York Weather in December
York in December sees low daytime temperatures of 8°C (46°F) and nighttime lows of 2°C (36°F). Rainfall is fairly high this month at around 64 mm (2.5 in), so pack a rain jacket to stay dry.
Rainfall in York in December
Rain is expected on roughly 17 days, totalling around 64 mm (2.5 in) for the month. This is a month with many wet days but modest rainfall totals, so showers are generally light and easy to manage.
Temperature in York in December
If you're visiting York in December, expect highs of 8°C (46°F) and overnight lows around 2°C (36°F). The winter season is characteristic of December. Cold conditions persist throughout the day, so warm clothing is important from the moment you head outside. At 2°C (36°F) overnight, it gets properly cold after dark. On the bright side, cold nights tend to make for excellent sleeping conditions.
Sunshine in York in December
The month has fewer sunny days, with around 48 hours of sunshine.If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, December may not be the ideal month to visit York. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United Kingdom, check out our York's climate page.
York Temperature in December
Min Temperature
2°C (36°F)
Max Temperature
8°C (46°F)
Chance of Rain
57%
Precipitation
64 mm (2.5 in)
Rainy days
17 days
Sunshine
48 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in York typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 8°C (46°F). Nights are cold, with lows around 2°C (36°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 York in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for York spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
York historical weather extremes in December
The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in York from 1976 through 2025.
- The hottest December day on record in York reached 15°C (59°F) (December 1, 1985).
- The coldest December day was on December 6, 2010, with a maximum of -5°C (23°F).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to -13°C (9°F) on December 17, 1981, marking the coldest December night on record.
Best Places in the United Kingdom in December
Find out more about the weather in the United Kingdom and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the United Kingdom in December →
perfect weather
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What to Wear in York in December
Cold weather calls for smart layering in December. A thermal base layer makes a huge difference in staying warm. Add a wool sweater or fleece, then a wind-resistant outer jacket. Rain gear is recommended, you can expect wet weather on multiple days. You can probably leave your sunglasses at home, because sunny days are pretty rare this month.What To Do in York 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 Kingdom, check out our York's climate page.
See the full York climate overview or explore weather in the United Kingdom.
