December Weather Forecast 2025: How Winter Begins Across the United States

The December weather forecast for 2025 signals the official arrival of winter across much of the United States, bringing a sharp contrast of conditions between the northern and southern regions. From snow and freezing air in the Midwest and Northeast to milder and wetter patterns in the South, December will begin with an active and dynamic atmosphere influenced by an ongoing El Niño event.

Weather data from national meteorological services confirms that colder air will grip much of the northern tier, while Pacific storms will deliver frequent rainfall and mountain snow to the western states. As 2025 closes and the holiday season begins, Americans can expect traditional winter weather for many regions and milder, wetter conditions elsewhere.

Overview of the National Pattern

The overall U.S. weather setup for December 2025 is shaped by El Niño — a recurring Pacific Ocean warming pattern that affects jet stream behavior. The subtropical jet stream is expected to strengthen, steering moisture-rich systems into the southern and western parts of the country while cold Arctic air dips south across the central and northern Plains.

Meteorologists expect this pattern to remain consistent through much of December, leading to the following national trends:

• Colder-than-average temperatures: Northern Plains, Great Lakes, and interior Northeast.
• Wetter-than-average conditions: Pacific Northwest, Gulf Coast, and parts of the Mid-Atlantic.
• Milder and drier intervals: Desert Southwest and lower Great Basin.

These contrasts will produce everything from heavy snow and ice in some regions to pleasant, spring-like days in others.

Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Outlook

The Northeast will experience a classically cold and occasionally stormy start to winter. The first half of December will bring frequent cold fronts and early-season snow across interior areas such as upstate New York, Vermont, and Maine.

Daytime highs across the region are projected to range between 34°F and 43°F, with overnight lows often dipping into the 20s°F. Coastal areas like Boston and New York City may start with chilly rain before transitioning to snow as Arctic air deepens by mid-month.

In the Mid-Atlantic, cities including Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. will experience a mix of rain and sleet through early December, with the potential for a light snow event during the second or third week of the month. Precipitation totals are expected to be slightly above normal, while temperatures will run about 3–5°F below average.

Regional Summary:

Late-month storms could form off the East Coast, bringing the potential for heavy snow along the interior corridor if cold air remains in place.

Southeast and Gulf States

December across the Southeast will start mild and gradually turn wetter as El Niño-driven systems strengthen over the Gulf of Mexico. The southern jet stream will carry abundant moisture into Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, increasing the likelihood of frequent showers and thunderstorms during the middle and latter part of the month.

Atlanta and Birmingham will hover near seasonal averages with daytime highs in the 50s°F to low 60s°F, while Tampa and Orlando will enjoy warm afternoons in the mid-70s°F. Rainfall will trend above normal in the Gulf Coast region, particularly between December 10–25, as storm systems repeatedly move inland.

Regional Highlights:

• Central and northern Florida will see alternating sunny stretches and brief downpours.
• Louisiana and Mississippi could receive 1–2 inches more rainfall than average this month.
• The risk of early frost remains low across southern zones, though northern Alabama and Georgia may experience light freezes late in the month.

Holiday travelers can expect generally favorable driving conditions in the Southeast, aside from scattered storms and heavy rain events during mid-December.

Midwest and Great Lakes

The Midwest is preparing for a cold, snowy December. A series of Arctic fronts will descend into the region, producing a steady supply of cold air and frequent light to moderate snow events.

Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit, and Milwaukee are projected to experience highs between 28°F and 36°F through most of the month, with lows regularly dipping into the teens. The early part of December will bring the first widespread snow accumulation across the northern Plains and Great Lakes, while the second half of the month may see more intense systems developing along the polar jet stream.

Snowfall Outlook:

• Northern Wisconsin and Michigan: 10–15 inches
• Chicago area: 6–9 inches
• Minneapolis-St. Paul: 8–12 inches

Lake-effect snow will be a key feature again this year, particularly downwind of Lakes Superior and Erie. Residents near Buffalo, Cleveland, and Grand Rapids should prepare for multiple snow squalls through mid-month.

The cold pattern may ease slightly after Christmas, though temperatures will remain below freezing across most of the region into early January.

Southern Plains and Southwest

The Southern Plains, including Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, will experience varied weather throughout December. Northern parts of Texas may see cooler air and light rain early in the month, while central and southern regions remain relatively mild and dry.

Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio will experience highs in the mid-60s°F, with overnight lows in the 40s°F. While most of the state should stay free of winter precipitation, northern areas near the Red River could see a brief cold snap and potential frost around mid-December.

Farther west, the Desert Southwest will remain one of the country’s most stable regions weather-wise. Phoenix, Tucson, and Las Vegas will stay dry, with highs averaging 65°F to 70°F under mostly sunny skies.

California’s pattern will differ significantly due to El Niño. The San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California will see multiple rain systems, while the Sierra Nevada could receive heavy mountain snow, supporting a strong start to the ski season. Southern California, including Los Angeles and San Diego, should expect slightly wetter conditions than last year, with cooler mornings and occasional showers.

Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest will remain one of the wettest regions in the nation this December. Persistent Pacific storm systems will deliver rounds of rain to the coastal cities and heavy snowfall to the Cascades and Olympic Mountains.

Seattle and Portland will see temperatures ranging between 41°F and 48°F, with precipitation totals likely exceeding 6–7 inches by the end of the month. Winds may gust between 30 and 40 mph during stronger storms, particularly along the coast.

Ski resorts such as Crystal Mountain and Mount Hood Meadows are expected to benefit from consistent snowfall, with depths likely surpassing 50 inches in some high-elevation areas by Christmas week.

Key Pattern:

• Frequent low-pressure systems bringing steady rainfall.
• Heavy snow accumulation above 3,000 feet elevation.
• Brief dry breaks between systems lasting 24–36 hours.

This wet trend should continue into January 2026, helping boost regional reservoirs and snowpack.

Rocky Mountains and Intermountain West

The Rockies and interior West will see cold, snowy conditions consistent with early winter norms. In Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Montana, daytime highs will stay in the 20s°F to 30s°F, with widespread snow throughout December.

The first half of the month will bring moderate snowfall across the Front Range and Wasatch Mountains, while heavier systems will arrive between December 15–25, likely delivering over a foot of new snow to major ski areas such as Vail, Breckenridge, and Park City.

Mountain passes in Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana may experience intermittent closures during snowstorms, but overall travel conditions should remain manageable between weather events.

For those planning holiday ski trips, December offers excellent powder conditions, with resorts already reporting early-season bases above 40 inches.

Alaska and Hawaii

Alaska will endure harsh winter conditions throughout December. Anchorage and Fairbanks will remain locked in deep freeze territory, with highs between 5°F and 20°F and frequent snow. Interior areas may drop below -20°F during cold outbreaks. Coastal communities will face strong winds and heavy snow near the Gulf of Alaska.

Meanwhile, Hawaii will offer a warm retreat for those seeking sun. Daytime temperatures will average 80°F to 84°F, with light trade winds and scattered rain showers mainly during the afternoons. December remains one of Hawaii’s most popular tourist months due to its steady tropical climate.

Overall December 2025 Forecast Summary

December 2025 will launch winter with an active mix of cold, rain, and snow across much of the nation. Northern states brace for icy air and snowfall, while southern regions experience mild, wet days shaped by El Niño’s influence.

What’s December weather looking like where you are? Share your local forecast or winter plans in the comments below!