December weather forecast
Highlands, NC

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Springtime in the rocky and mountainous region in the Appalachian Mountain scene in Highlands, North Carolina
Springtime in the rocky and mountainous region in the Appalachian Mountain scene in Highlands, North Carolina

Weather in December

December greets Highlands with a chilly embrace, signifying the onset of winters. The crispness in the air escalates, as temperatures continue to slide down the thermostat. An important weather trend is the escalation in December’s snowfall, surging to a maximum of 7.44" (189mm). The cityscape transforms into a white winter wonderland, offering a contrasting spectacle from the faded autumn hues. Being the month with the shortest daylight hours, December concludes the year with a white blanket of snow, bracing the city for the upcoming year.

Temperature

With the onset of December, Highlands experiences a modest temperature adjustment, with the average high-temperature gently receding from a fresh 54.7°F (12.6°C) in November to a frosty 48.2°F (9°C). Highlands reports a consistent average low-temperature of 33.4°F (0.8°C) throughout December nights.

Humidity

The months with the highest humidity are February, March, May, September and December, with an average relative humidity of 79%.

Rainfall

In Highlands, North Carolina, during December, the rain falls for 12.1 days and regularly aggregates up to 4.25" (108mm) of precipitation. In Highlands, during the entire year, the rain falls for 177.1 days and collects up to 41.42" (1052mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

Months with snowfall are January through April, November and December. December is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 4.5 days and accumulates 7.44" (189mm) of snow.

Daylight

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 48min of daylight.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:23 am and sunset at 5:21 pm. On the last day of December, sunrise is at 7:40 am and sunset at 5:31 pm EST.

Sunshine

With an average of 5.2h of sunshine, December has the least sunshine of the year.

UV index

The months with the lowest UV index are January, February and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2. A UV Index of 2, and less, symbolizes a minimal health hazard from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for ordinary individuals.
Note: An average UV index of 2 in December transforms into this advice:
Unlike children, who always need sun protection, most individuals can remain in the sun for up to an hour without getting burnt. To protect against the Sun's most potent rays, avoid direct exposure around midday. A hat with a generous brim can prevent nearly 50% of UV rays from reaching your eyes. Attention! Nearly twice the Sun's UV radiation can be reflected by snow.
Updated: Jul 23, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the average December temperature?

December temperatures vary between a high-temperature of 48.2°F (9°C) and a low-temperature of 33.4°F (0.8°C). The average heat index (a.k.a. 'felt air temperature', 'apparent temperature'), which factors the actual air temperature with the relative humidity, in August is calculated to be 86°F (30°C).

What are the most humid months?

The months with the highest humidity in Highlands, North Carolina, are February, March, May, September and December, with an average relative humidity of 79%.

What is the average humidity in December?

The average relative humidity in December in Highlands is 79%.

How many days does it rain in December?

In Highlands, in December, during 12.1 rainfall days, 4.25" (108mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated.

When does it snow the most?

The month with the most snowfall is December, when snow falls for 4.5 days and typically aggregates up to 7.44" (189mm) of snow.

How many days does it snow in December in Highlands?

In Highlands, in December, during 4.5 snowfall days, 7.44" (189mm) of snow is typically 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.

How many hours of daylight does Highlands have in December?

The average day length in December is 9h and 51min.

When is the sunrise / sunset in December?

In December, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:23 am and sunset at 5:21 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:40 am and sunset at 5:31 pm EST.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

December has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 5.2h of sunshine.

How many hours of sunshine does Highlands have in December?

In December, the average sunshine duration is 5.2h.

When is the lowest UV index?

January, February 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 Highlands, 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 the Sun's 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
Highlands, NC

Average temperature in December - Highlands, NC
  • Average high temperature in December: 48.2°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (81.5°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (43.7°F).

  • Average low temperature in December: 33.4°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (61.3°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (28°F).

Average pressure in December
Highlands, NC

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

The months with the highest atmospheric pressure are January and November (30.15"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.99"Hg).

Average wind speed in December
Highlands, NC

Average wind speed in December - Highlands, NC
  • Average wind speed in December: 5.2mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (5.8mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (3.5mph).

Average humidity in December
Highlands, NC

Average humidity in December - Highlands, NC
  • Average humidity in December: 79%

The months with the highest relative humidity are February, March, May, September and December (79%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are January and November (76%).

Average rainfall in December
Highlands, NC

Average rainfall in December - Highlands, NC
  • Average rainfall in December: 4.25"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is April (4.37").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (2.24").

Average rainfall days in December
Highlands, NC

Average rainfall days in December - Highlands, NC
  • Average rainfall days in December: 12.1 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (20 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (10.4 days).

Average snowfall in December
Highlands, NC

Average snowfall in December - Highlands, NC
  • Average snowfall in December: 7.44"

The month with the highest snowfall is December (7.44").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August, September and October (0").

Average snowfall days in December
Highlands, NC

Average snowfall days in December - Highlands, NC
  • Average snowfall days in December: 4.5 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (6.5 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
Highlands, NC

Average daylight in December / Average sunshine in December - Highlands, NC
  • 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: 5h and 1min

The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 10h and 30min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 12min).

Average sunshine days in December
Highlands, NC

Average sunshine days in December - Highlands, NC
  • Average sunshine days in December: 15.6 days

The month with the most sunshine days is November (18.7 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (8.7 days).

Average UV index in December
Highlands, NC

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

The month with the highest UV index is June (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February and December (UV index 2).

Average cloud cover in December
Highlands, NC

Average cloud cover in December - Highlands, NC
  • Average cloud cover in December: 46

The month with the most cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 48).
The month with the least cloud cover is June (Cloud cover 33).

Average visibility in December
Highlands, NC

Average visibility in December - Highlands, NC
  • Average visibility in December: 5mi

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

Highlands, North Carolina, USA

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