Last updated: February 24, 2025
December in Saranac Lake, United States, presents a captivating winter landscape characterized by significant temperature fluctuations. With a maximum temperature reaching 14°C (57°F), an average of -5°C (22°F), and a chilling minimum plummeting to -30°C (-22°F), residents and visitors alike can expect a true taste of winter. This month sees 96 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation spread over 16 days, contributing to the region’s impressive 89% humidity. Ideal for winter enthusiasts, Saranac Lake’s December weather offers a unique blend of cold and moisture that defines its enchanting snowy scenery.
In December, Saranac Lake experiences a significant drop in temperatures as winter firmly sets in. With minimums plunging to a brisk -30°C (-22°F), the town prepares for the chill of the season. The average temperature hovers around -5°C (22°F), offering a stark contrast to the milder November climate. Although maximums can reach 14°C (57°F), this month typically marks the coldest time of the year, underscoring the transition into deeper winter conditions. This trend sets the stage for the harsh cold of January and February, where the lows and averages continue to dip significantly. As December closes, Saranac Lake’s icy grasp encourages outdoor winter activities, making it a picturesque winter destination amidst its chilly, yet enchanting atmosphere.
In December, Saranac Lake experiences an average precipitation of 96 mm (3.8 in), spread over about 16 days of the month. This amount is quite consistent with the rest of the winter months, as January and February also see similar precipitation levels, both at 95 mm (3.7 in). Notably, Saranac Lake's precipitation pattern reveals a slight decline from the wetter months of October, which records 153 mm (6.0 in), and November, at 119 mm (4.7 in). The transition into December marks a shift towards steadier, albeit lighter, snowfall and rain, maintaining a balance that supports the region's winter charm while reflecting a broader trend of sustained precipitation throughout the colder months. Overall, December blends smoothly into the winter series, encapsulating the essence of Saranac Lake's seasonal shifts.
In Saranac Lake, December marks a shift in humidity as it experiences an increase to 89%, following a steady decline throughout the summer months. The peaks of 93% in January and 92% in February set the tone for a consistently high humidity that characterizes the winter season. As the year progresses, humidity levels gradually decrease, hitting their lows in the warmer months of late spring and summer, dropping to 74% in June. However, by the time December arrives, humidity levels rise again, inching closer to the winter averages, creating a refreshing chill in the air that heralds the snowy landscapes of upstate New York. This cyclical trend of rising and falling humidity throughout the year showcases the region's distinct seasonal character, inviting both locals and visitors to embrace the unique atmospheric changes.
As winter settles in Saranac Lake, December brings a significant drop in UV exposure, reflected in a modest UV Index of 2, categorized as low. This means you'll have about 45 minutes before the sun’s rays become a concern for skin health. The transition from the high summer indices, peaking at 10 in June, to December’s more subdued levels underscores the effects of the season on UV radiation. Compared to the preceding months, December offers a reprieve from the intense sun exposure, making it a great time to enjoy outdoor activities without the immediate worry of sunburn. For comprehensive details and trends throughout the year, visit Saranac Lake UV Index.
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As December settles in Saranac Lake, the sunlight begins to wane, wrapping the town in a gentle embrace of early winter. With approximately 118 hours of sunshine, this month marks a significant decrease from the lively brightness of summer, which boasted up to 328 hours in July. The trend from January to November reveals a gradual build-up of daylight, peaking in the warmer months before dipping again in December. This seasonal shift is a reminder of nature's rhythm, as Saranac Lake transitions from the vibrant energy of late spring and summer to the serene stillness of winter. Embracing the quieter, shorter days, the town invites its residents and visitors to find beauty in the soft glow of a winter sun.
In Saranac Lake, the likelihood of sunny weather in December stands at 22%, indicating a slight increase from the particularly cloudy winter months of January and February, both at 19%. As the year progresses, there is a noticeable uptick in sunshine during the spring, peaking at 42% in March and remaining relatively high throughout April and May. However, this trend of brighter days doesn't carry through the summer; July experiences a dip to 26%, while late summer and early fall hover around mid-thirties. December's 22% chance of sun suggests a brisk and mostly overcast month, as residents and visitors envelop themselves in the charm of winter's tranquil yet muted landscapes.
In Saranac Lake, December marks the conclusion of a gradual decline in daylight hours that starts in October. With only 8 hours of daylight, the month stands out as the shortest in terms of sunlight, preceding the longer days that return in January. This pattern reflects a natural ebb and flow throughout the year, where daylight peaks in June with a generous 15 hours before tapering off. The winter months, particularly December and November, cozy up to the shorter days, prompting residents to embrace the festive twinkle of holiday lights as the sun sets earlier. As the days will begin to lengthen again after December, this seasonal rhythm brings a sense of anticipation for brighter skies ahead.
As December settles in Saranac Lake, the wind begins to pick up, averaging 3.8 m/s (8 mph), a noticeable increase from the preceding months. While winter winds can often stir the cold air, this month marks a transitional period, reflecting a trend of fluctuating speeds throughout the year. Notably, December's winds are stronger than November, which experienced an average of 3.2 m/s (7 mph). This rise indicates not only the onset of winter but also hints at the dynamic nature of the region’s climate, as colder months like January and February typically feature gentler breezes. Thus, December's invigorating winds prepare the landscape for the snowy season ahead, breathing life into the tranquil winter scenery.
The weather in Saranac Lake 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 Saranac Lake and find detailed weather information for every month.
December and January both showcase the harsh winter conditions typical of this season, with January generally being slightly colder. In December, the minimum temperature can plunge to -30°C (-22°F), while the average hovers around -5°C (22°F) and reaches a maximum of 14°C (57°F). Precipitation during December totals 96 mm (3.8 in) over 16 days, accompanied by high humidity at 89%. In contrast, January presents a slightly lower minimum temperature of -29°C (-20°F) and an average of -8°C (17°F), with a maximum of 11°C (53°F). January's precipitation is very similar, at 95 mm (3.7 in) over 14 days, and the humidity remains high at 93%. For a detailed look at the conditions during this month, visit Saranac Lake weather in January.
In December, the weather features a minimum temperature of -30°C (-22°F) and an average of -5°C (22°F), with a maximum reaching 14°C (57°F). This month sees a total precipitation of 96 mm (3.8 in) spread over 16 days, accompanied by high humidity at 89%. In contrast, February presents slightly milder conditions with a minimum of -23°C (-10°F) and an average of -6°C (21°F), peaking at 15°C (60°F). Precipitation remains similar at 95 mm (3.7 in) over the same number of days, though humidity increases to 92%. Overall, February is marginally warmer but similarly wet, maintaining the characteristic chill of winter. For more detailed information, visit Saranac Lake weather in February.
December weather typically sees colder temperatures compared to March, with average temperatures hovering around -5°C (22°F) and a minimum dipping as low as -30°C (-22°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 89% and receives about 96 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation over 16 days. In contrast, March offers slightly milder conditions with an average temperature of -3°C (27°F) and a minimum temperature of -22°C (-8°F). Precipitation is somewhat less, at 90 mm (3.5 in) across 14 days, and humidity is slightly lower at 86%. For more detailed information, you can check Saranac Lake weather in March.
December and April exhibit stark contrasts in weather patterns. In December, temperatures can plunge as low as -30°C (-22°F), with an average hovering around -5°C (22°F) and reaching a maximum of 14°C (57°F). This cold month experiences significant precipitation of 96 mm (3.8 in) over 16 days, alongside high humidity levels at 89%. In contrast, April brings milder conditions, with minimum temperatures around -13°C (8°F) and an average of 4°C (39°F), peaking at 23°C (74°F). While April has slightly higher precipitation at 122 mm (4.8 in), it occurs over 15 days, and the humidity is marginally lower at 85%. For more details on how April weather unfolds in Saranac Lake, check out Saranac Lake weather in April.
In December, Saranac Lake experiences frigid temperatures, with lows plunging to -30°C (-22°F) and an average temperature around -5°C (22°F). The month sees a maximum temperature of just 14°C (57°F) and considerable precipitation, totaling 96 mm (3.8 in) across 16 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 89%.
Conversely, May brings a significant warming trend, with minimum temperatures at -4°C (25°F) and average highs reaching 11°C (52°F) to a comfortable maximum of 28°C (82°F). Although May has slightly higher precipitation at 106 mm (4.2 in) over 15 days, the humidity decreases to 80%, creating a much more pleasant atmosphere. For a detailed look at what to expect, check out Saranac Lake weather in May.
December and June present stark contrasts in weather. December temperatures can plunge as low as -30°C (-22°F), with an average of -5°C (22°F) and a maximum of 14°C (57°F), creating a frigid atmosphere with high humidity at 89%. In contrast, June offers a much milder climate, featuring minimum temperatures around 2°C (36°F) and an average of 16°C (61°F), reaching highs of 28°C (83°F). Precipitation in both months is similar, with December seeing 96 mm (3.8 in) over 16 days compared to June's 95 mm (3.7 in) spread across 14 days. For more information on the weather in June, check out Saranac Lake weather in June.
December and July present striking contrasts in weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -30°C (-22°F), with an average around -5°C (22°F) and a maximum of 14°C (57°F). This month also experiences high humidity at 89% and significant precipitation over 16 days, totaling 96 mm (3.8 in). In contrast, July offers a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a comfortable maximum of 32°C (91°F), averaging at 19°C (67°F). Although July has slightly higher total precipitation at 121 mm (4.8 in) across 15 days, the humidity is notably lower at 76%. For a detailed look at July weather, check out Saranac Lake weather in July.
In December, Saranac Lake experiences much colder weather, with temperatures ranging from a frigid -30°C (-22°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F) and an average of -5°C (22°F). The month sees significant humidity at 89%, along with 96 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation over 16 days. In contrast, August offers a much milder climate, with temperatures varying from a minimum of 7°C (46°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F) and an average of 18°C (65°F). The humidity during this month is notably lower at 75%, and the precipitation is slightly less at 97 mm (3.8 in) spread across 14 days. For more details, check out Saranac Lake weather in August.
December and September present strikingly different weather patterns. In December, temperatures can plunge as low as -30°C (-22°F), with an average of -5°C (22°F) and a maximum of 14°C (57°F), creating a chilling winter atmosphere. The month sees significant precipitation, totaling 96 mm (3.8 in) over approximately 16 days, and high humidity levels at 89%. In contrast, September enjoys milder conditions with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to an average of 14°C (58°F) and peaks reaching 30°C (86°F). With total precipitation of 73 mm (2.9 in) over about 10 days, September also has lower humidity at 78%. For more detailed insights on September weather, you can visit Saranac Lake weather in September.
In Saranac Lake, the weather contrasts between October and December are quite striking. October experiences milder temperatures, with averages around 8°C (47°F), while December sees a significant drop, with average temperatures hovering around -5°C (22°F). Furthermore, October not only boasts higher maximum temperatures of up to 22°C (73°F) but also records greater total precipitation at 153 mm (6.0 in) compared to December’s 96 mm (3.8 in). Despite both months having precipitation on 16 days, December is characterized by a much colder and more humid climate, with humidity levels reaching 89% compared to October’s 86%. For those interested, more details can be found at Saranac Lake weather in October.
In comparing the weather between December and November, we see notable differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. December typically experiences a wider temperature range with a minimum of -30°C (-22°F) and an average of -5°C (22°F), while November has warmer averages, ranging from a minimum of -24°C (-11°F) and an average of 0°C (32°F). Both months are relatively humid, with December at 89% and November slightly lower at 88%. Precipitation totals are also significant, with December receiving around 96 mm (3.8 in) over 16 days, compared to November's 119 mm (4.7 in) across 17 days. For a more detailed look at the weather conditions during November, check out Saranac Lake weather in November.
As December settles over Saranac Lake, the weather experiences a noticeable shift, ushering in the chill of winter. With average temperatures plummeting to around -5°C (22°F), residents and visitors alike feel the bite of the season, contrasting sharply with the milder temperatures of fall. December also brings increased precipitation, with over 16 days of snowfall contributing to the region's picturesque winter landscape. The high humidity level of 89% adds to the cold, creating a unique atmosphere that defines the month. For those curious about the nuances of Saranac Lake’s climate throughout the year, details can be found at Saranac Lake Climate.