What is the weather like in New York in December?

Expect temperatures between -1°C and 6°C with 25% average rain probability and about 8 hours of sunshine daily.

What is the weather like in New York in December?

New York in December scores 65/100 based on 30 years of climate data. Solid choice for most travelers.

Who should visit New York in December?

December in New York is ideal for: Cultural tourists, Business travelers, Heat-sensitive visitors.

New York Weather in December | 30-Year Forecast

Avg High

6°C

Hottest around day 1

Avg Low

-1°C

Coolest around day 22

Rainy Days

14days

25% avg rain chance

Sunshine

8hrs/day

Winter season

Sea Temperature in December

Atlantic Ocean

6.8°C

Monthly Average

Water Feel

🥶Polar Plunge

Consider a wetsuit for extended swimming

Swim Rating

❄️Cold water hazard

Based on average sea surface temperature

Body of Water

Atlantic Ocean

New York coastline

Essential Travel Info for New York

🗓️ Best Time to Visit 📖 Travel Guide 🍴 Food Guide

Currency

USD

$ United States dollar

Language

English

Driving

Right side

Connect

Find free wireless wifi & hotspot across...

Safety

Moderate Safety

GPI: 2.44

Travel Intelligence

Exclusive flight analytics & health data for New York

Smart Flight Estimator

Airport-to-Airport Logistics

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Flight Connectivity Analysis

Airport traffic data & seasonal patterns

Major Hub

85/ 100

Traffic Index

Extremely busy airport

Peak Daily Arrivals

slots per day

Peak

Aug

Low

Jan

Monthly Traffic Distribution

573

Jan

585

Feb

604

Mar

656

Apr

694

May

673

Jun

667

Jul

697

Aug

632

Sep

611

Oct

591

Nov

595

Dec

Traffic Level

Low Season

Key Connections

Los Angeles (LAX)

London Heathrow (LHR)

San Francisco (SFO)

Boston General Edward Lawrence Logan (BOS)

Orlando (MCO)

Health & Safety Advisory

CDC travel health recommendations

No Requirements

No Special Vaccinations Required

Standard travel precautions apply

Source: CDC Travelers' Health

View Complete Health Guide

Is December a Good Time to Visit New York?

👍Solid choice for most travelers(65/100)

Short Answer

December brings winter conditions to New York with 6°C average highs. The 25% precipitation chance may include snow. Essential: warm coat, layers, and waterproof footwear.

Decision Factors

Peak tourist season

85% of annual peak - expect crowds and high prices

Cold sea - swimming challenging

6.8°C sea temperature - Polar Plunge

Calm, family-friendly seas

0.39m wave height - Lake-like

Exceptional dining scene

357 Michelin-listed restaurants

Good For

🏛️
Cultural tourists
Comfortable conditions for exploring museums and sites
💼
Business travelers
Climate-controlled meetings unaffected by weather
🌡️
Heat-sensitive visitors
Manageable 6.1°C without oppressive humidity

Who Should Avoid

🏖️
Beach lovers
Sea temperature only 6.8°C - too cold for comfortable swimming
💰
Budget travelers
Peak season means premium prices everywhere
💑
Honeymoon couples
Wedding score only 43/100 - better months available

"According to 30YearWeather's analysis of 30 years of NASA POWER satellite data,New York in December averages 6°C with 25% precipitation probability."

📊 Source: 30YearWeather.com🛰️ Data: NASA POWER (1991-2021)View Methodology →

Frequently Asked Questions: New York in December

What are the temperatures in New York in December?

Daytime highs average 6°C, nights drop to -1°C. Temperatures remain fairly consistent.

How many rainy days in New York in December?

Expect around 14 days with measurable rainfall. Rain is unlikely to disrupt plans.

What to wear in New York in December?

Warm winter clothing: insulated jacket, boots, gloves.

Is December peak season in New York?

This is shoulder season—moderate prices and manageable crowds.

New York Weather in December