What December feels like in New York
December is early winter in New York. It is cold outside for most of the day; indoor breaks come as a relief. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights hover around freezing, so frost is common and the temperature hardly changes after dark. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in New York in December
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. Rain tends to come in heavy bursts: about 11 mm (0.4 in) on an average rainy day. That is close to New York's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 10 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in December
Mid-month, New York gets 9 h 17 min of daylight, from sunrise near 7:13 am to sunset near 4:30 pm. Days are getting shorter: 40 min less daylight than in mid-November. Measured sunshine covers about 61% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How December compares to the rest of the year
In New York's temperature order, December sits as the 3rd coolest month. Compared with November, afternoons are 5.1°C (9.2°F) cooler, with 36 mm more rain. January is cooler again. By January, typical highs are 3.9°C (39°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting New York in December
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Quick questions
How warm is New York in December?
Afternoons average 6.6°C (43.9°F) and nights about -0.6°C (30.9°F) — cold by most people's standards. It is the 3rd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in New York in December?
Quite a lot — 110 mm spread over about 10 days.
What should I wear in New York in December?
Pack rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is December or January better for visiting New York?
December, narrowly: it ranks #11 of 12 among New York's months, against #12 for the other. January is cooler and has fewer rainy days.