December Weather in Iowa City, United States

Last updated: June 24, 2025

In December, the average temperature in Iowa City, United States hovers around -1°C (31°F). While it can plummet to a chilling -22°C (-8°F), there's also the potential for warmer days reaching up to 22°C (72°F). Expect about 46 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation spread over 5 days, contributing to an average humidity of 84%. Prepare accordingly to experience the full range of December's weather!

December Temperature in Iowa City

In December in Iowa City, the average temperature is -1°C (31°F), with maximums reaching up to 22°C (72°F) and minimums dropping as low as -22°C (-8°F). This wide temperature range makes Iowa City an ideal destination for travelers seeking both cool winter adventures and milder spring outings.

December Weather in Iowa City: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates December temperature patterns in Iowa City, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends. In Iowa City, December typically has an average temperature of -1°C (31°F), with highs reaching up to 22°C (72°F) and lows dropping to around -22°C (-8°F).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec222439496273767368533831
Data source: Temperature data for Iowa City generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

December Precipitation in Iowa City

In Iowa City in December, the precipitation amount is 46 mm (1.8 in) recorded over a span of 5 days.

December Precipitation Trends in Iowa City

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Iowa City, with values for each month alongside December’s data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how December’s conditions compare to those of other months. In Iowa City, December typically receives around 46 mm (1.8 inches) of precipitation spread over approximately 5 days.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec4858808413912879831301355046
Data source: Precipitation data for December generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred precipitation unit

December Humidity in Iowa City

In Iowa City in December humidity is 84%. With an average temperature of -1°C (31°F), this humidity feels like a biting chill that seeps through layers of clothing, making outdoor excursions brisk and invigorating, yet challenging for those unaccustomed to such damp conditions.

December Average Humidity in Iowa City

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Iowa City, with December’s data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, helping you understand how conditions vary by season. In December, average humidity in Iowa City is approximately 84%, offering insight into how humid the weather typically is during this month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec81%81%81%82%78%81%79%77%78%79%87%84%
Data source: Humidity data for December generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

December UV Index in Iowa City

In Iowa City in December, the maximum UV index is 3, which corresponds to a moderate Exposure Category. The time to burn is approximately 30 minutes. For more details on the hourly UV index in Iowa City, you can check the information here.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Iowa City for December

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Iowa City in December, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues. In December, the maximum UV index in Iowa City typically reaches 3, which falls under the moderate exposure category.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec35689111098643
Data source: Iowa City December UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

How December Weather in Iowa City Compares to Other Months

Weather in Iowa City varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Iowa City, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.

This table compares monthly weather conditions in Iowa City, showing how December’s temperature, precipitation, humidity, and UV index levels differ from those of other months.
 TemperaturePrecipitationHumidityUV
January Weather-6°C (22°F)48 mm (1.9 inches)81%moderate
February Weather-4°C (24°F)58 mm (2.3 inches)81%moderate
March Weather4°C (39°F)80 mm (3.2 inches)81%high
April Weather9°C (49°F)84 mm (3.3 inches)82%very high
May Weather17°C (62°F)139 mm (5.5 inches)78%very high
June Weather23°C (74°F)128 mm (5.0 inches)81%extreme
July Weather25°C (77°F)79 mm (3.1 inches)79%very high
August Weather23°C (73°F)83 mm (3.3 inches)77%very high
September Weather20°C (68°F)130 mm (5.1 inches)78%very high
October Weather12°C (53°F)135 mm (5.3 inches)78%high
November Weather3°C (38°F)50 mm (2.0 inches)87%moderate
December Weather-1°C (31°F)46 mm (1.8 inches)84%moderate

Compare Iowa City's Climate with Cities Worldwide