The Alabama Office of the State Climatologist provides monthly climate reports that analyze statewide temperature, precipitation, and drought trends. Each report also highlights how that's month’s climate compared to long-term historical normals. A summary of every monthly report is featured on this page, with options to view the full report in PDF format or explore the complete climate report archive. Download the Full Monthly Climate Report Browse the Monthly Climate Report Archive Alabama Climate Report: December, 2025 Brought to you by the Alabama Office of the State Climatologist Precipitation Summary Temperature Summary Drought Summary 2025 Annual Recap Figure 1. Summary graphic of precipitation totals and trends across Alabama for December 2025.Rainfall totals for December 2025 were nearly 2.5 inches below the average with the Gulf Coast receiving the most rain. Data provided by PRISM Climate Data, station data, and National Centers for Environmental Information. Precipitation Summary (Figure 1) December is typically Alabama’s wettest month of the year; however, December 2025 was noticeably dry across much of the state. The statewide average precipitation for the month was 2.74 inches, which is 2.41 inches below the long-term average. Although measurable rainfall occurred on most days, amounts were generally light and unevenly distributed. As a result, much of the state experienced below-normal precipitation, with the largest deficits in Central and North Alabama. Wetter-than-normal conditions were mainly confined to portions of the Gulf. Precipitation Highlights Driest site: Bevill Lock & Dam — 0.80 inches of rainfall Wettest site: Nature Center at Gulf Shores 3.6E — 8.12 inches of rainfall Driest December on record: 1980 — 1.15 inches of rainfall Wettest December on record: 1961 — 12.21 inches of rainfall Figure 2. Precipitation Percent of Normal for December 2025.Red and orange areas show locations that received less than 50% of normal rainfall, while green and blue areas indicate near- or above-normal precipitation. Most of the state was drier than normal. Precipitation Percent of Normal (Figure 2) Most of the state received 25–75% of normal December precipitation. Large portions of Central and North Alabama received less than 50% of normal rainfall. Isolated areas fell below 25% of normal precipitation. Near- to above-normal precipitation (100–125%) was limited to parts of Mobile and Baldwin Counties. These deficits contributed to expanding drought, dry soils, and reduced streamflows. Figure 3. Summary graphic of temperature totals and trends across Alabama for December 2025.Average temperatures were slightly warmer than normal across the state, with the coldest temperatures found along the Cumberland Plateu and Highland Rim. Temperature Summary (Figure 3) December 2025 was warmer than normal, with a statewide average temperature of 47.8°F, which is 1.4°F above the long-term average. While temperatures were generally mild, the month featured several sharp swings, including a colder period in mid-December followed by an unseasonably warm stretch from December 21st–29th. Temperature Highlights Hottest sites: Oakmulgee — 81°F on December 24th Coldest sites: Vinemont & Liri — 10°F on December 15th Coldest December on record: 1963 — 37.6°F Warmest December on record: 2015 — 56.9°F Figure 4. U.S. Drought Monitor map of Alabama for December 30, 2025.This map shows drought intensity across Alabama at the end of December 2025. Yellow areas indicate abnormally dry conditions, tan to orange areas represent moderate to severe drought, and dark red areas show extreme drought. By the start of the new year, almost the entire state was in some level of drought. Drought Summary (Figure 4) Drought conditions were widespread during December. At the beginning of the month, nearly two-thirds of the state was experiencing drought, with the worst conditions centered near Marengo County and portions of Southeast Alabama. Some short-term improvement occurred mid-month, particularly in southern areas, but dry conditions persisted overall. By the end of December, 100% of the state was classified in at least abnormal dryness or drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. While winter impacts were limited, low streamflows and reduced pond and groundwater levels indicated ongoing long-term moisture deficits, and additional rainfall will be needed early in 2026 to improve conditions. Figure 5. Precipitation Percent of Normal for 2025.Red and orange areas show locations that received less than 50% of normal rainfall, while green and blue areas indicate near- or above-normal precipitation. On the whole, the state was slightly drier than normal this year, with the driest conditions in South Alabama. 2025 Annual Recap (Figure 5) Overall, 2025 was warmer and drier than normal. The statewide average temperature was 64.6°F, which means 2025 tied with 2015 as the 16th warmest year on record. Total precipitation was 51.46 inches, which was nearly 4 inches below normal and ranked as the 48th driest year on record. Drought conditions were present during much of the year, briefly easing in early summer following the wettest May on record, before returning as summer gave way to fall. By the end of 2025, widespread abnormal dryness and drought had redeveloped. Severe weather was also notable, with 72 tornadoes reported statewide (well above the annual average of 50). A more in-depth analysis of 2025 climate conditions will be released in a future report. View the annual 2025 Precipitation and Temperature infographics.
