December weather forecast
Chicago, IL

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The city of Chicago in Illinois on the shores of Lake Michigan, with a superb view of the sandy beach of Oak Street
The city of Chicago in Illinois on the shores of Lake Michigan, with a superb view of the sandy beach of Oak Street

Weather in December

December in Chicago sees the full arrival of winter, and the annual traditions begin with festive decorations adorning the city. A marked drop in temperature from November is clear, promise of snowfall brings a holiday feel to the city landscape. The coldest month of the year, December is suited for snow lovers, with an average of 2.52" (64mm) falling over 7.5 days. Despite chilly temperatures, the vibrant holiday spirit encapsulates the season, rounding off the year on a festive note.

Temperature

December's arrival corresponds with a decrease in average high-temperatures, from November's frosty 46°F (7.8°C) to a cold 35.8°F (2.1°C). Chicago registers an average low-temperature of 27.9°F (-2.3°C) throughout December, a modest decrease from its daytime highs.

Humidity

The average relative humidity in December is 80%.

Rainfall

December is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 8.8 days and accumulates 1.65" (42mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

January through May, November and December are months with snowfall. In December, it is snowing for 7.5 days. Throughout December, 2.52" (64mm) of snow is accumulated. In Chicago, during the entire year, snow falls for 40.9 days and aggregates up to 13.9" (353mm) of snow.

Ocean temperature

In December, the average ocean temperature is 42.4°F (5.8°C).
Note: With an efficient thermal swimsuit, one can navigate 42.4°F (5.8°C) even if it's colder than 50°F (10°C); otherwise, rapid cold shock and breathlessness might set in. Barely wading at 55.4°F (13°C) feels chilly.

Daylight

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 12min of daylight.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 6:59 am and sunset at 4:20 pm. On the last day of December, sunrise is at 7:18 am and sunset at 4:29 pm CST.

Sunshine

The average sunshine in December is 4h.

UV index

January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index. A UV Index value of 2, and less, symbolizes a minimal health hazard from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for average individuals.
Note: In December, the maximum UV index of 1 transforms into these recommendations:
For the majority, extended sun exposure is not of great concern. Infants and people with sensitive skin must always be protected. The Sun's UV radiation is especially harmful around midday, so reduce exposure and stay safe. Counter UV radiation's ill effects with clothing designed for sun safety and UV-resistant eyewear. Alert! The snow's reflection can amplify the UV radiation of the Sun nearly twice.

Frequently asked questions

How cold is December?

In December, in Chicago, the average high-temperature is 35.8°F (2.1°C), and the average low-temperature is 27.9°F (-2.3°C).

What is the average humidity in December?

In December, the average relative humidity is 80%.

What is the driest month?

The month with the least rainfall is December, when the rain falls for 8.8 days and typically collects 1.65" (42mm) of precipitation.

How many days does it rain in December?

In Chicago, Illinois, during December, the rain falls for 8.8 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.65" (42mm) of precipitation.

How much does it snow in December?

In Chicago, during December, snow falls for 7.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 2.52" (64mm) of snow.

What is the water temperature in December?

In December, the average ocean temperature is 42.4°F (5.8°C). Swimming in 42.4°F (5.8°C) is considered dangerous. Unprotected immersion in temperatures below 50°F (10°C) causes quickly maximum intensity cold shock with hyperventilation.

What is the month with the shortest days?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 12min of daylight.

How many hours of daylight does Chicago have in December?

In Chicago, the average day length in December is 9h and 11min.

What time are sunrise and sunset in December?

In December, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 6:59 am and sunset at 4:20 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:18 am and sunset at 4:29 pm CST.

How long on average sun shines in December in Chicago?

In December, the average sunshine duration in Chicago is 4h.

What are the months with the lowest UV index?

January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index.

What is the UV index reading in December?

The average daily maximum UV index in December is 1. A UV Index reading of 2, and below, represents a low health risk from unsafe exposure to Sun's UV rays.
Average humidity
Average rainfall days
Average snowfall days
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average sunshine days
Average UV index
Average cloud cover
Average visibility

Average temperature in December
Chicago, IL

Average temperature in December - Chicago, IL
  • Average high temperature in December: 35.8°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (77.5°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (29.7°F).

  • Average low temperature in December: 27.9°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (67.8°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (20.7°F).

Average pressure in December
Chicago, IL

Average pressure in December - Chicago, IL
  • Average pressure in December: 30.09"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.11"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.92"Hg).

Average wind speed in December
Chicago, IL

Average wind speed in December - Chicago, IL
  • Average wind speed in December: 11.7mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (12.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (7.7mph).

Average humidity in December
Chicago, IL

Average humidity in December - Chicago, IL
  • Average humidity in December: 80%

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (82%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (73%).

Average rainfall in December
Chicago, IL

Average rainfall in December - Chicago, IL
  • Average rainfall in December: 1.65"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (4.88").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is December (1.65").

Average rainfall days in December
Chicago, IL

Average rainfall days in December - Chicago, IL
  • Average rainfall days in December: 8.8 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (18.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (5.5 days).

Average snowfall in December
Chicago, IL

Average snowfall in December - Chicago, IL
  • Average snowfall in December: 2.52"

The month with the highest snowfall is February (3.54").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August, September and October (0").

Average snowfall days in December
Chicago, IL

Average snowfall days in December - Chicago, IL
  • Average snowfall days in December: 7.5 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (10.6 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average sea temperature in December
Chicago, IL

Average sea temperature in December - Chicago, IL
  • Average sea temperature in December: 42.4°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (73.9°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (36.9°F).

Average daylight in December /
Average sunshine in December
Chicago, IL

Average daylight in December / Average sunshine in December - Chicago, IL
  • Average daylight in December: 9h and 1min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 12min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 12min).

  • Average sunshine in December: 4h and 0min

The months with the most sunshine are July and August (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 42min).

Average sunshine days in December
Chicago, IL

Average sunshine days in December - Chicago, IL
  • Average sunshine days in December: 15.5 days

The month with the most sunshine days is December (15.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (9.3 days).

Average UV index in December
Chicago, IL

Average UV index in December - Chicago, IL
  • Average UV index in December: 1

The months with the highest UV index are July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 1).

Average cloud cover in December
Chicago, IL

Average cloud cover in December - Chicago, IL
  • Average cloud cover in December: 58

The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 62).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and August (Cloud cover 27).

Average visibility in December
Chicago, IL

Average visibility in December - Chicago, IL
  • Average visibility in December: 6mi

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

Chicago, Illinois, USA

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