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.