> At a Glance
> – Record-breaking 16.18″ of rain in December 1913
> – Hottest single day: 90° on Dec. 25, 1955
> – Coldest single day: 4° on Dec. 23, 1989
> – Why it matters: These extremes show how unpredictable Austin’s December weather can be, affecting planning, infrastructure, and daily life.
Austin’s December weather history is a wild ride. From a scorching 90° day in 1955 to a record-breaking 16.18″ of rain in 1913, the city’s climate extremes are on full display. This article breaks down the hottest, coldest, and wettest Decembers ever recorded in the capital.
Hottest Decembers in Austin
The average temperature for a typical December in Austin is 53.6°. December 2021 set a new record with an average of 65.1°, the only month to exceed 60°. The high of 90° on Dec. 25, 1955 remains the hottest single day on record.
- Dec. 25, 1955 – 90°
- December 2021 – average 65.1°
- Other Decembers – none above 60° average
Coldest Decembers in Austin
The average low for a typical December is 43.4°. December 1983 holds the record for the coldest month with an average of 41.9°. The single-coldest day, Dec. 23, 1989, dropped to just 4°.
- Dec. 23, 1989 – 4°
- December 1983 – average 41.9°
- Other Decembers – none below 41.9° average
Wettest Decembers in Austin
A normal December brings 2.72″ of rain. December 1913 tops the chart with 16.18″, almost six times the average. Only December 1991 surpassed 10″ of precipitation.
- Dec. 3, 1913 – 6.34″ in one day
- Dec. 20, 1991 – 4″ in one day
- Other Decembers – less than 10″
Record Decembers by Month
The table below summarizes the record December metrics for Austin, contrasting typical values with extremes.
| Metric | Typical | Record High | Record Low | Record Wet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 53.6° | 65.1° (Dec 2021) | 41.9° (Dec 1983) | – |
| High | 63.9° | 90° (Dec 25 1955) | – | – |
| Low | 43.4° | – | 4° (Dec 23 1989) | – |
| Rain | 2.72″ | – | – | 16.18″ (Dec 1913) |
It highlights how far record values deviate from the norm. The extremes underscore the volatility of Austin’s December weather.
Key Takeaways
- Record rainfall of 16.18″ in December 1913 far exceeds the typical 2.72″.
- Hottest day reached 90° on Dec. 25, 1955, while the coldest day dropped to 4° on Dec. 23, 1989.
- December 2021 remains the warmest month on record with an average of 65.1°.
Austin’s December extremes show how variable the city’s climate can be, with record temperatures and rainfall far exceeding the norm. Whether it’s a scorching heatwave or a monsoon-like downpour, these records remind residents of the city’s unpredictable weather.
