December weather forecast
Harrisburg, SD

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Weather in December

December heralds the arrival of a full-fledged winter in Harrisburg. The crisp frosty weather is accompanied by the return of significant snowfall, adding a festive spirit to the city. Amongst the winter months, December stands out with the highest amount of snowfall, recording a noteworthy 3.31" (84mm). Despite the diminished daylight hours, the evident winter wonderland is a sight to behold.

Temperature

In Harrisburg, stepping into December signifies a significant temperature decrement, moving down from November's chilly 43.7°F (6.5°C) to a freezing cold 28°F (-2.2°C). December nights are marked by an average low-temperature of 16.2°F (-8.8°C).

Humidity

The average relative humidity in December is 84%.

Rainfall

In Harrisburg, during December, the rain falls for 4 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.06" (27mm) of precipitation. Throughout the year, in Harrisburg, there are 119.2 rainfall days, and 21.73" (552mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Snowfall

Months with snowfall are January through May, October through December. In Harrisburg, during December, snow falls for 9.9 days and regularly aggregates up to 3.31" (84mm) of snow. In Harrisburg, during the entire year, snow falls for 40.5 days and aggregates up to 16.77" (426mm) of snow.

Daylight

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 0min of daylight.
On the first day of December, sunrise is at 7:40 am and sunset at 4:51 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:59 am and sunset at 5:00 pm CST.

Sunshine

In Harrisburg, the average sunshine in December is 4.5h.

UV index

January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index. A UV Index estimate of 2, and below, represents a minimal health vulnerability from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for ordinary individuals.
Note: An average maximum UV index of 2 in December leads to these recommendations:
Prolonged sun exposure should always be prevented in babies, children, and those with sensitive skin. Avoid the Sun's strongest UV rays by seeking shade and limiting exposure during midday. Prioritize a wide-brim hat for comprehensive sun defense for your face, neck, eyes, and ears. Take precaution! The reflection from snow can almost double the UV radiation of the Sun.
Updated: Aug 15, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

How cold is it in December?

In Harrisburg, in December, the average high-temperature is 28°F (-2.2°C), and the average low-temperature is 16.2°F (-8.8°C). The average heat index (a.k.a. 'apparent temperature', 'feels like'), which represents the influence of relative humidity on air temperature, in August is appraised at 86°F (30°C).

What is the average humidity in December?

In December, the average relative humidity in Harrisburg is 84%.

How many days does it rain in December?

In December, the rain falls for 4 days. Throughout December, 1.06" (27mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

How many days does it snow in December?

In Harrisburg, during December, snow falls for 9.9 days and regularly aggregates up to 3.31" (84mm) of snow.

What is the month with the shortest days?

With an average of 9h and 0min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.

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

The average day length in December is 9h and 1min.

When is the sunrise / sunset in December in Harrisburg?

On the first day of December, sunrise is at 7:40 am and sunset at 4:51 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:59 am and sunset at 5:00 pm CST.

How long on average sun shines in December?

The average sunshine duration in December is 4.5h.

When is the lowest UV index?

The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.

How high is the UV index in December?

In Harrisburg, the average daily maximum UV index in December is 2. A UV Index of 2, and less, symbolizes a low health threat from unprotected exposure to 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
Harrisburg, SD

Average temperature in December - Harrisburg, SD
  • Average high temperature in December: 28°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (82.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (24.1°F).

  • Average low temperature in December: 16.2°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (63.3°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (10.6°F).

Average pressure in December
Harrisburg, SD

Average pressure in December - Harrisburg, SD
  • Average pressure in December: 30.13"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.86"Hg).

Average wind speed in December
Harrisburg, SD

Average wind speed in December - Harrisburg, SD
  • Average wind speed in December: 9.9mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (11.2mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (7.8mph).

Average humidity in December
Harrisburg, SD

Average humidity in December - Harrisburg, SD
  • Average humidity in December: 84%

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (87%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (66%).

Average rainfall in December
Harrisburg, SD

Average rainfall in December - Harrisburg, SD
  • Average rainfall in December: 1.06"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (3.35").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are January, February and November (0.67").

Average rainfall days in December
Harrisburg, SD

Average rainfall days in December - Harrisburg, SD
  • Average rainfall days in December: 4 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (17.7 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (3.3 days).

Average snowfall in December
Harrisburg, SD

Average snowfall in December - Harrisburg, SD
  • Average snowfall in December: 3.31"

The month with the highest snowfall is February (3.54").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days in December
Harrisburg, SD

Average snowfall days in December - Harrisburg, SD
  • Average snowfall days in December: 9.9 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (9.9 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight in December /
Average sunshine in December
Harrisburg, SD

Average daylight in December / Average sunshine in December - Harrisburg, SD
  • Average daylight in December: 9h and 0min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 24min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 0min).

  • Average sunshine in December: 4h and 3min

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 42min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 4h and 6min).

Average sunshine days in December
Harrisburg, SD

Average sunshine days in December - Harrisburg, SD
  • Average sunshine days in December: 19.5 days

The month with the most sunshine days is November (21 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (10.2 days).

Average UV index in December
Harrisburg, SD

Average UV index in December - Harrisburg, SD
  • Average UV index in December: 2

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

Average cloud cover in December
Harrisburg, SD

Average cloud cover in December - Harrisburg, SD
  • Average cloud cover in December: 51

The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 54).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 26).

Average visibility in December
Harrisburg, SD

Average visibility in December - Harrisburg, SD
  • 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).

Harrisburg, South Dakota, USA

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