drop to -32°C (-25°F), making it even chillier at night than December's -30°C (-22°F). Precipitation levels are relatively similar, with December receiving 67 mm (2.6 in) over 11 days and October seeing 58 mm (2.3 in) over 10 days. Moreover, December is notably more humid at 89%, compared to October's 76%. For a more detailed look at October weather, check out Mount Crested Butte weather in October.
In comparing the weather between November and December, December tends to be slightly colder, with average temperatures around -9°C (16°F) compared to November's warmer average of -5°C (23°F). The minimum temperatures in both months are close, with December reaching -30°C (-22°F) and November at -28°C (-19°F). However, December experiences slightly more precipitation, totaling 67 mm (2.6 in) over 11 days, as opposed to November’s 49 mm (1.9 in) across 8 days. Humidity levels are also higher in December at 89%, compared to 82% in November, making the cold feel more extreme. For a detailed look at the November weather conditions, you can visit Mount Crested Butte weather in November.
As December settles in at Mount Crested Butte, it brings a distinct chill that sets it apart from the milder months of autumn and the warmer peaks of spring. The air is crisp with humidity often lingering around 89%, creating a vibrant winter atmosphere. This month is characterized by its cold temperatures, with averages diving deep into the frost, occasionally dropping to -30°C (-22°F), making it the perfect time for snow lovers to embrace the slopes. Precipitation also plays a crucial role this time of year, with 67 mm (2.6 in) falling across 11 days, ensuring a beautiful white landscape. December is truly a magical transition into winter wonder, making it a spectacular time to visit. For a deeper understanding of the seasonal variations, explore more about the Mount Crested Butte Climate.