Last updated: February 24, 2025
December in Cincinnati presents a captivating blend of winter chill and festive cheer. With maximum temperatures reaching up to 19°C (67°F), the city experiences a notable shift from the average of 4°C (39°F), dipping to a frigid minimum of -16°C (4°F). Rainfall is a regular visitor this month, with precipitation totals hitting 110 mm (4.3 in) over approximately 10 days, contributing to the region's 87% humidity. As the holiday season approaches, residents and visitors alike can expect a picturesque, albeit brisk, winter atmosphere ideal for seasonal festivities.
In Cincinnati during December, temperatures begin to drop as winter settles in, showcasing a distinctive chill in the air. The month sees minimum temperatures around -16°C (4°F), with an average hovering at 4°C (39°F), and a maximum reaching up to 19°C (67°F). Compared to the preceding months, December marks a significant cooling trend; November's milder averages transition into the brisk cold that characterizes the heart of winter. This month serves as a prelude to the harsher cold of January, while still offering occasional milder days, inviting both residents and visitors to bundle up and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the season.
In December, Cincinnati experiences a notable shift in precipitation patterns, accumulating 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain over approximately 10 days. This level of precipitation aligns closely with the wet autumn months of November and October, which receive 99 mm (3.9 in) and 96 mm (3.8 in), respectively. However, December's rainfall is slightly higher than the summer months of July and August, where precipitation totals fall to 110 mm (4.3 in) and 89 mm (3.5 in) but with fewer days of rain. The consistent precipitation in December marks a transition into the winter season, indicating that while temperatures may drop, the city's wet weather continues to play a significant role in its climate profile as the year concludes.
In Cincinnati, December brings a notable shift in humidity levels, with an average of 87%, slightly lower than November's 89% but still indicative of the region's winter moisture. The trend over the months reveals a gradual decline in humidity from the summer peak, where August and September each recorded 73%. As the colder months approach, humidity levels remain relatively high, averaging around 85% and above from October through February. This pattern suggests that while Cincinnati experiences the crispness of winter, the air remains saturated, providing a unique blend of chill and dampness that characterizes the December weather in this Midwestern city.
As December settles in Cincinnati, the UV Index drops to a moderate level of 3, signaling a welcomed reduction in sun exposure risks as winter takes hold. This trend reflects a gradual decline in UV levels from the very high peaks seen during the summer months, where the UV Index reached a maximum of 10 in June and July. With burn times stretching back to 30 minutes, residents can enjoy the outdoors with minimal sun protection, though caution is always advisable. In the transition from November's moderate index of 4, it’s clear that the colder months provide a reprieve from the intense sun, perfectly captured in Cincinnati’s annual UV Index cycle. For more detailed information, you can visit Cincinnati UV Index.
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In Cincinnati, December greets residents with 160 hours of sunshine, a significant decline from the sun-soaked heights of summer but a welcome respite from the gloom of mid-winter. As the year winds down, this month’s sunlight reflects a steady decrease from the vibrant highs of 348 hours in July and 287 hours in May. November’s shorter days, totaling 196 hours, hint at the seasonal transition as the city shifts from the warmth of fall into winter’s embrace. Despite December's drop, the monthly total offers a glimmer of hope against the starkness of the season, reminding us that even in the coldest months, the sun continues to shine, albeit less frequently.
In December, Cincinnati experiences a 35% chance of sunny weather, a slight uptick from the preceding months of November and October, which boast chances of 48% and 38% respectively. As the year winds down, the chances of clear skies fluctuate, showcasing a trend where winter months typically see diminished sunshine compared to the vibrant sunny spells of late spring and early fall. For instance, September peaks at 56% likelihood of sun, before entering a gradual decline through the winter. Despite the drop in sunny days, Cincinnatians can still anticipate occasional bright moments in December, inviting a sense of warmth amidst the chill of winter.
In Cincinnati, the daylight duration experiences a dynamic shift throughout the year, peaking in the warmer months and dipping during winter. December, with its 9 hours of daylight, marks the low point in this annual cycle, mirroring the daylight hours of January. As winter settles in, daylight gradually fades, reinforcing a sense of coziness as the festive season unfolds. In contrast, the arrival of spring in March heralds a slow but steady increase in daylight, culminating in the longest days of summer in June and July, where Cincinnati enjoys a full 14 hours. As the year winds down, days shorten again, showcasing a rhythmic pattern that beautifully reflects the changing seasons and our ever-shifting relationship with light.
As December unfolds in Cincinnati, the city experiences a notable change in wind patterns, with an average wind speed of 3.3 m/s (7 mph). This marks a subtle increase from earlier autumn months, reflecting the seasonal shift and the onset of winter chill. Interestingly, wind speeds tend to rise from November's average of 3.1 m/s and resemble those seen in the first half of the year, particularly the steady winds of March and April. Unlike the summer months, which clock in as the calmest with speeds dipping to around 2.1-2.3 m/s, December's brisk air offers a refreshing contrast, invigorating the spirit of the holiday season as nature breathes in the cool winter air.
The weather in Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati and find detailed weather information for every month.
In December, the weather experiences a wider temperature range, with minimums dipping to -16°C (4°F) and maximums reaching up to 19°C (67°F), showcasing an average temperature of 4°C (39°F). The month brings considerable precipitation, totaling 110 mm (4.3 in) over about 10 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 87%. In contrast, January sees colder conditions, with minimum temperatures plummeting to -24°C (-11°F) and an average temperature slightly lower at 1°C (33°F), while maximum temperatures can rise to 21°C (69°F). January also features less precipitation, at 80 mm (3.2 in), but maintains a similar frequency of rainy days. The humidity increases slightly to 88%. Overall, January tends to be colder but drier compared to December. For more detailed insights, check out Cincinnati weather in January.
December and February both present chilly weather conditions, though there are some notable differences. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of -16°C (4°F) to a maximum of 19°C (67°F), with an average of 4°C (39°F). The month typically sees about 110 mm (4.3 in) of precipitation over 10 days, along with high humidity at 87%. In contrast, February's temperatures dip slightly lower, with minimums of -19°C (-3°F) and maximums reaching 26°C (78°F), averaging around 3°C (37°F). Precipitation levels remain similar, at 107 mm (4.2 in) over 13 days, and humidity remains high at 88%. For more insights on February weather, you can check out Cincinnati weather in February.
In December, temperatures in the region generally range from a chilly minimum of -16°C (4°F) to an average of 4°C (39°F), peaking at a mild 19°C (67°F). The month sees about 110 mm (4.3 in) of precipitation spread over 10 days, while maintaining a humidity level of 87%. In contrast, March experiences slightly warmer conditions, with temperatures fluctuating from a minimum of -15°C (5°F) to an average of 7°C (45°F) and reaching highs of 26°C (80°F). Precipitation increases to 137 mm (5.4 in) over 13 days, still accompanied by the same humidity of 87%. For a detailed look at March weather, check out Cincinnati weather in March.
When comparing the weather in December and April, it's clear that the two months present a significant shift in conditions. December typically sees low temperatures plummeting to a minimum of -16°C (4°F) and averaging around 4°C (39°F), while April enjoys milder temperatures, with lows around -3°C (27°F) and average highs reaching 12°C (55°F). Additionally, April can experience much warmer maximum temperatures, soaring up to 30°C (86°F) compared to December's maximum of 19°C (67°F). Both months experience considerable precipitation, with December recording 110 mm (4.3 in) over 10 days and April slightly higher at 119 mm (4.7 in) over 12 days. Humidity levels remain similar, at 87% in December and 85% in April. For a more detailed look at April conditions, check out Cincinnati weather in April.
December and May present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plummet as low as -16°C (4°F), with an average around 4°C (39°F) and occasional highs reaching 19°C (67°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 87% and around 110 mm of precipitation over approximately 10 days. Conversely, May enjoys much milder weather, featuring minimum temperatures of 0°C (33°F) and an average of 19°C (66°F), peaking at a warm 33°C (92°F). Although May sees slightly more rainfall at 127 mm over about 14 days, the humidity is lower at 81%. For a detailed look at Cincinnati's weather during this vibrant month, you can refer to Cincinnati weather in May.
December and June present distinctly different weather patterns. In December, temperatures fluctuate significantly, ranging from a chilly minimum of -16°C (4°F) to a maximum of 19°C (67°F), with an average temperature of around 4°C (39°F). The month experiences about 110 mm (4.3 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, accompanied by high humidity at 87%. In contrast, June boasts much warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a sweltering maximum of 34°C (94°F), resulting in a comfortable average of 23°C (74°F). Although June sees a slightly higher precipitation amount of 131 mm (5.2 in) distributed over 13 days, the humidity is lower, at 82%. For more details, check out Cincinnati weather in June.
December and July present strikingly contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -16°C (4°F), with an average around 4°C (39°F) and a maximum reaching only 19°C (67°F). This winter month also sees high humidity levels at 87%, contributing to a chill in the air, alongside 110 mm (4.3 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days.
In contrast, July brings much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 15°C (60°F) and an average high of 25°C (78°F), stretching up to a scorching 35°C (95°F). This summer month, while still experiencing similar precipitation totals of 110 mm (4.3 in), has slightly more rain days at 11, and a lower humidity level of 81%, making the heat feel more intense. For a closer look at July's climate specifics, check out Cincinnati weather in July.
In December, temperatures can vary significantly, with a minimum of -16°C (4°F) and an average of around 4°C (39°F), peaking at 19°C (67°F). This month experiences higher humidity at 87% and substantial precipitation, averaging 110 mm (4.3 in) over about 10 days. In stark contrast, August brings much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 13°C (56°F) and an average high of 24°C (75°F), reaching up to 34°C (93°F). Although August sees slightly less precipitation at 89 mm (3.5 in) over approximately 12 days, the humidity level is much lower, at 73%. For more specific weather details, you can check Cincinnati weather in August.
In December, temperatures can drop significantly, with a minimum of -16°C (4°F) and an average of 4°C (39°F), contrasting sharply with September's milder climate, where temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C (44°F) to an average of 21°C (71°F). While December experiences heavier precipitation of 110 mm (4.3 in) over approximately 10 days and higher humidity at 87%, September offers a more comfortable atmosphere with 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain over 8 days and a lower humidity level of 73%. This stark difference in weather patterns highlights the transition from the vibrant warmth of September to the frigid conditions typical of December. For more details, you can explore Cincinnati weather in September.
When comparing the weather in December and October, noticeable differences emerge in temperature and precipitation patterns. In December, the average temperature is significantly cooler, ranging from a minimum of -16°C (4°F) to a maximum of 19°C (67°F), with an overall average of 4°C (39°F). This month also experiences higher humidity at 87% and sees about 110 mm (4.3 in) of precipitation over 10 days. In contrast, October boasts a milder climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a much warmer maximum of 34°C (94°F), averaging 15°C (59°F). October also experiences slightly less precipitation at 96 mm (3.8 in) over 12 days and lower humidity at 78%. For more detailed insights about October's weather, you can visit Cincinnati weather in October.
December and November exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. While November boasts a slightly higher average temperature of 7°C (44°F) and a maximum of 26°C (80°F), December sees a drop in average temperature to 4°C (39°F), with a maximum of 19°C (67°F). Precipitation levels are somewhat comparable, with December receiving 110 mm (4.3 in) over 10 days, compared to November’s 99 mm (3.9 in) over 8 days. Both months maintain high humidity, but November's 89% is marginally lower than December's 87%. For more details on November weather, check out Cincinnati weather in November.
As December settles in, Cincinnati experiences a notable shift in weather, marked by cooler temperatures and increased precipitation. The month is typically colder than autumn, with an average temperature hovering around 4°C (39°F), which contrasts sharply with the milder fall months. December also brings a higher humidity level, often reaching 87%, contributing to a damp and chilly atmosphere. While rain is common, with about 110 mm (4.3 in) falling over the month, this is accompanied by a noticeable frequency of colder days, making it feel distinctly different from the warmer months prior. For those interested in a comprehensive overview of the city's climate, visit Cincinnati Climate to learn more.