Last updated: February 24, 2025
In December, White Sands, United States experiences a diverse range of temperatures with a maximum of 21°C (71°F) and an average of 8°C (47°F), dipping to a chilly -6°C (21°F) at night. This month witnesses minimal precipitation with only 13 mm (0.5 in) recorded over 3 days, making for relatively dry conditions. However, humidity levels hover at a high 82%, contributing to a crisp and cold atmosphere. The blend of these climatic factors creates a unique backdrop for visitors and locals alike, showcasing the stark beauty of this remarkable desert landscape during the winter season.
In December, temperatures in White Sands, United States, begin to chill as winter settles in. With minimums dipping to -6°C (21°F) and average highs reaching a modest 21°C (71°F), this month marks a notable shift from the warmer autumn months. The average temperature hovers around 8°C (47°F), indicating a seasonal cool down that paves the way for the cold winter ahead. As the year comes to a close, residents and visitors may experience fluctuating conditions, reminding them of the stark contrasts between winter's edge and the previous summer's warmth. Overall, December’s temperature trends illustrate a transition into cooler seasons, inviting cozy endeavors and festive spirit in this unique desert landscape.
In December, White Sands experiences a slight dip in precipitation, receiving only 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain over about 3 days. This is consistent with the trend observed in late fall, where moisture levels tend to decrease as the year concludes. Compared to the heavier rains of summer, particularly in July and August, this month sees significantly less rainfall, marking a transition into the drier winter months that follow. The minimal precipitation is in line with the overall trend of reduced moisture in the late year, contributing to the serene, tranquil beauty characteristic of the region during the winter season.
As the year draws to a close, December in White Sands, United States, showcases a notable humidity level of 82%. This marks a slight decline from November's higher 83%, yet it remains significantly elevated compared to the warmer months of the year. The trend throughout the year reveals that humidity levels peak in the winter months, starting at 79% in January and February, then gradually tapering off to a comfortable low of 53% in June. As the seasons transition back into the cooler months, humidity levels resurge, with September recording 70% and October at 75%. Thus, December's humidity, while slightly less than its predecessor, contributes to a generally moist atmosphere that persists through the winter months, demonstrating a clear pattern of seasonal fluctuations.
In December, the UV Index in White Sands, United States, settles back to a moderate level of 5, which translates to a burn time of 30 minutes for fair-skinned individuals. This slight decrease follows the trend of heightened UV exposure from earlier months, peaking in the summer with extreme levels reaching up to 13 in June. As the year progresses from January's moderate index of 5, it escalates dramatically, reaching its highest intensity during the spring and summer months. By December, the UV risk lessens again, providing a more gentle sun exposure compared to the intense rays of previous months. For those looking to enjoy the sun safely, understanding these fluctuations is crucial. For more details on the UV Index throughout the year, visit White Sands UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In White Sands, United States, December greets winter with about 250 hours of sunshine, a modest yet inviting amount as the days shorten. This figure reflects a trend of diminishing daylight hours as the year progresses, peaking in May with an impressive 372 hours. As the seasons shift, the sunshine gradually declines, with January starting the year at 206 hours. Notably, the warmer months from March through August enjoy abundant sunlight, peaking in July at 365 hours, while the winter months generally offer less. December’s sunshine, while reduced, still provides a cheerful respite before the year concludes, echoing the region's overall trend of vibrant sunshine during much of the year, making it a delightful destination year-round.
In December, White Sands boasts a 60% chance of sunny weather, which continues the trend of varied sunshine throughout the year. While this month marks a dip from the peak 83% in October, December still rivals the sunny probabilities seen in earlier months like January and April at 65%. Interestingly, the overall trend reveals that as winter approaches, the likelihood of sunny days does decline, dropping from the balmy heights of spring and summer. However, compared to the more subdued summer months, December's sun forecast remains reasonably cheerful, offering visitors and residents a decent chance to bask in the winter sun amidst the scenic beauty of the region.
In December, daylight in White Sands, United States, offers a brief retreat as the sun shines for 10 hours each day, mirroring the shorter days experienced in both January and November. This pattern creates a discernible rhythm throughout the year, where daylight gradually increases from 10 hours in January to a peak of 14 hours in June and July. As summer fades, the light wanes again, with the days shortening back to 12 hours by September, before settling into the darker months of late fall and winter. The cyclical nature of daylight duration not only shapes the landscape but also influences the activities and rhythm of life in this serene desert setting.
As December unfolds in White Sands, the gentle breeze brings a tranquil yet invigorating atmosphere, with an average wind speed of 2.3 m/s (5 mph). This month showcases a slight increase compared to the preceding months, offering a refreshing contrast to November's calmer winds. Throughout the year, wind speeds generally fluctuate, peaking in March and April at 3.4 m/s (8 mph) before settling back to their more serene winter patterns. Interestingly, the winds start off the year modestly but exhibit a subtle upward trend in the spring months, only to recede during the summer's sultry days. As we close out the year, December's moderate gusts evoke a sense of peaceful resilience, reminiscent of the changing seasons in this stunning desert landscape.
The weather in White Sands 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 White Sands and find detailed weather information for every month.
December and January offer similar temperature ranges, with both months experiencing minimum temperatures around -6°C (21°F) and maximum temperatures reaching 21°C (71°F). However, December has a slightly higher average temperature of 8°C (47°F) compared to January's average of 7°C (45°F). Precipitation increases marginally from December to January, with December receiving 13 mm (0.5 in) over three days and January slightly higher at 15 mm (0.6 in) but with only two rainy days. Humidity levels also show a slight difference, with December at 82% and January at 79%. For more detailed information about the weather conditions in January, you can visit White Sands weather in January.
In December, the weather is characterized by a milder average temperature of 8°C (47°F), with a maximum of 21°C (71°F) and a minimum of -6°C (21°F). Precipitation is relatively low at 13 mm (0.5 in) over three days, with humidity levels at 82%. In contrast, February experiences a slightly colder minimum temperature of -11°C (13°F), but an increased maximum temperature of 27°C (80°F) and an average of 10°C (50°F). February also sees more precipitation, totaling 21 mm (0.8 in) over three days, while humidity drops slightly to 79%. For a more detailed look at February weather, visit White Sands weather in February.
In December, temperatures range from a brisk -6°C (21°F) at night to a mild 21°C (71°F) during the day, with an average of 8°C (47°F). The month sees around 13 mm (0.5 in) of precipitation over just three days, and the humidity remains quite high at 82%. In contrast, March experiences a more moderate climate, with minimum temperatures of -1°C (31°F) and maximums reaching a pleasant 30°C (86°F), averaging 14°C (58°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 18 mm (0.7 in), still occurring over three days, but the humidity drops to a more comfortable 65%. For those interested in experiencing the March weather in White Sands, you can find more details here: White Sands weather in March.
In December, temperatures range from a chilly -6°C (21°F) at their lowest to a mild 21°C (71°F) at their highest, with an average of 8°C (47°F). The month sees approximately 13 mm (0.5 in) of precipitation over three days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 82%. In contrast, April brings a significant warming trend, with temperatures fluctuating between a minimum of 3°C (38°F) and a maximum of 32°C (90°F), averaging 19°C (67°F). The precipitation in April is notably lower at 5 mm (0.2 in), occurring over just one day, and the humidity drops to a comfortable 55%. For more details on what to expect during April, you can check White Sands weather in April.
December and May exhibit contrasting weather patterns, highlighting the transition from winter to spring. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -6°C (21°F) to a milder maximum of 21°C (71°F), with an average of 8°C (47°F). The month sees approximately 13 mm (0.5 in) of precipitation over three days, coupled with high humidity at 82%. In contrast, May boasts significantly warmer weather, with temperatures soaring from a low of 4°C (39°F) to a scorching high of 36°C (98°F) and an average of 24°C (75°F). Precipitation is notably lighter at just 6 mm (0.2 in) over a single day, with humidity dropping to a comfortable 54%. For more detailed information about weather conditions in May, visit White Sands weather in May.
December weather contrasts sharply with June, showcasing a significant difference in temperature and humidity. In December, temperatures can drop to a chilly -6°C (21°F), with an average of 8°C (47°F) and a maximum of 21°C (71°F). The month experiences relatively low precipitation, with only 13 mm (0.5 in) over 3 days, and a high humidity level of 82%. In stark contrast, June boasts much warmer temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a blistering maximum of 41°C (106°F), with an average temperature of 28°C (83°F). Precipitation slightly increases to 28 mm (1.1 in) over 4 days, but humidity drops to a more comfortable 53%. For more detailed insights, you can check White Sands weather in June.
December and July present stark contrasts in weather. December features cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -6°C (21°F) and an average of 8°C (47°F), while July boasts much warmer conditions, characterized by a minimum of 17°C (63°F) and an average of 28°C (82°F). Additionally, precipitation in December is quite low, totaling 13 mm (0.5 inches) over just three days, compared to July's more substantial 51 mm (2.0 inches) spread over 11 days. Humidity levels also differ significantly, with December experiencing a higher humidity at 82%, while July sees lower humidity at 55%. These weather variations highlight the distinct seasonal experiences at White Sands. For more details, you can check White Sands weather in July.
The weather in December is markedly cooler than in August, with average temperatures ranging from a chilly 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 21°C (71°F), while August boasts much warmer temperatures, averaging 27°C (81°F) and peaking at 38°C (101°F). December experiences significantly less precipitation, with only 13 mm (0.5 in) over three days, compared to August's much higher total of 49 mm (1.9 in) over ten days. Additionally, December's humidity is higher at 82%, leading to a colder, more damp feel, while August's lower humidity of 57% contributes to the hot, summer-like conditions. For more insights on August's weather, you can check White Sands weather in August.
The weather in December is considerably cooler than in September, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -6°C (21°F) to a maximum of 21°C (71°F) and an average of 8°C (47°F). In contrast, September boasts much warmer conditions, featuring temperatures that span from 8°C (47°F) to a high of 36°C (97°F), with an average of 24°C (76°F). December also experiences less precipitation, totaling only 13 mm (0.5 in) over about 3 days, while September sees more rainfall at 31 mm (1.2 in) across 5 days, accompanied by lower humidity levels at 70%. For more details, you can explore White Sands weather in September.
In comparing the weather between December and October, December is notably colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -6°C (21°F) to a maximum of 21°C (71°F), compared to October’s broader range from -2°C (28°F) to a warm maximum of 33°C (91°F). Additionally, October experiences more precipitation, totaling 29 mm (1.1 in) over 4 days, while December has only 13 mm (0.5 in) over 3 days. Humidity levels are higher in December at 82%, compared to October's 75%, indicating a wetter feel during the winter month. For a more detailed look at the October climate, you can check White Sands weather in October.
In comparing the weather between December and November, December tends to be colder, with minimum temperatures dropping to -6°C (21°F) compared to November's -4°C (24°F). The average temperature in December is 8°C (47°F), significantly lower than November's warmer average of 13°C (56°F). Although December experiences slightly less precipitation at 13 mm (0.5 in) over three days, compared to November's 16 mm (0.6 in) over two days, both months have similar humidity levels, hovering around 82-83%. For a more detailed look at November’s climate, check out White Sands weather in November.
In December, White Sands experiences a notable shift in weather patterns, characterized by cooler temperatures and increased humidity compared to other months. While the days remain mild with maximums around 21°C, the nights can be quite chilly, dipping significantly to nearly freezing. This month also sees a slight uptick in precipitation, although it remains modest, with only a few wet days. As a result, December offers a unique blend of serene beauty and crisp air, making it an ideal time for visitors to enjoy the peaceful landscape. For a deeper understanding of what to expect throughout the year, check out White Sands Climate.