Last updated: February 24, 2025
In December, Lake Placid, United States transforms into a winter wonderland, with temperatures ranging from a brisk maximum of 14°C (57°F) to a chilling minimum of -31°C (-23°F). The average temperature hovers around a frosty -6°C (22°F), creating an enchanting atmosphere perfect for winter activities. The area receives a total of 90 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation over the course of 14 days, contributing to its snowy landscape. With a high humidity level of 89%, visitors can expect a true taste of winter, making December an ideal time for snow enthusiasts and nature lovers alike to experience the magic of Lake Placid.
In December, Lake Placid, United States, ushers in the winter season with temperatures that showcase a significant drop, marking one of the coldest months of the year. With a minimum of -31°C (-23°F), residents and visitors alike can expect frigid conditions, while the average temperature hovers around -6°C (22°F). Despite these chilly stats, there's a slight respite with a maximum temperature reaching 14°C (57°F), offering brief moments of warmth amidst the winter chill. This month clearly embodies the transition into deep winter, as temperatures show a notable dip from the milder conditions found in November, revealing a consistent trend toward colder weather as the year winds down.
In December, Lake Placid experiences a steady rhythm of precipitation, receiving 90 mm (3.5 inches) over 14 days. This consistent moisture marks a continuation of the trend seen throughout the fall, where November also delivered 112 mm of rain, accompanied by 16 days of precipitation. As the year winds down, December's precipitation amounts align closely with January's, suggesting a transition towards the winter season but maintaining a similar weather pattern. Compared to the peak of October, which received 151 mm across 15 days, December’s precipitation feels more subdued yet essential for maintaining the landscape's vibrancy as it shifts into the colder months. Overall, Lake Placid showcases a balanced distribution of rainfall as it prepares for winter's embrace.
In Lake Placid, December ushers in humidity levels that settle at 89%, marking a slight increase from November’s 88%. This rise is part of a seasonal trend, as the months draw nearer to winter when colder temperatures typically elevate humidity. Notably, the year's timeline reveals that as the temperatures drop, humidity levels tend to rebound from a summer low of 74% in June, echoing the cozy, crisp atmosphere of the holiday season. This gradual yet consistent increase, punctuated by January's peak of 93%, emphasizes Lake Placid's characteristic winter landscape, where the air often feels rich and heavy with moisture, creating an enchanting backdrop for winter activities.
In December, Lake Placid experiences a low UV Index of 2, indicating minimal risk for sun exposure, with a burn time of 45 minutes. This marks a notable drop from the higher UV levels seen in the summer months, where values peaked at 10 in June, prompting very high exposure warnings and significantly shorter burn times. The trend through the year demonstrates that as temperatures drop and winter sets in, UV exposure becomes less of a concern, providing a welcome relief for outdoor enthusiasts during snowy adventures. For more detailed information on UV levels throughout the year, visit Lake Placid UV Index.
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December in Lake Placid, United States, brings a gentle decline in sunshine hours, wrapping up the year with approximately 125 hours of golden rays. As winter takes hold, this marks a notable drop from the vibrant 266 hours of sunshine in May and peaks of 335 hours in July, illustrating a seasonal shift that many locals embrace. While December may bathe in less sunlight compared to the lush summer months, there's a certain charm to the soft winter light as it dances on the snowy landscapes, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the crisp air. This seasonal pattern reflects a typical trend in Lake Placid, where summer basking gives way to the serene beauty of winter, encouraging residents and visitors alike to find joy in every fleeting ray of sunshine.
In Lake Placid, December typically presents a 21% chance of sunny weather, aligning with the trend of lower sunshine during the winter months. This figure is only slightly above January's 21% and February's 20%, indicating that the onset of winter brings a notable decline in sunny days. In contrast, spring months like March show a significant increase in sunshine, reaching 42%, while April and May hover around the 35-36% mark. The transition to winter creates a striking contrast with the rising probabilities of sun as the year progresses, suggesting that while December can be beautiful with its snowy landscapes, clear skies are a rarity during this time.
In Lake Placid during the month of December, the daylight duration shrinks to just 8 hours, marking the peak of winter's grip as daylight steadily wanes from the autumn months. This decline follows a gradual decrease from the longer days of summer, where residents enjoyed up to 15 hours of daylight in June and July. As the calendar turns towards winter, daylight reduces from 14 hours in May to 9 hours in November, culminating in the shortest days when December arrives. This trend not only highlights the seasonal effects of latitude but also sets the stage for the tranquil beauty of winter, inviting both reflection and outdoor adventures by the limited light available.
As December wraps Lake Placid in a crisp winter embrace, the average wind speed rises to 3.4 m/s (8 mph), marking a noticeable increase from the gentler breezes of the preceding months. This trend reflects a shift as the year comes to a close, with wind speeds gradually climbing from a low of 2.2 m/s (5 mph) in August to December's brisk gusts. The nip in the air during this month serves as a reminder of winter's imminent arrival, bringing a refreshing change after a summer of calm. The winds of December not only invigorate the landscape but also signal the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, making it a vibrant time in this picturesque mountain town.
The weather in Lake Placid 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 Lake Placid and find detailed weather information for every month.
December and January exhibit striking similarities in weather patterns, yet also display distinct characteristics. In December, temperatures range from a frigid -31°C (-23°F) to a milder max of 14°C (57°F), with an average of -6°C (22°F), while January offers slightly colder conditions with a minimum of -30°C (-22°F), an average of -9°C (16°F), and a maximum of 11°C (52°F). Both months receive an identical total precipitation of 90 mm (3.5 in) across a comparable number of days—14 in December and 13 in January. Humidity increases slightly in January, peaking at 93%, compared to December's 89%. For those looking to plan winter activities, checking out Lake Placid weather in January can provide helpful insights.
December and February present notably chilly conditions, with average temperatures hovering around -6°C (22°F) and -7°C (20°F), respectively. December experiences a wider temperature range, with lows dipping to -31°C (-23°F) and highs reaching 14°C (57°F), while February's temperatures are slightly milder, with lows of -25°C (-13°F) and highs of 16°C (61°F). Interestingly, both months see similar precipitation levels, around 90-92 mm, and both experience precipitation on roughly 14 days, contributing to a damp atmosphere with humidity peaking at 89% in December and 92% in February. For more detailed weather information, you can explore Lake Placid weather in February.
December and March present strikingly similar weather patterns, though they differ in overall temperature and feel. In December, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -31°C (-23°F), with an average of -6°C (22°F) and a maximum of 14°C (57°F). The month experiences significant precipitation of about 90 mm (3.5 in) over 14 days and maintains high humidity at 89%. In contrast, March shows a marked improvement in temperatures, with a minimum of -22°C (-8°F) and an average of -3°C (26°F), peaking at 18°C (64°F). Precipitation remains comparable at 85 mm (3.3 in) also over 14 days, but humidity is slightly lower at 86%. For a more detailed overview of March weather, check out Lake Placid weather in March.
December and April present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -31°C (-23°F) with an average of -6°C (22°F) and a maximum of 14°C (57°F), accompanied by significant precipitation of 90 mm (3.5 inches) spread over 14 days and high humidity at 89%. In contrast, April experiences a milder climate, with minimum temperatures around -15°C (5°F) and an average of 4°C (39°F), peaking at 23°C (74°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 124 mm (4.9 inches) over 15 days, and the humidity is slightly lower at 85%. For more insights into the transition of weather during this season, check out Lake Placid weather in April.
December and May exhibit starkly contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures can plunge to a chilling minimum of -31°C (-23°F), with an average temperature around -6°C (22°F) and a maximum reaching only 14°C (57°F). The month is quite damp, experiencing about 90 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation over 14 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 89%.
In contrast, May offers a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -4°C (25°F) to a comfortable average of 11°C (53°F) and highs that can soar to 30°C (86°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 110 mm (4.3 in) across 15 days, but the humidity is lower at 80%. For a detailed look at the pleasant conditions, check out Lake Placid weather in May.
December and June present striking contrasts in weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -31°C (-23°F), with an average temperature of -6°C (22°F) and a maximum of 14°C (57°F). The month sees substantial precipitation of 90 mm (3.5 in) over about 14 days, accompanied by high humidity at 89%. In contrast, June offers a milder experience, with minimum temperatures rising to 1°C (34°F) and an average temperature of 16°C (61°F), reaching up to a maximum of 29°C (85°F). Although June experiences slightly more precipitation at 105 mm (4.1 in) over the same number of days, the humidity is notably lower at 74%. For more detailed insights, you can refer to Lake Placid weather in June.
In December, temperatures plunge to an extreme low of -31°C (-23°F), with an average of -6°C (22°F), creating a frigid atmosphere complemented by high humidity of 89%. The month sees around 90 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation spread across 14 days, contributing to a cold and often snowy landscape. In stark contrast, July presents a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a mild minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a sweltering maximum of 33°C (91°F). Averaging 19°C (67°F), July experiences slightly more precipitation at 131 mm (5.2 in) over 16 days, but the humidity drops to a more comfortable 76%. For a detailed look at what to expect in July, check out Lake Placid weather in July.
December and August exhibit striking contrasts in weather conditions. December is characterized by frigid temperatures, with averages around -6°C (22°F) and a chilling minimum of -31°C (-23°F), creating a cold and damp atmosphere marked by 90 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation over 14 days, coupled with high humidity at 89%. In contrast, August boasts a much milder climate, featuring an average temperature of 18°C (65°F) and maximums reaching up to 30°C (86°F), along with slightly higher precipitation at 104 mm (4.1 in) over the same number of rainy days, but with lower humidity at 75%. For more detailed information about August weather, visit Lake Placid weather in August.
December and September present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In December, temperatures plummet to a minimum of -31°C (-23°F) and struggle to average around -6°C (22°F), while some days may reach a maximum of 14°C (57°F). The month is marked by high humidity at 89% and notable precipitation, averaging 90 mm (3.5 in) spread over 14 days. Conversely, September offers a much milder experience, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2°C (28°F) to an average of 14°C (58°F) and highs soaring to 30°C (86°F). Precipitation in September is less frequent, totaling about 73 mm (2.9 in) over 10 days, and humidity is also lower at 78%. For more detailed information on September weather, check out Lake Placid weather in September.
In comparing the weather between December and October, it's clear that December is significantly colder, with average temperatures falling to around -6°C (22°F) compared to October's milder average of 8°C (46°F). While October experiences a much broader temperature range, peaking at 24°C (76°F), December only reaches a maximum of 14°C (57°F). Precipitation also differs, with October receiving 151 mm (6.0 in) over 15 days, while December has 90 mm (3.5 in) across 14 days, indicating a wetter October despite having slightly less humidity at 86% compared to December's 89%. For more details on the October climate, you can visit Lake Placid weather in October.
In comparing the weather between November and December, December tends to be colder overall, with an average temperature of -6°C (22°F) compared to November's average of -1°C (31°F). The minimum temperatures also drop significantly, from -25°C (-13°F) in November to a brisk -31°C (-23°F) in December. However, December experiences slightly less precipitation, totaling 90 mm (3.5 in) over 14 days, while November sees 112 mm (4.4 in) across 16 days. Humidity levels remain quite similar, with December at 89% and November at 88%. For a detailed look at the specifics of November's weather, you can check out Lake Placid weather in November.
As December settles over Lake Placid, the weather showcases a remarkable transformation from the mild autumn conditions experienced earlier in the year. Cooler temperatures take hold, with days reaching their peak at a brisk 14°C and plunging to chilly lows averaging around -6°C. The month also brings increased precipitation, contributing to the region's winter charm, with snow adding a picturesque layer to the landscape. This month is marked by higher humidity levels, creating a unique crispness in the air that contrasts wonderfully with the warmth of summer. For a deeper dive into seasonal variations and to plan your visit, explore the detailed insights available at Lake Placid Climate.