Last updated: February 24, 2025
In December, Annapolis experiences a blend of chilly temperatures and frequent precipitation, setting the stage for a cozy winter atmosphere. Daily highs reach a maximum of 18°C (65°F), offering brief moments of mildness amid a predominantly cool average of 5°C (42°F), while nighttime lows can plummet to a brisk -8°C (17°F). With approximately 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain spread across 10 days, residents and visitors alike should prepare for a wet month, complemented by a notable humidity level of 84%. This combination fosters a unique seasonal charm, inviting all to embrace the splendor of Annapolis during the winter months.
In Annapolis during December, temperatures begin to dip, marking a transition into winter. With minimums dropping to -8°C (17°F), residents can expect chilly conditions, although the average temperature hovers around 5°C (42°F), providing a slight reprieve from the biting cold. As the month progresses, daytime highs can reach up to 18°C (65°F), allowing glimpses of warmth amidst the colder climate. Compared to the milder temperatures of late autumn, December brings a noticeable chill, typical of the season, while still offering occasional warmer days that hint at the forthcoming spring. With this blend of temperatures, the month serves as a reminder of the changing seasons in this picturesque coastal city.
In December, Annapolis experiences a moderate drop in precipitation, totaling 109 mm (4.3 in) over 10 days of rain, which aligns with the trend of slightly lower amounts seen in the preceding months. This late autumn rainfall is crucial as it prepares the region for the colder winter months ahead. Compared to November's 86 mm (3.4 in) and a similar trend observed throughout fall, December’s levels highlight a shift towards more consistent precipitation patterns, as the city transitions into winter. With precipitation peaking in the summer months, December's amounts reflect a comfortable balance, ensuring the area remains lush and vibrant even as temperatures fall.
In December, Annapolis experiences a humidity level of 84%, indicative of a trend that begins the year at a high of 84% in January and sees relatively consistent levels throughout the winter months. The humidity slightly dips through late spring to early summer, reaching its lowest at 72% in August, before gradually rising again in the fall. This cyclical pattern reflects the region's transition between seasons, with December's humidity echoing the winter chill while maintaining a touch of summer warmth, effectively bridging those contrasting climates. Overall, Annapolis's humidity profile reveals a blend of stability and seasonal variation, capturing the essence of its coastal climate.
As the year winds down, December in Annapolis brings a return to moderate UV Index levels, dropping back to 3 after the summer months of intense sun exposure. This trend reflects a seasonal pattern where the UV Index peaks during the warmer months, hitting a striking high of 10 from June through August. Even as temperatures dip, December still allows for about 30 minutes of safe sun exposure, making it essential to remain mindful of UV radiation, especially if engaging in outdoor activities. As always, for a detailed guide on UV levels throughout the year, check out the comprehensive resource at Annapolis UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In Annapolis, December brings a cozy glow with an average of 190 hours of sunshine, a gentle decline from the abundant brightness of the summer months, which boast over 350 hours in peak July. As the year transitions from the vibrant warmth of autumn, where September and October still enjoy over 280 hours of sun, December settles into a serene embrace of shorter days and cooler temperatures. This month, while noticeably less sunny than the preceding summer, still offers pockets of brightness that warm the heart, reminding us of the beauty in each season's unique offerings. The gradual decrease from the lively sunshine of earlier months encourages a shift towards introspection and appreciation for the quieter moments of winter.
In Annapolis, December experiences a 38% chance of sunny weather, marking a decline as the year edges toward winter. This is notable when compared to the previous months, particularly November, which boasts a 56% likelihood of sunshine. The sunniest months appear to be March and September, with probabilities of 53% and 55% respectively, highlighting a trend toward clearer skies in the spring and early fall. As temperatures drop in December, residents can expect a stark shift in weather patterns, suggesting that while there are occasional sunny days, overcast skies become more commonplace during this time of year.
As the winter solstice approaches, December in Annapolis brings a sense of tranquility with its 9 hours of daylight. Following the gradual decrease in sunlight since the long, bright days of summer—where daylight stretches to a peak of 14 hours in June and July—the days begin to shorten significantly from November onward. This downward trend underscores a transition into the colder months, where shorter daylight hours enhance the cozy ambiance of the holiday season. As the year winds down, the return to more extended daylight durations begins anew in January, promising brighter days ahead.
As December settles over Annapolis, the average wind speed dips to 3.6 m/s (8 mph), reflecting a subtle decline from the brisker breezes of previous months. This month marks a gentle transition where winds cool alongside the approach of winter, showing a noticeable drop from the summer's calmest winds in July, which averaged only 3.2 m/s (7 mph). The trend throughout the year illustrates a pattern of increasing speeds as the seasons change, peaking in the late fall with winds averaging 4.1 m/s (9 mph) in both November and March. Overall, December maintains a moderate flow, suggesting a soft yet persistent breeze, perfect for cozy evenings by the harbor.
The weather in Annapolis 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 Annapolis and find detailed weather information for every month.
In December, the weather features a broader temperature range with minimums dipping to -8°C (17°F) and maximums reaching up to 18°C (65°F), averaging around 5°C (42°F). This month sees a higher level of precipitation, totaling 109 mm (4.3 in) over approximately 10 days, while maintaining a consistent humidity of 84%. In contrast, January experiences colder conditions, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of -13°C (10°F) and an average of 3°C (37°F), while the maximum temperature gently decreases to 17°C (63°F). Precipitation also lessens, totaling 70 mm (2.7 in) across about 8 days, yet the humidity remains steady at 84%. For further details on January conditions, you can visit Annapolis weather in January.
December and February exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of -8°C (17°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), with an average temperature of 5°C (42°F). The month experiences approximately 109 mm (4.3 in) of precipitation over about 10 days, accompanied by higher humidity levels at 84%. In contrast, February sees slightly cooler minimum temperatures, dipping to -13°C (10°F), but boasts warmer maximums reaching 21°C (69°F) and maintaining an average of 5°C (40°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 116 mm (4.6 in) over 12 days, while humidity remains relatively stable at 83%. For more information, you can check Annapolis weather in February.
In December, temperatures in Annapolis typically range from a minimum of -8°C (17°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), with an average of about 5°C (42°F). The month experiences approximately 109 mm (4.3 in) of precipitation across 10 days and has a humidity level of 84%. In contrast, March sees a rise in temperatures, with a minimum of -5°C (23°F) and a maximum of 24°C (76°F), averaging around 8°C (46°F). Precipitation decreases slightly to 95 mm (3.7 in) over the same number of days, while humidity remains relatively stable at 83%. You can explore more about the weather specifics here: Annapolis weather in March.
When comparing the weather in December and April, we observe notable differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. December experiences a wider temperature range, with minimums dropping to -8°C (17°F) and average temperatures around 5°C (42°F). In contrast, April sees more moderate temperatures, with minimums at 1°C (33°F) and average highs reaching 13°C (56°F). Both months have similar precipitation levels, with December totaling 109 mm (4.3 in) over approximately 10 days, while April slightly edges out with 110 mm (4.3 in) over 11 days. Humidity is relatively high in both months, sitting at 84% in December and slightly lower at 81% in April. For more details on April weather, you can visit Annapolis weather in April.
December and May present contrasting weather patterns, highlighting the transition from winter to late spring. In December, temperatures range from a chilly -8°C (17°F) at night to a mild 18°C (65°F) during the day, with an average temperature of 5°C (42°F). This month also experiences significant precipitation, averaging 109 mm (4.3 in) over about 10 days, accompanied by high humidity at 84%. In sharp contrast, May brings warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and daytime highs reaching up to 31°C (88°F), resulting in a pleasant average of 18°C (65°F). The precipitation increases slightly to 138 mm (5.4 in) over 13 days, while humidity decreases to 78%. For a deeper look at what to expect, check out Annapolis weather in May.
December and June present strikingly different weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plunge as low as -8°C (17°F), with an average of 5°C (42°F) and a maximum reaching 18°C (65°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 84% and receives about 109 mm (4.3 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days. In contrast, June enjoys milder temperatures with a minimum of 12°C (53°F), an average of 24°C (75°F), and a peak of 32°C (91°F). While June sees slightly less precipitation at 102 mm (4.0 in) across around 13 days, it boasts a more comfortable humidity level of 79%. For more details on the climate, visit Annapolis weather in June.
In December, temperatures range from a chilly -8°C (17°F) to a mild 18°C (65°F), with an average of 5°C (42°F), while humidity is notably high at 84%. This month experiences around 109 mm (4.3 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, contributing to a damp winter atmosphere. In contrast, July offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures peaking at 35°C (95°F) and averaging around 27°C (81°F), alongside a minimum of 19°C (66°F). Humidity in July is lower at 74%, though it still sees increased rainfall, with 174 mm (6.9 in) spread over 14 days. For more specifics about the conditions during this warmer month, you can visit Annapolis weather in July.
December and August present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -8°C (17°F) to a mild maximum of 18°C (65°F), with an average of 5°C (42°F); meanwhile, August enjoys considerably warmer temperatures, with lows of 17°C (63°F) and highs reaching up to 33°C (92°F), averaging 26°C (78°F). Precipitation is more frequent in August, with 159 mm (6.3 in) over 15 days compared to December's 109 mm (4.3 in) over 10 days. Additionally, December's humidity is higher at 84%, while August maintains a more comfortable 72%. For more details on the summer weather specifics, check out Annapolis weather in August.
In December, the weather is significantly colder than in September, with average temperatures ranging from a chilly -8°C (17°F) to a milder 18°C (65°F) compared to September’s more comfortable range of 11°C (52°F) to 32°C (90°F). While both months see similar levels of precipitation—109 mm (4.3 in) in December and 113 mm (4.5 in) in September—the cloudier December days come with higher humidity at 84%, in contrast to September's 75%. Overall, December's weather presents a stark shift towards wintery conditions, making it quite different from the warm and humid atmosphere typical of September. For more details on September's climate, visit Annapolis weather in September.
When comparing the weather in December and October, several notable differences emerge. In December, temperatures are significantly lower, with a minimum of -8°C (17°F), an average of 5°C (42°F), and a maximum of 18°C (65°F). In contrast, October boasts a much milder climate, featuring a minimum of 5°C (41°F), an average of 17°C (64°F), and reaching highs of 32°C (90°F). Precipitation levels in December are slightly lower at 109 mm (4.3 in), while October sees a bit more rain at 127 mm (5.0 in), albeit over the same number of days (10 days). Humidity remains relatively high in both months, with December at 84% and October at 81%. For a detailed look at the weather patterns for October, you can check Annapolis weather in October.
Comparing the weather of December and November reveals distinct differences. December typically experiences lower temperatures, with a minimum of -8°C (17°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F), while November is milder, averaging 9°C (49°F) with a minimum of -3°C (27°F). Additionally, December records higher precipitation at 109 mm (4.3 in) over 10 days, compared to November's 86 mm (3.4 in) across 8 days. Both months share a similar humidity level, with December at 84% and November slightly lower at 85%. For more insights into November's weather, you can explore Annapolis weather in November.
As December rolls in, Annapolis transforms into a winter wonderland, presenting a noticeable shift in the weather compared to the milder months preceding it. With temperatures dipping, the average falls around a brisk 5°C, starkly contrasting the comfortable highs experienced earlier in the year. Precipitation becomes more frequent, with nearly a third of the month seeing rain, leading to an increased humidity level that adds a chill to the air. While December typically ushers in colder temperatures, it also sets the stage for the cozy atmosphere of the holiday season. For more insights on what to expect throughout the year, visit Annapolis Climate.