December weather forecast
Chicago, IL

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The city of Chicago in Illinois on the shores of Lake Michigan, with a superb view of the sandy beach of Oak Street
The city of Chicago in Illinois on the shores of Lake Michigan, with a superb view of the sandy beach of Oak Street

Weather in December

December in Chicago sees the full arrival of winter, and the annual traditions begin with festive decorations adorning the city. A marked drop in temperature from November is clear, promise of snowfall brings a holiday feel to the city landscape. The coldest month of the year, December is suited for snow lovers, with an average of 2.52" (64mm) falling over 7.5 days. Despite chilly temperatures, the vibrant holiday spirit encapsulates the season, rounding off the year on a festive note.

Temperature

December's arrival in Chicago coincides with a drop in the average high-temperature, decreasing from November's chilly 46°F (7.8°C) to a wintry 35.8°F (2.1°C). During December's nights, Chicago notes a minor temperature decline, reaching an average of 27.9°F (-2.3°C).

Humidity

In Chicago, Illinois, the average relative humidity in December is 80%.

Rainfall

The month with the least rainfall in Chicago is December, when the rain falls for 8.8 days and typically collects 1.65" (42mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

January through May, November and December are months with snowfall. In Chicago, Illinois, in December, during 7.5 snowfall days, 2.52" (64mm) of snow is typically accumulated. In Chicago, Illinois, during the entire year, snow falls for 40.9 days and aggregates up to 13.9" (353mm) of snow.

Ocean temperature

In Chicago, the average seawater temperature in December is 42.4°F (5.8°C).
Note: Swimming in 42.4°F (5.8°C) feels unbearing at 55.4°F (13°C) and can be life-risking below 50°F (10°C), causing breathing issues and cold shock, depending on a person's capacity.

Daylight

The month with the shortest days in Chicago is December, with an average of 9h and 12min of daylight.
On the first day of December in Chicago, sunrise is at 6:59 am and sunset at 4:20 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:18 am and sunset at 4:29 pm CST.

Sunshine

In Chicago, the average sunshine in December is 4h.

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 minimal health hazard from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for the average person.
Note: In December, a daily maximum UV index of 1 leads to the following instructions:
While extended sun exposure does not significantly affect most people, those with sensitive skin, children, and infants should always be protected. Avoiding the Sun's peak radiation during midday hours is essential for health and safety. Sunglasses providing both UVA and UVB protection are non-negotiable on sunlit days. Remember to consider! The UV radiation from the Sun can be intensified nearly twice by the reflection of snow.
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Frequently asked questions

How cold is December in Chicago?

The average high-temperature, in December, in Chicago, is 35.8°F (2.1°C), while the average low-temperature is 27.9°F (-2.3°C).

What is the average humidity in December in Chicago?

The average relative humidity in December is 80%.

What is the driest month in Chicago?

The month with the least rainfall is December, when the rain falls for 8.8 days and typically collects 1.65" (42mm) of precipitation.

How many days does it rain in December in Chicago?

In December, the rain falls for 8.8 days. Throughout December, 1.65" (42mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

How much does it snow in Chicago in December?

In Chicago, in December, snow falls for 7.5 days, with typically accumulated 2.52" (64mm) of snow.

What is the water temperature in December in Chicago?

In Chicago, the average seawater temperature in December is 42.4°F (5.8°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 in Chicago?

December has the shortest days of the year in Chicago, Illinois, with an average of 9h and 12min of daylight.

How many hours of daylight does Chicago have in December?

In December, the average day length is 9h and 11min.

When is the sunrise / sunset in December in Chicago?

On the first day of December in Chicago, Illinois, sunrise is at 6:59 am and sunset at 4:20 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:18 am and sunset at 4:29 pm CST.

How many hours of sunshine does Chicago have in December?

The average sunshine duration in December is 4h.

What are the months with the lowest UV index in Chicago?

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

What is the UV index intensity in December in Chicago?

In Chicago, Illinois, the average daily maximum UV index in December is 1. A UV Index estimate of 2, and below, represents a minimal hazard to health 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
Chicago, IL

Average temperature in December - Chicago, IL
  • Average high temperature in December: 35.8°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (77.5°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (29.7°F).

  • Average low temperature in December: 27.9°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (67.8°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (20.7°F).

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Average pressure in December
Chicago, IL

Average pressure in December - Chicago, IL
  • Average pressure in December: 30.09"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.11"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.92"Hg).

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Average wind speed in December
Chicago, IL

Average wind speed in December - Chicago, IL
  • Average wind speed in December: 11.7mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (12.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (7.7mph).

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Average humidity in December
Chicago, IL

Average humidity in December - Chicago, IL
  • Average humidity in December: 80%

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (82%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (73%).

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Average rainfall in December
Chicago, IL

Average rainfall in December - Chicago, IL
  • Average rainfall in December: 1.65"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (4.88").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is December (1.65").

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Average rainfall days in December
Chicago, IL

Average rainfall days in December - Chicago, IL
  • Average rainfall days in December: 8.8 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (18.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (5.5 days).

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Average snowfall in December
Chicago, IL

Average snowfall in December - Chicago, IL
  • Average snowfall in December: 2.52"

The month with the highest snowfall is February (3.54").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August, September and October (0").

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Average snowfall days in December
Chicago, IL

Average snowfall days in December - Chicago, IL
  • Average snowfall days in December: 7.5 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (10.6 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

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Average sea temperature in December
Chicago, IL

Average sea temperature in December - Chicago, IL
  • Average sea temperature in December: 42.4°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (73.9°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (36.9°F).

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Average daylight in December /
Average sunshine in December
Chicago, IL

Average daylight in December / Average sunshine in December - Chicago, IL
  • 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: 4h and 0min

The months with the most sunshine are July and August (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 42min).

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Average sunshine days in December
Chicago, IL

Average sunshine days in December - Chicago, IL
  • Average sunshine days in December: 15.5 days

The month with the most sunshine days is December (15.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (9.3 days).

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Average UV index in December
Chicago, IL

Average UV index in December - Chicago, IL
  • Average UV index in December: 1

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

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Average cloud cover in December
Chicago, IL

Average cloud cover in December - Chicago, IL
  • Average cloud cover in December: 58

The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 62).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and August (Cloud cover 27).

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Average visibility in December
Chicago, IL

Average visibility in December - Chicago, IL
  • 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).

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Chicago, Illinois, USA

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