December weather forecast
Chapel Hill, NC

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Red flowers and green trees around the Old Well at the iconic UNC in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Red flowers and green trees around the Old Well at the iconic UNC in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Weather in December

Winter pseudo-officially arrives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina in December. The weather turns distinctively colder as the city welcomes one of the coolest months of the year. As temperatures continue to drop, the chilly environment leads to a transformation in the city's mood and activities. December also brings snow that adorns the city in a white blanket. Overall, December's relative calm weather paves the way for holiday season festivities, making it a time of togetherness and joy in Chapel Hill.

Temperature

Chapel Hill's weather in December involves a mild decrease in the average high-temperature, moving down slightly from November's refreshing 58.6°F (14.8°C) to a fresh 51.8°F (11°C). In Chapel Hill, an average low-temperature of 37.2°F (2.9°C) is recorded during December nights.

Humidity

The most humid month in Chapel Hill is December, with an average relative humidity of 77%.

Rainfall

In Chapel Hill, in December, it is raining for 7.5 days, with typically 0.94" (24mm) of accumulated precipitation. Throughout the year, there are 130 rainfall days, and 14.21" (361mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Snowfall

Months with snowfall are January through March, November and December. In Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in December, during 0.5 snowfall days, 0.43" (11mm) of snow is typically accumulated. In Chapel Hill, during the entire year, snow falls for 4 days and aggregates up to 1.5" (38mm) of snow.

Daylight

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 48min of daylight.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:08 am and sunset at 5:02 pm. On the last day of December, sunrise is at 7:26 am and sunset at 5:12 pm EST.

Sunshine

With an average of 5.4h of sunshine, December has the least sunshine of the year.

UV index

January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. A UV Index estimate of 2, and below, represents a low threat to health from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for the ordinary person.
Note: In December, the maximum UV index of 2 suggests these recommendations:
Though extended exposure to the sun typically does not concern most people, it is crucial to always shield children, infants, and those with sensitive skin. The Sun is at its harshest during midday; protect yourself by staying in shaded areas and minimizing exposure. For a sun-safe wardrobe, go for clothes that are tightly woven and generously sized. Be watchful! The reflection of snow can enhance the intensity of the Sun's UV radiation nearly double.
Updated: Feb 13, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the usual temperature for Chapel Hill in December?

December temperatures vary between a high-temperature of 51.8°F (11°C) and a low-temperature of 37.2°F (2.9°C). The average heat index (a.k.a. 'real feel', 'felt air temperature'), which combines air temperature and relative humidity, in September is computed to be 87.8°F (31°C).

What is the most humid month in Chapel Hill?

December is the most humid month in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with an average relative humidity of 77%.

What is the average humidity in December in Chapel Hill?

In Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the average relative humidity in December is 77%.

How many days does it rain in December in Chapel Hill?

In December, in Chapel Hill, the rain falls for 7.5 days. Throughout December, 0.94" (24mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

How many days does it snow in December in Chapel Hill?

In Chapel Hill, in December, during 0.5 snowfall days, 0.43" (11mm) of snow is typically accumulated.

What is the month with the shortest days in Chapel Hill?

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 48min of daylight.

What is the average length of the day in December in Chapel Hill?

In December, the average day length in Chapel Hill is 9h and 46min.

When is the sunrise / sunset in December in Chapel Hill?

In December, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:08 am and sunset at 5:02 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:26 am and sunset at 5:12 pm EST.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Chapel Hill?

December has the least sunshine of the year in Chapel Hill, with an average of 5.4h of sunshine.

How many hours of sunshine does Chapel Hill have in December?

The average sunshine duration in December in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is 5.4h.

What is the month with the lowest UV index in Chapel Hill?

The months with the lowest UV index in Chapel Hill are January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.

What is the UV index reading in December in Chapel Hill?

In Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the average daily maximum UV index in December is 2. A UV Index reading of 2, and below, represents 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
Chapel Hill, NC

Average temperature in December - Chapel Hill, NC
  • Average high temperature in December: 51.8°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (90.3°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (47.7°F).

  • Average low temperature in December: 37.2°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (69.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (32°F).

Average pressure in December
Chapel Hill, NC

Average pressure in December - Chapel Hill, NC
  • Average pressure in December: 30.14"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.15"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.96"Hg).

Average wind speed in December
Chapel Hill, NC

Average wind speed in December - Chapel Hill, NC
  • Average wind speed in December: 6mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (7.3mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (4.7mph).

Average humidity in December
Chapel Hill, NC

Average humidity in December - Chapel Hill, NC
  • Average humidity in December: 77%

The month with the highest relative humidity is December (77%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is July (71%).

Average rainfall in December
Chapel Hill, NC

Average rainfall in December - Chapel Hill, NC
  • Average rainfall in December: 0.94"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (1.77").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is October (0.83").

Average rainfall days in December
Chapel Hill, NC

Average rainfall days in December - Chapel Hill, NC
  • Average rainfall days in December: 7.5 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (15.1 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (6.4 days).

Average snowfall in December
Chapel Hill, NC

Average snowfall in December - Chapel Hill, NC
  • Average snowfall in December: 0.43"

The month with the highest snowfall is January (0.47").
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0").

Average snowfall days in December
Chapel Hill, NC

Average snowfall days in December - Chapel Hill, NC
  • Average snowfall days in December: 0.5 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (1.5 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

Average daylight in December /
Average sunshine in December
Chapel Hill, NC

Average daylight in December / Average sunshine in December - Chapel Hill, NC
  • Average daylight in December: 9h and 5min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 36min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 48min).

  • Average sunshine in December: 5h and 2min

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 42min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 24min).

Average sunshine days in December
Chapel Hill, NC

Average sunshine days in December - Chapel Hill, NC
  • Average sunshine days in December: 21.5 days

The month with the most sunshine days is October (22.3 days).
The months with the least sunshine days are July and August (12.8 days).

Average UV index in December
Chapel Hill, NC

Average UV index in December - Chapel Hill, NC
  • Average UV index in December: 2

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

Average cloud cover in December
Chapel Hill, NC

Average cloud cover in December - Chapel Hill, NC
  • Average cloud cover in December: 42

The months with the most cloud cover are February and March (Cloud cover 43).
The month with the least cloud cover is June (Cloud cover 31).

Average visibility in December
Chapel Hill, NC

Average visibility in December - Chapel Hill, NC
  • 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).

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA

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