December weather forecast
Ketchikan, AK

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Beautiful and colorful houses along the waterfront boardwalk on Creek Street in Ketchikan, Alaska
Beautiful and colorful houses along the waterfront boardwalk on Creek Street in Ketchikan, Alaska

Weather in December

The city of Ketchikan, in December, is entirely in the grip of winter. A sharp drop in temperatures from 35.8°F (2.1°C) to the cold 31.5°F (-0.3°C), coupled with snowfall of about 8.03" (204mm), confirms winter's dominion. Short, often cloudy days characterized by 7.2 hours of daylight are quintessential at this period. Despite the chilly climate and lesser daylight, Ketchikan possesses a unique charm as the year draws to an end, resonating through the snow-clad landscapes, and sparking holiday spirit.

Temperature

The lowest temperatures are recorded in December, with averages reaching a high of 35.8°F (2.1°C) and a low of 31.5°F (-0.3°C).

Humidity

The average relative humidity in December is 84%.

Rainfall

In December, the rain falls for 18.6 days. Throughout December, 8.7" (221mm) of precipitation is accumulated. Throughout the year, there are 221.8 rainfall days, and 80" (2032mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Snowfall

January through May, November and December are months with snowfall. In Ketchikan, in December, snow falls for 7.4 days, with typically accumulated 8.03" (204mm) of snow. In Ketchikan, during the entire year, snow falls for 40.7 days and aggregates up to 48.35" (1228mm) of snow.

Ocean temperature

In Ketchikan, in December, the average water temperature is 45.9°F (7.7°C).
Note: Immersing oneself in 45.9°F (7.7°C) at sub14°F (-10°C) temperatures is a recipe for harsh cold shock and quickened breathing unless adequately equipped.

Daylight

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 7h and 12min of daylight.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:50 am and sunset at 3:21 pm. On the last day of December, sunrise is at 8:13 am and sunset at 3:26 pm AKST.

Sunshine

In Ketchikan, the average sunshine in December is 3.5h.

UV index

January, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index. A UV Index of 2, and less, symbolizes a minimal health hazard from unprotected exposure to Sun's UV rays for the ordinary person.
Note: The maximum daily UV index, 1 in December, converts into the following recommendations:
Extended time in the sun generally does not harm most, but those with sensitive skin, infants, and children should always be protected. The Sun's most harmful UV rays are emitted around midday; avoid staying outdoors for long during this time. To mitigate harm from sun exposure, pick sunglasses offering UVA and UVB defense. Be aware! The reflective nature of snow can magnify the Sun's UV radiation almost twofold.

Frequently asked questions

What month is the coldest?

December is the coldest month of the year, registering average temperatures as high as 35.8°F (2.1°C) and as low as 31.5°F (-0.3°C).

How cold is December?

The average high-temperature and low-temperature in Ketchikan during December are 35.8°F (2.1°C) and 31.5°F (-0.3°C) respectively.

What is the average humidity in December?

In December, the average relative humidity is 84%.

How much does it rain in December?

In Ketchikan, Alaska, in December, it is raining for 18.6 days, with typically 8.7" (221mm) of accumulated precipitation.

How much does it snow in December?

In December, it is snowing for 7.4 days. Throughout December, 8.03" (204mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the ocean temperature in December?

In Ketchikan, in December, the average water temperature is 45.9°F (7.7°C). Swimming in 45.9°F (7.7°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?

With an average of 7h and 12min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.

How many hours of daylight does Ketchikan have in December?

The average day length in December in Ketchikan is 7h and 13min.

When are sunrise and sunset in December?

On the first day of December in Ketchikan, sunrise is at 7:50 am and sunset at 3:21 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 8:13 am and sunset at 3:26 pm AKST.

How many hours of sunshine does Ketchikan have in December?

In December, the average sunshine duration is 3.5h.

When is the lowest UV index?

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

How high is the UV index in December?

The average daily maximum UV index in December is 1. A UV Index value of 2, and less, symbolizes a minimal hazard to health from unprotected exposure to UV radiation.
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
Ketchikan, AK

Average temperature in December - Ketchikan, AK
  • Average high temperature in December: 35.8°F

The warmest months (with the highest average high temperature) are July and August (60.8°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (35.8°F).

  • Average low temperature in December: 31.5°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (52°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (30.6°F).

Average pressure in December
Ketchikan, AK

Average pressure in December - Ketchikan, AK
  • Average pressure in December: 29.88"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (30.06"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is November (29.8"Hg).

Average wind speed in December
Ketchikan, AK

Average wind speed in December - Ketchikan, AK
  • Average wind speed in December: 7.8mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (8.7mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are July and August (5.3mph).

Average humidity in December
Ketchikan, AK

Average humidity in December - Ketchikan, AK
  • Average humidity in December: 84%

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (88%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is May (82%).

Average rainfall in December
Ketchikan, AK

Average rainfall in December - Ketchikan, AK
  • Average rainfall in December: 8.7"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is January (9.69").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is May (3.46").

Average rainfall days in December
Ketchikan, AK

Average rainfall days in December - Ketchikan, AK
  • Average rainfall days in December: 18.6 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is November (21.4 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (14.2 days).

Average snowfall in December
Ketchikan, AK

Average snowfall in December - Ketchikan, AK
  • Average snowfall in December: 8.03"

The month with the highest snowfall is February (13.11").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August, September and October (0").

Average snowfall days in December
Ketchikan, AK

Average snowfall days in December - Ketchikan, AK
  • Average snowfall days in December: 7.4 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is March (10.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average sea temperature in December
Ketchikan, AK

Average sea temperature in December - Ketchikan, AK
  • Average sea temperature in December: 45.8°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (55.9°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is March (42.5°F).

Average daylight in December /
Average sunshine in December
Ketchikan, AK

Average daylight in December / Average sunshine in December - Ketchikan, AK
  • Average daylight in December: 7h and 1min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 17h and 24min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 7h and 12min).

  • Average sunshine in December: 3h and 3min

The month with the most sunshine is May (Average sunshine: 7h and 12min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 0min).

Average sunshine days in December
Ketchikan, AK

Average sunshine days in December - Ketchikan, AK
  • Average sunshine days in December: 8.9 days

The month with the most sunshine days is July (11.9 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is November (5.6 days).

Average UV index in December
Ketchikan, AK

Average UV index in December - Ketchikan, AK
  • Average UV index in December: 1

The months with the highest UV index are July and August (UV index 4).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, November and December (UV index 1).

Average cloud cover in December
Ketchikan, AK

Average cloud cover in December - Ketchikan, AK
  • Average cloud cover in December: 64

The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 71).
The month with the least cloud cover is May (Cloud cover 55).

Average visibility in December
Ketchikan, AK

Average visibility in December - Ketchikan, AK
  • Average visibility in December: 6mi

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

Ketchikan, Alaska, USA

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