Rounding off the year,
Santo Domingo embraces the coolness that
December brings forth. The city winds down from its year-long tropical vigor, slipping into a relatively mild, dryer and cooler environment. December's weather signifies a full cycle completion, with low temperatures reaching a cool 20.3°C (68.5°F). A steady decline in rainfall, drop in temperatures, and reduced daylight hours announce the arrival of the cooler dry season. As Santo Domingo celebrates the festive season, the weather permits a pleasant and enjoyable end to the year.
Temperature
Santo Domingo experiences an average high-temperature of a warm 29.6°C (85.3°F) with the onset of December, subtly varied from
November's 30.6°C (87.1°F). An average low-temperature of 20.3°C (68.5°F) is anticipated throughout the nights in Santo Domingo during December.
Heat index
The heat index for December is computed to be a torrid 37°C (98.6°F). Greater safety measures are needed, risk of heat exhaustion and heat cramps is high. Continuous activity might trigger heatstroke.
Take note of the fact that heat index values are based on shaded circumstances with light airflows. Exposure to direct sunlight may make the heat index values climb by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'apparent temperature' or 'real feel', measures the perceived warmth when incorporating the humidity present in the air. One's perception of weather can be shaped by other factors, involving metabolic differences, pregnancy, and physical exertion. Should you be directly under the sun, anticipate a possible increase in the heat index by up to 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values are of high significance for children. Children usually face more risks than adults as their ability to sweat is less. Additionally, their larger skin surface in relation to their petite bodies and higher heat output due to their activities increases their vulnerability.
The body's natural response to excessive warmth is perspiration, as it allows for cooling through sweat evaporation. Excessive relative humidity disturbs the body's typical cooling process by reducing evaporation, leading to a decrease in body cooling rate and an increase in the sensation of warmth. If heat absorption isn't effectively countered by the body's cooling methods, body temperature surges, hinting at potential problems.
Humidity
In Santo Domingo, the average relative humidity in December is 83.3%.
Rainfall
In Santo Domingo, in December, it is raining for 9 days, with typically 84mm (3.31") of accumulated precipitation. Throughout the year, there are 115.4 rainfall days, and 1447mm (56.97") of precipitation is accumulated.
Sea temperature
In Santo Domingo, the average seawater temperature in December is 27.8°C (82°F).
Note: Water temperatures ranging between 25°C (77°F) and 29°C (84.2°F) are regarded as very warm, making swimming, diving, and similar water activities pleasurable for extended periods.
Daylight
The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 11h and 0min of daylight.
On the first day of December, sunrise is at 06:56 and sunset at 18:01. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 07:11 and sunset at 18:14 AST.
Sunshine
January and December, with an average of 5.7h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine in Santo Domingo.
UV index
The month with the lowest UV index is December, with an average maximum UV index of 7. A UV Index value of 6 to 7 symbolizes a high health vulnerability from exposure to the Sun's UV rays for average individuals.
Note: The maximum UV index, 7 during December, leads to the following recommendations:
Elude overexposure. Fair-skinned people could get burnt in less than 20 minutes. Attempt to stay under shade and limit exposure to the Sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV radiation is at its peak. Remember, devices such as parasols or canopies might not provide complete sun protection. Loose clothes with a tight weave are optimal for safeguarding yourself against the Sun's rays. Warning! The reflection of sand and water increases the UV dose.