December weather forecast
Columbia, MO

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The iconic and famed historical columns in Columbia, Missouri
The iconic and famed historical columns in Columbia, Missouri

Weather in December

Capping off the year, December in Columbia brings along the full swing of winter. The weather takes a frosty turn as temperatures plunge to as low as 28.4°F (-2°C) and the city experiences approximately 0.31" (8mm) of snowfall. December's cool climate enhances the city's festive spirit, framing an idyllic backdrop for the holiday season. Despite this month being one of the coldest, Columbia ensures a warm welcome with holiday lights illuminating the city streets. As the year ends, residents and visitors alike embrace the quintessential Midwestern winter, marking a perfect end to the weather cycle in Columbia.

Temperature

Onset of December witnesses a reduction in the average high-temperature, falling from a cool 52.7°F (11.5°C) in November to an icy 41.5°F (5.3°C). In December, Columbia experiences a temperature dip to an average of 28.4°F (-2°C) at night.

Humidity

In Columbia, the average relative humidity in December is 76%.

Rainfall

In Columbia, in December, during 4.5 rainfall days, 0.51" (13mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated. In Columbia, during the entire year, the rain falls for 95.5 days and collects up to 8.62" (219mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

Months with snowfall are January through March, October through December. In Columbia, in December, snow falls for 3.3 days, with typically accumulated 0.31" (8mm) of snow. Throughout the year, there are 17 snowfall days, and 1.93" (49mm) of snow is accumulated.

Daylight

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 30min of daylight.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:09 am and sunset at 4:47 pm. On the last day of December, sunrise is at 7:27 am and sunset at 4:57 pm CST.

Sunshine

In December, the average sunshine is 5h.

UV index

The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2. A UV Index estimate of 2, and below, represents a low health risk from unprotected exposure to Sun's UV rays for ordinary individuals.
Note: In December, the maximum UV index of 2 suggests these recommendations:
Prolonged exposure to sunlight rarely troubles the majority, but constant protection is vital for babies, children, and fair-skinned people. Solar radiation peaks around mid-day, so it's wise to limit exposure to the Sun at this time. To mitigate harm from sun exposure, pick sunglasses offering UVA and UVB defense. Heads up! The UV radiation from the Sun can almost be doubled by snow reflection.
Updated: Jun 13, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

Is it cold during December?

In December, in Columbia, the average high-temperature is 41.5°F (5.3°C), and the average low-temperature is 28.4°F (-2°C). In August, the average heat index (a.k.a. 'felt air temperature', 'real feel'), which combines relative humidity and air temperature, is appraised at 96.8°F (36°C).

What is the average humidity in December?

The average relative humidity in December in Columbia is 76%.

How many days does it rain in December?

In Columbia, in December, during 4.5 rainfall days, 0.51" (13mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated.

How many days does it snow in December?

In Columbia, in December, snow falls for 3.3 days, with typically accumulated 0.31" (8mm) of snow.

What is the month with the shortest days?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 30min of daylight.

What is the average length of the day in December?

The average day length in December is 9h and 29min.

When are sunrise and sunset in December?

On the first day of December, sunrise is at 7:09 am and sunset at 4:47 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:27 am and sunset at 4:57 pm CST.

How many hours of sunshine does Columbia have in December?

In December, the average sunshine duration is 5h.

What are the months with the lowest UV index?

The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.

What is the UV index reading in December in Columbia?

In December, the average daily maximum UV index is 2. A UV Index estimate of 2, and below, represents a low health threat from exposure to the Sun's 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
Columbia, MO

Average temperature in December - Columbia, MO
  • Average high temperature in December: 41.5°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (87.6°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (36.9°F).

  • Average low temperature in December: 28.4°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (68°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (23°F).

Average pressure in December
Columbia, MO

Average pressure in December - Columbia, MO
  • Average pressure in December: 30.13"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.91"Hg).

Average wind speed in December
Columbia, MO

Average wind speed in December - Columbia, MO
  • Average wind speed in December: 9mph

The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are January and March (9.4mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (6.1mph).

Average humidity in December
Columbia, MO

Average humidity in December - Columbia, MO
  • Average humidity in December: 76%

The month with the highest relative humidity is May (78%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (71%).

Average rainfall in December
Columbia, MO

Average rainfall in December - Columbia, MO
  • Average rainfall in December: 0.51"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (1.3").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are January and February (0.43").

Average rainfall days in December
Columbia, MO

Average rainfall days in December - Columbia, MO
  • Average rainfall days in December: 4.5 days

The months with the highest number of rainy days are April and May (11.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (3.8 days).

Average snowfall in December
Columbia, MO

Average snowfall in December - Columbia, MO
  • Average snowfall in December: 0.31"

The month with the highest snowfall is January (0.67").
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days in December
Columbia, MO

Average snowfall days in December - Columbia, MO
  • Average snowfall days in December: 3.3 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (5.3 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight in December /
Average sunshine in December
Columbia, MO

Average daylight in December / Average sunshine in December - Columbia, MO
  • Average daylight in December: 9h and 3min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 54min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 30min).

  • Average sunshine in December: 5h and 0min

The months with the most sunshine are June and July (Average sunshine: 10h and 24min).
The months with the least sunshine are January and February (Average sunshine: 4h and 42min).

Average sunshine days in December
Columbia, MO

Average sunshine days in December - Columbia, MO
  • Average sunshine days in December: 23.7 days

The month with the most sunshine days is December (23.7 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is May (15.6 days).

Average UV index in December
Columbia, MO

Average UV index in December - Columbia, MO
  • Average UV index in December: 2

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

Average cloud cover in December
Columbia, MO

Average cloud cover in December - Columbia, MO
  • Average cloud cover in December: 47

The months with the most cloud cover are January, February and March (Cloud cover 49).
The months with the least cloud cover are June, July and August (Cloud cover 29).

Average visibility in December
Columbia, MO

Average visibility in December - Columbia, MO
  • 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).

Columbia, Missouri, USA

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