New York weather
in December
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 11 rainy days across the month, on average.
In december, New York settles into its cold, contemplative stillness. The city keeps a different pulse than in summer or midwinter, and travellers who arrive with the right expectations are rewarded.
Days average around 7°C (45°F), cooling to 0°C after sunset. Expect meaningful rain — some 11 wet days across the month. Pack accordingly and let the weather choose your afternoons.
These figures are climatological averages, drawn from a decade of daily records via the Open-Meteo Archive — not a forecast. But they are honest, and they are the sort of thing a good travel guide ought to tell you before you book the flight.
What to pack for New York in December
- •A properly warm coat — not a fashion piece
- •A compact travel umbrella — one you'll actually carry
- •A merino base layer for the cold evenings
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
What to pack for New York in December
- →Lightweight fleeceAmazon · shop this
- →Merino travel socksAmazon · shop this
- →Packable rain jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Waterproof dry bagAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
We may earn a small commission on any purchase — it doesn't change the price you pay.
Where to stay in New York
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in New York across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Other places with a similar climate right now
New York in December — FAQ
Q01Is December a good time to visit New York?
Is December a good time to visit New York?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In December, New York averages a high of 7°C (45°F) and a low of 0°C (33°F), with 113mm of rainfall across roughly 11 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in New York in December?
What is the average temperature in New York in December?
The average high temperature in New York during December is 7°C (45°F), with an average low of 0°C (33°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does New York have in December?
How many rainy days does New York have in December?
New York averages approximately 11 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 113mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for New York in December?
What should I pack for New York in December?
For New York in December, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is New York in December?
How crowded is New York in December?
Tourist crowds in New York during December are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.