December greets
Santo Antonio with a moderate 142mm (5.59") rainfall, lower than
November's. The overall temperature, however, increases marginally compared to the previous month. Average daylight reduces to 12 hours but continues to underline the city's sunny personality. Sea temperature slightly rises from 27°C (80.6°F) to 28°C (82.4°F), reinforcing December's allure for sea activities. As with other months, UV levels remain substantial, suggesting that sun-protection is a vital part of day-to-day routines.
Temperature
The ushering in of December brings an average high-temperature of a still warm 28.6°C (83.5°F), closely mirroring the 28.2°C (82.8°F) of November. Throughout December, Santo Antonio experiences a low-temperature average of 21.8°C (71.2°F).
Heat index
In December, the average heat index is computed to be a fiery hot 35°C (95°F). Heightened precautions are necessary, heat cramps and heat exhaustion are potential risks. Continuous activity could lead to heatstroke.
It is important to note that the heat index values are for shaded areas and light wind scenarios. The heat index might be elevated by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees due to direct sun exposure.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'feels like' or 'apparent temperature', binds temperature metrics with humidity values to give a sense of the actual warmth. A person's impression of weather can be shaped by several aspects, among them metabolic variations, pregnancy, and levels of physical activity. Keep aware, the sun, when shining directly, can intensify the heat experience, pushing the heat index up by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values are particularly relevant to children. Young kids are often more at risk than adults as they tend to perspire less. Besides, their skin surface is larger relative to their small bodies, and their increased heat output from their active lifestyle compounds their risk.
When it comes to cooling down, the human body's primary method is through perspiration, making use of sweat evaporation to eliminate excess heat. When there is an excess of moisture in the atmosphere, the efficiency of the evaporation process is lessened, leading to less efficient body cooling and a sensation of overheating. Overheating dangers loom when the body's heat release mechanisms are overshadowed by excessive gain.
Humidity
In December, the average relative humidity is 87%.
Rainfall
In Santo Antonio, during December, the rain falls for 14 days and regularly aggregates up to 142mm (5.59") of precipitation. In Santo Antonio,
São Tomé and Príncipe, during the entire year, the rain falls for 188 days and collects up to 1872mm (73.7") of precipitation.
Sea temperature
In Santo Antonio, in December, the average water temperature is 28°C (82.4°F).
Note: Engaging in swimming, diving, or other water activities is highly enjoyable in temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), without any unpleasant sensations for prolonged durations.
Daylight
With an average of 12h and 0min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 05:18 and sunset at 17:20. On the last day of December, in Santo Antonio, sunrise is at 05:32 and sunset at 17:34 GMT.
Sunshine
The months with the most sunshine in Santo Antonio are
January through
June, November and December, with an average of 4h of sunshine.
UV index
June,
July and December, with an average maximum UV index of 11, are months with the lowest UV index in Santo Antonio. A UV Index of 11, and more, symbolizes an extreme health hazard from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for ordinary individuals.
Note: In December, the maximum UV index of 11 suggests these recommendations:
Execute all crucial precautions. Warding off sun exposure is non-negotiable. The Sun's UV radiation is at its strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Minimize direct exposure to the sun during this period. Sun-related eye harm can be minimized with proper sunglasses offering UVA and UVB coverage. One must apply and reapply generously an SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen every two hours or after an outdoor workout or swim. Take warning! Reflective sand and water surfaces intensify the Sun's UV rays.