December weather - Winter 2024

Weather in December
Frequently asked questions
Average temperature in December
Average pressure in December
Average wind speed in December
Average humidity in December
Average rainfall in December
Average rainfall days in December
Average snowfall in December
Average snowfall days in December
Average daylight in December
Average sunshine in December
Average sunshine days in December
Average UV index in December
Average cloud cover in December
Average visibility in December

Rows of jacaranda trees in spring in the tidal basin of the Washington Monument in Washington city, DC, USA

Weather in December

December in Washington, D.C. greets winter with plunging temperatures from 34.2°F (1.2°C) to 46°F (7.8°C). The festive spirit of the month radiates throughout city streets despite the occasional snow flurry. Bundled up in warmer clothing, both locals and tourists revel in the season's joyous charm. A remarkable feature of December is the lowest average wind speed, at 7mph (11.3km/h), making the cold weather slightly more manageable. However, the chilly winds can be biting and are an important factor to consider before venturing outdoors.

Temperature

Washington's progression into December involves a minor drop in the average high-temperature, slightly receding from a cool 54.9°F (12.7°C) in November to a frosty 46°F (7.8°C). In Washington, an average low-temperature of 34.2°F (1.2°C) is recorded during December nights.

Humidity

In Washington, the average relative humidity in December is 75%.

Rainfall

In Washington, in December, it is raining for 10 days, with typically 1.93" (49mm) of accumulated precipitation. In Washington, during the entire year, the rain falls for 149.1 days and collects up to 26.14" (664mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

Months with snowfall in Washington are January through March and December. December is the first month it typically snows in Washington. Throughout December, in the average 1.7 snowfall days, it receives 0.79" (20mm) of snow. In Washington, during the entire year, snow falls for 11.7 days and aggregates up to 6.3" (160mm) of snow.

Daylight

With an average of 9h and 30min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Washington.
On the first day of December, sunrise is at 7:08 am and sunset at 4:46 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:26 am and sunset at 4:56 pm EST.

Sunshine

January, February and December, with an average of 5.1h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine in Washington, District of Columbia.

UV index

The months with the lowest UV index are January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2. A UV Index of 2, and less, symbolizes a low threat to health from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for the average person.
Note: The maximum UV index of 2 during December translates into these guidelines:
For the majority, extended sun exposure is not of great concern. Infants and people with sensitive skin must always be protected. The intensity of the Sun's UV radiation during midday suggests reducing time spent outdoors. Safeguard your eyes, ears, and face from sun rays with the aid of a wide-brim hat. Be alert! Nearly double the UV rays from the Sun can be reflected by snow.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the temperature in December in Washington?

In December, in Washington, the average high-temperature is 46°F (7.8°C), and the average low-temperature is 34.2°F (1.2°C). The average heat index (a.k.a. 'felt air temperature', 'apparent temperature'), which factors the actual air temperature with the relative humidity, in August is evaluated at 95°F (35°C).

What is the average humidity in December in Washington?

The average relative humidity in December in Washington, District of Columbia, is 75%.

How many days does it rain in December in Washington?

In Washington, during December, the rain falls for 10 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.93" (49mm) of precipitation.

When does it start snowing in Washington?

December is the first month it typically snows in Washington, District of Columbia. Throughout December, in the average 1.7 snowfall days, it receives 0.79" (20mm) of snow.

What is the month with the shortest days in Washington?

With an average of 9h and 30min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Washington, District of Columbia.

How many hours of daylight does Washington have in December?

The average day length in December is 9h and 29min.

When is the sunrise / sunset in December in Washington?

On the first day of December in Washington, District of Columbia, sunrise is at 7:08 am and sunset at 4:46 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:26 am and sunset at 4:56 pm EST.

What are the months with the least sunshine in Washington?

The months with the least sunshine are January, February and December, with an average of 5.1h of sunshine.

How many hours of sunshine does Washington have in December?

In Washington, District of Columbia, the average sunshine duration in December is 5.1h.

What are the months with the lowest UV index in Washington?

January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index in Washington.

What is the UV index reading in December in Washington?

In December, the average daily maximum UV index is 2. A UV Index of 2, and less, symbolizes a low health risk from unprotected exposure to UV radiation.

Today

Tomorrow

Long-term

Year J F M A M J J A S O N December

Nov

December

Jan

Average high temperature

54.9°F 12.7°C

46°F 7.8°C

40.6°F 4.8°C

Average low temperature

Average pressure

Average wind speed

Average max. wind speed

7.6mph 12.2km/h

8.3mph 13.4km/h

Average wind speed gusts

Average humidity

Average rainfall

Average rainfall days

Average snowfall

Average snowfall days

Average daylight

Average sunshine

Average sunshine days

18.2

Average UV index

Average cloud cover

Average visibility

Average temperature in December
Washington, DC

Average high temperature in December: 46°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (88°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (40.6°F).

Average low temperature in December: 34.2°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (69.1°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (27.5°F).

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Average pressure in December
Washington, DC

Average pressure in December: 30.11"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.14"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.95"Hg).

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Average wind speed in December
Washington, DC

Average wind speed in December: 7mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is March (7.9mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5mph).

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Average humidity in December
Washington, DC

Average humidity in December: 75%

The month with the highest relative humidity is May (76%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are April and July (71%).

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Average rainfall in December
Washington, DC

Average rainfall in December: 1.93"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (3.46").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (1.57").

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Average rainfall days in December
Washington, DC

Average rainfall days in December: 10 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (16.4 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (8.1 days).

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Average snowfall in December
Washington, DC

Average snowfall in December: 0.79"

The month with the highest snowfall is January (2.17").
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0").

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Average snowfall days in December
Washington, DC

Average snowfall days in December: 1.7 days

The months with the highest number of snowfall days are January and February (3.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

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Average daylight in December /
Average sunshine in December
Washington, DC

Average daylight in December: 9h and 3min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 54min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 30min).

Average sunshine in December: 5h and 1min

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 42min).
The months with the least sunshine are January, February and December (Average sunshine: 5h and 6min).

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Average sunshine days in December
Washington, DC

Average sunshine days in December: 19 days

The month with the most sunshine days is November (20 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is May (12.8 days).

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Average UV index in December
Washington, DC

Average UV index in December: 2

The month with the highest UV index is June (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 2).

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Average cloud cover in December
Washington, DC

Average cloud cover in December: 45

The month with the most cloud cover is March (Cloud cover 46).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 30).

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Average visibility in December
Washington, DC

Average visibility in December: 6mi

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The month with the lowest visibility is May (5mi).

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December weather forecast
Washington, DC

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