Last updated: February 24, 2025
December in the Highlands of the United States brings a chilly climate, characterized by a maximum temperature of 23°C (74°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F), dipping to a brisk minimum of -11°C (12°F). The month also showcases a fair amount of moisture, with precipitation totaling 158 mm (6.2 in) spread across approximately 10 days. With humidity levels reaching a notable 88%, residents and visitors alike can expect a fresh, crisp air throughout the festive season while preparing for potential winter storms and cozy indoor gatherings.
In December, Highlands, United States experiences a significant drop in temperatures as winter fully settles in. With minimums dipping to -11°C (12°F), the month starts to feel quite chilly, yet the average temperature hovers around 6°C (43°F), providing a slight reprieve from the cold. Daytime highs can reach up to 23°C (74°F), creating a notable contrast between the crisp mornings and the relatively warmer afternoons. This month marks a clear transition from the milder temperatures of late autumn, evident in the steady decline from previous months. As the year draws to a close, the scenery transforms into a winter wonderland, inviting both locals and visitors to embrace the beauty of the season amidst fluctuating winter temperatures.
In December, the Highlands, United States, experiences an average precipitation of 158 mm (6.2 in), marking a significant transition into the winter season. This month sees about 10 days of rainfall, which maintains a relatively consistent pattern compared to previous months. Notably, December's precipitation is slightly lower than the peaks in February and October, yet remains comfortably above the 106 mm (4.2 in) recorded in November. The distribution of rainy days suggests a steady supply of moisture leading into the new year, reflecting the area's unique climatic characteristics that foster a dynamic interplay between seasonal changes and precipitation patterns. This end-of-year rainfall not only replenishes local ecosystems but also prepares the Highlands for the challenges and beauty of winter ahead.
In the Highlands of the United States, December brings a notable consistency in humidity, maintaining an elevated level of 88%, similar to the preceding month of November. Throughout the year, humidity levels show a slight decline from 86% in winter months to a summer low of 76% in August and September. This trend suggests that while summer months are relatively drier, the transition back into winter sees a rise in moisture content, culminating in December's sustained humidity levels. As the year closes, the Highlands embrace another damp winter, hinting at the area's characteristic climatic patterns.
As winter settles in Highlands, United States, December brings a modest UV Index of 4, placing it in the moderate exposure category. This slight dip in UV radiation signals a return to safer outdoor activities, with a burn time of 30 minutes under direct sunlight. Following a summer peak of extreme conditions in previous months, including a high of 12 in May, the trend indicates a gradual decrease as the year closes. With the UV Index remaining moderate, December offers a perfect opportunity for sun lovers to enjoy the crisp air and beautiful landscapes without the intense risk of sunburn. For more details on UV levels throughout the year, check the Highlands UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In the Highlands of the United States, December ushers in 189 hours of sunshine, a noticeable drop from the sun-soaked heights of summer. As the year progresses, sunshine tends to peak in July, basking in an impressive 338 hours, while the long days of late spring and early summer also revel in an abundance of light. The gradual decrease post-summer subtly hints at winter’s approach, with hours sinking steadily until the year's twilight in December. Despite this decline, the sunshine in December still offers a bright contrast against the colder winter backdrop, reminding residents and visitors alike of the warming rays that blessed the region earlier in the year.
In the Highlands, United States, the likelihood of sunny weather in December hovers around 38%, a figure that reflects a notable dip compared to the previous month's more promising 57%. As the year winds down, the patterns reveal a clear trend; while spring months like April see a peak at 55%, summer months generally struggle with lower chances of sunshine, particularly in June and July, where it drops to around 31%. Interestingly, early winter months exhibit a consistent chance of sun, with November standing out as the most favorable. Overall, while December retains some optimism for sunny days, the trend suggests a shift towards gloomier winter weather in the Highlands.
As winter descends on the Highlands of the United States, December brings the shortest days of the year, with only 9 hours of daylight. This marks a gradual decline from the longer, sun-drenched days of May through July, when residents enjoy a full 14 hours of bright, vibrant light. As the seasons transition, daylight begins to wane in early autumn, with September and October still offering a respectable 12 and 11 hours respectively. However, by the time December arrives, the day's brightness has significantly diminished from the spring peak, reminding us of the cozy, reflective nature of winter's embrace. This trend of decreasing daylight serves as a beautiful reminder of nature's cyclical rhythm, leading us toward the promising lengthening of days that January will eventually bring.
As December settles in across the Highlands of the United States, the average wind speed hovers around 2.1 m/s (5 mph), aligning closely with the moderate breezes of the preceding months. This slight uptick from the summer lows of 1.4 m/s (3 mph) in July and 1.5 m/s (3 mph) in August illustrates a gradual return to the brisker winds typical of winter. Throughout the year, wind speeds have shown a gentle oscillation, with the spring months peaking at 2.5 m/s (6 mph) in April before tapering off as the summer warmth took hold. As the year rounds off, the December winds, still gentle but crisp, hint at the colder, more dynamic weather systems to come, creating an inviting atmosphere for cozy firesides and festive gatherings.
The weather in Highlands 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 Highlands and find detailed weather information for every month.
In December, temperatures range from a low of -11°C (12°F) to a high of 23°C (74°F), with an average temperature of 6°C (43°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 158 mm (6.2 in) over about 10 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 88%. Conversely, January sees slightly colder conditions, with a minimum temperature of -14°C (7°F) and an average of 4°C (40°F), while the maximum temperature is a bit lower at 22°C (71°F). Precipitation decreases to 124 mm (4.9 in), also spread across 10 days, and humidity remains relatively high at 86%. For more detailed insights into January weather, check out Highlands weather in January.
When comparing the weather in December and February, notable differences in temperature and precipitation emerge. In December, the minimum temperature drops to -11°C (12°F), while February sees a slightly warmer minimum of -6°C (22°F). Both months share the same maximum temperature of 23°C (74°F), indicating warm days amidst the winter chill. Precipitation is higher in February, totaling 186 mm (7.3 in) over 14 days, compared to December’s 158 mm (6.2 in) across 10 days. The humidity level also remains high in both months, with December at 88% and February at 86%. For a more detailed overview of February conditions, check out Highlands weather in February.
In comparing the weather of December and March, we can observe several notable differences. December typically experiences colder temperatures, with a minimum of -11°C (12°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F), while March sees slightly milder conditions, starting at -7°C (20°F) and averaging 10°C (50°F). Additionally, March can reach higher maximum temperatures, peaking at 28°C (82°F) compared to December's maximum of 23°C (74°F). Precipitation is also slightly less in March, with 141 mm (5.6 in) over 14 days versus December's 158 mm (6.2 in) spread across 10 days. The humidity levels remain quite similar, with December at 88% and March slightly lower at 86%. For more detailed information on March conditions, you can visit Highlands weather in March.
December and April present quite contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures hover between a chilly minimum of -11°C (12°F) and a maximum of 23°C (74°F), with an average of around 6°C (43°F). The month is marked by higher humidity at 88% and noticeable precipitation, amounting to 158 mm (6.2 in) over approximately 10 days. In contrast, April sees a milder temperature range, with a minimum of -3°C (27°F) and a comfortable maximum of 27°C (81°F), resulting in an average temperature of 14°C (57°F). While precipitation remains similar at 155 mm (6.1 in) over the same number of days, humidity drops slightly to 82%. For a closer look at how the weather shapes up in April, you can check out Highlands weather in April.
December and May present contrasting weather experiences. December sees a significant drop in temperatures, with minimums plummeting to -11°C (12°F) and daily averages hovering around 6°C (43°F), while highs can reach 23°C (74°F). The month experiences considerable precipitation, totaling 158 mm (6.2 in) across about 10 days, with high humidity levels of 88%. In contrast, May brings a noticeable warming trend, with minimum temperatures rising to 1°C (35°F) and average highs reaching up to 30°C (86°F), accompanied by an average of 18°C (65°F). Precipitation slightly increases to 162 mm (6.4 in) over approximately 12 days, while humidity remains comparable at 85%. For a closer look at the specifics of Highland weather in May, you can visit Highlands weather in May.
In December, temperatures can dip as low as -11°C (12°F) and typically average around 6°C (43°F), with maximum temperatures reaching 23°C (74°F). The month sees considerable precipitation, averaging 158 mm (6.2 in) over about 10 days, resulting in a high humidity level of 88%. In contrast, June experiences a much warmer climate, with minimum temperatures of 10°C (49°F) and an average temperature of 21°C (70°F), peaking at 30°C (87°F). Despite slightly less precipitation at 125 mm (4.9 in) spread over 17 days, June maintains a lower humidity level of 85%. For more insights on June weather, visit Highlands weather in June.
December and July present striking contrasts in weather. December temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -11°C (12°F) to a mild maximum of 23°C (74°F), with an average around 6°C (43°F). This month experiences significant precipitation, with 158 mm (6.2 in) falling over about 10 days and high humidity levels at 88%. In contrast, July is much warmer, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 13°C (56°F) and reaching a maximum of 32°C (89°F), resulting in an average temperature of 23°C (73°F). Despite having fewer rainy days, July sees a decent amount of precipitation at 123 mm (4.9 in) over 19 days, and humidity remains relatively high at 83%. For more detailed insights, you can check Highlands weather in July.
December and August present stark contrasts in weather. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -11°C (12°F) to a mild maximum of 23°C (74°F), with an average of 6°C (43°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 88% and sees around 158 mm (6.2 inches) of precipitation over 10 days. Conversely, August boasts a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 13°C (56°F) to a peak of 31°C (89°F), averaging 22°C (72°F). This summer month experiences slightly more precipitation, totaling 171 mm (6.7 inches) spread over 17 days, but with lower humidity at 76%. For a closer look at weather conditions during this time, you can visit Highlands weather in August.
Comparing the weather in December and September reveals significant contrasts. December experiences colder temperatures, with a minimum of -11°C (12°F) and an average around 6°C (43°F), while September enjoys milder conditions, averaging 20°C (69°F) and peaking at a maximum of 31°C (88°F). Precipitation levels are relatively similar, with December receiving 158 mm (6.2 in) over about 10 days compared to September's 149 mm (5.9 in) across 11 days. Additionally, December's humidity is notably higher at 88%, in contrast to September's more comfortable 76%. For a closer look at September's climate specifics, you can check Highlands weather in September.
When comparing the weather in December and October, it’s clear that October tends to be milder with a higher average temperature of 16°C (60°F) compared to December's average of 6°C (43°F). October also boasts warmer maximum temperatures, reaching up to 33°C (91°F), while December peaks at 23°C (74°F). However, December experiences colder minimum temperatures, dropping to -11°C (12°F) compared to October's minimum of -2°C (28°F). In terms of precipitation, December has slightly less at 158 mm (6.2 in) over 10 days, while October sees 181 mm (7.1 in) with rainfall occurring on 11 days. The humidity levels are also a bit higher in December at 88%, compared to October’s 80%. For more detailed insights, you can check Highlands weather in October.
December's weather shows a broader temperature range compared to November, with minimum temperatures dropping to -11°C (12°F) and maximum temperatures reaching up to 23°C (74°F). In contrast, November experiences a milder minimum of -6°C (21°F) and a slightly higher maximum of 24°C (75°F). Precipitation is more significant in December at 158 mm (6.2 in) over 10 days, compared to November's 106 mm (4.2 in) over 9 days. Both months have the same humidity level of 88%, but December's harsher cold and increased precipitation make it distinct from November's relatively milder conditions. For more detailed insights on November's climate, you can visit Highlands weather in November.
In December, the Highlands experience a significant transformation, characterized by a distinctive chill compared to the milder months preceding it. With temperatures dipping primarily into the single digits and even plunging below freezing at night, this month stands out with an average of just 6°C. While rainfall persists with around 10 days of precipitation, the atmosphere remains notably humid at 88%, creating a cozy, wintery atmosphere perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat. For a deeper understanding of how December fits into the overall climate trends, explore Highlands Climate.