December weather forecast
Duluth, MN

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The lit Aerial Lift Bridge and two long piers with lighthouses at the ends in Duluth, Minnesota
The lit Aerial Lift Bridge and two long piers with lighthouses at the ends in Duluth, Minnesota

Weather in December

December endures the peak of the winter season in Duluth, characterized by icy winds, copious snowfall, and minimal sunlight. Though officially the start of winter, the city experiences cold weather that sets new low-temperature records. The month's typically chilly atmosphere is further intensified with reduced sea temperatures. Daylight hours get truncated, leading to shorter days and longer, colder nights. Round off the year, the snowfall amount soars to a climatic 7.72" (196mm).

Temperature

December comes with a drop in the average high-temperature, falling from November's cold 36.1°F (2.3°C) to a freezing cold 22.1°F (-5.5°C). In December, the nighttime temperature in Duluth lowers to an average of 11.8°F (-11.2°C).

Humidity

The average relative humidity in December in Duluth is 89%.

Rainfall

In Duluth, during December, the rain falls for 5.2 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.69" (43mm) of precipitation. Throughout the year, there are 135.2 rainfall days, and 24.53" (623mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Snowfall

January through May, October through December are months with snowfall. December is the month with the most snowfall in Duluth. Snow falls for 18.4 days and accumulates 7.72" (196mm) of snow.

Ocean temperature

In Duluth, in December, the average water temperature is 37.4°F (3°C).
Note: In relation to swimming, the extreme cold, danger, and potential fatality of this situation are apparent. Without suitable insulated waterproof clothing, the onset of hypothermia is quick.

Daylight

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 8h and 36min of daylight.
On the first day of December in Duluth, sunrise is at 7:33 am and sunset at 4:21 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:53 am and sunset at 4:30 pm CST.

Sunshine

In December, the average sunshine is 3h.

UV index

January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index. A UV Index estimate of 2, and below, represents a minimal health hazard from exposure to the Sun's UV rays for the average person.
Note: The UV index of 1 during December translates into the following guidance:
Long-term sun exposure is typically not a concern for most. However, those with sensitive skin, infants, and children must always have protection. The midday Sun can be dangerous due to its intense radiation; always find shade and reduce exposure. Prioritize a wide-brim hat for comprehensive sun defense for your face, neck, eyes, and ears. Be watchful! The reflection of snow can enhance the intensity of the Sun's UV radiation nearly double.
Updated: Feb 12, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

How cold is December in Duluth?

In Duluth, in December, the average high-temperature is 22.1°F (-5.5°C), and the average low-temperature is 11.8°F (-11.2°C).

What is the average humidity in December in Duluth?

The average relative humidity in December is 89%.

How many days does it rain in December in Duluth?

In Duluth, Minnesota, in December, during 5.2 rainfall days, 1.69" (43mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated.

When does it snow the most in Duluth?

The month with the most snowfall in Duluth, Minnesota, is December, when snow falls for 18.4 days and typically aggregates up to 7.72" (196mm) of snow.

How much does it snow in Duluth in December?

In Duluth, in December, during 18.4 snowfall days, 7.72" (196mm) of snow is typically accumulated.

What is the ocean temperature in December in Duluth?

In Duluth, Minnesota, the average seawater temperature in December is 37.4°F (3°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 in Duluth?

December has the shortest days of the year in Duluth, Minnesota, with an average of 8h and 36min of daylight.

What is the average length of the day in December in Duluth?

In December, the average day length in Duluth is 8h and 37min.

When are sunrise and sunset in December in Duluth?

In December, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:33 am and sunset at 4:21 pm. On the last day of the month, in Duluth, Minnesota, sunrise is at 7:53 am and sunset at 4:30 pm CST.

How long on average sun shines in December in Duluth?

The average sunshine duration in December in Duluth is 3h.

When is the lowest UV index in Duluth?

January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Duluth, Minnesota.

How high is the UV index in December in Duluth?

The average daily maximum UV index in December in Duluth is 1. A UV Index reading of 2, and below, represents a low health risk from unprotected exposure to UV radiation.
Average humidity
Average rainfall days
Average snowfall days
Average sea temperature
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average sunshine days
Average UV index
Average cloud cover
Average visibility

Average temperature in December
Duluth, MN

Average temperature in December - Duluth, MN
  • Average high temperature in December: 22.1°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (77.4°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (16.3°F).

  • Average low temperature in December: 11.8°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (57.6°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (3.9°F).

Average pressure in December
Duluth, MN

Average pressure in December - Duluth, MN
  • Average pressure in December: 30.09"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is February (30.12"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.89"Hg).

Average wind speed in December
Duluth, MN

Average wind speed in December - Duluth, MN
  • Average wind speed in December: 8.3mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (8.8mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are July and August (6.6mph).

Average humidity in December
Duluth, MN

Average humidity in December - Duluth, MN
  • Average humidity in December: 89%

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (91%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is May (72%).

Average rainfall in December
Duluth, MN

Average rainfall in December - Duluth, MN
  • Average rainfall in December: 1.69"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (3.03").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.87").

Average rainfall days in December
Duluth, MN

Average rainfall days in December - Duluth, MN
  • Average rainfall days in December: 5.2 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (17.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (3.3 days).

Average snowfall in December
Duluth, MN

Average snowfall in December - Duluth, MN
  • Average snowfall in December: 7.72"

The month with the highest snowfall is December (7.72").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days in December
Duluth, MN

Average snowfall days in December - Duluth, MN
  • Average snowfall days in December: 18.4 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (20.1 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average sea temperature in December
Duluth, MN

Average sea temperature in December - Duluth, MN
  • Average sea temperature in December: 37°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (61°F).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are January, February, March and April (36°F).

Average daylight in December /
Average sunshine in December
Duluth, MN

Average daylight in December / Average sunshine in December - Duluth, MN
  • 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 36min).

  • Average sunshine in December: 3h and 0min

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 0min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 2h and 48min).

Average sunshine days in December
Duluth, MN

Average sunshine days in December - Duluth, MN
  • Average sunshine days in December: 11.7 days

The month with the most sunshine days is November (13.7 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (10.1 days).

Average UV index in December
Duluth, MN

Average UV index in December - Duluth, MN
  • Average UV index in December: 1

The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 1).

Average cloud cover in December
Duluth, MN

Average cloud cover in December - Duluth, MN
  • Average cloud cover in December: 70

The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 72).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 34).

Average visibility in December
Duluth, MN

Average visibility in December - Duluth, MN
  • Average visibility in December: 4mi

The months with the highest visibility are May, June, July, August, September and October (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February and December (4mi).

Duluth, Minnesota, USA

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