New York City Weather in December
With daytime temperatures of 8°C (46°F) and nighttime lows of 2°C (36°F), December in New York City brings low temperatures during the day. Do keep in mind that quite a bit of rainfall is typical. Around 127 mm (5 in) falls on average.
Rainfall in New York City in December
You can expect rain on around 11 days based on historical patterns, with 127 mm (5 in) average for the month. When showers do arrive, they tend to be on the heavier side. Worth being prepared even if rain days are not that numerous.
Temperature in New York City in December
Daytime temperatures in New York City reach 8°C (46°F) in December, dropping to 2°C (36°F) at night. The month of December belongs to the winter season. It stays cool throughout the day, so warm layers are a good idea from morning to evening. With lows around 2°C (36°F), nights are cold. The upside is that cool, crisp nights are often the best for a deep sleep.
Sunshine in New York City in December
The area enjoys a moderate level of sunlight, with around 141 hours. It's a good balance between sunny and cloudy days.
Wind Speed in New York City in December
December sees wind speeds averaging 6 m/s (12 knots). You'll experience strong winds that cause whole trees to sway and require effort when walking against them. As an average, expect variation from moderate breezes to particularly windy days that affect daily routines.
Average water temperature in December
The water sits at 9°C (48°F) this month, which is well below what most people consider swimmable. Wetsuits help, but expect it to still feel cold.December in New York City can still be great, but if you prefer pleasant temperatures along with dry and sunny conditions, our weather planner can help you explore other options in the world.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our New York City's climate page.
New York City Temperature in December
Min Temperature
2°C (36°F)
Max Temperature
8°C (46°F)
Water Temperature
9°C (48°F)
Chance of Rain
38%
Precipitation
127 mm (5 in)
Rainy days
11 days
Humidity
64%
Windspeed
6 m/s (12 knots)
Sunshine
141 hours
Percentage Sunshine
48%
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in New York City typically drop from around 9°C (48°F) at the start of December to approximately 6°C (43°F) by the end. Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from -1°C (30°F) to 3°C (37°F).
Average temperatures in December
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in December
Historical weather for New York City in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for New York City spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
New York City historical weather extremes in December
Our historical data for New York City spans 1976 to 2025, revealing these weather extremes.
- On December 24, 2015, temperatures climbed to 22°C (72°F), marking the warmest December day on record.
Best Places in the United States of America in December
Find out more about the weather in the United States of America and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the United States of America in December →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in New York City in December
Dress warmly and in layers for your trip to New York City in December. A good base layer system works wonders. Start with good thermal underwear, add something warm like a fleece sweater, then finish with a waterproof jacket on top. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. The water temperature sits at about 9°C (48°F), which is too chilly for most people to enjoy swimming. Leave the swimsuit at home unless you love cold water. It won't hurt to bring your sunglasses along, as you'll see some sunny periods.What To Do in New York City in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our New York City's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full New York City climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.
