Last updated: February 24, 2025
December in Louisville, United States, showcases a diverse range of weather conditions that reflect the transition into winter. Maximum temperatures reach a mild 22°C (71°F), while the average drops to a chilly 5°C (41°F) and can plummet to a minimum of -14°C (8°F), making it essential for residents to prepare for fluctuating conditions. This month also experiences considerable precipitation, with a total of 106 mm (4.2 in) spread over 10 days, contributing to an overall humidity level of 87%. With such variability, December encapsulates the beauty and unpredictability of Louisville's winter weather.
In December, Louisville experiences a notable drop in temperatures as winter settles in. With minimums plunging to -14°C (8°F) and average daytime highs around 5°C (41°F), the city grapples with the cold embrace of the season. However, despite the chill, the maximum temperatures can still reach a mild 22°C (71°F), offering brief interludes of warmth amidst the wintry landscape. This month marks a transitional period where the city shifts from the lingering autumn coolness of November to the more frigid realities of January. As such, December is characterized by crisp air and the anticipation of holiday festivities, making it a month of contrasts—where chilly mornings give way to pleasantly mild afternoons.
In December, Louisville experiences a notable shift in precipitation patterns as the year draws to a close. With an average of 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, December stands out as a month of considerable moisture, surpassing the totals of both November and January. The city endures approximately 10 days of precipitation, reflecting a consistency that is characteristic of late fall and early winter. Compared to the wetter months of June and April, which see higher totals, December's rainfall offers a more moderate yet essential replenishment to the region's water resources as the season shifts. This month’s precipitation, while lower than the peak summer averages, reinforces the trend of steady moisture that supports Louisville’s landscape through the colder months.
In December, Louisville experiences a notable rise in humidity, with levels reaching 87%, matching the somewhat damp conditions of January. As we transition from the milder months, there's a distinct trend where the humidity tends to peak during winter, as reflected in November's high of 88%. This is a stark contrast to the drier summer months, where August and September see humidity dip to 70% and 69%, respectively. Such fluctuations highlight the cyclical nature of Louisville's weather, where the return to elevated humidity in December signals the winter season's chill, enveloping the city in a heavier, moisture-laden atmosphere.
In December, Louisville experiences a moderate UV Index of 3, signaling a shift towards safer sun exposure as the year comes to a close. With a burn time of 30 minutes, residents can enjoy outdoor activities without the intense sun protection needed in the summer months. This reflects a general downward trend in UV levels during winter; after peaking at 11 in June, the UV Index steadily decreases through the second half of the year. As colder temperatures settle in, it's a good reminder to stay aware of UV rays even in winter. For more details on UV readings throughout the year, visit Louisville UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
December in Louisville brings a subtle shift in daylight, with 171 hours of sunshine illuminating the winter landscape. As the year winds down, this month showcases a notable decline from the sun-drenched heights of summer, where July basks in a generous 345 hours. However, December still stands out as a bright beacon during a season often associated with long nights. Compared to the crisp shadows of January, which offers only 128 hours, sunlight in December provides a cozy, golden backdrop to the holiday festivities, hinting at the subtle promise of more sun in the months to come. This trend not only reflects the city’s seasonal rhythm but also highlights the resilience of sunlight throughout the winter months, making each sunny day feel like a special gift.
In December, Louisville tends to experience a 38% chance of sunny weather, which is a noticeable dip compared to the sunnier months of September and November, where the chances rise to 57% and 52%, respectively. This trend illustrates a gradual decline in sunlight as the year winds down, with December ranking among the winter months that typically offer less sunshine. However, it does provide a slight improvement over February's low of 24%, indicating that while the holiday season may bring cooler temperatures, there's still a reasonable chance to enjoy clear, sunny days amid the crisp winter air.
As the year draws to a close, December in Louisville sees daylight continue its annual ebb, offering only 9 hours of sunlight each day. This decline marks a notable shift from the longer, sun-drenched days of summer, where daylight peaks at 14 hours in June and stays robust through early fall. The transition from December's brief days to the dawn of January's similar length underscores a seasonal rhythm, where daylight gradually grows longer as the months unfold. By February, residents can look forward to an increase to 10 hours, signaling the slow but steady return of sunlight and the promise of spring on the horizon.
As December rolls into Louisville, the city experiences a notable uptick in wind speeds, averaging 3.2 m/s (7 mph), marking a lively breeze that subtly distinguishes this month from the preceding fall. While other months reflect a gradual decline in wind intensity as summer fades, December mirrors the early spring months, suggesting a rhythmic return to brisker conditions. This late fall wind brings with it a refreshing chill, often heralding the onset of winter, and serves as a striking contrast to the summer’s calm, gentle air, which dips to an average of just 1.9 m/s (4 mph) in August. This month epitomizes a dynamic shift, reminding residents of the invigorating energy that winter can bring to the otherwise mild Kentucky weather.
The weather in Louisville 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 Louisville and find detailed weather information for every month.
In December, the weather features a broader temperature range with a minimum of -14°C (8°F) and a maximum of 22°C (71°F), while the average temperature sits at around 5°C (41°F). This month experiences significant precipitation of 106 mm (4.2 in) over about 10 days, maintaining a high humidity level of 87%. In contrast, January tends to be colder with a minimum temperature dropping to -18°C (0°F) and an average of 2°C (35°F), while the maximum temperature reaches 20°C (68°F). Precipitation decreases slightly to 87 mm (3.4 in) and occurs over 9 days, yet the humidity remains consistent at 87%. For detailed information about January's weather, you can visit Louisville weather in January.
December and February present distinct weather patterns, though both are winter months. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of -14°C (8°F) to a maximum of 22°C (71°F), with an average of 5°C (41°F). December also sees about 106 mm (4.2 in) of precipitation over 10 days, with a high humidity level of 87%. In contrast, February experiences slightly colder conditions, with a minimum temperature of -18°C (0°F) and a maximum of 26°C (79°F), averaging 4°C (40°F). This month has increased precipitation, totaling 128 mm (5.0 in) across 13 days, and a slightly lower humidity of 85%. For more detailed weather insights, you can check Louisville weather in February.
December and March present intriguing contrasts in weather patterns. December typically experiences a minimum temperature of around -14°C (8°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F), with a maximum of 22°C (71°F), leading to a chilly atmosphere with significant humidity at 87%. Meanwhile, March shows a slightly milder minimum temperature of -12°C (11°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F), peaking at a warmer 27°C (81°F). Precipitation is also slightly higher in March, totaling 132 mm (5.2 in) over 13 days compared to December’s 106 mm (4.2 in) over 10 days. For more detailed insights, check out Louisville weather in March.
In December, temperatures in Louisville can be quite cold, with minimums dropping to -14°C (8°F) and an average of around 5°C (41°F), while highs can reach up to 22°C (71°F). The month typically experiences substantial precipitation of 106 mm (4.2 in) over about 10 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 87%. In contrast, April brings a significant warming trend, with minimum temperatures around -3°C (27°F) and average highs of 29°C (84°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 137 mm (5.4 in) occurring on about 12 days, yet humidity remains fairly stable at 84%. For more detailed insights into April weather, you can visit Louisville weather in April.
December and May present strikingly different weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -14°C (8°F), with an average of only 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 22°C (71°F). The month experiences considerable precipitation, totaling 106 mm (4.2 in) over about 10 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 87%. In stark contrast, May sees much milder temperatures, starting from a minimum of 0°C (33°F), rising to an average of 20°C (67°F), and reaching a maximum of 33°C (92°F). Although May has slightly higher precipitation at 128 mm (5.0 in) over 14 days, the humidity is lower at 79%. This seasonal shift clearly highlights a transition from the chill of winter to the warmth of spring. For more detailed information, you can check Louisville weather in May.
December and June present strikingly contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures can dip as low as -14°C (8°F) and typically hover around an average of 5°C (41°F), with maximums reaching 22°C (71°F). The month experiences about 106 mm (4.2 in) of precipitation over 10 days, accompanied by high humidity levels averaging 87%. In stark contrast, June boasts milder temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (49°F) and an average high of 24°C (75°F), soaring to a maximum of 34°C (93°F). This month sees more rain overall, with 151 mm (5.9 in) of precipitation spread across 12 days. Despite slightly lower humidity at 82%, the weather in June is markedly warmer and more conducive to outdoor activities, making it a popular time for various events and gatherings. For more detailed information about the specific weather conditions in Louisville during June, you can refer to Louisville weather in June.
In December, the weather is notably cold, with temperatures ranging from a frigid minimum of -14°C (8°F) to a more moderate average of 5°C (41°F), peaking at a maximum of 22°C (71°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 106 mm (4.2 in) over approximately 10 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 87%. In contrast, July offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 15°C (60°F) to a comfortable average of 26°C (79°F), and reaching highs of up to 35°C (95°F). While July sees slightly less precipitation, at 98 mm (3.9 in) over about 11 days, the humidity remains lower at 79%. For a comprehensive look at July weather, refer to Louisville weather in July.
When comparing the weather in December and August, a stark contrast is evident. December experiences much colder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -14°C (8°F) to an average of 5°C (41°F), with a maximum of 22°C (71°F). The month also sees higher humidity at 87% and significant precipitation of 106 mm (4.2 in) over about 10 days. In contrast, August is characterized by milder weather, with temperatures that range from a minimum of 13°C (56°F) to a warm average of 25°C (76°F) and peaks of up to 35°C (95°F). This month has lower humidity at 70% and slightly less precipitation, totaling 94 mm (3.7 in) over 11 days. The differing climates highlight the seasonal shifts, making it clear that December is much colder and wetter compared to the warm and humid conditions of August. For more details on August weather, visit Louisville weather in August.
When comparing the weather between December and September, notable differences in temperature and humidity emerge. December experiences much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -14°C (8°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F), while September boasts much warmer conditions, with minimums around 8°C (47°F) and average highs of 22°C (72°F). Precipitation levels are relatively similar, with December receiving 106 mm (4.2 in) over 10 days and September slightly higher at 112 mm (4.4 in) over just 8 days. The humidity in December is markedly higher at 87%, compared to September's more pleasant 69%. For more details on September weather, check out Louisville weather in September.
When comparing the weather of December and October, it's clear that each month offers distinct climatic characteristics. December experiences significantly colder temperatures, with a minimum of -14°C (8°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F), while October boasts a milder minimum of -1°C (31°F) and an average of 16°C (60°F). Precipitation levels are relatively similar, with December receiving 106 mm (4.2 in) and October slightly less at 98 mm (3.9 in), although both months see rain on about 10 days. Additionally, December has a higher humidity level of 87% compared to October's 76%, making the air feel colder and more damp during the winter month. For a closer look at October's weather patterns, you can explore Louisville weather in October.
Comparing the weather in December and November reveals some notable differences. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of -14°C (8°F) to a maximum of 22°C (71°F), with an average of around 5°C (41°F). This contrasts with November, where the temperatures are slightly milder, with a minimum of -10°C (14°F) and a maximum of 27°C (80°F), averaging 7°C (45°F). Precipitation levels are higher in December at 106 mm (4.2 in) over 10 days, compared to November's 88 mm (3.5 in) over 9 days. Humidity remains relatively consistent, with December at 87% and November slightly higher at 88%. For more insights, you can check Louisville weather in November.
As December settles in, Louisville experiences a significant shift in weather compared to the preceding months. The chill sets in with average temperatures dipping to a brisk 5°C (41°F), while the rare warm days may peak at 22°C (71°F). This month is characterized by increased humidity at 87% and frequent precipitation, with rain gracing the city on about 10 days throughout the month. The contrast of cold spells and occasional milder days creates a unique winter atmosphere, setting the stage for the city's festive charm. To understand more about the seasonal variations, explore the comprehensive details at Louisville Climate.