What December feels like in Birmingham
In Birmingham, December brings early winter. Midday brings little warmth — expect coat-and-scarf weather from morning to evening. Little changes after sunset — nights are cold, only slightly below the daytime level. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Birmingham in December
Dry days are the exception, with rain on about one day in 2. Wet days average about 5.5 mm (0.2 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. Across the year Birmingham averages about 5.3 mm per rainy day, so December is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in December
On 15 December the sun rises at about 8:11 am and sets around 3:54 pm local time, giving 7 h 42 min of daylight. Evenings are drawing in — 1 h 6 min less daylight than mid-November. Measured sunshine covers about 44% of the daylight — sun and cloud share the day.
How December compares to the rest of the year
In Birmingham's temperature order, December sits as the 2nd coolest month. Afternoons run 2.2°C (4°F) cooler than in November, with 1 mm less rain. January is cooler again. January averages a high of 6.5°C (43.7°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
Tips for visiting Birmingham in December
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Quick questions
How warm is Birmingham in December?
It feels cold: typical highs are 7.3°C (45.1°F), with lows near 2.9°C (37.2°F).
Does it rain a lot in Birmingham in December?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 2 and totals about 71 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Birmingham in December?
Pack rain protection and warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is December or January better for visiting Birmingham?
January scores better on our climate ranking (#11 of 12 vs #12), rated Fair against Fair.