December weather - Winter 2024

Weather in December
Frequently asked questions
Average temperature in December
Average pressure in December
Average wind speed in December
Average humidity in December
Average rainfall in December
Average rainfall days in December
Average snowfall in December
Average snowfall days in December
Average sea temperature in December
Average daylight in December
Average sunshine in December
Average sunshine days in December
Average UV index in December
Average cloud cover in December
Average visibility in December

A winter day in Kotzebue Village, Alaska - the sunlit buildings and snow-peaked mountains afar

Weather in December

December caps the year in Kotzebue with the return of maximum snowfall days at 12.6 and an accumulation total of 2.8" (71mm). Together with considerably shorter periods of daylight and a corresponding decrease in temperature, it endorses the full arrival of a long-lasting winter season. Bundling up in heavy winter gear becomes common, with the chilly weather dissuading most outdoor activities. As the year draws to an end, residents anticipate another cycle of weather phenomena, reflective of the resilient spirit of Kotzebue.

Temperature

The advent of December brings a slight shift in average high-temperature, moving from a subzero cold 17.2°F (-8.2°C) in November to an extremely cold 9.5°F (-12.5°C). Kotzebue records a slight downturn in temperature to an average of 3°F (-16.1°C) during December nights.

Humidity

The average relative humidity in December is 89%.

Rainfall

In Kotzebue, in December, it is raining for 2.3 days, with typically 0.79" (20mm) of accumulated precipitation. Throughout the year, there are 83.3 rainfall days, and 11.85" (301mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Snowfall

January through May, September through December are months with snowfall. In December, in Kotzebue, it is snowing for 12.6 days. Throughout December, 2.8" (71mm) of snow is accumulated. Throughout the year, there are 86.9 snowfall days, and 21.46" (545mm) of snow is accumulated.

Ocean temperature

December is the month with the coldest seawater, with an average ocean temperature of 29.3°F (-1.5°C).
Note: In swimming scenarios, this situation is extremely cold, fraught with danger, and poses a significant life risk. Absent insulated waterproof clothing, hypothermia strikes quickly.

Daylight

In December, the average length of the day is 2h and 14min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 11:59 am and sunset at 3:20 pm. On the last day of December, sunrise is at 12:43 pm and sunset at 3:03 pm AKST.

Sunshine

In Kotzebue, the average sunshine in December is 1h.

UV index

The months with the lowest UV index are February, April, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1. A UV Index estimate of 2, and below, represents a low threat to health from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for the ordinary person.
Note: A maximum high daily UV index of 1 during December translates into the following directions:
Although prolonged sun exposure does not typically bother most people, children, babies, and those with sensitive skin should always have protection. Midday Sun has the strongest UV rays, making it crucial to limit exposure and find shade. Always opt for UVA and UVB-resistant sunglasses on radiant days. Mind this! Nearly twice the UV radiation from the Sun can be reflected by the snow.

Updated: Jun 3, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

How cold is it in December?

In December, in Kotzebue, the average high-temperature is 9.5°F (-12.5°C), and the average low-temperature is 3°F (-16.1°C).

What is the average humidity in December?

In December, the average relative humidity is 89%.

How much does it rain in December?

In December, the rain falls for 2.3 days. Throughout December, 0.79" (20mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

How many days does it snow in December?

In Kotzebue, during December, snow falls for 12.6 days and regularly aggregates up to 2.8" (71mm) of snow.

When is the ocean coldest?

With an average ocean temperature of 29.3°F (-1.5°C), December is the month with the coldest seawater.

What is the water temperature in December?

In Kotzebue, in December, the average water temperature is 29.3°F (-1.5°C). For swimming, this is considered extremely cold, dangerous, and life-threatening. Unless suitably protected with insulated waterproof clothing, hypothermia quickly occurs.

How many hours of daylight does Kotzebue have in December?

The average day length in December is 2h and 14min.

When are sunrise and sunset in December?

In December, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 11:59 am and sunset at 3:20 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 12:43 pm and sunset at 3:03 pm AKST.

How many hours of sunshine does Kotzebue have in December?

In December, the average sunshine duration is 1h.

When is the lowest UV index?

The months with the lowest UV index are February, April, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1.

What is the UV index reading in December?

In Kotzebue, Alaska, the average daily maximum UV index in December is 1. A UV Index reading of 2, and below, represents a low health threat from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation.

Today

Tomorrow

Long-term

Year J F M A M J J A S O N December

Nov

December

Jan

Average high temperature

17.2°F -8.2°C

9.5°F -12.5°C

6.3°F -14.3°C

Average low temperature

Average pressure

Average wind speed

Average max. wind speed

12.5mph 20.1km/h

11.9mph 19.2km/h

11.8mph 19km/h

Average wind speed gusts

Average humidity

Average rainfall

Average rainfall days

Average snowfall

Average snowfall days

10.9

12.6

10.3

Average sea temperature

Average daylight

Average sunshine

Average sunshine days

16.7

16.4

19.7

Average UV index

Average cloud cover

Average visibility

Average temperature in December
Kotzebue, AK

Average high temperature in December: 9.5°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (54.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (6.3°F).

Average low temperature in December: 3°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (48.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (-1.1°F).

Average pressure in December
Kotzebue, AK

Average pressure in December: 29.82"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is March (29.96"Hg).
The months with the lowest atmospheric pressure are September and October (29.77"Hg).

Average wind speed in December
Kotzebue, AK

Average wind speed in December: 11.2mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is October (13.3mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is May (7.9mph).

Average humidity in December
Kotzebue, AK

Average humidity in December: 89%

The months with the highest relative humidity are February and March (90%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is June (74%).

Average rainfall in December
Kotzebue, AK

Average rainfall in December: 0.79"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (1.85").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is June (0.47").

Average rainfall days in December
Kotzebue, AK

Average rainfall days in December: 2.3 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (15.2 days).
The months with the least rainy days are January and December (2.3 days).

Average snowfall in December
Kotzebue, AK

Average snowfall in December: 2.8"

The month with the highest snowfall is March (3.98").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July and August (0").

Average snowfall days in December
Kotzebue, AK

Average snowfall days in December: 12.6 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (12.6 days).
The month with the least snowfall days is July (0 days).

Average sea temperature in December
Kotzebue, AK

Average sea temperature in December: 29.4°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (54.2°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is December (29.4°F).

Average daylight in December /
Average sunshine in December
Kotzebue, AK

Average daylight in December: 2h and 1min

The month with the longest days is May (Average daylight: 20h and 0min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 0h and 48min).

Average sunshine in December: 1h and 0min

The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 7h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 0h and 36min).

Average sunshine days in December
Kotzebue, AK

Average sunshine days in December: 16.4 days

The month with the most sunshine days is June (20.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is August (13 days).

Average UV index in December
Kotzebue, AK

Average UV index in December: 1

The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 3).
The months with the lowest UV index are February, April, November and December (UV index 1).

Average cloud cover in December
Kotzebue, AK

Average cloud cover in December: 58

The month with the most cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 63).
The month with the least cloud cover is June (Cloud cover 39).

Average visibility in December
Kotzebue, AK

Average visibility in December: 5mi

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

December weather forecast
Kotzebue, AK

Contents