December weather forecast
Nantucket, MA

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Beautiful homes built on the water overlooking the boats on the water below, in Nantucket, Massachusetts
Beautiful homes built on the water overlooking the boats on the water below, in Nantucket, Massachusetts

Weather in December

December in Nantucket, Massachusetts, welcomes the full swing of winter, sporting temperatures dropping as low as an average of 38.7°F (3.7°C). With the arrival of the season, snowfall marks its entry, albeit at a minor 0.47" (12mm). The shorter daylight hours and chilly winds add to the quintessential winter experience. Nantucket in December transforms into a winter wonderland, ushering in seasonal festivities and year-end celebrations.

Temperature

December's arrival aligns with a minor decrease in average high-temperatures, from November's cool 52.7°F (11.5°C) to a chilly 45.5°F (7.5°C). December is characterized by a steady nighttime low-temperature of 38.7°F (3.7°C).

Humidity

January, November and December, with an average relative humidity of 75%, are the least humid months.

Rainfall

In December, the rain falls for 13.3 days. Throughout December, 2.52" (64mm) of precipitation is accumulated. Throughout the year, there are 153 rainfall days, and 26.61" (676mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Snowfall

Months with snowfall are January through March, November and December. In Nantucket, during December, snow falls for 3.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 0.47" (12mm) of snow. Throughout the year, there are 17.1 snowfall days, and 3.23" (82mm) of snow is accumulated.

Ocean temperature

In Nantucket, in December, the average water temperature is 46°F (7.8°C).
Note: You can swim in 46°F (7.8°C) below 50°F (10°C) with proper thermal wear; failing that, the cold shock and respiratory challenges are nearly certain. A short span at 55.4°F (13°C) without it is tough.

Daylight

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 18min of daylight.
On the first day of December, sunrise is at 6:47 am and sunset at 4:12 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:06 am and sunset at 4:21 pm EST.

Sunshine

With an average of 4.3h of sunshine, December has the least sunshine of the year.

UV index

January through March and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index. A UV Index of 2, and less, symbolizes a low threat to health from unprotected exposure to Sun's UV rays for ordinary individuals.
Note: The maximum UV index of 2 during December translates into these guidelines:
While most can endure approximately an hour in the sun without burning, children always require protection from sunlight. To guard against the harmful effects of the Sun, minimize exposure during midday. For minimizing sun-related eye damage, always choose sunglasses with UVA and UVB coverage. Mind you! Snow reflection can increase the intensity of the Sun's UV radiation nearly twofold.

Frequently asked questions

What are the temperatures in Nantucket in December?

In December, in Nantucket, the average high-temperature is 45.5°F (7.5°C), and the average low-temperature is 38.7°F (3.7°C).

What is the least humid month?

January, November and December, with an average relative humidity of 75%, are the least humid months in Nantucket.

What is the average humidity in December?

The average relative humidity in December is 75%.

How many days does it rain in December?

In December, the rain falls for 13.3 days. Throughout December, 2.52" (64mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

How much does it snow in December?

In Nantucket, in December, during 3.3 snowfall days, 0.47" (12mm) of snow is typically accumulated.

What is the water temperature in December?

In December, the average ocean temperature is 46°F (7.8°C). Swimming in 46°F (7.8°C) is considered life-threatening. Even a few minutes in 55.4°F (13°C) water is uncomfortable, and swimming below 50°F (10°C) may cause total loss of breathing control and cold shock, depending on a person's physique.

What is the month with the shortest days?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 18min of daylight.

How many hours of daylight does Nantucket have in December?

The average day length in December is 9h and 16min.

When are sunrise and sunset in December?

In December, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 6:47 am and sunset at 4:12 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:06 am and sunset at 4:21 pm EST.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

With an average of 4.3h of sunshine, December has the least sunshine of the year.

How many hours of sunshine does Nantucket have in December?

The average sunshine duration in December is 4.3h.

When is the lowest UV index?

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

What is the UV index reading in December?

In Nantucket, the average daily maximum UV index in December is 2. A UV Index of 2, and less, symbolizes a minimal health vulnerability 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
Nantucket, MA

Average temperature in December - Nantucket, MA
  • Average high temperature in December: 45.5°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (72.1°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is February (39.7°F).

  • Average low temperature in December: 38.7°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (68.7°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (32.5°F).

Average pressure in December
Nantucket, MA

Average pressure in December - Nantucket, MA
  • Average pressure in December: 30.03"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.06"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.94"Hg).

Average wind speed in December
Nantucket, MA

Average wind speed in December - Nantucket, MA
  • Average wind speed in December: 18.1mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (18.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (11.8mph).

Average humidity in December
Nantucket, MA

Average humidity in December - Nantucket, MA
  • Average humidity in December: 75%

The month with the highest relative humidity is July (86%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are January, November and December (75%).

Average rainfall in December
Nantucket, MA

Average rainfall in December - Nantucket, MA
  • Average rainfall in December: 2.52"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is October (3.27").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is November (1.77").

Average rainfall days in December
Nantucket, MA

Average rainfall days in December - Nantucket, MA
  • Average rainfall days in December: 13.3 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (14.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (9.2 days).

Average snowfall in December
Nantucket, MA

Average snowfall in December - Nantucket, MA
  • Average snowfall in December: 0.47"

The month with the highest snowfall is January (1.06").
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0").

Average snowfall days in December
Nantucket, MA

Average snowfall days in December - Nantucket, MA
  • Average snowfall days in December: 3.3 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (5.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

Average sea temperature in December
Nantucket, MA

Average sea temperature in December - Nantucket, MA
  • Average sea temperature in December: 46°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (67.6°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (37.9°F).

Average daylight in December /
Average sunshine in December
Nantucket, MA

Average daylight in December / Average sunshine in December - Nantucket, MA
  • Average daylight in December: 9h and 2min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 6min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 18min).

  • Average sunshine in December: 4h and 2min

The months with the most sunshine are July and August (Average sunshine: 10h and 42min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 4h and 18min).

Average sunshine days in December
Nantucket, MA

Average sunshine days in December - Nantucket, MA
  • Average sunshine days in December: 11.4 days

The month with the most sunshine days is August (16.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is January (11.3 days).

Average UV index in December
Nantucket, MA

Average UV index in December - Nantucket, MA
  • Average UV index in December: 2

The months with the highest UV index are July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March and December (UV index 2).

Average cloud cover in December
Nantucket, MA

Average cloud cover in December - Nantucket, MA
  • Average cloud cover in December: 54

The month with the most cloud cover is December (Cloud cover 54).
The month with the least cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 27).

Average visibility in December
Nantucket, MA

Average visibility in December - Nantucket, MA
  • 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).

Nantucket, Massachusetts, USA

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