December weather forecast
Rio Rancho, NM

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Weather in December

December in Rio Rancho signifies the advent of winter, with low temperatures and increasing snowfall. The city experiences a high of 43.7°F (6.5°C) and sees the first substantial snowfall of the year, measuring up to 2.01" (51mm). The change in weather conditions invokes a sense of tranquility and calm, with snow-covered landscapes and frost-filled mornings. Despite the cooler weather and shorter days, the city shines brightly with festive lights and holiday spirit. Therefore, despite the cold, December is filled with warmth and cheer, rounding off the year on a joyful note.

Temperature

Rio Rancho observes a minor decrease in the average high-temperature with the arrival of December, falling from November's cool 54°F (12.2°C) to a chilly 43.7°F (6.5°C). During the month of December, an average low-temperature of 27.1°F (-2.7°C) is recorded.

Humidity

In December, the average relative humidity in Rio Rancho is 59%.

Rainfall

In Rio Rancho, in December, during 5.5 rainfall days, 0.59" (15mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated. Throughout the year, there are 80.6 rainfall days, and 6.97" (177mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Snowfall

January through April, October through December are months with snowfall. In Rio Rancho, in December, during 4.4 snowfall days, 2.01" (51mm) of snow is typically accumulated. In Rio Rancho, during the entire year, snow falls for 14.8 days and aggregates up to 9.02" (229mm) of snow.

Daylight

With an average of 9h and 48min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
On the first day of December, sunrise is at 6:57 am and sunset at 4:54 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:15 am and sunset at 5:04 pm MST.

Sunshine

The months with the least sunshine are January and December, with an average of 7.1h of sunshine.

UV index

January, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index. A UV Index value of 2, and less, symbolizes a minimal health hazard from exposure to the Sun's UV rays for average individuals.
Note: The daily high UV index of 2 during December translates into the following recommendations:
While many people can endure lengthy sun exposure, it remains imperative to safeguard babies, children, and fair-skinned individuals. Considering the strength of solar radiation at midday, one should avoid direct Sun exposure. To best shield against UV radiation, choose sun-safe garments and dependable sunglasses. Be advised! The UV radiation from the Sun can be almost doubled due to the reflective properties of snow.
Updated: Jul 21, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

Is it cold during December?

December temperatures vary between a high-temperature of 43.7°F (6.5°C) and a low-temperature of 27.1°F (-2.7°C). The average heat index (a.k.a. 'real feel', 'feels like'), which represents the influence of relative humidity on air temperature, in August is appraised at 86°F (30°C).

What is the average humidity in December?

In December, the average relative humidity is 59%.

How much does it rain in December?

In December, in Rio Rancho, the rain falls for 5.5 days. Throughout December, 0.59" (15mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

How many days does it snow in December?

In December, it is snowing for 4.4 days. Throughout December, 2.01" (51mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the month with the shortest days?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 48min of daylight.

What is the average length of the day in December?

The average day length in December is 9h and 50min.

What time are sunrise and sunset in December?

In December, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 6:57 am and sunset at 4:54 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:15 am and sunset at 5:04 pm MST.

What are the months with the least sunshine?

The months with the least sunshine are January and December, with an average of 7.1h of sunshine.

How many hours of sunshine does Rio Rancho have in December?

In December, the average sunshine duration is 7.1h.

What is the month with the lowest UV index?

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

What is the UV index intensity in December?

In Rio Rancho, the average daily maximum UV index in December is 2. A UV Index value 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
Rio Rancho, NM

Average temperature in December - Rio Rancho, NM
  • Average high temperature in December: 43.7°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (87.8°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (43.2°F).

  • Average low temperature in December: 27.1°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (66.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (27°F).

Average pressure in December
Rio Rancho, NM

Average pressure in December - Rio Rancho, NM
  • Average pressure in December: 30.11"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.16"Hg).
The months with the lowest atmospheric pressure are April and May (29.89"Hg).

Average wind speed in December
Rio Rancho, NM

Average wind speed in December - Rio Rancho, NM
  • Average wind speed in December: 6.4mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (9.1mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5.7mph).

Average humidity in December
Rio Rancho, NM

Average humidity in December - Rio Rancho, NM
  • Average humidity in December: 59%

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (62%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is June (27%).

Average rainfall in December
Rio Rancho, NM

Average rainfall in December - Rio Rancho, NM
  • Average rainfall in December: 0.59"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (1.14").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are March, April, May and June (0.35").

Average rainfall days in December
Rio Rancho, NM

Average rainfall days in December - Rio Rancho, NM
  • Average rainfall days in December: 5.5 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (13.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (3.6 days).

Average snowfall in December
Rio Rancho, NM

Average snowfall in December - Rio Rancho, NM
  • Average snowfall in December: 2.01"

The month with the highest snowfall is January (3.15").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days in December
Rio Rancho, NM

Average snowfall days in December - Rio Rancho, NM
  • Average snowfall days in December: 4.4 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (4.4 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
Rio Rancho, NM

Average daylight in December / Average sunshine in December - Rio Rancho, NM
  • Average daylight in December: 9h and 5min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 48min).

  • Average sunshine in December: 7h and 1min

The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 12h and 6min).
The months with the least sunshine are January and December (Average sunshine: 7h and 6min).

Average sunshine days in December
Rio Rancho, NM

Average sunshine days in December - Rio Rancho, NM
  • Average sunshine days in December: 23.2 days

The month with the most sunshine days is November (25 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (11.8 days).

Average UV index in December
Rio Rancho, NM

Average UV index in December - Rio Rancho, NM
  • Average UV index in December: 2

The month with the highest UV index is June (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, November and December (UV index 2).

Average cloud cover in December
Rio Rancho, NM

Average cloud cover in December - Rio Rancho, NM
  • Average cloud cover in December: 20

The month with the most cloud cover is December (Cloud cover 20).
The month with the least cloud cover is June (Cloud cover 10).

Average visibility in December
Rio Rancho, NM

Average visibility in December - Rio Rancho, NM
  • 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).

Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA

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