Last updated: February 24, 2025
December in Memphis, United States ushers in a distinct winter chill, with temperatures fluctuating from a brisk -10°C (15°F) to a comfortable 25°C (78°F). The average temperature lingers around 8°C (47°F), offering a cool respite. Residents can expect moderate precipitation, totaling 147 mm (5.8 in) across about 10 days, contributing to a damp ambiance, while humidity levels soar to a cozy 88%. This month sets the stage for a festive atmosphere, blending cool days and occasional rain, ideal for enjoying the unique sights and sounds of the season.
In December, temperatures in Memphis begin to shift as winter settles in, with a noticeable drop compared to the milder fall months. The average temperature hovers around 8°C (47°F), while nighttime lows can dip to -10°C (15°F), creating a crisp chill in the air. Throughout the month, daytime highs can reach a pleasant 25°C (78°F), offering a brief respite from the cold. This mix of cooler nights and moderate days reflects a transitional phase, setting the stage for the colder months ahead while still maintaining the charm of relatively balmy southern winters. As the year draws to a close, residents can enjoy the delicate balance of refreshing coolness during evenings and mild warmth during daylight hours.
In December, Memphis experiences 147 mm (5.8 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, marking a noticeable uptick compared to the drier months that precede it. This increase contributes to a trend where the end of the year sees heightened rainfall, contrasting sharply with the drier September and November, which only recorded 86 mm (3.4 in) and 78 mm (3.1 in), respectively. As temperatures drop, the increased moisture during December adds a unique chill to the air, making it a month where umbrellas often replace sunglasses. This pattern, with higher precipitation as winter sets in, reflects the broader climate dynamics of the region, emphasizing a transition toward wetter conditions as the year concludes.
In Memphis, December brings a noticeable uptick in humidity, reaching 88%, the highest level of the year. This increase follows a consistent pattern where humidity levels tend to rise in the winter months, with November also showing a high at 84%. Interestingly, while summer months like June and July hover around 83%, they do not match the dampness of December. This is part of a broader trend, as the transition from fall to winter tends to mark an increase in moisture in the air. The gradual drop during the late summer and early autumn months hints at a seasonal shift, setting the stage for the cozy, albeit humid, embrace of winter in Memphis.
In December, Memphis experiences a moderate UV Index of 3, with a burn time of approximately 30 minutes. As we transition from the higher UV levels seen earlier in the year, particularly during the intense summer months of June and July when the index peaked at 11, there's a noticeable decrease in sun exposure risks. This trend towards lower UV exposure continues from November’s index of 5. Overall, December offers a reprieve from the extreme UV conditions, making it a suitable time for outdoor activities with proper sun protection. To stay informed about UV levels throughout the year, check out the detailed Memphis UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In Memphis, December brings a gentle transition in sunlight hours, with an average of 188 hours illuminating the city. This decrease follows the vibrant summer months, where July reigns as the sunniest, basking in an impressive 345 hours of sunshine. As the year winds down, sunlight begins to taper off, reflecting the natural rhythms of the changing seasons. Notably, December enjoys more sunlight than the chilly months of January and November, yet it stands in stark contrast to the exuberant brightness of the spring and summer. This seasonal ebb and flow not only influences the city's atmosphere but also sets the stage for the cozy, reflective spirit of the holidays.
In Memphis, December brings a moderate 39% chance of sunny weather, marking a slight decrease from November's more promising 64%. This trend reflects a general shift in the region's climate as it transitions into winter, with sunshine becoming less frequent than in the colorful autumn months. Looking back at the yearly data, December's sunny disposition is somewhat consistent with earlier winter months, as the chances in January and February dip further to 38% and 33% respectively. Overall, while December may not promise abundant sunshine, it does maintain a reasonable chance for those seeking a brighter winter experience.
As the year unfolds in Memphis, daylight duration exhibits a captivating rhythm. The month of December marks a notable dip, with only 9 hours of daylight, reflecting the depths of winter. This trend follows a gradual decrease from the peak summer months of June through August, where daylight stretches to 14 hours. As days shorten, the subtle transition towards spring emerges, with daylight steadily increasing from March's 11 hours through May's 14 hours. Following November's return to 10 hours, December serves as a gentle reminder of nature's cyclical patterns, encouraging us to embrace those precious daylight moments even as they wane.
As December settles over Memphis, the city experiences a refreshing uptick in wind speeds, averaging 3.7 m/s (8 mph)—a notable increase that adds a briskness to the winter air. This trend marks a shift from the calmer summer months, where wind speeds dipped to around 2.3 m/s (5 mph) in July and August. The transition to December reflects a gradual rise in wind activity, with the preceding months holding steady at comparable speeds around 3.2 m/s (7 mph). This end-of-year gustiness heralds not only a change in season but also invigorates the atmosphere, inviting both locals and visitors to embrace the enchanting chill of winter in Memphis.
The weather in Memphis 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 Memphis and find detailed weather information for every month.
December and January present notable differences in weather patterns. December experiences a broader temperature range, with minimums reaching -10°C (15°F) and maximums climbing to 25°C (78°F), while the average temperature sits at 8°C (47°F). The month is relatively humid, with an average humidity of 88% and 147 mm (5.8 in) of precipitation spread over 10 days. In contrast, January tends to be colder, with minimum temperatures dipping to -18°C (1°F) and an average temperature of 5°C (42°F). The month has a slightly lower maximum temperature of 23°C (73°F) and sees less precipitation at 103 mm (4.0 in) over 8 days, along with a decrease in humidity to 84%. For more detailed information, check out Memphis weather in January.
December and February exhibit notable differences in weather patterns despite both being winter months. December typically sees milder temperatures, with averages around 8°C (47°F) and a maximum of 25°C (78°F), while February is colder, featuring a minimum temperature of -18°C (-1°F) and an average of 7°C (46°F). Precipitation in February is slightly higher at 170 mm (6.7 in) over 14 days compared to December's 147 mm (5.8 in) over 10 days. Humidity levels also vary, with December experiencing higher humidity at 88% versus February's 83%. This comparison highlights how the colder February months bring not only lower temperatures but also increased precipitation. For more details, you can check Memphis weather in February.
In December, the weather typically sees a wider range of temperatures, with lows dipping to -10°C (15°F) and highs reaching up to 25°C (78°F). The month is characterized by higher humidity levels at 88% and about 147 mm (5.8 in) of precipitation over 10 days. In contrast, March experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of -7°C (19°F) and a maximum of 29°C (84°F), along with a slight increase in precipitation to 160 mm (6.3 in) over 14 days. While December feels colder and more humid, March brings a more temperate climate with less humidity at 81%. For more insights on March weather characteristics, you can check Memphis weather in March.
In December, temperatures can drop significantly, with a minimum of -10°C (15°F) and an average of 8°C (47°F), reaching a maximum of 25°C (78°F). The month sees considerable precipitation, averaging 147 mm (5.8 in) over about 10 days, alongside high humidity levels of 88%. In contrast, April offers a much milder climate, with minimum temperatures around -1°C (30°F) and an average of 16°C (61°F), peaking at 30°C (87°F). Although April experiences slightly lower precipitation at 135 mm (5.3 in) over roughly 11 days, the humidity is also lower at 81%. For more insights on the weather, check out Memphis weather in April.
December weather exhibits a stark contrast to that of May, with temperatures ranging from a frigid minimum of -10°C (15°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F), averaging around 8°C (47°F). Despite the lower average temperatures, December sees a considerable amount of precipitation, totaling 147 mm (5.8 in) over approximately 10 days, along with high humidity levels at 88%. In comparison, May enjoys milder conditions, where temperatures typically range from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a warm maximum of 33°C (92°F), averaging 22°C (72°F). Although May has slightly less precipitation at 120 mm (4.7 in) over about 11 days, the humidity is somewhat lower at 83%. For a more detailed look at what to expect, check out Memphis weather in May.
December and June showcase strikingly different weather patterns. In December, temperatures can dip as low as -10°C (15°F), with an average of 8°C (47°F) and a high reaching 25°C (78°F). Precipitation is common, with about 147 mm (5.8 in) falling over 10 days, accompanied by high humidity at 88%. In contrast, June presents a much warmer climate, where temperatures range from a minimum of 13°C (55°F) to an average of 26°C (79°F), and can peak at 35°C (95°F). Although June sees slightly less precipitation at 118 mm (4.6 in) over 11 days, the humidity remains high at 83%. For more details on the June weather, check out Memphis weather in June.
December and July present stark contrasts in weather. In December, temperatures can plummet as low as -10°C (15°F), with an average of 8°C (47°F) and highs reaching 25°C (78°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 147 mm (5.8 in) over approximately 10 days, coupled with high humidity at 88%. In contrast, July showcases a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16°C (62°F) to an average of 28°C (82°F), peaking at 35°C (95°F). Precipitation in July is slightly lower at 124 mm (4.9 in), occurring over 11 days, and the humidity is more manageable at 81%. For a detailed look at the weather patterns, you can visit Memphis weather in July.
When comparing the weather in December and August, notable differences arise in both temperature and overall climate conditions. In December, temperatures can drop as low as -10°C (15°F), with an average of 8°C (47°F) and a maximum of 25°C (78°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 147 mm (5.8 in) across about 10 days, coupled with high humidity levels of 88%. In contrast, August presents a much milder profile, with minimum temperatures around 16°C (62°F) and averages peaking at 26°C (80°F), while maximums can reach up to 36°C (96°F). The precipitation in August is slightly lower at 102 mm (4.0 in), occurring over 11 days, and the humidity is more manageable at 74%. For more detailed information, you can check Memphis weather in August.
In December, the weather is significantly colder compared to September, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -10°C (15°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F). The month brings increased precipitation, with 147 mm (5.8 in) expected over about 10 days, coupled with high humidity at 88%. In contrast, September enjoys milder temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (51°F) and a maximum of 35°C (96°F), along with less rainfall totaling 86 mm (3.4 in) over about 7 days and a lower humidity level of 71%. For more details on September weather, you can check Memphis weather in September.
In comparing the weather between December and October, we see notable differences in temperature and humidity. December experiences a more drastic temperature range, with minimums dropping to -10°C (15°F) and maximums reaching 25°C (78°F), while October maintains much milder conditions, ranging from 0°C (31°F) to a high of 35°C (95°F). Additionally, December is characterized by higher humidity at 88% compared to October's 76%, making it feel chillier despite the average warmth. Precipitation is also slightly higher in December, with 147 mm (5.8 in) over about 10 days, compared to October's 113 mm (4.4 in) over 8 days. For a more detailed look at October's weather patterns, you can check Memphis weather in October.
In comparing the weather of December and November, we see some notable differences. Both months experience temperatures that can drop as low as -10°C (15°F), but December's average temperature is slightly cooler at 8°C (47°F) compared to November's 10°C (51°F). Additionally, December records higher maximum temperatures peaking at 25°C (78°F) versus November’s 27°C (81°F). Precipitation levels also increase significantly in December, with 147 mm (5.8 in) over 10 days, compared to November’s 78 mm (3.1 in) over 8 days, suggesting a wetter month overall. December also sees higher humidity at 88%, compared to November's 84%. For more detailed insights, you can visit Memphis weather in November.
December in Memphis brings a notable shift in weather compared to other months, as the crisp chill envelops the city. With temperatures dipping, the average feels much colder, underscoring the winter season's onset. Humidity levels rise significantly, creating a damp chill that adds to the atmosphere. Moreover, December sees increased precipitation, with a fair number of rainy days that contrast sharply with the dryer months preceding it. This blend of cooler temperatures and heightened moisture encapsulates the essence of Memphis in December, making it a time for cozy gatherings and holiday festivities. For more insights on what to expect throughout the year, check out Memphis Climate.