Gold in December: seasonality and history
Since 2000, gold has risen in December in 65% of years (17 of 26), with an average return of +1.45% and a median of +1.89%. That makes December its #3 month of 12.
Average+1.45%
Years up65%
Best year2002 · +9.72%
Worst year2011 · −10.30%
The seasonal path through December
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through December, all years since 2000.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 26 | +0.83% | 100% |
| Dec 1 | +0.67% | 67% |
| Dec 3 | +0.59% | 89% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 8 | −0.47% | 39% |
| Dec 5 | −0.43% | 21% |
| Dec 14 | −0.36% | 44% |
Seasonal trend windows touching December
- ▲ Bullish Nov 28 – Dec 3 · 6 days · seasonal Σ +1.53%
- ▲ Bullish Dec 16 – Dec 28 · 12 days · seasonal Σ +2.37%
December in recent years
| Year | Gold in December |
|---|---|
| 2025 | +2.03% |
| 2024 | −0.60% |
| 2023 | +1.65% |
| 2022 | +4.59% |
| 2021 | +3.10% |
| 2020 | +6.72% |
| 2019 | +3.68% |
| 2018 | +4.76% |
| 2017 | +2.60% |
| 2016 | −1.78% |
Questions
Is December a good month for gold?
On average, yes: +1.45% since 2000, rising in 65% of years. But the range is wide, from −10.30% in 2011 to +9.72% in 2002, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in December?
Dec 26 (+0.83%, up 100% of years), Dec 1 (+0.67%, up 67% of years), Dec 3 (+0.59%, up 89% of years).