December weather forecast
Wilmington, NC

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A creative creation on a large field in Wilmington, North Carolina
A creative creation on a large field in Wilmington, North Carolina

Weather in December

Wilmington's December weather signifies the crescendo of the calendar year. The moderate cold of winter takes over with temperatures around 58.1°F (14.5°C). While the chill is bearable, rainfall increases providing an occasional damp feel to the air. However, the month is not without its charm as festive lights adorn the city. Traditional holiday events like the Christmas Boat Parade on Cape Fear River become the crowd jewel, wrapping up the year on a cheerful note.

Temperature

The commencement of December indicates a gentle shift in the average high-temperature, receding from November's 63.9°F (17.7°C) to a still refreshing 58.1°F (14.5°C). In December, Wilmington records an average nighttime temperature of 45.5°F (7.5°C).

Humidity

August, September and December, with an average relative humidity of 77%, are the most humid months.

Rainfall

In Wilmington, during December, the rain falls for 11.6 days and regularly aggregates up to 3.43" (87mm) of precipitation. In Wilmington, during the entire year, the rain falls for 182.5 days and collects up to 41.42" (1052mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

In Wilmington, snow does not fall in April through December.

Ocean temperature

In December, the average ocean temperature is 62.6°F (17°C).
Note: In water with a temperature of 62.6°F (17°C), most individuals do not find swimming enjoyable. As the temperature falls from 69.8°F (21°C) to 59°F (15°C), breathing control becomes more difficult.

Daylight

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 54min of daylight.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:00 am and sunset at 5:02 pm. On the last day of December, sunrise is at 7:17 am and sunset at 5:12 pm EST.

Sunshine

With an average of 5.5h of sunshine, December has the least sunshine of the year.

UV index

January, February and December, with an average maximum UV index of 3, are months with the lowest UV index. A UV Index of 3 to 5 symbolizes a medium health hazard from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for the average person.
Note: The maximum daily UV index of 3 in December converts into the following recommendations:
Adopt protective measures - Suggestions to resist sunburn are offered. Midday is the peak time for the Sun's radiation; stay in the shade and protect yourself. Outfit yourself in sun-safe attire, like long sleeves, pants, a hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Be attentive! The reflective property of snow can nearly double the Sun's UV radiation.
Updated: Feb 13, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What are December temperatures in Wilmington?

The average high-temperature, in December, in Wilmington, is 58.1°F (14.5°C), while the average low-temperature is 45.5°F (7.5°C). In September, the average heat index (a.k.a. 'apparent temperature', 'real feel'), which represents the influence of relative humidity on air temperature, is computed to be 87.8°F (31°C).

What is the most humid month in Wilmington?

August, September and December, with an average relative humidity of 77%, are most humid months in Wilmington.

What is the average humidity in December in Wilmington?

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

How much does it rain in Wilmington in December?

In December, the rain falls for 11.6 days. Throughout December, 3.43" (87mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When it does not snow in Wilmington?

In Wilmington, North Carolina, snow does not fall in April through December.

Does it snow in Wilmington in December?

In Wilmington, North Carolina, in December, it doesn't snow. In January, it regularly snows.

What is the ocean temperature in December in Wilmington?

In Wilmington, the average seawater temperature in December is 62.6°F (17°C). For most, swimming in 62.6°F (17°C) is not an enjoyable activity. Furthermore, controlling your breathing becomes progressively more difficult as the water temperature decreases from 69.8°F (21°C) to 59°F (15°C).

What is the month with the shortest days in Wilmington?

December has the shortest days of the year in Wilmington, with an average of 9h and 54min of daylight.

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

In Wilmington, the average day length in December is 9h and 55min.

When is the sunrise / sunset in December in Wilmington?

In December, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:00 am and sunset at 5:02 pm. On the last day of the month, in Wilmington, sunrise is at 7:17 am and sunset at 5:12 pm EST.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Wilmington?

December has the least sunshine of the year in Wilmington, North Carolina, with an average of 5.5h of sunshine.

How long on average sun shines in December in Wilmington?

The average sunshine duration in December in Wilmington is 5.5h.

When is the lowest UV index in Wilmington?

January, February and December, with an average maximum UV index of 3, are months with the lowest UV index.

What is the UV index reading in December in Wilmington?

In December, the average daily maximum UV index in Wilmington, North Carolina, is 3. A UV Index reading of 3 to 5 represents a medium health risk from unprotected exposure to UV radiation.
Average humidity
Average rainfall days
Average snowfall
Average snowfall days
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average sunshine days
Average UV index
Average cloud cover
Average visibility

Average temperature in December
Wilmington, NC

Average temperature in December - Wilmington, NC
  • Average high temperature in December: 58.1°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (87.6°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (54°F).

  • Average low temperature in December: 45.5°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (75.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (40.1°F).

Average pressure in December
Wilmington, NC

Average pressure in December - Wilmington, NC
  • Average pressure in December: 30.13"Hg

The months with the highest atmospheric pressure are January and December (30.13"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.97"Hg).

Average wind speed in December
Wilmington, NC

Average wind speed in December - Wilmington, NC
  • Average wind speed in December: 8.7mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (9.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (7mph).

Average humidity in December
Wilmington, NC

Average humidity in December - Wilmington, NC
  • Average humidity in December: 77%

The months with the highest relative humidity are August, September and December (77%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are January and March (73%).

Average rainfall in December
Wilmington, NC

Average rainfall in December - Wilmington, NC
  • Average rainfall in December: 3.43"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (5.59").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (1.93").

Average rainfall days in December
Wilmington, NC

Average rainfall days in December - Wilmington, NC
  • Average rainfall days in December: 11.6 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (22.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (10.6 days).

Average snowfall in December
Wilmington, NC

Average snowfall in December - Wilmington, NC
  • Average snowfall in December: 0"

The month with the highest snowfall is January (0.75").
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (0").

Average snowfall days in December
Wilmington, NC

Average snowfall days in December - Wilmington, NC
  • Average snowfall days in December: 0.1 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (0.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0 days).

Average sea temperature in December
Wilmington, NC

Average sea temperature in December - Wilmington, NC
  • Average sea temperature in December: 62.7°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (82.8°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (57.5°F).

Average daylight in December /
Average sunshine in December
Wilmington, NC

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

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 24min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 54min).

  • Average sunshine in December: 5h and 3min

The months with the most sunshine are June and July (Average sunshine: 10h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 30min).

Average sunshine days in December
Wilmington, NC

Average sunshine days in December - Wilmington, NC
  • Average sunshine days in December: 17.5 days

The month with the most sunshine days is October (18.1 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is August (6.3 days).

Average UV index in December
Wilmington, NC

Average UV index in December - Wilmington, NC
  • Average UV index in December: 3

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February and December (UV index 3).

Average cloud cover in December
Wilmington, NC

Average cloud cover in December - Wilmington, NC
  • Average cloud cover in December: 40

The months with the most cloud cover are February and December (Cloud cover 40).
The months with the least cloud cover are June and July (Cloud cover 27).

Average visibility in December
Wilmington, NC

Average visibility in December - Wilmington, 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).

Wilmington, North Carolina, USA

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