December weather forecast
Sault Ste. Marie, MI

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The famous Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, with the deepwater section passage for large water vessels
The famous Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, with the deepwater section passage for large water vessels

Weather in December

In December, Sault Ste. Marie transforms into a winter wonderland, with the highest snowfall of 33.5" (851mm) recorded. The year ends with a white blanket covering the city, promising a magical holiday season. Despite the dropping temperature, the holiday spirit fills the air with warmth. The city shines beautifully as the lights from holiday decorations reflect on the winter snow. As one year ends and another begins, Sault Ste. Marie welcomes it with a snowy embrace.

Temperature

The onset of December introduces a moderate change in Sault Ste. Marie's weather, with average high-temperatures falling from November's icy 40.1°F (4.5°C) to a subzero cold 28.6°F (-1.9°C). Sault Ste. Marie records an average temperature drop to 15.8°F (-9°C) in December.

Rainfall

In December, in Sault Ste. Marie, the rain falls for 18.8 days. Throughout December, 2.8" (71mm) of precipitation is accumulated. In Sault Ste. Marie, during the entire year, the rain falls for 162.9 days and collects up to 32.95" (837mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

Months with snowfall in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, are January through May, October through December. December is the month with the most snowfall in Sault Ste. Marie. Snow falls for 18 days and accumulates 33.5" (851mm) of snow.

Ocean temperature

In Sault Ste. Marie, in December, the average water temperature is 39.2°F (4°C).
Note: In water-based activities like swimming, this poses significant life risks. The cold water results in agonizing discomfort and quick hyperventilation. A specialized swimsuit is crucial to reduce the potential thermal damage.

Daylight

The month with the shortest days in Sault Ste. Marie is December, with an average of 8h and 42min of daylight.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 8:01 am and sunset at 4:52 pm. On the last day of December, in Sault Ste. Marie, sunrise is at 8:21 am and sunset at 5:00 pm EST.

Sunshine

The average sunshine in December in Sault Ste. Marie is 2.5h.

UV index

January, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Sault Ste. Marie. A UV Index reading of 2, and below, represents a minimal health vulnerability from unprotected exposure to Sun's UV rays for average individuals.
Note: In December, a regular UV index of 1 translates into these guidelines:
Protection from prolonged sun exposure is necessary for babies, children, and individuals with sensitive skin. During midday, the Sun's radiation is strongest, and it's advisable to reduce direct exposure. For excellent sun protection for the eyes, ears, face, and neck, consider a wide-brim hat. Bear in mind! The Sun's UV radiation can nearly double in intensity due to the reflective quality of snow.

Frequently asked questions

How cold is it in December?

Sault Ste. Marie in December has an average high-temperature of 28.6°F (-1.9°C) and an average low-temperature of 15.8°F (-9°C).

How much does it rain in December?

In Sault Ste. Marie, in December, it is raining for 18.8 days, with typically 2.8" (71mm) of accumulated precipitation.

What is the snowiest month?

December is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 18 days and accumulates 33.5" (851mm) of snow.

How many days does it snow in December?

In Sault Ste. Marie, during December, snow falls for 18 days and regularly aggregates up to 33.5" (851mm) of snow.

How cold is the water in December?

In December, the average ocean temperature is 39.2°F (4°C). For swimming, this is considered life-threatening and very dangerous. The water feels painfully cold, and hyperventilation quickly occurs. A specialized swimsuit is mandatory to reduce thermal damage.

What is the month with the shortest days?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 8h and 42min of daylight.

What is the average length of the day in December?

In December, the average day length in Sault Ste. Marie is 8h and 39min.

When is the sunrise / sunset in December?

On the first day of December, sunrise is at 8:01 am and sunset at 4:52 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 8:21 am and sunset at 5:00 pm EST.

How many hours of sunshine does Sault Ste. Marie have in December?

In Sault Ste. Marie, the average sunshine duration in December is 2.5h.

When is the lowest UV index in Sault Ste. Marie?

January, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Sault Ste. Marie.

What is the UV index intensity in December?

In December, the average daily maximum UV index is 1. A UV Index reading of 2, and below, represents a minimal hazard to health from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation.
Average rainfall days
Average snowfall days
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average UV index

Average temperature in December
Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Average temperature in December - Sault Ste. Marie, MI
  • Average high temperature in December: 28.6°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (76.2°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (23°F).

  • Average low temperature in December: 15.8°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (54.5°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (7.6°F).

Average rainfall in December
Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Average rainfall in December - Sault Ste. Marie, MI
  • Average rainfall in December: 2.8"

The wettest months (with the highest rainfall) are September and October (3.8").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is February (1.3").

Average rainfall days in December
Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Average rainfall days in December - Sault Ste. Marie, MI
  • Average rainfall days in December: 18.8 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is December (18.8 days).
The months with the least rainy days are April and August (10.9 days).

Average snowfall in December
Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Average snowfall in December - Sault Ste. Marie, MI
  • Average snowfall in December: 33.5"

The month with the highest snowfall is December (33.5").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days in December
Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Average snowfall days in December - Sault Ste. Marie, MI
  • Average snowfall days in December: 18 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (19.6 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July and August (0 days).

Average sea temperature in December
Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Average sea temperature in December - Sault Ste. Marie, MI
  • Average sea temperature in December: 39°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (59°F).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are February, March and April (36°F).

Average daylight in December /
Average sunshine in December
Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Average daylight in December / Average sunshine in December - Sault Ste. Marie, MI
  • Average daylight in December: 8h and 4min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 48min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 42min).

  • Average sunshine in December: 2h and 3min

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 9h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is November (Average sunshine: 2h and 18min).

Average UV index in December
Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Average UV index in December - Sault Ste. Marie, MI
  • Average UV index in December: 1

The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 8).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, November and December (UV index 1).

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, USA

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