December Weather in Asheville, United States

Last updated: February 24, 2025

December in Asheville, United States, presents a vibrant yet chilly climate, where temperatures oscillate between a maximum of 23°C (74°F) and a minimum of -12°C (11°F). With an average temperature hovering around 5°C (41°F), this month beckons locals and visitors alike to embrace the winter chill. Rainfall measures approximately 109 mm (4.3 in) across about 9 days, contributing to a humid environment with levels reaching 88%. Whether you're exploring the winter landscapes or cozying up indoors, December in Asheville offers a unique blend of cool temperatures and seasonal charm.

December Temperature in Asheville

In Asheville, United States, December marks a transition into the winter months, characterized by chilly temperatures that range from a minimum of -12°C (11°F) to a maximum of 23°C (74°F). The average temperature hovers around 5°C (41°F), creating a crisp atmosphere that invites cozy evenings by the fire. As the year draws to a close, the trend shows a significant drop from the milder autumn temperatures, with December often feeling quite brisk compared to the preceding months. This chilly climate is perfect for warming up with hot cocoa or enjoying the festive spirit that envelops the city. While December may bring cold nights, the pleasant daytime highs provide a refreshing contrast, making it a month of remarkable seasonal beauty.

December Weather in Asheville: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates December temperature patterns in Asheville, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec384348556469737168594541
Data source: Temperature data for Asheville generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

December Precipitation in Asheville

December in Asheville witnesses a blend of precipitation patterns that offer a glimpse into the transitioning winter season. With 109 mm (4.3 in) of rainfall spread over 9 days, the month showcases a moderate wetness, slightly above the tail end of autumn. This wet trend follows a notably drier November that recorded only 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain on just 7 days. December's precipitation, while significant, is less than the peaks seen in October and August, suggesting that as the year concludes, Asheville experiences a cooling trend in both temperature and moisture. This gradual shift hints at the onset of winter, setting the scene for a cozy season ahead.

December Precipitation Trends in Asheville

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Asheville, with values for each month alongside December's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how December's conditions compare to those of other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec80119101119117899312612513973109
Data source: Precipitation data for December generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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December Humidity in Asheville

In Asheville, December brings a notable increase in humidity, rising to 88%, a level consistent with the previous month. This trend of elevated humidity is particularly striking during the last quarter of the year, as November also recorded 88%. Interestingly, the winter months—from January through April—maintain relatively high humidity levels, predominantly lingering between 82% and 86%. As we transition from late summer's drier air, with humidity dropping to the lowest point of 76% in August and September, the cooler months usher in a more moist atmosphere. This cyclical pattern highlights Asheville's characteristically humid climate, offering a unique blend of crisp winter air and persistent moisture as the year draws to a close.

December Average Humidity in Asheville

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Asheville, with December's data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, allowing you to see how December's humidity levels compare to other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec86%86%86%82%85%85%83%76%76%80%88%88%
Data source: Humidity data for December generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

December UV Index in Asheville

As winter settles in, December in Asheville, United States, brings a moderate UV Index of 4, making it one of the year's gentler months for sun exposure. With a burn time of 30 minutes, this month provides a welcome respite from the extreme UV levels seen in the summer months, where the Index peaks at 11. The transition from the high index of November to December's moderate rating reflects the seasonal shift, encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the cooler weather while still staying mindful of UV exposure. For a comprehensive look at Asheville's UV trends throughout the year, check out the detailed information here: Asheville UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Asheville for December

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Asheville in December, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec468111111111010864
Data source: Asheville December UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

December Sunshine in Asheville

As December arrives in Asheville, the city experiences a gentle decline in sunshine hours compared to the exuberant summer months, yet with 196 hours of golden daylight, it still offers a warm embrace as the year winds down. After peaking in July with a remarkable 347 hours, the sunshine begins to taper but remains consistent through early winter. The gradual transition from the lush, vibrant days of summer to the cooler, crisp days of December showcases a subtle shift in the season's rhythm. Despite the shorter days, Asheville's December light invites residents and visitors alike to enjoy the charming views and festive atmosphere, underlining the city's ability to capture the coziness of winter while still holding onto the glow of sunshine.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Asheville: December Highlighted

The December sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Asheville experiences direct sunlight during the month of December, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of December with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec165h179h242h272h306h323h347h318h289h265h235h196h
Data source: Asheville December Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Asheville During December

December in Asheville, United States, brings a 43% chance of sunny weather, reflecting a trend of fluctuating sun exposure throughout the year. After a notable spike in November with 54%, the likelihood of clear skies takes a slight dip in December. This month often sees a balance of overcast days and bright spells, typical for winter. Comparatively, as the year closes, the chances for sunshine seem promising, especially when juxtaposed with earlier months like June and July, which tend to hover around 31% and 41%. Overall, while December may not guarantee sunny days, it certainly offers a fair opportunity for sunshine amidst winter’s embrace.

Percentage of Sunny Days in December in Asheville

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Asheville throughout the year, with December highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Asheville experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec42%36%38%54%33%31%41%39%50%39%54%43%
Data source: Asheville December chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Asheville in December

As December unfolds in Asheville, the days grow noticeably shorter, with only 9 hours of daylight illuminating the winter landscape. This trend reflects a gradual decline from the longer days of summer, where daylight peaked at 14 hours in June and July. As we transition from the vibrant weeks of May's 14 hours and April's 13 hours, daylight starts to retreat, dipping to 10 hours in November and settling at this year's lowest point in December. The shift serves as a reminder of nature's cycles, as the days will soon begin to lengthen once again, heralding the return of longer hours of sunshine in the coming months.

Average Daylight Hours in Asheville for December

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Asheville throughout the year, with December highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec10h 3m10h 54m11h 59m13h 6m14h 2m14h 29m14h 14m13h 25m12h 20m11h 14m10h 16m9h 47m
Data source: Asheville daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

December Winds in Asheville

As December arrives in Asheville, the wind embraces a calming consistency, with an average speed of 2.3 m/s (5 mph). This subtle breeze marks a gentle transition from the stronger winds of early winter, where January and February showcase the highest averages. Throughout the year, the area's wind speeds exhibit a noticeable decline, hitting their peak in the colder months before softening in the summer. It's during this time that the December wind, while refreshing, invites you to enjoy the serene beauty of the season, wrapping the picturesque landscapes in a whisper of winter's embrace. Whether strolling through the charming streets or exploring the nearby mountains, you'll find the December wind a gentle companion, perfect for reflecting on the year gone by.

Average December Wind Speed in Asheville

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Asheville, with values for each month shown alongside December's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how December's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2.52.92.72.82.32.01.61.61.92.22.42.3 m/s
Data source: Asheville December wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How December Weather in Asheville Compares to Other Months

The weather in Asheville 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 Asheville and find detailed weather information for every month.

In December, the weather in Asheville showcases a milder average temperature of 5°C (41°F), with extremes ranging from a minimum of -12°C (11°F) to a maximum of 23°C (74°F). However, the month is also characterized by higher precipitation levels, totaling 109 mm (4.3 in) over 9 days, and a humidity of 88%. In contrast, January experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with an average of 3°C (38°F) and a minimum of -15°C (5°F), while the maximum temperature remains close at 22°C (72°F). Precipitation decreases to 80 mm (3.2 in) over the same number of days, and humidity slightly drops to 86%. Overall, January tends to be colder and less wet compared to December. For more detailed information, you can visit Asheville weather in January.

December and February in Asheville showcase notable differences in weather patterns. December typically sees temperatures ranging from a minimum of -12°C (11°F) to a maximum of 23°C (74°F), with an average of 5°C (41°F). It experiences around 109 mm (4.3 in) of precipitation over approximately 9 days, accompanied by high humidity at 88%. In contrast, February presents slightly milder conditions with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -9°C (16°F) to a maximum of 25°C (77°F), averaging at 6°C (44°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 119 mm (4.7 in) across about 12 days, while humidity remains relatively high at 86%. For more detailed insights, check out Asheville weather in February.

In December, temperatures in Asheville range from a chilly -12°C (11°F) at night to a mild 23°C (74°F) during the day, with an average of 5°C (41°F). The month sees significant precipitation at 109 mm (4.3 in) over about 9 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 88%. In contrast, March exhibits slightly warmer temperatures, with minimums of -9°C (16°F) and maximums reaching 30°C (87°F), averaging 9°C (48°F). While March has a comparable precipitation level of 101 mm (4.0 in), it spans a longer duration of 13 days and maintains a slightly lower humidity at 86%. For more specific details about weather conditions, you can check Asheville weather in March.

In December, temperatures in Asheville range from a chilly minimum of -12°C (11°F) to a mild maximum of 23°C (74°F), with an average temperature of around 5°C (41°F). The month sees about 109 mm (4.3 in) of precipitation over approximately 9 days, accompanied by high humidity levels averaging 88%. In contrast, April brings much warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures of -4°C (25°F), average temperatures of 13°C (56°F), and a maximum reaching 28°C (82°F). Although April experiences slightly more precipitation at 119 mm (4.7 in) over about 10 days, humidity levels are lower, averaging around 82%. For a more detailed overview of April weather in Asheville, you can visit Asheville weather in April.

December and May present quite contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures can drop as low as -12°C (11°F) and average around 5°C (41°F), with occasional highs reaching 23°C (74°F). This month also experiences significant precipitation, totaling 109 mm (4.3 in) over approximately 9 days, accompanied by high humidity levels averaging 88%.

In stark contrast, May brings milder conditions with a minimum temperature of about 0°C (32°F) and an average of 18°C (64°F), with maximum temperatures climbing to 30°C (87°F). Although May sees slightly more precipitation at 117 mm (4.6 in) across 12 days, the overall humidity is a bit lower at 85%. For a detailed look at May weather, visit Asheville weather in May.

December weather features a broader temperature range, with a minimum of -12°C (11°F) and a maximum of 23°C (74°F), leading to an average of 5°C (41°F). In contrast, June offers much milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 6°C (44°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F), resulting in a pleasant average of 21°C (70°F). Additionally, December experiences higher humidity at 88% and increased precipitation, totaling 109 mm (4.3 in) over 9 days. June, while still humid at 85%, has slightly less precipitation at 89 mm (3.5 in) spread over 14 days. For more details on June weather, you can check Asheville weather in June.

In December, temperatures can be quite chilly, ranging from a minimum of -12°C (11°F) to an average of 5°C (41°F) and peaking at 23°C (74°F). This month also sees an average humidity of 88% and experiences precipitation on about 9 days, totaling 109 mm (4.3 in). In contrast, July presents a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to an average of 23°C (73°F) and reaching a maximum of 31°C (88°F). While July has slightly lower precipitation at 93 mm (3.7 in) over 18 days, the humidity is slightly lower at 83%. For those looking to understand what to expect during the summer season, explore more about Asheville weather in July.

In December, the weather is notably colder with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -12°C (11°F) to a maximum of 23°C (74°F), while the humidity is high at 88%. The month typically sees 109 mm (4.3 in) of precipitation over about 9 days. Conversely, August presents a much warmer climate, with average temperatures between 12°C (54°F) and 31°C (88°F). Additionally, August experiences slightly higher precipitation at 126 mm (5.0 in) across 15 days, but with lower humidity at 76%. This contrast highlights the significant seasonal differences, with December offering brisk winter weather in stark contrast to August's warmth. For more detailed insights on August conditions, check Asheville weather in August.

December weather is characterized by colder temperatures, with a minimum of -12°C (11°F), and an average temperature of 5°C (41°F), peaking at 23°C (74°F). In contrast, September boasts milder conditions, featuring a minimum temperature of 5°C (41°F) and an average of 20°C (68°F), reaching up to 32°C (89°F). While both months experience notable precipitation, December sees around 109 mm (4.3 in) over 9 days, whereas September has slightly higher precipitation at 125 mm (4.9 in) across 10 days. Additionally, the humidity levels in December are significantly higher at 88%, compared to September's 76%. For more details on September conditions, you can check Asheville weather in September.

In comparing the weather between December and October, December experiences a wider temperature range, with a minimum of -12°C (11°F) and a maximum reaching up to 23°C (74°F), whereas October has milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from -3°C (27°F) to 31°C (89°F). Additionally, October tends to be slightly wetter, with 139 mm (5.5 in) of precipitation over 11 days, compared to December's 109 mm (4.3 in) over 9 days. Humidity levels are higher in December at 88%, in contrast to October’s 80%, contributing to a rounder, frostier feeling in the air during the last month of the year. For more detailed information on October weather patterns, you can check out Asheville weather in October.

In comparing the weather between November and December, December experiences a slightly broader temperature range, with daily temperatures ranging from a minimum of -12°C (11°F) to a maximum of 23°C (74°F), while November has temperatures that vary from -8°C (18°F) to 24°C (75°F). Despite December's lowest minimum temperature being colder than November's, the average temperature is similar, with December averaging 5°C (41°F) compared to November's 7°C (46°F). Additionally, December sees increased precipitation, totaling 109 mm (4.3 in) over 9 days, compared to November's 73 mm (2.9 in) over 7 days. Both months maintain humidity levels at 88%. For more detailed insights, check out Asheville weather in November.

Compare Asheville's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From December Weather in Asheville

December in Asheville brings a notable shift in weather, with cooler temperatures and increased humidity, creating a stark contrast to the mildness of previous months. As the holiday season approaches, the chances of rain rise, with precipitation spread over nearly a third of the month, heightening the cozy atmosphere. This time of year often showcases the beauty of winter’s grip, where chilly days and brisk evenings encourage warmth from fireplaces and festive gatherings. For those curious about the broader climatic trends influencing Asheville’s winter weather, additional insights can be found at Asheville Climate.