December weather forecast
Salem, SD

Share

Weather in December

The first month of the winter, December, is still a freezing cold month in Salem, South Dakota, with an average temperature fluctuating between 27.5°F (-2.5°C) and 15.4°F (-9.2°C).

Temperature

As December arrives, Salem's weather displays a notable decrease in high-temperatures, falling from November's frosty 43°F (6.1°C) to a freezing cold 27.5°F (-2.5°C). Salem experiences a nighttime temperature average of 15.4°F (-9.2°C) during December.

Humidity

In December, the average relative humidity is 85%.

Rainfall

In Salem, during December, the rain falls for 3.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.06" (27mm) of precipitation. In Salem, during the entire year, the rain falls for 118.3 days and collects up to 22.76" (578mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

Months with snowfall are January through May, October through December. December is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 10.1 days and accumulates 4.21" (107mm) of snow.

Daylight

With an average of 9h and 0min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:44 am and sunset at 4:53 pm. On the last day of December, sunrise is at 8:03 am and sunset at 5:02 pm CST.

Sunshine

In December, the average sunshine is 4.3h.

UV index

The months with the lowest UV index are January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1. A UV Index of 2, and less, symbolizes a low health risk from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for the ordinary person.
Note: The UV index of 1 during December translates into the following guidance:
While extended sun exposure does not significantly affect most people, those with sensitive skin, children, and infants should always be protected. Considering the Sun's intensity during midday, it's wise to minimize direct exposure. Wearing sunglasses with both UVA and UVB protection effectively reduces sun-induced eye damage. Note well! The intensity of the Sun's UV rays can be nearly doubled by snow reflection.
Updated: Aug 22, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

How cold is it in December?

In December, in Salem, the average high-temperature is 27.5°F (-2.5°C), and the average low-temperature is 15.4°F (-9.2°C). In August, the average heat index (a.k.a. 'real feel', 'apparent temperature'), which combines relative humidity and air temperature, is evaluated at 86°F (30°C).

What is the average humidity in December?

In December, the average relative humidity is 85%.

How many days does it rain in December?

In December, in Salem, the rain falls for 3.5 days. Throughout December, 1.06" (27mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow the most?

December is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 10.1 days and accumulates 4.21" (107mm) of snow.

How many days does it snow in December?

In Salem, during December, snow falls for 10.1 days and regularly aggregates up to 4.21" (107mm) 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.

How many hours of daylight does Salem have in December?

In Salem, the average day length in December is 8h and 59min.

When are sunrise and sunset in December in Salem?

On the first day of December, sunrise is at 7:44 am and sunset at 4:53 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 8:03 am and sunset at 5:02 pm CST.

How many hours of sunshine does Salem have in December?

The average sunshine duration in December is 4.3h.

What is the month with the lowest UV index?

January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index.

What is the UV index reading in December?

In Salem, the average daily maximum UV index in December is 1. A UV Index value of 2, and less, symbolizes a minimal health vulnerability 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
Salem, SD

Average temperature in December - Salem, SD
  • Average high temperature in December: 27.5°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (82.6°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (22.8°F).

  • Average low temperature in December: 15.4°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (63.1°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (9.3°F).

Average pressure in December
Salem, SD

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

The months with the highest atmospheric pressure are January and February (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.85"Hg).

Average wind speed in December
Salem, SD

Average wind speed in December - Salem, SD
  • Average wind speed in December: 10.3mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (11.4mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (8.1mph).

Average humidity in December
Salem, SD

Average humidity in December - Salem, SD
  • Average humidity in December: 85%

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (88%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (67%).

Average rainfall in December
Salem, SD

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

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (3.62").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is February (0.63").

Average rainfall days in December
Salem, SD

Average rainfall days in December - Salem, SD
  • Average rainfall days in December: 3.5 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (18.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (2.6 days).

Average snowfall in December
Salem, SD

Average snowfall in December - Salem, SD
  • Average snowfall in December: 4.21"

The month with the highest snowfall is December (4.21").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days in December
Salem, SD

Average snowfall days in December - Salem, SD
  • Average snowfall days in December: 10.1 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (10.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

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

Average daylight in December / Average sunshine in December - Salem, 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 2min

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 0min).

Average sunshine days in December
Salem, SD

Average sunshine days in December - Salem, SD
  • Average sunshine days in December: 20.2 days

The month with the most sunshine days is November (21.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (9.2 days).

Average UV index in December
Salem, SD

Average UV index in December - Salem, SD
  • Average UV index in December: 1

The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 1).

Average cloud cover in December
Salem, SD

Average cloud cover in December - Salem, SD
  • Average cloud cover in December: 54

The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 57).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 27).

Average visibility in December
Salem, SD

Average visibility in December - Salem, SD
  • Average visibility in December: 6mi

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

Salem, South Dakota, USA

Weather forecast for your location

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