December weather forecast
Philadelphia, PA

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The George Washington statue in front of the Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The George Washington statue in front of the Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Weather in December

Concluding the calendar year, December in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania sees the return of the winter season. The city witnesses a slight upsurge in snowfall to about 0.2" (5mm). Compared to November, December records an increase in rainfall at approximately 1.18" (30mm). Limited daylight hours and a growing chill in the air make it a perfect time for winter indoor festivities. Despite the cold weather, the holiday season sparkles, warming the hearts of city dwellers.

Temperature

December in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, sees a slight reduction in average high-temperature, with a shift from a cool 52.7°F (11.5°C) in November to a chilly 44.1°F (6.7°C). The average low-temperature of 32.9°F (0.5°C) is witnessed in Philadelphia during December.

Humidity

The average relative humidity in December in Philadelphia is 76%.

Rainfall

In Philadelphia, in December, during 7.5 rainfall days, 1.18" (30mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated. Throughout the year, there are 127.8 rainfall days, and 13.82" (351mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Snowfall

January through May, November and December are months with snowfall in Philadelphia. In Philadelphia, in December, snow falls for 1.6 days, with typically accumulated 0.2" (5mm) of snow. In Philadelphia, during the entire year, snow falls for 11.4 days and aggregates up to 2.87" (73mm) of snow.

Ocean temperature

In Philadelphia, in December, the average water temperature is 47.8°F (8.8°C).
Note: Swimming in 47.8°F (8.8°C) at temperatures under 50°F (10°C) requires thermal swimsuits; otherwise, one can face cold shock and breathing difficulty. Even brief immersion at 55.4°F (13°C) feels frosty.

Daylight

With an average of 9h and 24min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
On the first day of December in Philadelphia, sunrise is at 7:03 am and sunset at 4:36 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:22 am and sunset at 4:45 pm EST.

Sunshine

The average sunshine in December is 5h.

UV index

The months with the lowest UV index in Philadelphia are January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2. A UV Index value of 2, and less, symbolizes a low health risk from unprotected exposure to Sun's UV rays for ordinary individuals.
Note: The maximum UV index of 2 during December translates into these guidelines:
Though extended exposure to the sun typically does not concern most people, it is crucial to always shield children, infants, and those with sensitive skin. Solar radiation is at its peak intensity during midday, so it's advisable to stay indoors or in the shade. Employ a wide-brim hat for potent defense against up to 50% of UV rays. Remember this! The UV radiation of the Sun can be nearly doubled by the reflective properties of snow.
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Frequently asked questions

Is December cold in Philadelphia?

The high-temperature, in December, in Philadelphia, records 44.1°F (6.7°C), while the low-temperature is 32.9°F (0.5°C). In August, the average heat index (a.k.a. 'feels like', 'felt air temperature'), which factors the actual air temperature with the relative humidity, is computed to be 91.4°F (33°C).

What is the average humidity in December in Philadelphia?

In December, the average relative humidity in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is 76%.

How much does it rain in Philadelphia in December?

In Philadelphia, during December, the rain falls for 7.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.18" (30mm) of precipitation.

How much does it snow in Philadelphia in December?

In December, it is snowing for 1.6 days. Throughout December, 0.2" (5mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the water temperature in December in Philadelphia?

In December, the average ocean temperature in Philadelphia is 47.8°F (8.8°C). Swimming in 47.8°F (8.8°C) is considered life-threatening. Even a few minutes in 55.4°F (13°C) water is uncomfortable, and swimming below 50°F (10°C) may cause total loss of breathing control and cold shock, depending on a person's physique.

What is the month with the shortest days in Philadelphia?

With an average of 9h and 24min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Philadelphia.

How many hours of daylight does Philadelphia have in December?

The average day length in December in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is 9h and 23min.

What time are sunrise and sunset in December in Philadelphia?

In December, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:03 am and sunset at 4:36 pm. On the last day of the month, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, sunrise is at 7:22 am and sunset at 4:45 pm EST.

How many hours of sunshine does Philadelphia have in December?

In December, the average sunshine duration in Philadelphia is 5h.

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

The months with the lowest UV index in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, are January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.

What is the UV index reading in December in Philadelphia?

In Philadelphia, the average daily maximum UV index in December is 2. A UV Index reading of 2, and below, represents a minimal health vulnerability from exposure to Sun's UV rays.
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
Philadelphia, PA

Average temperature in December - Philadelphia, PA
  • Average high temperature in December: 44.1°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (86.4°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (37.4°F).

  • Average low temperature in December: 32.9°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (69.3°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (25.5°F).

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Average pressure in December
Philadelphia, PA

Average pressure in December - Philadelphia, PA
  • Average pressure in December: 30.09"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.12"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.94"Hg).

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Average wind speed in December
Philadelphia, PA

Average wind speed in December - Philadelphia, PA
  • Average wind speed in December: 7.7mph

The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are March and April (8.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5.6mph).

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Average humidity in December
Philadelphia, PA

Average humidity in December - Philadelphia, PA
  • Average humidity in December: 76%

The month with the highest relative humidity is October (77%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are April and August (71%).

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Average rainfall in December
Philadelphia, PA

Average rainfall in December - Philadelphia, PA
  • Average rainfall in December: 1.18"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (1.65").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are January and February (0.83").

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Average rainfall days in December
Philadelphia, PA

Average rainfall days in December - Philadelphia, PA
  • Average rainfall days in December: 7.5 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (14.8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (7.2 days).

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Average snowfall in December
Philadelphia, PA

Average snowfall in December - Philadelphia, PA
  • Average snowfall in December: 0.2"

The month with the highest snowfall is February (0.98").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August, September and October (0").

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Average snowfall days in December
Philadelphia, PA

Average snowfall days in December - Philadelphia, PA
  • Average snowfall days in December: 1.6 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (3.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

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Average sea temperature in December
Philadelphia, PA

Average sea temperature in December - Philadelphia, PA
  • Average sea temperature in December: 47.7°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (75.9°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (39.9°F).

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

Average daylight in December / Average sunshine in December - Philadelphia, PA
  • Average daylight in December: 9h and 2min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 0min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 24min).

  • Average sunshine in December: 5h and 0min

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 4h and 48min).

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Average sunshine days in December
Philadelphia, PA

Average sunshine days in December - Philadelphia, PA
  • Average sunshine days in December: 20.9 days

The month with the most sunshine days is December (20.9 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is May (13.3 days).

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Average UV index in December
Philadelphia, PA

Average UV index in December - Philadelphia, PA
  • Average UV index in December: 2

The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 2).

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Average cloud cover in December
Philadelphia, PA

Average cloud cover in December - Philadelphia, PA
  • Average cloud cover in December: 46

The months with the most cloud cover are February and March (Cloud cover 47).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 31).

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Average visibility in December
Philadelphia, PA

Average visibility in December - Philadelphia, 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).

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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

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