Avg High
New York in December
Verdict
In New York, December has a distinct winter feel. As the season moves along, temperatures are dropping quickly. You can usually expect a cold month that feels variable day to day. Breezes can be part of the character, especially in exposed spots.
It suits travellers who want straightforward weather for sightseeing and day trips. Lookouts and coastal walks can feel sharper when the wind is up.
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight
9h
What to expect
- Temperature feel - Wintry air with a gentle drop-off once the sun goes down. It often feels a touch cooler in the shade.
- Showers & dry spells - Rainy conditions. Expect damp surfaces and slick paths. Wet breaks can interrupt outdoor plans.
- Sun & UV - Soft sunlight. Shade and sunscreen are optional rather than essential for most people. Shade breaks feel genuinely worthwhile.
- Exposure - A steady breeze, and umbrellas and loose items can struggle on gustier days. Sheltered streets can feel fine, but open areas feel very different.
December in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in New York.
Hottest (avg)
#10 / 12
Wettest (avg)
#6 / 12
Daylight Hours
#12 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#5 / 12
Highest UV
#12 / 12
Most Humid
#4 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
-
Sunshine
- Daylight
- 9.3 hours
- UV index (max)
- 3
- Typical sun hours
- 07:12 – 16:30
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 11
- Cloud cover
- 59%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 72%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit New York?
Typical December days in New York reach highs of 6°C (43°F) with nights around -1°C (30°F). It usually feels chilly by day and very cold after dark. Overall, December sits in the middle of the New York climate range.
What are temperatures like in December?
Daytime temperatures in December typically peak near 6°C (43°F), while nights drop to around -1°C (30°F). Expect chilly afternoons and very cold evenings.
How much does it rain in December?
Rainfall in December averages 103 mm (4.1 in) across roughly 11 days. Overall it is a quite rainy time of year, so a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes are very handy.
How many hours of daylight are there in December?
You can expect about 9 hours of daylight in December. Sunrise is typically around 07:12 and sunset near 16:30. Days are on the shorter side, so plan activities around limited daylight.
How strong is the sun in December?
UV levels are usually low (around 3), so standard sun protection is enough.
Is it windy in December?
In December, average wind speeds are around 13 km/h (8 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 57 km/h (35 mph). On the ground, it is it can feel quite windy at times, particularly when weather systems move through.