New York City weather in December
New York City in December averages 3°C (38°F) and 105 mm of rain.
Of the twelve months in New York City, December is the third coldest and the fourth wettest.
- Average temp
- 3°C (38°F)
0–7°C · 31–45°F
- Rainfall
- 105 mm
Showers likely
- Sunshine
- —
- Wind
- 17 km/h
What is New York City like in December?
Daytime
Days are cool.
Rain
Some rain is likely; pack for showers.
Evening
Evenings are cooler. A layer helps after sunset.
What should I pack for New York City in December?
A light rain jacket
About 105 mm falls this month — showers rather than washouts.
A warm mid-layer
Nights drop to around 0°C (31°F).
December compared with November and January
December in New York City is 5.1°C cooler than November and 21 mm wetter than it, which averages 9°C (47°F).
December in New York City is 2.8°C warmer than January and 18 mm wetter than it, which averages 1°C (33°F).
Daylight in New York City in December
On 15 December the sun is up for 9 hours 16 minutes in New York City, rising about 07:13 and setting about 16:29 local time.
No month in New York City has less daylight than December.
Where to stay in New York City
Dates are a starting point for December.
Travel guides for New York City
What to read before you book.
New York City weather by month
TemperatureRainfall
How December compares with the rest of the year
December is highlighted. Every other month links to its own page.
| Month | Average | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1°C / 33°F | 88 mm |
| February | 2°C / 35°F | 76 mm |
| March | 6°C / 43°F | 105 mm |
| April | 12°C / 54°F | 98 mm |
| May | 18°C / 64°F | 101 mm |
| June | 23°C / 73°F | 110 mm |
| July | 26°C / 78°F | 119 mm |
| August | 25°C / 77°F | 105 mm |
| September | 21°C / 69°F | 97 mm |
| October | 14°C / 58°F | 96 mm |
| November | 9°C / 47°F | 85 mm |
| December | 3°C / 38°F | 105 mm |
Similar weather in December
Other destinations whose December averages sit close to this one.
Check another month
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FAQs about New York City in December
December climate averages for New York City, 1991–2020.
New York City averages 3°C (38°F) in December, ranging from about 0°C (31°F) at night to 7°C (45°F) in the afternoon. That is a 1991–2020 average, so an individual week can run either side of it.
Some. About 105 mm falls across December, enough to need a light jacket but not enough to reshape a trip.
Yes. December averages 3°C (38°F) against 1°C (33°F) in January — 2.8°C warmer.
December is 5.1°C cooler than November, and 21 mm wetter.
It is outside the easiest window. The most comfortable stretch here is May to October; December sits outside it, which usually means more heat, more rain, or both — worth it if you would rather have the place to yourself.
This page does not show today's weather. It is a 1991–2020 climate normal from Meteostat — a long-run average of what December is usually like, which is what you want when booking months ahead. For today or the coming week, check a live forecast.
About 9 hours 16 minutes of daylight in mid-December, the least of any month in New York City.
On 15 December, sunrise is about 07:13 and sunset about 16:29 local time. Both shift across the month.
