December weather forecast
Portsmouth, VA

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Gold and brown trees and modern developed buildings in Downtown Portsmouth, Virginia
Gold and brown trees and modern developed buildings in Downtown Portsmouth, Virginia

Weather in December

Concluding the year in Portsmouth, December transforms the city into a winter wonderland. Winter's full onset is characterized by a general shift to shorter days and cold nights, with average temperatures dropping to their lowest: 51.4°F (10.8°C) and 40.5°F (4.7°C) respectively. Mild snowfall and rain adorn the city, leaving the occasional sparkle and gloss. Residents around the city start gearing up for the festivities, while the weather complements the holiday spirit. With December's arrival, Portsmouth transforms into a beautifully lit winter panorama, concluding the annual climate cycle.

Temperature

Portsmouth's December weather shows a modest shift in high-temperatures, falling from November's refreshing 58.3°F (14.6°C) to a fresh 51.4°F (10.8°C). Portsmouth, during the month of December, experiences an average low-temperature of 40.5°F (4.7°C).

Humidity

The average relative humidity in December is 77%.

Rainfall

In Portsmouth, in December, it is raining for 10.8 days, with typically 1.46" (37mm) of accumulated precipitation. In Portsmouth, during the entire year, the rain falls for 151.9 days and collects up to 20.35" (517mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

Months with snowfall in Portsmouth are January through March, November and December. In Portsmouth, in December, during 0.9 snowfall days, 0.24" (6mm) of snow is typically accumulated. Throughout the year, in Portsmouth, there are 5.3 snowfall days, and 1.18" (30mm) of snow is accumulated.

Ocean temperature

In December, the average ocean temperature is 52.7°F (11.5°C).
Note: With the appropriate swimsuit, one can swim in 52.7°F (11.5°C) even if temperatures dip below 50°F (10°C); otherwise, be ready for cold shock and breath issues. A fleeting swim around 55.4°F (13°C) is distressing.

Daylight

With an average of 9h and 42min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 6:59 am and sunset at 4:49 pm. On the last day of December, sunrise is at 7:17 am and sunset at 4:59 pm EST.

Sunshine

In Portsmouth, the average sunshine in December is 5.5h.

UV index

In December, the average daily maximum UV index in Portsmouth is 3. A UV Index of 3 to 5 symbolizes a medium health hazard from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for ordinary individuals.
Note: In December, the UV index of 3 transforms into the following advice:
Exercise prevention - Warding off sunburn is urged. When the Sun is at its strongest around midday, find shade and limit exposure. Sun protection is enhanced with clothing that boasts a tight weave yet offers a loose fit. Be advised! The UV radiation from the Sun can be almost doubled due to the reflective properties of snow.
Updated: Aug 26, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the usual temperature for Portsmouth in December?

December temperatures vary between a high-temperature of 51.4°F (10.8°C) and a low-temperature of 40.5°F (4.7°C). In August, the average heat index (a.k.a. 'real feel', 'felt air temperature'), which combines relative humidity and air temperature, is calculated to be 93.2°F (34°C).

What is the average humidity in December?

In December, the average relative humidity is 77%.

How much does it rain in December?

In Portsmouth, in December, it is raining for 10.8 days, with typically 1.46" (37mm) of accumulated precipitation.

How many days does it snow in December?

In December, it is snowing for 0.9 days. Throughout December, 0.24" (6mm) of snow is accumulated.

How cold is the water in December?

In Portsmouth, in December, the average water temperature is 52.7°F (11.5°C). Swimming in 52.7°F (11.5°C) is considered dangerous. Unprotected immersion in temperatures below 50°F (10°C) causes quickly maximum intensity cold shock with hyperventilation.

What is the month with the shortest days?

With an average of 9h and 42min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Portsmouth, Virginia.

How many hours of daylight does Portsmouth have in December?

The average day length in December is 9h and 41min.

When is the sunrise / sunset in December?

On the first day of December, sunrise is at 6:59 am and sunset at 4:49 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:17 am and sunset at 4:59 pm EST.

How long on average sun shines in December?

In December, the average sunshine duration is 5.5h.

What is the UV index reading in December?

The average daily maximum UV index in December is 3. A UV Index value of 3 to 5 symbolizes a moderate vulnerability from 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
Portsmouth, VA

Average temperature in December - Portsmouth, VA
  • Average high temperature in December: 51.4°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (86.4°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (45.9°F).

  • Average low temperature in December: 40.5°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (73.6°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (34.7°F).

Average pressure in December
Portsmouth, VA

Average pressure in December - Portsmouth, VA
  • Average pressure in December: 30.12"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.13"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.96"Hg).

Average wind speed in December
Portsmouth, VA

Average wind speed in December - Portsmouth, VA
  • Average wind speed in December: 9.1mph

The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are March and April (10.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (7.5mph).

Average humidity in December
Portsmouth, VA

Average humidity in December - Portsmouth, VA
  • Average humidity in December: 77%

The month with the highest relative humidity is May (78%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are July and November (74%).

Average rainfall in December
Portsmouth, VA

Average rainfall in December - Portsmouth, VA
  • Average rainfall in December: 1.46"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (2.52").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is November (1.1").

Average rainfall days in December
Portsmouth, VA

Average rainfall days in December - Portsmouth, VA
  • Average rainfall days in December: 10.8 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (17.4 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (8.3 days).

Average snowfall in December
Portsmouth, VA

Average snowfall in December - Portsmouth, VA
  • Average snowfall in December: 0.24"

The month with the highest snowfall is January (0.47").
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0").

Average snowfall days in December
Portsmouth, VA

Average snowfall days in December - Portsmouth, VA
  • Average snowfall days in December: 0.9 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (2.2 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

Average sea temperature in December
Portsmouth, VA

Average sea temperature in December - Portsmouth, VA
  • Average sea temperature in December: 52.7°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (80°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (44.5°F).

Average daylight in December /
Average sunshine in December
Portsmouth, VA

Average daylight in December / Average sunshine in December - Portsmouth, VA
  • Average daylight in December: 9h and 4min

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 42min).

  • Average sunshine in December: 5h and 3min

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 54min).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 5h and 24min).

Average sunshine days in December
Portsmouth, VA

Average sunshine days in December - Portsmouth, VA
  • Average sunshine days in December: 19.1 days

The month with the most sunshine days is October (19.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is August (10.8 days).

Average UV index in December
Portsmouth, VA

Average UV index in December - Portsmouth, VA
  • Average UV index in December: 3

The months with the highest UV index are July and August (UV index 7).
The month with the lowest UV index is January (UV index 2).

Average cloud cover in December
Portsmouth, VA

Average cloud cover in December - Portsmouth, VA
  • Average cloud cover in December: 41

The month with the most cloud cover is March (Cloud cover 44).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 26).

Average visibility in December
Portsmouth, VA

Average visibility in December - Portsmouth, VA
  • 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).

Portsmouth, Virginia, USA

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