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Scarborough Weather in December

During December, Scarborough experiences low daytime temperatures of 9°C (48°F) and cooler nights around 4°C (39°F). As part of the winter season, expect quite a bit of rainfall. Around 81 mm (3.2 in) is typical.

Rainfall in Scarborough in December

You can expect rain on around 21 days based on historical patterns, with 81 mm (3.2 in) average for the month. Rain is frequent but mostly light this month, with brief showers more common than heavy downpours.

Temperature in Scarborough in December

Temperatures in Scarborough in December top out at 9°C (48°F) and drop to 4°C (39°F) overnight. Experience the winter season in December. Temperatures remain on the cold side all day. A proper warm jacket is worth having, not just for evenings. At 4°C (39°F) overnight, it gets properly cold after dark. On the bright side, cold nights tend to make for excellent sleeping conditions.

Sunshine in Scarborough in December

This month sees fewer sunny days, with about 52 hours of sunshine, perfect for those who enjoy cooler temperatures.

Average water temperature in December

At 8°C (46°F), the water is very cold. Most people find it too uncomfortable for anything beyond a brief wade.

Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. July and August typically offer the best weather for Scarborough.

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United Kingdom, check out our Scarborough's climate page.

Scarborough Temperature in December

Min TemperatureMin Temperature 4°C (39°F)  
Max TemperatureMax Temperature 9°C (48°F)  
Water TemperatureWater Temperature 8°C (46°F)  
Chance of RainChance of Rain 69%  
PrecipitationPrecipitation 81 mm (3.2 in)  
Rainy daysRainy days 21 days  
SunshineSunshine 52 hours  
Percentage SunshinePercentage Sunshine 16%  

Daily Historical Temperatures

50-year average (1976-2025)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Scarborough typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 9°C (48°F). Nights are cold, with lows around 1°C (34°F).

Average temperatures in December

Daily Historical Precipitation

50-year average (1976-2025)

Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.

Average precipitation in December

Historical weather for Scarborough in December

Browse day-by-day weather records for Scarborough spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Scarborough historical weather extremes in December

Based on 49 years of weather observations (1976-2025), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Scarborough.

  • On December 10, 1994, temperatures climbed to 16°C (61°F), marking the warmest December day on record.
  • Scarborough experienced its chilliest December day on December 17, 2010, reaching only -4°C (25°F).
  • The coldest night in December in Scarborough was on December 17, 1981, with a minimum of -13°C (9°F).
  • Peak precipitation in December occurred on December 7, 2024, when 47 mm (1.9 in) of precipitation was measured.

Best Places in the United Kingdom in December

Find out more about the weather in the United Kingdom and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the United Kingdom in December →

Map not visible? Whoops sorry! Please refresh the page.
Legend perfect weather pleasant tolerable unpleasant poor
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

What to Wear in Scarborough in December

Dress warmly and in layers for your trip to Scarborough in December. A good base layer system works wonders. Start with good thermal underwear, add something warm like a fleece sweater, then finish with a waterproof jacket on top. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. Expect water temperatures of around 8°C (46°F), which is definitely too cold for comfortable swimming. Your luggage space is better used for other items. With limited sunshine expected, sunglasses aren't a priority for packing.

What To Do in Scarborough in December

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

Swimming
4/10
Cycling
4/10
Walking
4/10
Camping
4/10
Outdoor sports
4/10

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United Kingdom, check out our Scarborough's climate page.

More climate data for Scarborough