December 2025 in Gelderland presented a notably dry and sunny month, with temperatures hovering close to seasonal norms. The province experienced significantly less precipitation than typical for this time of year, while simultaneously enjoying well above-average sunshine hours.
Temperature Overview
The average temperature for December in Gelderland reached 5.6 degrees Celsius, marginally below the normal value of 5.8 degrees, representing a minor anomaly of -0.2 degrees. The month showcased considerable temperature variation across the province. The warmest conditions were recorded in West Betuwe on December 7th, when temperatures climbed to 13.6 degrees Celsius. In stark contrast, Apeldoorn experienced the coldest temperatures on December 26th, dropping to -5.7 degrees Celsius, marking a substantial difference of approximately 19 degrees between the warmest and coldest extremes.
Precipitation Patterns
December proved to be exceptionally dry across Gelderland. The province received an average total of 28.1 millimeters of precipitation, representing a dramatic 63 percent decrease compared to the normal December rainfall of 76.9 millimeters. The wettest day occurred on December 7th in Arnhem, which recorded 10.9 millimeters. Lochem emerged as the wettest location overall, accumulating 42.1 millimeters throughout the month, though this still remained well below seasonal expectations.
Sunshine and Notable Features
One of December's most striking characteristics was the abundance of sunshine. Gelderland recorded 95.2 hours of sunshine, exceeding the normal value of 75.1 hours by 27 percent. This exceptional sunshine, combined with the dry conditions, created a notably bright winter month despite the season's typical gloominess. The early December period, particularly around the 7th, marked a transition point with relatively mild temperatures and the month's most significant rainfall event, after which conditions became progressively drier and colder as the month progressed toward the winter solstice and beyond.