New York weather in December
December is one of the least pleasant months in New York: highs of 7°C (44°F) and about 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain on average. Nights average 2°C (36°F) and cloud cover 63% (NASA POWER, 2001–2025 averages). It is the wettest month of the year and the 3rd coolest. Compared with November, it is cooler and wetter; January brings highs of 4°C (38°F) and 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain.
Figures are long-term averages for New York City, the largest city in New York. See below for other places.
Is December a good time to visit New York?
least pleasant month Weather score 26/100.
December is one of the least pleasant months for weather in New York. For better conditions, consider May–Oct.
Does it rain a lot in New York in December?
Some rain is normal: about 133 mm (5.2 in) falls in an average December. It is the wettest month of the year.
How warm is New York in December?
Days average 7°C (44°F) and nights 2°C (36°F).
New York weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Cloud | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°C (38°F) | -1°C (29°F) | 99 mm | 62% | least pleasant |
| February | 4°C (39°F) | -1°C (30°F) | 95 mm | 60% | least pleasant |
| March | 7°C (44°F) | 1°C (35°F) | 113 mm | 60% | least pleasant |
| April | 12°C (54°F) | 6°C (43°F) | 107 mm | 61% | fair |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 12°C (53°F) | 101 mm | 63% | best |
| June | 23°C (73°F) | 17°C (63°F) | 115 mm | 59% | best |
| July | 26°C (79°F) | 21°C (70°F) | 114 mm | 54% | best |
| August | 26°C (79°F) | 21°C (70°F) | 114 mm | 53% | best |
| September | 23°C (74°F) | 18°C (64°F) | 97 mm | 51% | best |
| October | 18°C (64°F) | 12°C (54°F) | 124 mm | 55% | best |
| November | 12°C (53°F) | 7°C (44°F) | 101 mm | 57% | fair |
| December | 7°C (44°F) | 2°C (36°F) | 133 mm | 63% | least pleasant |
Sources: 2001–2025 monthly averages from NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis). Page updated . How we rate months
Weather across New York in December
Weather can differ a lot within New York: coasts, hills and mountains each have their own climate.
| Place | High | Low | Rain | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 7°C (44°F) | 2°C (36°F) | 133 mm | least pleasant |
| Brooklyn | 7°C (44°F) | 2°C (36°F) | 133 mm | least pleasant |
| Queens | 7°C (44°F) | 2°C (36°F) | 133 mm | least pleasant |
| Manhattan | 5°C (41°F) | -2°C (28°F) | 116 mm | least pleasant |
| The Bronx | 5°C (41°F) | -2°C (28°F) | 116 mm | least pleasant |
| Staten Island | 6°C (43°F) | -2°C (29°F) | 115 mm | least pleasant |
| Buffalo | 2°C (36°F) | -3°C (26°F) | 80 mm | least pleasant |
| Upper West Side | 5°C (41°F) | -2°C (28°F) | 116 mm | least pleasant |
| Jamaica | 7°C (44°F) | 2°C (36°F) | 133 mm | least pleasant |
| Rochester | 2°C (35°F) | -4°C (24°F) | 76 mm | least pleasant |
| Yonkers | 5°C (41°F) | -2°C (28°F) | 116 mm | least pleasant |
| East Flatbush | 7°C (44°F) | 2°C (36°F) | 133 mm | least pleasant |