Last updated: February 24, 2025
In Providence, United States, December brings a chill as temperatures swing from a maximum of 17°C (63°F) to a brisk minimum of -16°C (4°F), settling at an average of 2°C (36°F). This month is characterized by 80% humidity, creating a crisp atmosphere, while residents experience about 10 days of precipitation, totaling 121 mm (4.8 in). Whether clad in winter gear or enjoying the festive spirit, December’s weather paints a vibrant backdrop for the holiday season in this charming city.
In December, Providence experiences a distinct transition into winter, with temperatures dipping significantly. Average lows settle around -16°C (4°F), while daytime highs peak at a moderate 17°C (63°F). This month marks a notable shift from the brisk temperatures of November, and while winter officially begins, the city's climate remains relatively mild compared to deeper winter months. The average temperature of 2°C (36°F) reflects the chill of the season, yet it's a warm respite from the stark cold of January. As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the charm of a New England winter begins to envelop the city, setting the stage for festivities and snow-laden landscapes.
In December, Providence experiences a noticeable uptick in precipitation, with an average of 121 mm (4.8 in) falling over the month across about 10 days. As the year winds down, this level of rainfall is significant, marking a slight increase from November's 99 mm (3.9 in) and indicating a shift towards wetter winter months. This trend highlights December as one of the wettest months of the year in the city, reminiscent of rainy conditions found in the earlier summer months like July. With snow and rain often mixed in, December's precipitation not only sets the stage for a festive winter landscape but also supports the region's vital water ecosystem as it prepares for the colder months ahead.
In December, humidity in Providence sees a slight uptick, stabilizing at 80%, reflecting a trend of higher moisture levels as the year comes to a close. This monthly figure is consistent with November's humidity, which also stood at 80%, hinting at a cooler, damp climate typical of the region's winter months. Throughout the year, humidity levels gradually decline from a peak of 84% in January and February, reaching their lowest point of 75% in both May and September. This seasonal fluctuation creates a distinct pattern where the colder months maintain elevated humidity, contributing to a rich, overcast atmosphere that characterizes Providence's winter landscape.
In December, Providence experiences a significant decline in the UV Index, dropping to a low 2. This change comes as a welcome relief following the summer months, where indices peaked at 9 and 10 during July and June, classified as very high. With this lower index, the exposure category shifts from high risk to a more manageable level, allowing for longer outdoor enjoyment with a burn time of 45 minutes before sunburn becomes a concern. This pattern highlights a clear seasonal trend: as temperatures cool and daylight hours decrease, UV exposure becomes less intense. For those planning winter activities, it's a great reminder to balance sun protection even in the colder months. For more detailed information, check out the Providence UV Index.
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In December, Providence experiences a noticeable shift in sunlight as the year comes to a close, basking in 177 hours of sunshine. This transitional month usually sees a decrease in daylight compared to the summer peak of 346 hours in July, yet it still offers a bright spot in the winter landscape. As the days shorten, December's light, though less abundant than earlier in the year, provides a gentle reminder of the sun’s enduring presence as the city gears up for colder months. This trend of diminishing sunlight is consistent, with a gradual decline from the vibrant warmth of summer through the brisk autumn months. The lingering daylight in December sets a hopeful tone, hinting at the brighter days to come in the new year.
In Providence, December heralds a significant dip in sunny weather, with only a 32% chance of sunshine. This figure is a notable drop compared to the sunnier late fall months, particularly November, which enjoys a more promising 56% likelihood of clear skies. As winter approaches, the trend shifts markedly, with December aligning more closely with the less favorable conditions seen in the summer months like August and July, where the probability of sunshine dwindles further. Overall, it appears that December is characterized by its inconsistency with less brightness, setting the stage for a chilly and often overcast finale to the year.
In Providence, United States, December marks the return to shorter days as daylight stretches just 9 hours, mirroring the limited sunlight of both January and November. This trend underscores the stark contrast to the vibrant, sun-drenched months of summer, where daylight reaches up to 15 hours in June. As the year progresses from the cusp of winter in December to the promise of longer days in March, residents experience a gradual increase in daylight, culminating in a peak during the lush days of late spring and early summer. This cyclical dance of light and shadow highlights the seasonal rhythm of Providence, where each month uniquely contributes to the ever-changing landscape of daylight.
As December sweeps into Providence, the city experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 3.3 m/s (7 mph), marking a continuation of the prevailing trend set in recent months. The wind speeds during winter tend to remain notably stable, hovering around the 7 mph mark since November. Interestingly, December's winds echo the patterns seen earlier in the year, particularly in October and September, where they too lingered in the 3.2 to 3.3 m/s range. This consistency provides a comforting predictability as the cold settles in, making the crisp December air feel just as invigorating as it is serene. The subtle shift from the summer's gentle whispers (2.7 m/s) to the more robust winter breezes underscores a seasonal transition that is both familiar and refreshing.
The weather in Providence 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 Providence and find detailed weather information for every month.
The weather in December and January shows noteworthy differences, especially in temperature and precipitation. December experiences a milder average temperature of 2°C (36°F), with minimums dropping to -16°C (4°F) and maximums reaching 17°C (63°F). It also has higher precipitation, totaling 121 mm (4.8 in) over about 10 days, and humidity levels around 80%. In contrast, January is notably colder, with an average temperature of 0°C (32°F), minimums plunging to -21°C (-5°F), and maximums rising to 21°C (69°F). Precipitation decreases to 73 mm (2.9 in) over 8 days, with a slightly higher humidity level of 84%. For a detailed look at the conditions, you can check Providence weather in January.
December and February in Providence present a stark contrast in overall weather patterns, with both months characterized by cold temperatures and notable precipitation. December boasts an average temperature of 2°C (36°F), with highs reaching 17°C (63°F), while February has a slightly colder average of 1°C (34°F) and peaks at 20°C (68°F). Precipitation is more abundant in December, totaling 121 mm (4.8 in) compared to February's 90 mm (3.5 in), despite both months recording precipitation on about 10 days. Humidity levels are also slightly higher in February at 84%, compared to December's 80%. For further details on February weather, visit Providence weather in February.
When comparing the weather in December to that of March, we see notable differences and similarities. December temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -16°C (4°F) to a maximum of 17°C (63°F), with an average of around 2°C (36°F). In contrast, March experiences slightly milder conditions, with temperatures starting at a low of -15°C (5°F) and peaking at 22°C (71°F), resulting in a higher average of 4°C (39°F). Precipitation levels are comparable, with December receiving 121 mm (4.8 in) over approximately 10 days, while March sees slightly less at 99 mm (3.9 in), also spread across 10 days. Humidity levels are relatively constant, with December at 80% and March slightly higher at 82%. Overall, while both months experience cold weather, March offers a gentle transition towards warming temperatures. For more detailed information, you can visit Providence weather in March.
In December, temperatures in Providence can plummet as low as -16°C (4°F), with an average temperature of 2°C (36°F) and a maximum of 17°C (63°F). The month experiences about 121 mm (4.8 in) of precipitation over 10 days, with humidity levels around 80%. In contrast, April brings a significant warming trend, with minimum temperatures of -3°C (27°F) and an average of 9°C (49°F), potentially peaking at 29°C (84°F). Although April has slightly higher precipitation at 127 mm (5.0 in) over 12 days, the humidity drops slightly to 79%. For more detailed insights, check out Providence weather in April.
In December, the weather is characterized by much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -16°C (4°F) and an average of 2°C (36°F), creating a wintry atmosphere. It also experiences substantial precipitation, totaling 121 mm (4.8 in) over approximately 10 days, coupled with a humidity level of 80%. In sharp contrast, May welcomes warmer conditions, featuring a minimum temperature of 2°C (35°F) and a comfortable average of 15°C (59°F), peaking at a high of 33°C (92°F). Though there's slightly less precipitation at 103 mm (4.1 in), it occurs over more days (12), and the humidity is slightly lower at 75%. For more detailed information on May weather, you can refer to Providence weather in May.
December weather is characterized by much colder temperatures, with minimums dipping as low as -16°C (4°F) and an average of 2°C (36°F), while the maximum can reach 17°C (63°F). It also experiences higher humidity at 80% and more precipitation overall, with 121 mm (4.8 in) spread over 10 days. In contrast, June boasts milder conditions, featuring minimum temperatures of 7°C (45°F) and an average of 20°C (68°F), peaking at a warm 35°C (95°F). June sees slightly less precipitation, totaling 98 mm (3.8 in) over 11 days, alongside a lower humidity level of 78%. For more detailed insights about June weather, you can visit Providence weather in June.
December and July present contrasting weather patterns, showcasing the extremes of seasonal temperature variations. December experiences chilly conditions, with temperatures ranging from a frigid minimum of -16°C (4°F) to a milder maximum of 17°C (63°F), averaging around 2°C (36°F). In contrast, July boasts significantly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 13°C (56°F) rising to a peak of 38°C (101°F) and an average of 23°C (74°F). While December sees approximately 121 mm (4.8 in) of precipitation over 10 days, July's rainfall is slightly higher, with 130 mm (5.1 in) spread across 13 days. The humidity levels are also slightly lower in July at 76% compared to December's 80%. For a deeper insight into July's warm climate, check out Providence weather in July.
December and August present stark contrasts in weather. December's temperatures range from a chilling minimum of -16°C (4°F) to a mild maximum of 17°C (63°F), with an average temperature of just 2°C (36°F). This month experiences significant moisture, totaling 121 mm (4.8 in) across about 10 days, accompanied by relatively high humidity at 80%. In contrast, August boasts much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F), an average of 23°C (74°F), and a maximum reaching 35°C (95°F). Precipitation during August is slightly less at 101 mm (4.0 in), spread over 12 days, and the humidity is a touch lower at 76%. For more details, check out Providence weather in August.
In December, temperatures can be quite frigid, with a minimum of -16°C (4°F) and an average around 2°C (36°F), while the maximum reaches only 17°C (63°F). In contrast, September offers much warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to an average of 19°C (67°F) and peaking at 34°C (93°F). Additionally, December tends to be wetter, with 121 mm (4.8 inches) of precipitation over 10 days, compared to September's 93 mm (3.7 inches) over just 8 days. Humidity levels are also slightly higher in December at 80%, compared to 75% in September. For more detailed insights, you can check out Providence weather in September.
When comparing the weather in December to October, it's clear that December experiences much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -16°C (4°F) and an average of just 2°C (36°F), while October enjoys milder conditions, with a minimum of -5°C (24°F) and an average of 14°C (57°F). October also boasts maximum temperatures reaching up to 28°C (83°F), significantly warmer than December's peak of 17°C (63°F). In terms of precipitation, both months are quite similar; December receives 121 mm (4.8 in) over approximately 10 days, whereas October sees slightly higher precipitation at 133 mm (5.3 in) across 11 days. Humidity levels in December are a bit higher at 80%, compared to October's 75%. For more detailed weather insights, check out Providence weather in October.
Comparing the weather between November and December reveals several notable differences. December experiences colder temperatures, with a minimum of -16°C (4°F) and an average of 2°C (36°F), while November is milder, with a minimum of -11°C (13°F) and an average of 7°C (44°F). Additionally, December has more significant temperature variation, reaching a maximum of 17°C (63°F), compared to November's peak of 23°C (75°F). Precipitation levels also increase slightly in December, totaling 121 mm (4.8 in) over 10 days, whereas November sees 99 mm (3.9 in) spread over 9 days. Both months share the same humidity level of 80%. For more detailed insights on November weather, you can visit Providence weather in November.
As December settles in, Providence transforms into a winter wonderland, showcasing a marked contrast to the milder months preceding it. With temperatures dipping significantly, residents experience the chill of winter as the days grow shorter and nights become colder. This month also sees a noticeable uptick in humidity and precipitation, with more frequent days of rain or snow. The overall atmosphere shifts, inviting cozy gatherings and festive celebrations amid the steely skies. For a deeper dive into how Providence's weather evolves throughout the year, check out Providence Climate.