December weather forecast
Ames, IA

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Weather in December

Ames in December turns into a winter wonderland, welcoming the festive season with snow-laden streets and a chill in the air. The weather sees the onset of harsh winter temperatures and a substantial increase in snowfall, with an average of 2.64" (67mm). The bare trees and snow-covered landscape present the perfect winter scenery that is synonymous with the year-end festivities. Despite the cold, the holiday season fills the city with warmth and cheer. The climactic end to the year brings about a sense of transformation in anticipation of a hopeful new year.

Temperature

Ames experiences a temperature shift at the start of December, with average high-temperatures adjusting from a chilly 45.9°F (7.7°C) in November to an icy 32.5°F (0.3°C). Throughout December, an average low-temperature of 21.4°F (-5.9°C) is expected.

Humidity

In December, the average relative humidity is 80%.

Rainfall

In Ames, in December, during 4.9 rainfall days, 1.34" (34mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated. In Ames, during the entire year, the rain falls for 130.6 days and collects up to 27.48" (698mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

Months with snowfall are January through May, October through December. In Ames, in December, during 8.4 snowfall days, 2.64" (67mm) of snow is typically accumulated. In Ames, during the entire year, snow falls for 36.2 days and aggregates up to 15.43" (392mm) of snow.

Daylight

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 12min of daylight.
On the first day of December, sunrise is at 7:23 am and sunset at 4:43 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:42 am and sunset at 4:53 pm CST.

Sunshine

The average sunshine in December is 4.5h.

UV index

In Ames, the average daily maximum UV index in December is 2. A UV Index estimate of 2, and below, represents a minimal health hazard from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for the ordinary person.
Note: In December, the maximum UV index of 2 suggests this advice:
The majority are not significantly affected by prolonged sun exposure. Infants, children, and those with fair skin must always have protection. Midday Sun has the strongest UV rays, making it crucial to limit exposure and find shade. Outfit yourself in sun-safe attire, like long sleeves, pants, a hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Be informed! The Sun's UV radiation can be nearly doubled due to the reflection from snow.

Frequently asked questions

How cold is it in December?

Ames in December has an average high-temperature of 32.5°F (0.3°C) and an average low-temperature of 21.4°F (-5.9°C). The average heat index (a.k.a. 'apparent temperature', 'real feel'), which combines relative humidity and air temperature, in July is appraised at 87.8°F (31°C).

What is the average humidity in December?

In December, the average relative humidity is 80%.

How much does it rain in December?

In Ames, during December, the rain falls for 4.9 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.34" (34mm) of precipitation.

How many days does it snow in December?

In Ames, in December, snow falls for 8.4 days, with typically accumulated 2.64" (67mm) of snow.

What is the month with the shortest days?

The month with the shortest days in Ames is December, with an average of 9h and 12min of daylight.

How many hours of daylight does Ames have in December?

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

When is the sunrise / sunset in December?

In December, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:23 am and sunset at 4:43 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:42 am and sunset at 4:53 pm CST.

How long on average sun shines in December?

In December, the average sunshine duration is 4.5h.

What is the UV index reading in December?

In December, the average daily maximum UV index is 2. A UV Index of 2, and less, symbolizes a low health risk from 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
Ames, IA

Average temperature in December - Ames, IA
  • Average high temperature in December: 32.5°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (81.3°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (26.6°F).

  • Average low temperature in December: 21.4°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (64.6°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (13.5°F).

Average pressure in December
Ames, IA

Average pressure in December - Ames, IA
  • Average pressure in December: 30.12"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.88"Hg).

Average wind speed in December
Ames, IA

Average wind speed in December - Ames, IA
  • Average wind speed in December: 10.1mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (10.7mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are July and August (7.1mph).

Average humidity in December
Ames, IA

Average humidity in December - Ames, IA
  • Average humidity in December: 80%

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (84%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (70%).

Average rainfall in December
Ames, IA

Average rainfall in December - Ames, IA
  • Average rainfall in December: 1.34"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (4.09").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.94").

Average rainfall days in December
Ames, IA

Average rainfall days in December - Ames, IA
  • Average rainfall days in December: 4.9 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (18 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (3.3 days).

Average snowfall in December
Ames, IA

Average snowfall in December - Ames, IA
  • Average snowfall in December: 2.64"

The month with the highest snowfall is January (4.06").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days in December
Ames, IA

Average snowfall days in December - Ames, IA
  • Average snowfall days in December: 8.4 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (9.1 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight in December /
Average sunshine in December
Ames, IA

Average daylight in December / Average sunshine in December - Ames, IA
  • 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 3min

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 6min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 54min).

Average sunshine days in December
Ames, IA

Average sunshine days in December - Ames, IA
  • Average sunshine days in December: 17.8 days

The month with the most sunshine days is November (19.4 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (10.4 days).

Average UV index in December
Ames, IA

Average UV index in December - Ames, IA
  • Average UV index in December: 2

The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 6).
The month with the lowest UV index is January (UV index 1).

Average cloud cover in December
Ames, IA

Average cloud cover in December - Ames, IA
  • Average cloud cover in December: 53

The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 57).
The month with the least cloud cover is September (Cloud cover 31).

Average visibility in December
Ames, IA

Average visibility in December - Ames, IA
  • 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).

Ames, Iowa, USA

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