S&P 500 in December: seasonality and history
Since 1957, the S&P 500 has risen in December in 71% of years (49 of 69), with an average return of +1.26% and a median of +1.26%. That makes December its #3 month of 12.
Average+1.26%
Years up71%
Best year1991 · +11.16%
Worst year2018 · −9.18%
The seasonal path through December
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through December, all years since 1957.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 26 | +0.55% | 82% |
| Dec 16 | +0.30% | 62% |
| Dec 21 | +0.28% | 67% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 3 | −0.22% | 45% |
| Dec 14 | −0.22% | 40% |
| Dec 11 | −0.16% | 51% |
Seasonal trend windows touching December
- ▲ Bullish Nov 21 – Dec 10 · 20 days · seasonal Σ +2.37%
- ▲ Bullish Dec 16 – Dec 31 · 15 days · seasonal Σ +1.90%
December in recent years
| Year | S&P 500 in December |
|---|---|
| 2025 | −0.05% |
| 2024 | −2.50% |
| 2023 | +4.42% |
| 2022 | −5.90% |
| 2021 | +4.36% |
| 2020 | +3.71% |
| 2019 | +2.86% |
| 2018 | −9.18% |
| 2017 | +0.98% |
| 2016 | +1.82% |
Questions
Is December a good month for the S&P 500?
On average, yes: +1.26% since 1957, rising in 71% of years. But the range is wide, from −9.18% in 2018 to +11.16% in 1991, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in December?
Dec 26 (+0.55%, up 82% of years), Dec 16 (+0.30%, up 62% of years), Dec 21 (+0.28%, up 67% of years).