December · United States
Best time to visit New York in December Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in New York in December
Average temperature 3°C, 110 mm of rain, about 19 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 72% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
December score
5.2/10
Ranked #12 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 3°C
- Rainfall
- 110 mm
- Humidity
- 72%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 19
- Crowd Density
- Quiet / Uncrowded
- Average Expenses
- $ · Budget Friendly ($)
December in New York scores 5.2/10 for sightseeing and cultural travel - ranked #12 of 12. Expect around 3°C, 110 mm of rain, and roughly 19 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Skyline energy, world-class museums, and park life at their best in late spring through early fall.
December in New York: mixed conditions, plan around the weather
December averages 3°C (37°F), cold enough that sightseeing works in bursts rather than in one long day on foot.
At 110 mm this is a genuinely wet month: about 19 days with 6+ hours of sunshine in total, and outdoor plans need an indoor fallback.
It scores 5.2/10 here, 12th of 12 months, against 8.7/10 in the destination's best month.
Pack insulated layers, a windproof shell, gloves and boots with grip, a proper rain shell rather than an umbrella.
Plan for low-season pricing, with crowds are light for this destination.
Flexible dates? June scores 3.5 points higher here — enough to change the trip.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in New York in December?
- In December, New York averages 3°C, 110 mm of rain, and about 19 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 5.2/10.
- Is December a good time to visit New York?
- December earns a 5.2/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in New York in December?
- Expect about 110 mm of rain in December. Average humidity is 72% and there are about 19 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in New York
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in New York
New York, United States. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.