Scotland weather in December
December is one of the least pleasant months in Scotland: highs of 5°C (41°F) and about 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain on average. Nights average 2°C (35°F) and cloud cover 78% (NASA POWER, 2001–2025 averages). It is the 5th wettest month of the year and the 3rd coolest. Compared with November, it is cooler and about as wet; January brings highs of 5°C (40°F) and 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain.
Figures are long-term averages for Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland. See below for other places.
Is December a good time to visit Scotland?
least pleasant month Weather score 23/100.
December is one of the least pleasant months for weather in Scotland. For better conditions, consider May–Sep.
Does it rain a lot in Scotland in December?
Some rain is normal: about 131 mm (5.2 in) falls in an average December. It is the 5th wettest month of the year.
How warm is Scotland in December?
Days average 5°C (41°F) and nights 2°C (35°F).
Scotland weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Cloud | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5°C (40°F) | 1°C (34°F) | 137 mm | 80% | least pleasant |
| February | 5°C (41°F) | 1°C (33°F) | 102 mm | 76% | least pleasant |
| March | 7°C (44°F) | 2°C (35°F) | 94 mm | 75% | least pleasant |
| April | 10°C (50°F) | 3°C (38°F) | 76 mm | 71% | fair |
| May | 13°C (55°F) | 6°C (42°F) | 92 mm | 71% | best |
| June | 16°C (60°F) | 9°C (48°F) | 106 mm | 79% | best |
| July | 17°C (63°F) | 11°C (51°F) | 122 mm | 79% | best |
| August | 17°C (62°F) | 10°C (50°F) | 137 mm | 78% | best |
| September | 15°C (58°F) | 9°C (47°F) | 106 mm | 75% | best |
| October | 11°C (52°F) | 6°C (43°F) | 143 mm | 76% | fair |
| November | 8°C (46°F) | 4°C (38°F) | 134 mm | 76% | least pleasant |
| December | 5°C (41°F) | 2°C (35°F) | 131 mm | 78% | least pleasant |
Sources: 2001–2025 monthly averages from NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis). Page updated . How we rate months
Weather across Scotland in December
Weather can differ a lot within Scotland: coasts, hills and mountains each have their own climate.
| Place | High | Low | Rain | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glasgow | 5°C (41°F) | 2°C (35°F) | 131 mm | least pleasant |
| Edinburgh | 6°C (42°F) | 2°C (36°F) | 73 mm | least pleasant |
| Aberdeen | 8°C (46°F) | 6°C (43°F) | 88 mm | least pleasant |
| Dundee | 5°C (42°F) | 2°C (35°F) | 81 mm | least pleasant |
| Paisley | 5°C (41°F) | 2°C (35°F) | 131 mm | least pleasant |
| East Kilbride | 5°C (41°F) | 2°C (35°F) | 131 mm | least pleasant |
| Livingston | 5°C (41°F) | 1°C (34°F) | 87 mm | least pleasant |
| Dunfermline | 5°C (41°F) | 1°C (34°F) | 87 mm | least pleasant |
| Meikle Earnock | 5°C (41°F) | 1°C (34°F) | 87 mm | least pleasant |
| Hamilton | 5°C (41°F) | 1°C (34°F) | 87 mm | least pleasant |
| Cumbernauld | 5°C (41°F) | 1°C (34°F) | 87 mm | least pleasant |
| Kirkcaldy | 6°C (42°F) | 2°C (36°F) | 73 mm | least pleasant |