Houston Weather in December
United States · Humid Subtropical climate · Data averaged from 2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31 (5 years)
December in Houston sees average temperatures ranging from a low of 10.8°C (51.4°F) to a high of 19.9°C (67.8°F), with a mean of 15.1°C (59.2°F). Compared to the annual average of 21.3°C (70.3°F), this month is 6.2°C cooler than the yearly norm. Precipitation averages 172.6mm, making it approximately 11.0mm wetter than the monthly average of 162.0mm. The city receives an average of 7.2 hours of sunshine per day during December, with relative humidity averaging 76.9%. Wind speeds reach an average maximum of 19.8 km/h. For travelers, this month offers a temperature experience in Houston, with wetter-than-average conditions compared to the rest of the year.
If you're planning outdoor activities in Houston, accept that humidity is the third dimension of every weather reading. I ran Buffalo Bayou Park in May at 7am: 24°C but 90% humidity, like jogging through warm soup. June-September is genuinely oppressive — 34°C with 75% humidity, heat index pushing 40°C. Best outdoor windows: March-April and October-November, 22-26°C with manageable humidity. Hurricane season (August-September) can disrupt everything. Winter is mild but unpredictable — I once did a January bike ride in 25°C, then a February one in 5°C. Always check radar; Gulf storms intensify fast.
December vs Adjacent Months
| Metric | November | December | January |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Temp | 17.4°C (63.3°F) | 15.1°C (59.2°F) | 12.6°C (54.7°F) |
| Rainfall | 151.2mm | 172.6mm | 182.2mm |
| Sunshine | 7.5 hrs | 7.2 hrs | 6.8 hrs |
| Humidity | 75.8% | 76.9% | 73.6% |
| Wind | 18.5 km/h | 19.8 km/h | 22.1 km/h |
| Rainy Days | 12.8 | 15.2 | 14.6 |
Seasonal Context
December falls in Winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Winter is the coolest season with the shortest daylight hours. For travelers visiting Houston in December, the data indicates mixed conditions based on the combination of temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in Houston in December?
The average temperature in Houston during December ranges from 10.8°C (51.4°F) to 19.9°C (67.8°F), with a mean of 15.1°C (59.2°F).
How much does it rain in Houston in December?
Houston receives an average of 172.6mm of precipitation in December, spread across approximately 15.2 rainy days.
What should I pack for Houston in December?
Based on December weather data, pack layers including light jackets and t-shirts, plus an umbrella. Rain gear is essential — this month averages 172.6mm of precipitation.
Is December a good time to visit Houston?
December is a month with challenging conditions. Plan activities carefully and stay hydrated.
Other Months for Houston
Cities with Similar December Climate (Humid Subtropical)
Data Source: Open-Meteo historical archive (2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31). Daily measurements aggregated into monthly climate normals. Coordinates: 29.76°, -95.37°. Timezone: America/Chicago. Last updated: 2026-07-30.