Last updated: February 24, 2025
In December, Atlantic City experiences a blend of cool and crisp weather, with average temperatures hovering around 6°C (44°F). Daytime highs can reach a comfortable 17°C (64°F), while nighttime lows may drop to a chilly -8°C (18°F). The city can expect 121 mm (4.8 in) of precipitation over approximately 11 days, contributing to a relatively high humidity level of 81%. Visitors should prepare for a mix of cool air and occasional rain, making it a uniquely invigorating time to explore this coastal gem.
In December, Atlantic City begins to feel the chill of winter, with temperatures dropping noticeably as the year comes to a close. The average temperature settles around 6°C (44°F), while the daily range hovers between a minimum of -8°C (18°F) and a maximum of 17°C (64°F). Compared to the milder autumn months, December’s cooler climate marks a significant transition, emphasizing the shift from the lingering warmth of November. As holiday festivities light up the city, residents and visitors alike don warm layers to embrace the brisk coastal air, making it a time of cozy gatherings and vibrant celebrations against a winter backdrop.
December in Atlantic City sees an average precipitation of 121 mm (4.8 in), making it one of the wetter months of the year. Often characterized by 11 rainy days, this month marks a trend of increasing rainfall as residents transition from fall to winter. Compared to the preceding months, December's precipitation is notably higher than November’s 94 mm (3.7 in) and similar to October’s peak of 152 mm (6.0 in). This steady rain during the holiday season can create a cozy atmosphere, but also signals the onset of the winter chill that blankets the region. Overall, December’s precipitation helps maintain the cycle of moisture that nourishes the area, serving as a precursor to the colder months ahead.
In Atlantic City, December brings a relative increase in humidity with levels averaging around 81%, which is slightly higher than the preceding month of November at 80%. This continuation of higher humidity is characteristic of the winter months, where values tend to hover in the low 80s from January to March. Interestingly, throughout the year, humidity dips to its lowest point in May at 74%, before gradually rising again in the fall. Despite December's rise, humidity remains lower compared to the summer peak months of July and August, where it averages 76-77%. Overall, December’s humidity reflects a slight rebound as temperatures cool and winter sets in, maintaining Atlantic City’s signature coastal feel.
In December, Atlantic City experiences a return to a moderate UV Index of 3, mirroring the mild levels seen in January and November. This seasonal decline follows a peak period from April to September, where the UV Index soared to very high levels of 9 to 10, drastically reducing burn times to just 15 minutes. As the year closes, residents and visitors can enjoy the outdoors with a more forgiving sun, necessitating only 30 minutes of exposure before sunburn becomes a risk. Whether you're taking a winter stroll along the boardwalk or enjoying holiday festivities, be sure to stay informed about the UV levels with the latest updates. For detailed information, visit the Atlantic City UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
December in Atlantic City may signal the onset of winter, but it also brings a welcome respite with approximately 187 hours of sunshine. As the year transitions from the sun-drenched summer months, where July boasts the most sunlight at 364 hours, December stands out as a gentle reminder of the city’s brighter days. While the hours of sunshine begin to wane from the peak of 315 hours in May, December still offers a pleasant contrast to the shorter days, capturing a sizeable portion of light compared to the dreariness that winter often brings. This enduring glow serves as a charming backdrop for the festive season, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy the beauty of Atlantic City amidst the holiday spirit.
When considering the likelihood of sunny weather in December in Atlantic City, it is important to note a general trend of declining sun chances as winter approaches. With a 36% chance of sunshine, December ranks among the lower months for sun exposure, particularly when compared to the bright spells of July and September, which boast a notable 55%. The late fall months of November and October offer more promise, with 56% and 46% chances of sun respectively. As the year closes, Atlantic City’s skies tend to lean towards a grayer outlook, setting the stage for a cozy winter vibe, though pockets of sunshine may still break through the clouds.
As December settles in Atlantic City, residents experience a return to shorter days, with a daylight duration of just 9 hours. This marks a continuation of the trend observed since late autumn, where daylight wanes from a peak of 14 hours in June and July. The gradual decrease begins in early September, dipping down to 12 hours in October and then halving again by December. While the days are brief, the consistent rhythm of seasonal change offers a poignant reminder of winter's embrace, making the return of longer days in spring all the more anticipated.
As December wraps its chilly embrace around Atlantic City, the average wind speed settles at 5.0 m/s (11 mph), mirroring a slight easing from the sharper breezes of earlier months. Throughout the year, winds peak in February at 6.2 m/s (14 mph), but gradually decline, reaching their lowest point in August with a gentle 3.8 m/s (8 mph). This gradual wind-down from the summer’s calm creates a transition into winter, where the sea air carries a crisper bite. As the festive season unfolds, the winds usher in a refreshing chill, hinting at the arrival of winter while maintaining a consistent flow that surfers, beachgoers, and wind aficionados have come to cherish.
The weather in Atlantic 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 Atlantic City and find detailed weather information for every month.
December and January exhibit notable differences in weather conditions. In December, temperatures fluctuate from a minimum of -8°C (18°F) to a maximum of 17°C (64°F), with an average of 6°C (44°F). The month sees 121 mm (4.8 in) of precipitation spread over 11 days and maintains a humidity level of 81%. In contrast, January experiences colder temperatures, with a minimum of -14°C (8°F) and a slightly lower maximum of 16°C (61°F), averaging around 3°C (38°F). Precipitation decreases to 79 mm (3.1 in) over 9 days, and humidity rises slightly to 83%. For more detailed insights on the January weather, you can visit Atlantic City weather in January.
December and February present distinct yet somewhat comparable weather profiles. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of -8°C (18°F) to a maximum of 17°C (64°F), with an average of 6°C (44°F). This month sees significant precipitation of 121 mm (4.8 in) over approximately 11 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 81%. In contrast, February experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -12°C (11°F), an average of 4°C (40°F), and a maximum of 13°C (57°F). While precipitation is slightly lower at 117 mm (4.6 in) over 12 days, the humidity remains high at 82%. For more information on weather specifics in February, check out Atlantic City weather in February.
Comparing the weather in December and March highlights some intriguing similarities and differences. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of -8°C (18°F) to a maximum of 17°C (64°F), with an average of 6°C (44°F). The month also sees about 121 mm (4.8 in) of precipitation over 11 days, maintaining a relatively high humidity level of 81%. Meanwhile, March has slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of -6°C (22°F), an average of 6°C (43°F), and a maximum of 18°C (66°F). Precipitation in March is slightly lower at 111 mm (4.4 in) over 10 days, while the humidity remains consistent at 81%. This consistency in humidity suggests that both months experience a damp chill, despite the gradual warming trend leading into spring. For more specific insights into March conditions, you can explore Atlantic City weather in March.
In December, temperatures in Atlantic City can dip as low as -8°C (18°F), with an average of 6°C (44°F) and highs reaching up to 17°C (64°F). The month sees a total precipitation of 121 mm (4.8 in) over 11 days, coupled with a high humidity level of 81%. In contrast, April brings milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to an average of 11°C (51°F) and maximums of 21°C (70°F). Although April has slightly lower precipitation at 98 mm (3.9 in) over the same number of days, the humidity remains similar at 79%. For more details on weather conditions, check out Atlantic City weather in April.
December and May present contrasting weather patterns, with December characterized by colder temperatures, averaging around 6°C (44°F) and dropping as low as -8°C (18°F) at night. In contrast, May experiences milder and more pleasant conditions, with average temperatures reaching 15°C (60°F) and highs up to 25°C (78°F). While both months see a similar amount of precipitation, around 115–121 mm, December's higher humidity at 81% contributes to a chillier atmosphere compared to May's 74% humidity. For more details about May's climate, you can check Atlantic City weather in May.
In December, the weather is significantly colder and wetter compared to June. With temperatures ranging from a brisk minimum of -8°C (18°F) to a more moderate average of 6°C (44°F) and a maximum of 17°C (64°F), the chilly winter month also sees about 121 mm (4.8 in) of precipitation over 11 days, contributing to an average humidity of 81%. Conversely, June offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 12°C (53°F) and reaching an average of 21°C (70°F) all the way up to a pleasant 28°C (83°F). Precipitation in June is lighter, at 69 mm (2.7 in) over just 9 days, and the humidity is slightly lower at 77%. For more detailed information, you can check Atlantic City weather in June.
December and July present strikingly different weather conditions. In December, temperatures can dip as low as -8°C (18°F), with an average of around 6°C (44°F) and a maximum reaching 17°C (64°F). This month also experiences significant precipitation, totaling 121 mm (4.8 in) over about 11 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 81%. In contrast, July boasts much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 19°C (66°F), an average of 25°C (77°F), and maximums soaring up to 31°C (89°F). Precipitation in July is slightly lower at 109 mm (4.3 in), occurring over 10 days, and the humidity is marginally less at 76%. For more detailed information, check out Atlantic City weather in July.
December and August present strikingly contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures range significantly from a chilly minimum of -8°C (18°F) to a milder maximum of 17°C (64°F), with an average of 6°C (44°F). The month experiences considerable precipitation, totaling 121 mm (4.8 in) over 11 days, accompanied by high humidity at 81%. In contrast, August boasts much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 18°C (64°F), an average of 24°C (76°F), and a maximum reaching 30°C (86°F). Precipitation in August is slightly lower at 97 mm (3.8 in), spread over 12 days, and the humidity is slightly lower at 77%. For more details on the specific weather conditions in August, visit Atlantic City weather in August.
When comparing the weather of December and September, it's clear there are significant differences. December experiences much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -8°C (18°F) and an average of 6°C (44°F), while September enjoys a milder climate, with minimum temperatures around 13°C (56°F) and an average of 22°C (72°F). Both months receive similar amounts of precipitation, at 121 mm (4.8 in) in December and 122 mm (4.8 in) in September, but December sees rain on 11 days compared to September's 9 days. Additionally, December's humidity is higher at 81%, compared to September's 74%. For a more detailed look at September's climate, visit Atlantic City weather in September.
When comparing the weather between December and October, there are notable differences in temperature and precipitation. December experiences colder temperatures, with a minimum of -8°C (18°F) and an average of 6°C (44°F), while October boasts milder conditions with a minimum of 6°C (44°F) and an average of 18°C (64°F). In terms of maximum temperatures, December reaches up to 17°C (64°F), significantly lower than October's high of 28°C (82°F). However, December sees slightly less precipitation, totaling 121 mm (4.8 in) over 11 days, compared to October's 152 mm (6.0 in) over 10 days, despite having higher humidity at 81% compared to October’s 75%. For more details about October weather, you can check Atlantic City weather in October.
In comparing the weather of December to November, December presents a cooler climate overall, with average temperatures dropping from 11°C (51°F) in November to a milder 6°C (44°F) in December. The minimum temperatures also decline significantly, shifting from -3°C (26°F) in November to a chilly -8°C (18°F) in December. Additionally, December experiences more precipitation, totaling 121 mm (4.8 in) over 11 days, compared to November's 94 mm (3.7 in) over just 9 days. Despite both months being relatively humid, December holds a slightly higher average humidity at 81%, compared to November’s 80%. For a more detailed look at November's weather patterns, you can visit Atlantic City weather in November.
As December ushers in the winter season, Atlantic City's weather presents a notable shift from the milder conditions experienced in earlier months. With an average temperature hovering around 6°C (44°F), visitors can expect brisk days and chilly nights, occasionally dipping to a frosty -8°C (18°F). The air is often infused with 81% humidity, adding a cool dampness that contrasts with the summer’s vibrant warmth. Additionally, December sees an uptick in precipitation, with approximately 121 mm (4.8 in) falling over 11 days, making it one of the wetter months of the year. For those planning a trip, it's essential to prepare for the unique charm of Atlantic City's winter atmosphere. For more detailed insights on the annual weather patterns, visit Atlantic City Climate.