Last updated: February 24, 2025
In December, Boston transforms into a winter wonderland, with temperatures ranging from a chilly -16°C (3°F) to a mild 17°C (62°F), averaging around 2°C (36°F). The month sees approximately 124 mm (4.9 in) of precipitation over 10 days, creating a crisp atmosphere and often snowy scenes. With humidity levels soaring to 81%, residents and visitors alike experience the true essence of a New England winter, making December a month of festive charm and seasonal beauty in this historic city.
In December, Boston’s temperatures plunge as winter firmly takes hold, showcasing a notable shift from the milder fall months. The minimum temperature dips to a chilly -16°C (3°F), while the average hovers around 2°C (36°F), hinting at the season's frigid embrace. Despite the cold, daytime highs can still reach a relatively pleasant 17°C (62°F), offering brief respites from the winter chill. This month serves as a precursor to the deep winter months, with temperatures gradually dropping since November. As the year draws to a close, Bostonians can expect frost-coated mornings and a crisp atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the festive holiday spirit.
In December, Boston experiences notable precipitation, with 124 mm (4.9 in) falling over 10 days, making it one of the wetter months of the year. This is a significant increase compared to the drier summer months of July and August, which averaged just 115 mm (4.5 in) and 76 mm (3.0 in), respectively. Interestingly, December's precipitation volume is higher than that of both January and November, which typically feature 79 mm (3.1 in) and 100 mm (3.9 in). As the year draws to a close, the wet conditions in December herald a transition into winter, showcasing a clear upward trend in rainfall as temperatures drop.
In December, Boston's humidity levels sit at a comfortable 81%, reflecting a slight decrease from the preceding months. As the city transitions from the crispness of autumn, with November's humidity at 84%, this modest dip is part of a broader trend seen throughout the year. After peaking in the colder winter months of January and February—where humidity levels soar to 86% and 84%, respectively—Boston typically experiences a gradual decline, hitting a low of 66% in the summer. However, December marks a return to the wetter conditions characteristic of winter, making it a transition month where the air holds enough moisture to maintain a crisp, refreshing feel amidst the holiday cheer. Overall, the fluctuating humidity showcases Boston's dynamic climate, embodying the essence of seasonal change.
In December, Boston sees a noticeable decline in UV exposure, with the UV Index dropping to 2, categorized as low, providing a welcome respite from the higher levels of previous months. This means you can safely enjoy the outdoors with a burn time of 45 minutes before taking any precautions against sun damage. Following the intense summer months where the UV Index peaked at 10, December's cooler weather and reduced sunlight mark a significant shift, reminding residents to embrace the season while remaining mindful of UV exposure. For more detailed information and trends on UV levels throughout the year, visit Boston UV Index.
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As December settles in Boston, the sunlight begins to wane, bringing the year to a gentle close with 178 hours of sunshine. This marks a notable decrease from the sun-drenched summer months, where July and June enjoyed peaks of 334 and 327 hours, respectively. However, December still outshines the darker winter days ahead, standing above the 152 hours recorded in January. The overall trend reveals a seasonal ebb and flow, with sunshine blossoming in May and June, then slowly retreating as colder months approach. Yet, even in December, there remains a warmth in the city's spirit, as residents embrace the holiday season amidst a softer glow of winter light.
In December, Boston experiences a 33% chance of sunny weather, reflecting a notable dip compared to the more promising conditions seen earlier in the year. While late spring and early fall months like March and November showcase higher probabilities of sunshine, December aligns more closely with the sun's reluctance in the summer months, which often struggle to break through cloud cover. This trendy decline in sunlight as the year closes out signals the approach of winter, where shorter days and overcast skies become the norm, highlighting the city’s transition toward a festive yet chilly season.
In Boston, the rhythm of daylight dances through the seasons, with December bringing a return to the shorter days of winter. With only 9 hours of daylight, the city experiences a stark contrast to the vibrant longer days of summer, which peak at 15 hours in June. This gradual decrease, beginning with 11 hours in March and tapering off through the year, creates a narrative of dwindling light as winter approaches. Yet, as the days shorten in December, there's a hint of anticipation for the gradual return of longer days, heralding the promise of spring ahead. Despite the early twilight, the beauty of Boston's winter landscape shines brightly, reminding us that even in the darkest months, there is wonder to be found.
As winter settles in, December's wind in Boston showcases a notable consistency with an average speed of 4.1 m/s (9 mph). This maintains the average seen in both November and October, suggesting a lingering stability as the city prepares for the chill of January. Over the months, wind speeds show a general decline from a peak of 4.7 m/s (11 mph) in March, tapering down through the warmer summer months, where July and August see the calmest breezes at 3.2 m/s (7 mph) and 3.1 m/s (7 mph) respectively. The gradual increase from late fall to December hints at winter's approach, wrapping Boston in a cool embrace just in time for the festive season ahead.
The weather in Boston 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 Boston and find detailed weather information for every month.
In December, temperatures in the area experience a wide range, with a minimum of -16°C (3°F) and an average of 2°C (36°F), reaching a maximum of 17°C (62°F). The month sees significant precipitation, totaling 124 mm (4.9 in) over about 10 days, alongside a humidity level of 81%. In contrast, January tends to be slightly colder, with a minimum temperature dropping to -19°C (-3°F) and an average of 0°C (32°F), peaking at 19°C (67°F). Precipitation for January is lower, at 79 mm (3.1 in) over 9 days, while humidity rises slightly to 86%. For more detailed information, you can check Boston weather in January.
In December, temperatures can dip as low as -16°C (3°F) but typically hover around an average of 2°C (36°F), with highs reaching up to 17°C (62°F). This month experiences about 124 mm (4.9 in) of precipitation over 10 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 81%. In contrast, February sees similarly cold minimum temperatures of -16°C (4°F), but the average nudges down slightly to 1°C (34°F) with maximum temperatures occasionally hitting 20°C (68°F). Precipitation in February is somewhat reduced at 97 mm (3.8 in) over the same number of days but features a slightly higher humidity level of 84%. For more details on the weather during this month, you can refer to Boston weather in February.
In Boston, December and March exhibit strikingly different weather patterns, yet each month holds its unique charm. December tends to be colder, with minimum temperatures dropping to -16°C (3°F) and an average of 2°C (36°F), while March sees slightly milder temperatures, with minimums around -12°C (11°F) and an average of 3°C (38°F). Precipitation levels are somewhat similar, with December receiving 124 mm (4.9 in) and March a bit less at 102 mm (4.0 in), both spread over approximately 10 days. Humidity remains high in both months, hovering around 81% in December and slightly increasing to 82% in March. To learn more about what to expect in March, visit Boston weather in March.
In December, the weather tends to be quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -16°C (3°F) to a maximum of 17°C (62°F) and an average of 2°C (36°F). The month experiences moderate precipitation, totaling 124 mm (4.9 in) over about 10 days, and a high humidity level of 81%.
In contrast, April ushers in a noticeable warming trend, with temperatures fluctuating between a minimum of -2°C (28°F) and a maximum of 27°C (81°F), and an average temperature of 9°C (48°F). Rainfall is slightly higher in April, with 135 mm (5.3 in) spread over 13 days, while humidity remains relatively stable at 80%. For more insights on how the weather shifts in April, you can check out Boston weather in April.
December and May present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plunge as low as -16°C (3°F), with an average of 2°C (36°F) and a maximum reaching 17°C (62°F). This month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 124 mm (4.9 in), spread over about 10 days, along with a high humidity level of 81%. In comparison, May brings a much milder climate, with minimum temperatures starting at 3°C (37°F) and reaching an average of 14°C (58°F) and highs of up to 31°C (89°F). Although May has slightly less precipitation, at 94 mm (3.7 in) over approximately 12 days, it also enjoys lower humidity at 72%. For more information on May weather, visit Boston weather in May.
In December, temperatures can drop significantly, ranging from a frigid minimum of -16°C (3°F) to a milder maximum of 17°C (62°F), with an average of 2°C (36°F). The month sees a fair amount of precipitation, totaling 124 mm (4.9 in) over approximately 10 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 81%. In contrast, June offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures typically fluctuating between a minimum of 8°C (47°F) and a maximum of 33°C (92°F), averaging around 19°C (67°F). June experiences lower precipitation at 86 mm (3.4 in) over the same number of days, and humidity levels are relatively more comfortable at 72%. For more specific details, check out Boston weather in June.
December and July present stark contrasts in weather. December experiences much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -16°C (3°F) and an average of 2°C (36°F), while July enjoys milder conditions, with a minimum of 14°C (57°F) and an average of 23°C (73°F). Precipitation levels are somewhat similar, with December getting 124 mm (4.9 in) over 10 days compared to July's 115 mm (4.5 in) across 12 days. Additionally, December's humidity is higher at 81%, creating a chillier feel, whereas July's humidity is at 67%, contributing to a warmer sensation. For more detailed information on July weather, you can visit Boston weather in July.
December and August present two contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures can plunge as low as -16°C (3°F) at night, while averaging around 2°C (36°F) during the day, with a maximum of 17°C (62°F). This month also sees higher precipitation levels, averaging 124 mm (4.9 in) over approximately 10 rainy days, with a humidity level of 81%, contributing to a cold and damp atmosphere. In stark contrast, August offers milder, more comfortable conditions, with minimum temperatures at 13°C (56°F) and daytime averages reaching a pleasant 23°C (73°F), peaking at 33°C (92°F). Although August has fewer precipitation levels—76 mm (3.0 in)—it also boasts lower humidity at 66%, resulting in a warmer and drier environment. For those interested in more details, you can check out the specifics on Boston weather in August.
In comparing the weather of December and September, it's clear that these months present starkly different climates. December typically experiences much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -16°C (3°F) and an average of 2°C (36°F), compared to September’s milder temperatures that range from a minimum of 7°C (46°F) to an average of 19°C (67°F). Precipitation is also a notable difference; December sees 124 mm (4.9 in) over approximately 10 days, while September has less precipitation at 92 mm (3.6 in) over around 8 days. Furthermore, humidity levels are higher in December at 81%, compared to 71% in September. For those interested in exploring the specifics of September weather, you can find more information here: Boston weather in September.
When comparing the weather in December to that of October, significant differences emerge. December experiences much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -16°C (3°F) and an average of only 2°C (36°F), compared to October's milder conditions where temperatures can drop to 0°C (33°F) at night but average a much warmer 14°C (57°F), peaking at 27°C (81°F). Additionally, October is wetter, with 149 mm (5.9 in) of precipitation over 12 days, while December has slightly less precipitation at 124 mm (4.9 in) across 10 days. Humidity levels are comparable, with December at 81% and October at 78%. For more details on October weather specifics, you can visit Boston weather in October.
December weather is generally colder than November, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -16°C (3°F) to a maximum of 17°C (62°F), compared to November's milder range of -10°C (14°F) to 22°C (72°F). While both months see similar levels of precipitation, December records slightly more at 124 mm (4.9 in) compared to November's 100 mm (3.9 in). Humidity remains high in both months, but is marginally lower in December at 81%, compared to November's 84%. This shift in temperature and humidity marks a notable transition into the depths of winter. For more insights into November weather specifics, check out Boston weather in November.
As December wraps Boston in a chilly embrace, the weather distinctly shifts from the milder temperatures of autumn. The month is characterized by a notable drop in temperature, with an average hovering around 2°C (36°F), contrasting sharply with the warmer months prior. While the occasional mild day can reach up to 17°C (62°F), it's not uncommon to feel the bite of winter with lows dipping to -16°C (3°F). Additionally, the city experiences a relatively high level of humidity at 81%, which can make the cold feel even more penetrating. December also brings its fair share of precipitation, with 10 days recording rain or snow, contributing to Boston's wintry atmosphere. For those curious about how these conditions fit into the broader climate, explore more about the city's weather patterns at Boston Climate.