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

The somber town of Erie, Pennsylvania, from above on a cool and sunny day, with a clear view of the dark and calm water of Lake Erie in the back

Weather in December

December often transforms Erie into a winter wonderland, marking the onset of the cold season. It represents a considerable shift in weather from November, introducing the coldest part of the year. Amidst the holiday cheer, a frosty touch grips the city with chilly temperatures around 30.4°F (-0.9°C). Looking forward to January, the city steadies itself for even frostier conditions, with winter expected to reach its zenith. Despite the freezing weather, residents warm up to festive joys, celebrating Christmas and New Year's Eve in full gusto.

Temperature

Erie's progression into December involves a drop in the average high-temperature, receding from a chilly 45.9°F (7.7°C) in November to an icy 36.9°F (2.7°C). Erie documents a consistent average low-temperature of 30.4°F (-0.9°C) at night during December.

Humidity

In December, the average relative humidity in Erie is 83%.

Rainfall

In Erie, Pennsylvania, in December, it is raining for 4.5 days, with typically 0.51" (13mm) of accumulated precipitation. In Erie, Pennsylvania, during the entire year, the rain falls for 95.5 days and collects up to 7.17" (182mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

January through May, November and December are months with snowfall in Erie. In December, in Erie, it is snowing for 6.6 days. Throughout December, 0.31" (8mm) of snow is accumulated. Throughout the year, there are 28.4 snowfall days, and 1.85" (47mm) of snow is accumulated.

Ocean temperature

In December, the average ocean temperature is 41.9°F (5.5°C).
Note: Swimming at temperatures less than 50°F (10°C) in 41.9°F (5.5°C) is feasible with the right swimsuit; if not, expect cold shock and breathlessness. A quick swim at 55.4°F (13°C) without adequate warmth can be discomforting.

Daylight

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 12min of daylight.
On the first day of December, sunrise is at 7:29 am and sunset at 4:49 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:48 am and sunset at 4:58 pm EST.

Sunshine

In December, the average sunshine is 2.7h.

UV index

The months with the lowest UV index are January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1. A UV Index value of 2, and less, symbolizes a minimal health hazard from unprotected exposure to Sun's UV rays for the ordinary person.
Note: A maximum high UV index of 1 in December translates into the following recommendations:
Long-term sun exposure is typically not a concern for most. However, those with sensitive skin, infants, and children must always have protection. The Sun's most intense and consequently most harmful UV radiation during midday hours should be decreased by minimizing exposure and seeking shade. To cut down UV radiation exposure by about half, sport a wide-brim hat. Take warning! The intensity of the Sun's UV radiation can be nearly amplified twice due to snow reflection.

Updated: Jun 4, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

How cold is it in December?

The average high-temperature and low-temperature during December are 36.9°F (2.7°C) and 30.4°F (-0.9°C) respectively.

What is the average humidity in December?

In Erie, the average relative humidity in December is 83%.

How many days does it rain in December?

In Erie, during December, the rain falls for 4.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 0.51" (13mm) of precipitation.

How many days does it snow in December?

In Erie, during December, snow falls for 6.6 days and regularly aggregates up to 0.31" (8mm) of snow.

How cold is the water in December?

In December, the average ocean temperature is 41.9°F (5.5°C). At temperatures below 50°F (10°C), swimming in a suitably protected swimsuit is feasible; otherwise, cold shock and loss of breathing control are imminent. Even a short swim, without thermal protection, at temperatures around 55.4°F (13°C) is not comfortable.

What is the month with the shortest days?

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 12min of daylight.

How many hours of daylight does Erie have in December?

In December, the average day length is 9h and 10min.

When is the sunrise / sunset in December in Erie?

In December, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:29 am and sunset at 4:49 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:48 am and sunset at 4:58 pm EST.

How long on average sun shines in December?

In Erie, the average sunshine duration in December is 2.7h.

What are the months with the lowest UV index?

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

What is the UV index intensity in December?

In December, the average daily maximum UV index is 1. A UV Index of 2, and less, symbolizes a minimal hazard to health from unsafe exposure to Sun's UV rays.

Today

Tomorrow

Long-term

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

Nov

December

Jan

Average high temperature

45.9°F 7.7°C

36.9°F 2.7°C

29.8°F -1.2°C

Average low temperature

Average pressure

Average wind speed

Average max. wind speed

13.9mph 22.4km/h

14mph 22.5km/h

14.4mph 23.2km/h

Average wind speed gusts

Average humidity

Average rainfall

Average rainfall days

Average snowfall

Average snowfall days

3.5

6.6

7.8

Average sea temperature

Average daylight

Average sunshine

Average sunshine days

18.8

20.5

Average UV index

Average cloud cover

Average visibility

Average temperature in December
Erie, PA

Average high temperature in December: 36.9°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (74.8°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (29.8°F).

Average low temperature in December: 30.4°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (64.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (21.6°F).

Average pressure in December
Erie, PA

Average pressure in December: 30.07"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.1"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.93"Hg).

Average wind speed in December
Erie, PA

Average wind speed in December: 13.2mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (13.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (7.8mph).

Average humidity in December
Erie, PA

Average humidity in December: 83%

The month with the highest relative humidity is February (86%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are August, September, October and November (78%).

Average rainfall in December
Erie, PA

Average rainfall in December: 0.51"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is October (0.83").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (0.35").

Average rainfall days in December
Erie, PA

Average rainfall days in December: 4.5 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (11.7 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (4 days).

Average snowfall in December
Erie, PA

Average snowfall in December: 0.31"

The month with the highest snowfall is February (0.71").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August, September and October (0").

Average snowfall days in December
Erie, PA

Average snowfall days in December: 6.6 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (7.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

Average sea temperature in December
Erie, PA

Average sea temperature in December: 41.9°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (75.1°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (32.5°F).

Average daylight in December /
Average sunshine in December
Erie, PA

Average daylight in December: 9h and 1min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 12min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 12min).

Average sunshine in December: 2h and 4min

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 2h and 24min).

Average sunshine days in December
Erie, PA

Average sunshine days in December: 20 days

The month with the most sunshine days is March (21.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is August (16.3 days).

Average UV index in December
Erie, PA

Average UV index in December: 1

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

Average cloud cover in December
Erie, PA

Average cloud cover in December: 72

The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 76).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and August (Cloud cover 28).

Average visibility in December
Erie, PA

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).

December weather forecast
Erie, PA

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