December weather forecast
North Dakota, USA

December marks the official beginning of winter in North Dakota, and it is characterized by a significant drop in temperature, shorter days, and the widespread occurrence of snow. Minimum temperatures typically plummet to 5°F (-15°C) to 15°F (-9.4°C), while maximum temperatures hover between 25°F (-3.9°C) to 35°F (1.7°C).

Across the state, the weather becomes more uniform, with the western and eastern regions alike experiencing frigid temperatures and snowfall. The Great Plains and the Red River Valley are often blanketed in snow, setting a picturesque winter scene. Snowfall becomes a prominent form of precipitation, with an average of 51" (1295mm) for the year, contributing to the persistent winter snowpack.

Comparing December to November, temperatures continue to decline, and the days become even shorter. The arrival of Arctic air masses from the north sweeps across the Great Plains with little resistance, plunging the entire state into a deep freeze. This is a month of preparation for the coldest period of the year, and residents and visitors alike must adapt to the winter conditions.

December's weather in North Dakota is synonymous with winter's embrace, and it sets the stage for various winter activities and traditions. From ice fishing on the frozen lakes to skiing in the picturesque Badlands, December provides ample opportunity for winter enthusiasts to enjoy the outdoors. The festive season adds to the charm, with twinkling lights and holiday decorations adorning the cities and towns. North Dakota's December weather is a profound testament to the state's resilience, beauty, and winter wonder, offering a unique and enchanting experience for those willing to brave the cold.

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• Fargo - December »
  The month with the most snowfall in Fargo is December, when snow falls for 13.5 days and typically aggregates up to 4.09" (104mm) of snow. In Fargo, North Dakota, during December, the rain falls for 3.4 days and regularly aggregates up to 0.83" (21mm) of precipitation.
• Bismarck - December »
  In Bismarck, in December, during 15.7 snowfall days, 3.98" (101mm) of snow is typically accumulated. In Bismarck, during December, the rain falls for 3.6 days and regularly aggregates up to 0.75" (19mm) of precipitation.
• Grand Forks - December »
  The month with the most snowfall in Grand Forks is December, when snow falls for 11.7 days and typically aggregates up to 2.8" (71mm) of snow. In December, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the rain falls for 1.8 days.
• Minot - December »
  The month with the shortest days in Minot is December, with an average of 8h and 24min of daylight. In Minot, during December, snow falls for 11.2 days and regularly aggregates up to 2.72" (69mm) of snow.
• West Fargo - December »
  In West Fargo, North Dakota, during December, the rain falls for 3.4 days and regularly aggregates up to 0.83" (21mm) of precipitation. The arrival of December in West Fargo brings a distinct temperature shift, with the average high-temperature dropping from a cold 37.8°F (3.2°C) in November to a subzero cold 20.7°F (-6.3°C).
• Williston - December »
  The month with the least rainfall in Williston is December, when the rain falls for 2.5 days and typically collects 0.35" (9mm) of precipitation. In Williston in December, during 9 snowfall days, 1.93" (49mm) of snow is typically accumulated.
• Dickinson - December »
  In Dickinson, in December, snow falls for 10.5 days, with typically accumulated 2.64" (67mm) of snow. In Dickinson, in December, during 10.5 snowfall days, 2.64" (67mm) of snow is typically accumulated.
• Mandan - December »
  In December, in Mandan, North Dakota, the rain falls for 2.9 days. In Mandan, in December, it is raining for 2.9 days, with typically 0.63" (16mm) of accumulated precipitation.
• Jamestown - December »
  In Jamestown in December, it is raining for 2.3 days, with typically 0.87" (22mm) of accumulated precipitation. In Jamestown, during December, snow falls for 13.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 4.69" (119mm) of snow.
• Wahpeton - December »
  In Wahpeton during December, the rain falls for 3.7 days and regularly aggregates up to 0.87" (22mm) of precipitation. In Wahpeton during December, the rain falls for 3.7 days and regularly aggregates up to 0.87" (22mm) of precipitation.
• Devils Lake - December »
  In Devils Lake during December, snow falls for 15.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 3.9" (99mm) of snow. In December, in Devils Lake the rain falls for 2.1 days.
• Valley City - December »
  In Valley City during December, snow falls for 13.9 days and regularly aggregates up to 3.11" (79mm) of snow. The month with the most snowfall in Valley City is December, when snow falls for 13.9 days and typically aggregates up to 3.11" (79mm) of snow.