December weather forecast
Durham, NC

Share
The amazing skyscape of Durham City in North Carolina
The amazing skyscape of Durham City in North Carolina

Weather in December

As winter takes hold in December, the weather in Durham, North Carolina, becomes markedly colder, with temperatures dropping to a high of 51.8°F (11°C) and a low of 37°F (2.8°C). This month witnesses snowfall of 0.51" (13mm), the first significant snowfall since February, indicating the start of the winter season. While sunshine hours reduce, daylight hours drop to the minimum level of the year at 9.8 hours. The weather in December is characterized by cold, windy conditions with increased humidity, setting the scene for a chilly end of the year.

Temperature

As Durham enters December, the average high-temperature subtly lowers from the a refreshing 58.8°F (14.9°C) of November to a cool 51.8°F (11°C). The average temperature during December nights is registered at a cold 37°F (2.8°C).

Humidity

With an average relative humidity of 77%, December is the most humid month.

Rainfall

In December, the rain falls for 10 days. Throughout December, 2.09" (53mm) of precipitation is accumulated. In Durham, during the entire year, the rain falls for 150.7 days and collects up to 29.41" (747mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

Months with snowfall are January through March and December. December is the first month it typically snows. Throughout December, in the average 0.5 snowfall days, it receives 0.51" (13mm) of snow. Throughout the year, there are 5.2 snowfall days, and 4.41" (112mm) of snow is accumulated.

Daylight

With an average of 9h and 48min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:08 am and sunset at 5:01 pm. On the last day of December, sunrise is at 7:26 am and sunset at 5:11 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. A UV Index value of 2, and less, symbolizes a minimal health hazard from unprotected exposure to Sun's UV rays for the average person.
Note: The daily maximum UV index of 2 in December interprets into the following advice:
Long-term sun exposure is typically not a concern for most. However, those with sensitive skin, infants, and children must always have protection. Protect yourself from the midday Sun's peak UV radiation by minimizing exposure. A hat with a broad brim is indispensable, filtering out up to half of UV rays. Pay attention! The reflection of snow can enhance the Sun's UV radiation almost double.
Updated: Aug 29, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the average December temperature?

An average high-temperature, in December, in Durham, is 51.8°F (11°C) and the average low-temperature is 37°F (2.8°C). The average heat index (a.k.a. 'feels like', 'felt air temperature'), which takes the relative humidity and factors it into the air temperature reading, in September is calculated to be 87.8°F (31°C).

What is the most humid month?

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

What is the average humidity in December?

In Durham, the average relative humidity in December is 77%.

How many days does it rain in December?

In December, the rain falls for 10 days. Throughout December, 2.09" (53mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it start snowing?

December is the first month it typically snows. Throughout December, in the average 0.5 snowfall days, it receives 0.51" (13mm) of snow.

What is the month with the shortest days in Durham?

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

What is the average length of the day in December?

The average day length in December is 9h and 46min.

When are sunrise and sunset in December in Durham?

In December, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:08 am and sunset at 5:01 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:26 am and sunset at 5:11 pm EST.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

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

How long on average sun shines in December?

The average sunshine duration in December is 5.4h.

When is the lowest UV index?

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

What is the UV index reading in December?

The average daily maximum UV index in December in Durham is 2. A UV Index value of 2, and less, symbolizes a minimal health vulnerability from unsafe 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
Durham, NC

Average temperature in December - Durham, 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°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (70.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (32.2°F).

Average pressure in December
Durham, NC

Average pressure in December - Durham, 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
Durham, NC

Average wind speed in December - Durham, NC
  • Average wind speed in December: 6.2mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (7.4mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (4.8mph).

Average humidity in December
Durham, NC

Average humidity in December - Durham, 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
Durham, NC

Average rainfall in December - Durham, NC
  • Average rainfall in December: 2.09"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (3.19").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is October (1.89").

Average rainfall days in December
Durham, NC

Average rainfall days in December - Durham, NC
  • Average rainfall days in December: 10 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (17.1 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (7.7 days).

Average snowfall in December
Durham, NC

Average snowfall in December - Durham, NC
  • Average snowfall in December: 0.51"

The month with the highest snowfall is January (1.93").
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0").

Average snowfall days in December
Durham, NC

Average snowfall days in December - Durham, NC
  • Average snowfall days in December: 0.5 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (2.3 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
Durham, NC

Average daylight in December / Average sunshine in December - Durham, 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 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 24min).

Average sunshine days in December
Durham, NC

Average sunshine days in December - Durham, NC
  • Average sunshine days in December: 19.9 days

The month with the most sunshine days is November (20.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (11.9 days).

Average UV index in December
Durham, NC

Average UV index in December - Durham, NC
  • Average UV index in December: 2

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

Average cloud cover in December
Durham, NC

Average cloud cover in December - Durham, NC
  • Average cloud cover in December: 43

The month with the most cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 44).
The month with the least cloud cover is June (Cloud cover 32).

Average visibility in December
Durham, NC

Average visibility in December - Durham, 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).

Durham, North Carolina, USA

Weather forecast for your location

1. Click Locate me button
2. Allow the app to use your location