December weather forecast
North Carolina, USA

December in North Carolina ushers in winter, and the state experiences a significant shift in weather patterns.

In the Coastal Plains, temperatures range from 34°F (1.1°C) to 55°F (12.8°C). Coastal cities like Wilmington transition fully into winter, with chillier winds and occasional frost.

The Piedmont Division experiences temperatures from 32°F (0°C) to 54°F (12.2°C). Cities such as Raleigh and Charlotte may encounter periodic snowfall or sleet, though it rarely accumulates.

In the Mountain Division, temperatures typically range from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 45°F (7.2°C). Asheville and the surrounding mountainous areas are subject to more frequent snowfall, with accumulations varying by elevation. The high mountain slopes may receive up to 50" (1270mm) of snow throughout the winter season.

December represents the true onset of winter in North Carolina, with a marked drop in temperatures compared to November. Snow and sleet become possibilities, particularly in the Piedmont and Mountain Divisions. The coastal areas remain relatively milder but are not immune to winter's chill. The decrease in daylight hours, combined with often overcast skies, gives December a distinct cold and somber ambiance. However, the holiday spirit infuses warmth into the month, with festive lights and decorations brightening the cities and towns. Despite the cooler weather, winter activities and holiday celebrations become focal points of community engagement. The transition from the reflective November to the festive December is one of contrasts, embodying both the cold reality of winter and the warmth of human connection and celebration.

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• Charlotte - December »
  December is the month with the most snowfall in Charlotte, North Carolina. December is the month with the most snowfall in Charlotte, North Carolina.
• Raleigh - December »
  December has the shortest days of the year with an average of 9h and 48min of daylight. In Raleigh, in December, during 0.6 snowfall days, 0.39" (10mm) of snow is typically accumulated.
• Greensboro - December »
  The months with the least sunshine in Greensboro are January and December, with an average of 5.5h of sunshine. The months with the highest humidity in Greensboro are May and December, with an average relative humidity of 76%.
• Durham - December »
  On the first day of December in Durham sunrise is at 7:08 am and sunset at 5:01 pm. December is the first month it typically snows in Durham, North Carolina.
• Winston-Salem - December »
  The months with the highest humidity in Winston-Salem are May and December, with an average relative humidity of 75%. In Winston-Salem, in December, snow falls for 1 days, with typically accumulated 2.24" (57mm) of snow.
• Fayetteville - December »
  In Fayetteville in December, during 10.5 rainfall days, 2.83" (72mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated. In Fayetteville, North Carolina, in December, it is raining for 10.5 days, with typically 2.83" (72mm) of accumulated precipitation.
• Cary - December »
  In Cary, North Carolina, in December, snow falls for 0.8 days, with typically accumulated 0.67" (17mm) of snow. The most humid month in Cary, North Carolina, is December, with an average relative humidity of 76%.
• Wilmington - December »
  December has the least sunshine of the year in Wilmington, North Carolina, with an average of 5.5h of sunshine. In Wilmington snow does not fall in April through December.
• High Point - December »
  The month with the shortest days in High Point is December, with an average of 9h and 48min of daylight. In High Point in December, it is raining for 9.9 days, with typically 2.56" (65mm) of accumulated precipitation.
• Asheville - December »
  With an average of 9h and 48min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Asheville, North Carolina. In Asheville, in December, during 2.1 snowfall days, 4.21" (107mm) of snow is typically accumulated.
• Concord - December »
  December is the most humid month in Concord with an average relative humidity of 76%. In Concord in December, during 11.1 rainfall days, 2.95" (75mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• Gastonia - December »
  In Gastonia in December, snow falls for 0.6 days, with typically accumulated 2.09" (53mm) of snow. With an average of 9h and 48min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Gastonia, North Carolina.