Last updated: February 24, 2025
In December, the Lakes region of the United States experiences a remarkable winter climate characterized by a maximum temperature of 15°C (59°F), an average chill of -4°C (25°F), and a minimum plunge down to -25°C (-13°F). This month sees a precipitation total of 41 mm (1.6 in), typically spread over 4 days, contributing to the frosty ambiance. With humidity levels at a high 84%, outdoor conditions can feel quite brisk, inviting both winter enthusiasts and cozy fireside gatherings alike. Whether you're braving the cold or enjoying the serene beauty of snow-covered landscapes, December in the Lakes offers a unique and captivating seasonal experience.
As December unfolds in the Lakes of the United States, temperatures begin to transition into the depths of winter. With nighttime lows dipping to -25°C (-13°F) and daytime averages settling around -4°C (25°F), it's a month that brings both chill and charm. While the temperatures are notably colder than the preceding months, the maximums can still reach a mild 15°C (59°F), hinting at the sun's gentle influence amidst the frosty air. This seasonal trend reflects a steady descent into winter's grasp, as the region bids farewell to the milder fall months, inviting in the serene beauty of a snow-kissed landscape. Residents and visitors alike brace for the brisk conditions, while basking in the unique tranquility that December brings to this captivating region.
In December, the Lakes region of the United States experiences a notable shift as winter sets in, bringing an average precipitation of 41 mm (1.6 in) over just 4 days. While this amount is less than the monthly totals seen in the warmer months, it still marks an increase compared to the preceding November, which recorded only 30 mm (1.2 in). This uptick in precipitation hints at the transition to winter weather patterns, characterized by shorter rain days and potentially the onset of snow. As the year comes to a close, December’s precipitation contributes to a broader trend where earlier months, particularly May through August, dominate in rainfall, offering lush landscapes before the chill of winter.
In December, the humidity in The Lakes, United States, settles at 84%, marking a slight decrease from the 87% recorded in November. As the year draws to a close, the trend reveals a generally high humidity level throughout the winter months, with January starting at 85% and fluctuating only modestly until early spring. Interestingly, after reaching a peak in February at 89%, humidity levels tend to stabilize around the 82-84% range from late spring through fall. This seasonal pattern underscores a damp climate typical of The Lakes, creating a refreshing atmosphere during the colder months while maintaining a consistent moist backdrop as the seasons transition.
In December, the UV Index in The Lakes, United States drops to a comfortable level of 2, categorizing sun exposure as low. This reflects a significant decrease from the peak summer months when values soared to 10 in June and 9 in July and August, necessitating a burn time as brief as 15 minutes. As winter sets in, residents can enjoy longer outdoor activities without the worry of rapid sunburn, with a burn time extending to 45 minutes. This trend of lower UV exposure during the winter months highlights the importance of seasonal awareness in sun safety. For more detailed insights on UV trends throughout the year, check out The Lakes UV Index.
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December in The Lakes, United States, offers a gentle transition into winter, with 186 hours of sunshine that softly complement the season's chill. While this marks a slight dip from the vibrant days of summer, which peaked at an impressive 358 hours in July, it still reflects the region's unique charm. As the year wraps up, the sunshine gradually wanes from its high of 287 hours in May, allowing for cozy evenings and a peaceful ambiance as the landscape dons its frost-kissed attire. By comparing December's hours with the earlier months, it’s clear that while the daylight diminishes, the quiet beauty and serene atmosphere of winter create a perfect backdrop for contemplation and seasonal festivities.
As the year draws to a close, the likelihood of sunny weather in December in The Lakes, United States, stands at 36%, a figure that shows a distinct decline compared to the sunnier months of the summer, where chances peak at 67% in August. This trend highlights a noticeable shift in weather patterns as the fall transitions into winter. While December offers slightly more chances of sunshine than the preceding months, namely November’s 42%, it still significantly lags behind the sun-drenched summer months. As winter settles in, residents and visitors can expect a cozier ambiance, often with a mix of sun and the crisp chill that December brings.
As December rolls in, daylight hours in The Lakes, United States, reach their annual low, with only 8 hours of light each day. This decline follows the gradual shortening of days that begins in September, reflecting the transition into winter. The trend is clear: as autumn wanes, daylight diminishes further, peaking at 15 hours during the height of summer in June and July before gradually tapering off. While January offers a brief respite with 9 hours of daylight, the cold winter months are marked by extended nights. This limited daylight encourages a cozy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the serene beauty of winter landscapes.
As December arrives in The Lakes, United States, the average wind speed settles at a brisk 4.6 m/s (10 mph), providing a refreshing chill that marks the transition into winter. This month stands out as a slight increase from the gentler breezes of summer, particularly July, which experienced the lowest winds at 3.4 m/s (8 mph). Notably, the wind speeds tend to fluctuate throughout the year, with November witnessing the peak at 5.1 m/s (11 mph), hinting at the month’s preparation for winter's arrival. As the year closes, December’s winds continue to reflect the steady strength typical of late fall, forming a beautiful contrast against the backdrop of serene winter landscapes.
The weather in The Lakes 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 The Lakes and find detailed weather information for every month.
In comparing December and January weather, December tends to be slightly milder with average temperatures around -4°C (25°F) and a maximum of 15°C (59°F), while January sees a drop in temperatures with an average of -8°C (17°F) and a maximum of 10°C (51°F). January also experiences more extreme lows, reaching as low as -34°C (-29°F). Precipitation is slightly less in January at 26 mm (1.0 in), compared to December's 41 mm (1.6 in), although January has one more day of precipitation. Humidity levels remain similar, with December at 84% and January at 85%. For more specific details on January weather in the area, you can refer to The Lakes weather in January.
In December, temperatures range from a brisk minimum of -25°C (-13°F) to a mild maximum of 15°C (59°F), averaging around -4°C (25°F). The month sees about 41 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation over four days, accompanied by relatively high humidity at 84%. In contrast, February experiences even colder conditions, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -33°C (-28°F) and averaging -9°C (17°F). Despite a slightly warmer maximum of 18°C (65°F), the month has lower precipitation at 26 mm (1.0 in) over six days, along with a rise in humidity to 89%. For more detailed insights into the February weather patterns, you can visit The Lakes weather in February.
In December, the weather is characterized by colder temperatures, with a minimum of -25°C (-13°F) and an average of -4°C (25°F), reaching a maximum of 15°C (59°F). The month sees about 41 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation over four days, with a high humidity level of 84%. By contrast, March experiences slightly milder conditions, featuring a minimum temperature of -27°C (-17°F) and an average of 0°C (33°F), with a maximum of 25°C (77°F). Precipitation increases to 64 mm (2.5 in) over seven days, and humidity decreases slightly to 81%. For more specific details about weather patterns in March, you can check The Lakes weather in March.
In December, the weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -25°C (-13°F) and an average of -4°C (25°F), making it a notably cold month. Precipitation is relatively low, totaling 41 mm (1.6 in) over just four days, while humidity remains high at 84%. In contrast, April brings a significant shift in conditions, featuring a minimum temperature of -16°C (3°F) but an average of 6°C (43°F), and a maximum that can reach as high as 30°C (86°F). The month is wetter, with 84 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation spread over ten days, and humidity is slightly lower at 82%. For more details on the climate during this transition, visit The Lakes weather in April.
In December, the weather is significantly colder, with temperatures ranging from a frigid minimum of -25°C (-13°F) to a somewhat mild maximum of 15°C (59°F), and an average temperature of -4°C (25°F). The month experiences limited precipitation, averaging just 41 mm (1.6 in) over 4 days, but high humidity at 84% makes the cold feel even more biting.
In contrast, May brings warmer and more variable weather, with temperatures soaring from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), and an average of 15°C (59°F). This month sees increased rainfall, totaling 121 mm (4.8 in) spread across 14 days, and a slightly lower humidity of 76% compared to December. For a detailed look at the weather conditions during this vibrant spring month, check out The Lakes weather in May.
December and June present stark contrasts in weather conditions. December experiences much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -25°C (-13°F) and an average temperature of -4°C (25°F), while June boasts a significantly warmer environment, featuring a minimum of 7°C (46°F) and an average of 22°C (72°F). Precipitation also varies greatly; December sees about 41 mm (1.6 in) over just 4 days, whereas June has a more substantial 110 mm (4.4 in) spread over 10 days, indicating a wetter month. Despite similar humidity levels—84% in December and 81% in June—the overall feel of the two months is defined by their temperature extremes and precipitation patterns. For more insights, check The Lakes weather in June.
December and July exhibit stark contrasts in weather patterns. In December, temperatures can plummet to a chilling minimum of -25°C (-13°F), with an average of -4°C (25°F) and a maximum of 15°C (59°F). The month sees about 41 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation over four days, accompanied by high humidity at 84%. In contrast, July boasts much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (54°F), an average of 23°C (74°F), and a scorching maximum of 35°C (96°F). This summer month experiences significantly higher precipitation at 119 mm (4.7 in) spread over nine days, while humidity remains relatively high at 82%. For a deeper look at the weather in July, you can visit The Lakes weather in July.
December and August present strikingly different weather patterns. In December, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -25°C (-13°F), with an average of -4°C (25°F) and a maximum of 15°C (59°F). The month experiences relatively low precipitation, totaling only 41 mm (1.6 in) over 4 days, while the humidity remains high at 84%. In contrast, August offers a much warmer and more humid environment, typically ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 35°C (94°F), with an average of 21°C (70°F). This summer month is marked by significantly higher precipitation at 127 mm (5.0 in) over 10 days, with humidity slightly lower at 83%. For more insights on the weather during this vibrant summer month, visit The Lakes weather in August.
December and September present stark contrasts in weather. In December, temperatures are notably colder, with lows plummeting to -25°C (-13°F) and an average temperature of -4°C (25°F), making it a month characterized by winter's chill. Precipitation is relatively low at 41 mm (1.6 in) over just 4 days, while humidity hovers at a high 84%. In contrast, September enjoys milder and warmer conditions, with morning lows around 2°C (36°F) and an average high of 18°C (64°F), reaching a maximum of 32°C (91°F). Precipitation in September is more significant at 109 mm (4.3 in) over 9 days, accompanied by slightly lower humidity at 82%. For more details, you can check out The Lakes weather in September.
In comparing the weather of December and October, notable differences emerge in temperature and precipitation. December experiences significantly colder temperatures, with minimums dropping to -25°C (-13°F) and an average of -4°C (25°F), while October sees milder conditions, ranging from a minimum of -14°C (6°F) to an average of 9°C (48°F). Precipitation is more frequent in October, with 93 mm (3.7 in) over 9 days compared to December's 41 mm (1.6 in) over just 4 days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in December at 84%, whereas October maintains a close 82% humidity. For those interested in the specifics of October weather, more information can be found here: The Lakes weather in October.
In December, the weather features colder temperatures with a minimum of -25°C (-13°F) and an average of -4°C (25°F), compared to November's milder minimum of -17°C (2°F) and average of 1°C (34°F). The maximum temperatures also vary significantly, with December peaking at 15°C (59°F) while November enjoys a warmer maximum of 26°C (80°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in December at 41 mm (1.6 in) over 4 days, whereas November sees 30 mm (1.2 in) across 6 days, indicating a potentially drier month. Additionally, humidity is slightly less in December at 84% compared to November's 87%. For more insights on November weather, check The Lakes weather in November.
As December settles over The Lakes, the weather showcases a stark contrast to the milder months that precede it. With temperatures plunging to chilling lows and occasional frosty days, this month embodies the heart of winter. Precipitation is minimal, yet, when it does occur, it often blankets the landscape in a serene layer of snow, enhancing the picturesque scenery. The heightened humidity coupled with colder temperatures creates a unique atmosphere, making December a truly enchanting time for winter enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. For those seeking a deeper understanding of seasonal shifts, visit The Lakes Climate to explore further.