Last updated: February 24, 2025
In December, Traverse City experiences a stark contrast in temperatures, with maximums reaching 15°C (58°F) and plummeting to minimums of -15°C (5°F), giving an average temperature of -1°C (31°F). The month is characterized by high humidity levels at 87% and a total precipitation of 76 mm (3.0 in) spread over 15 days. These conditions create a winter wonderland, perfect for those looking to embrace the chill of the season while enjoying the picturesque landscapes transformed by snow and frost.
In December, Traverse City experiences a significant chill as winter sets in, with temperatures reflecting the shift towards colder months. The month typically sees a minimum temperature of about -15°C (5°F) and an average hovering around -1°C (31°F), offering a stark contrast to the milder conditions earlier in the year. While the maximum temperature can reach up to 15°C (58°F), it's evident that the overall trend is a downward plunge into the winter cold. This distinct drop from the fall months highlights a gradual transition, with daily temperatures steadily decreasing as the winter solstice approaches. Despite the cold, the beauty of Traverse City during December, often blanketed in snow, makes it a captivating winter destination for those ready to embrace the chill.
In December, Traverse City experiences a notable shift in precipitation patterns as winter settles in. With an average of 76 mm (3.0 in) of rainfall across 15 days, December marks a transition period, characterized by a blend of late fall and early winter conditions. This amount of precipitation continues the trend from November, which also saw significant moisture at 79 mm (3.1 in), but notably fewer rain days in early winter compared to the preceding months. The precipitation levels are slightly lower than the peak seen in October, which recorded 135 mm (5.3 in) across 18 days. Yet, December holds its own, contributing to the region’s beautiful winter landscape, where a variety of weather patterns collide, culminating in a frosty yet picturesque close to the year.
In Traverse City, United States, December sees humidity levels rising to 87%, a slight increase from the preceding months. As the year progresses, a clear trend emerges: winter months maintain high humidity, peaking in the early months of the year with consistent levels around 91% in January and February. This gradual decline through spring and into summer reflects the area's transition to drier conditions, reaching a low of 75% in July. However, as autumn arrives, humidity begins to creep back up, signaling the return of winter moisture. The overall pattern highlights a distinct seasonal rhythm, underscoring how Traverse City’s climate balances warmth and humidity across the year.
As winter blankets Traverse City, the December UV Index drops to a low 2, mirroring the trend seen in January. With a burn time of 45 minutes, residents can enjoy the outdoors without significant sun exposure concerns. This month signifies a noticeable decrease in UV levels compared to the summer months, where values peaked at 10 in June and remained high through July and August. This seasonal shift highlights a lower risk of harmful UV radiation, making December a perfect time for winter activities without the typical sunburn worries. For more detailed information, check the comprehensive guide on the Traverse City UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
December in Traverse City marks the onset of winter, with the city basking in only 98 hours of sunshine. This dip is reflective of the seasonal transition, as daylight wanes and the cold begins to take hold. Interestingly, the month follows a steady increase in sunshine from the low of 83 hours in January to a peak of 362 hours in July. As autumn progresses, the hours gradually decline, with November seeing a modest 135 hours before December’s further reduction. The trend highlights how Traverse City's sunshine is plentiful during the warmer months, while the winter months usher in darker days that invite cozy gatherings and winter sports, shaping a unique seasonal rhythm for residents and visitors alike.
As December rolls into Traverse City, the likelihood of sunny weather takes a noticeable dip, resting at a mere 14%. This places the month among the least favorable for sunshine, following a trend where the chances progressively increase from the winter blues of January at 9%, gradually climbing through the spring and into the summer months. By July and August, the probabilities peak at 52%, offering a stark contrast to the cloudy skies that often blanket the area in December. As the year draws to a close, residents and visitors alike can anticipate less sunlight, mirroring the downward trend seen as autumn transitions into winter.
As December unfolds in Traverse City, daylight takes a noticeable dip, offering only 8 hours of sunshine each day. This pattern marks the shortest days of the year, contrasting sharply with the 15 hours of light enjoyed during the summer months in June and July. The gradual reduction in daylight from October, which had 10 hours, highlights the transition into winter, a time when nature calls for reflection and coziness indoors. With daylight hours progressively decreasing from 14 hours in May to December's limited light, residents and visitors alike are reminded of the cyclical nature of the seasons, fostering a sense of appreciation for the bright days that will return as winter gives way to spring.
As December settles over Traverse City, the winds pick up pace, reaching an average speed of 4.8 m/s (11 mph). This invigorating shift marks a delightful increase from the previous months, particularly compared to November’s average of 4.4 m/s (10 mph). Throughout the year, wind speeds have displayed a fascinating ebb and flow, with peaks in March and November, but it's December that truly embraces the blustery essence of winter. As winter approaches, the slightly elevated winds evoke a sense of crispness in the air, perfectly accentuating the region's seasonal charm and inviting residents and visitors alike to bundle up and enjoy the brisk outdoors.
The weather in Traverse City 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 Traverse City and find detailed weather information for every month.
December and January in Traverse City present contrasting yet chilly weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of -15°C (5°F) to a maximum of 15°C (58°F), with an average of -1°C (31°F) and notable precipitation of 76 mm (3.0 in) over 15 days. The humidity sits at a relatively high 87%. In comparison, January sees even colder conditions, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of -24°C (-10°F) and peaking at 10°C (50°F), resulting in an average of -4°C (24°F). Precipitation decreases slightly to 58 mm (2.3 in) across 13 days and humidity rises to 91%. For a detailed look at January conditions, visit Traverse City weather in January.
December sees a relatively milder range of temperatures, with a minimum of -15°C (5°F) and an average of -1°C (31°F), while February tends to be colder, featuring lower minimum temperatures of -21°C (-5°F) and an average of -5°C (23°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in December at 76 mm (3.0 in) over approximately 15 days, compared to February's 60 mm (2.4 in) spread across 12 days. Additionally, February has a higher humidity level at 91%, compared to December's 87%. For more details on February weather, you can check out Traverse City weather in February.
In December, temperatures range from a chilly -15°C (5°F) to a maximum of 15°C (58°F), with an average temperature of -1°C (31°F). The month experiences a total precipitation of 76 mm (3.0 in) over approximately 15 days, maintaining a high humidity level of 87%. In contrast, March mirrors the average temperature with a similar low of -16°C (4°F) and a slightly higher max of 17°C (63°F). However, it has less precipitation at 60 mm (2.4 in) over 11 days, while still retaining the same humidity. For more detailed insights on the weather during this month, you can check Traverse City weather in March.
December and April present contrasting weather conditions despite similar humidity levels of 87%. In December, temperatures can plunge as low as -15°C (5°F), with an average of -1°C (31°F) and a maximum reaching 15°C (58°F). This month experiences moderate precipitation at 76 mm (3.0 in) over 15 days. In contrast, April showcases a warmer climate with minimum temperatures around -12°C (10°F), an average of 5°C (41°F), and highs soaring up to 26°C (79°F). Precipitation in April is slightly higher at 98 mm (3.9 in) but occurs over fewer days, at 13. For more detailed information, check out Traverse City weather in April.
December and May present strikingly different weather patterns. In December, temperatures can plunge as low as -15°C (5°F), with an average temperature around -1°C (31°F) and a maximum of 15°C (58°F). The month sees about 76 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation over 15 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 87%. In contrast, May offers a much milder experience, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a maximum of 32°C (89°F), and an average temperature of 12°C (53°F). Although May has slightly more precipitation at 116 mm (4.5 in) over 12 days, the humidity is slightly lower at 82%. For more insights on the pleasant May weather, check out Traverse City weather in May.
December and June present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -15°C (5°F), with an average around -1°C (31°F) and a maximum of 15°C (58°F). The month experiences considerable precipitation, totaling 76 mm (3.0 in) over 15 days, coupled with high humidity of 87%. On the other hand, June welcomes warmer weather, with minimum temperatures around 4°C (39°F) and averages soaring to 18°C (64°F), peaking at a maximum of 31°C (89°F). While precipitation increases slightly to 107 mm (4.2 in), it occurs over fewer days, totaling 11, and the humidity drops to 79%. For more details on the warm embrace of summer, you can explore Traverse City weather in June.
The weather in December and July presents a stark contrast in temperature and conditions. December features a chilling minimum temperature of -15°C (5°F), with average temperatures hovering around -1°C (31°F) and maximums reaching only 15°C (58°F). This month also sees higher humidity at 87% and experiences precipitation over 15 days, totaling 76 mm (3.0 in). In contrast, July offers much warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures at 12°C (54°F) and an average of 21°C (71°F), peaking at a sweltering 35°C (95°F). Though July experiences more precipitation at 106 mm (4.2 in), it is spread over fewer days—only 9. The humidity in July is lower at 75%, making for a more comfortable summer atmosphere. For more details, check out Traverse City weather in July.
December and August present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plummet as low as -15°C (5°F), with an average of -1°C (31°F) and maximums reaching 15°C (58°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 87% and considerable precipitation of 76 mm over 15 days. In contrast, August enjoys milder temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (48°F), an average of 21°C (70°F), and maximums soaring up to 31°C (88°F). Although August has slightly more precipitation at 89 mm, it occurs over fewer days (11), and the humidity is lower at 76%. For a closer look at what to expect, visit Traverse City weather in August.
December and September present strikingly different weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -15°C (5°F), with an average of -1°C (31°F) and a maximum of 15°C (58°F). The month averages 76 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation over 15 days, coupled with high humidity at 87%. In contrast, September enjoys much milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to an average of 17°C (63°F), and reaching up to 34°C (93°F). Despite slightly higher precipitation at 80 mm (3.1 in) over 12 days, September’s humidity is more comfortable at 79%. For more detailed insights on the typical weather patterns, you can check Traverse City weather in September.
When comparing the weather in December and October, it's clear that both months exhibit distinct characteristics. December typically features much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -15°C (5°F) and an average of -1°C (31°F), while October enjoys a milder range with temperatures dipping only to -1°C (30°F) at night and peaking at a comfortable 25°C (78°F). Precipitation in December amounts to 76 mm (3.0 in) over 15 days, whereas October is wetter, receiving 135 mm (5.3 in) across 18 days. Humidity levels are slightly higher in December at 87% compared to October's 83%. For a more detailed look at October conditions, check out Traverse City weather in October.
In comparing the weather between November and December, December tends to be colder overall, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -15°C (5°F) to a maximum of 15°C (58°F), compared to November's milder range of -11°C (12°F) to 23°C (74°F). While both months experience significant precipitation—76 mm (3.0 in) in December and slightly higher at 79 mm (3.1 in) in November—both months also feature around 15 days of precipitation. The humidity remains relatively high in both months, with December at 87% and November slightly lower at 86%. For a more detailed look at November's weather, you can check out Traverse City weather in November.
As December unfolds in Traverse City, the weather takes on a distinct character compared to other months. With a chilled average of -1°C (31°F), the landscape transforms, inviting snow-covered scenery and a cozy atmosphere. The 87% humidity adds a damp chill that permeates the air, making it feel even colder, especially during those brisk evenings. The month sees around 15 days of precipitation, contributing to a total of 76 mm, hinting at the onset of winter's cold embrace. Unlike the warmer months filled with outdoor activities, December beckons residents and visitors alike to enjoy indoor festivities and the holiday spirit. For a more detailed understanding of how Traverse City weather varies throughout the year, check out Traverse City Climate.