December weather forecast
Buffalo, NY

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The Niagara square with the McKinley Monument in Buffalo, New York, USA
The Niagara square with the McKinley Monument in Buffalo, New York, USA

Weather in December

Buffalo’s weather spirals into freezing cold conditions by December, underscoring the onset of winter's peak. The city ends the year with its coldest sea temperature of 41.5°F (5.3°C). Chilly winds blow across the city, with occasional bursts of snow covering Buffalo under a thick white blanket. The lengthening nights and feeble sunshine contribute to the festive winter atmosphere. Bearing the weight of increased snowfall, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, rounding off the climatic cycle with a chilly goodbye.

Temperature

The shift from November to December involves a decrease in the average high-temperature, dropping from a frosty 45.5°F (7.5°C) to a cold 35.6°F (2°C). Buffalo's December nights witness minimal differential from the daytime temperatures, with averages of 27.7°F (-2.4°C).

Humidity

The average relative humidity in December is 83%.

Rainfall

In Buffalo, in December, during 10.5 rainfall days, 2.2" (56mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated. In Buffalo, during the entire year, the rain falls for 169.2 days and collects up to 28.15" (715mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

January through May, October through December are months with snowfall. In Buffalo, in December, during 15.5 snowfall days, 5.24" (133mm) of snow is typically accumulated. Throughout the year, there are 77.2 snowfall days, and 30.94" (786mm) of snow is accumulated.

Ocean temperature

In December, the average ocean temperature is 41.5°F (5.3°C).
Note: Dipping in 41.5°F (5.3°C) at temperatures less than 50°F (10°C) without proper gear can lead to pronounced cold shock and breathing difficulties.

Daylight

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 6min of daylight.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:27 am and sunset at 4:42 pm. On the last day of December, sunrise is at 7:46 am and sunset at 4:51 pm EST.

Sunshine

In Buffalo, the average sunshine in December is 2.7h.

UV index

The months with the lowest UV index are January, February and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1. A UV Index of 2, and less, symbolizes a minimal health hazard from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for ordinary individuals.
Note: The maximum daily UV index of 1 during December translates into the following directions:
Although prolonged sun exposure does not typically bother most people, children, babies, and those with sensitive skin should always have protection. It's recommended to limit sun exposure when its radiation is at its peak during midday. For excellent sun protection for the eyes, ears, face, and neck, consider a wide-brim hat. Alert! The snow's reflection can amplify the UV radiation of the Sun nearly twice.
Updated: Jul 25, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

How cold is it in December?

In Buffalo, in December, the average high-temperature is 35.6°F (2°C), and the average low-temperature is 27.7°F (-2.4°C).

What is the average humidity in December?

In Buffalo, the average relative humidity in December is 83%.

How many days does it rain in December?

In Buffalo, in December, during 10.5 rainfall days, 2.2" (56mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated.

How much does it snow in December?

In December, it is snowing for 15.5 days. Throughout December, 5.24" (133mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the water temperature in December in Buffalo?

In December, the average ocean temperature is 41.5°F (5.3°C). Swimming in 41.5°F (5.3°C) is considered dangerous. Unprotected immersion in temperatures below 50°F (10°C) causes quickly maximum intensity cold shock with hyperventilation.

What is the month with the shortest days?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 6min of daylight.

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

In December, the average day length is 9h and 5min.

When are sunrise and sunset in December?

On the first day of December, sunrise is at 7:27 am and sunset at 4:42 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:46 am and sunset at 4:51 pm EST.

How many hours of sunshine does Buffalo have in December?

The average sunshine duration in December in Buffalo is 2.7h.

What is the month with the lowest UV index?

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

What is the UV index intensity in December?

In Buffalo, the average daily maximum UV index in December 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 daylight
Average sunshine
Average sunshine days
Average UV index
Average cloud cover
Average visibility

Average temperature in December
Buffalo, NY

Average temperature in December - Buffalo, NY
  • Average high temperature in December: 35.6°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (79.5°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (29.3°F).

  • Average low temperature in December: 27.7°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (63.1°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (19.4°F).

Average pressure in December
Buffalo, NY

Average pressure in December - Buffalo, NY
  • Average pressure in December: 30.06"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.09"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.92"Hg).

Average wind speed in December
Buffalo, NY

Average wind speed in December - Buffalo, NY
  • Average wind speed in December: 10.1mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (11mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (6.7mph).

Average humidity in December
Buffalo, NY

Average humidity in December - Buffalo, NY
  • Average humidity in December: 83%

The months with the highest relative humidity are January and February (85%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are July, August and September (74%).

Average rainfall in December
Buffalo, NY

Average rainfall in December - Buffalo, NY
  • Average rainfall in December: 2.2"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (2.87").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (1.81").

Average rainfall days in December
Buffalo, NY

Average rainfall days in December - Buffalo, NY
  • Average rainfall days in December: 10.5 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (17.8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (7.6 days).

Average snowfall in December
Buffalo, NY

Average snowfall in December - Buffalo, NY
  • Average snowfall in December: 5.24"

The month with the highest snowfall is February (7.64").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days in December
Buffalo, NY

Average snowfall days in December - Buffalo, NY
  • Average snowfall days in December: 15.5 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (19 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average sea temperature in December
Buffalo, NY

Average sea temperature in December - Buffalo, NY
  • Average sea temperature in December: 41.5°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (74.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (34.9°F).

Average daylight in December /
Average sunshine in December
Buffalo, NY

Average daylight in December / Average sunshine in December - Buffalo, NY
  • Average daylight in December: 9h and 1min

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

  • Average sunshine in December: 2h and 4min

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 18min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 2h and 18min).

Average sunshine days in December
Buffalo, NY

Average sunshine days in December - Buffalo, NY
  • Average sunshine days in December: 8.2 days

The month with the most sunshine days is September (12.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is January (6.3 days).

Average UV index in December
Buffalo, NY

Average UV index in December - Buffalo, NY
  • 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 and December (UV index 1).

Average cloud cover in December
Buffalo, NY

Average cloud cover in December - Buffalo, NY
  • Average cloud cover in December: 72

The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 77).
The month with the least cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 30).

Average visibility in December
Buffalo, NY

Average visibility in December - Buffalo, NY
  • Average visibility in December: 5mi

The months with the highest visibility are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March and December (5mi).

Buffalo, New York, USA

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