December weather forecast
New York, NY

Share
The sunset view over skyscrapers in New York City, USA
The sunset view over skyscrapers in New York City, USA

Weather in December

December in New York City introduces the full swing of winter, dropping temperatures to the low 42.3°F (5.7°C). As the final month of the year, December is characterized by limited daylight hours, specifically by the end of the month. This period welcomes back snowfall, adding to the cityscape's charm under festive lights. Despite the shorter days and cold temperatures, the holiday events and decorations keep the city alive and vibrant. The relatively clear weather, despite the cold, fosters extended outdoor activity, especially during the holiday season.

Temperature

December's arrival correlates with a reduction in the average high-temperature, down from a cool 51.4°F (10.8°C) in November to an icy 42.3°F (5.7°C). New York experiences a steady low-temperature of 32.9°F (0.5°C) throughout December.

Humidity

The months with the highest humidity in New York, New York, are February and December, with an average relative humidity of 76%.

Rainfall

In December, in New York, the rain falls for 12.1 days. Throughout December, 3.5" (89mm) of precipitation is accumulated. In New York, during the entire year, the rain falls for 169 days and collects up to 36.65" (931mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

January through April, November and December are months with snowfall. In New York, in December, during 3 snowfall days, 1.34" (34mm) of snow is typically accumulated. In New York, during the entire year, snow falls for 19.2 days and aggregates up to 7.8" (198mm) of snow.

Ocean temperature

In New York, New York, the average seawater temperature in December is 47.1°F (8.4°C).
Note: Immersing oneself in 47.1°F (8.4°C) at sub14°F (-10°C) temperatures is a recipe for harsh cold shock and quickened breathing unless adequately equipped.

Daylight

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 18min of daylight.
On the first day of December in New York, sunrise is at 7:01 am and sunset at 4:29 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:19 am and sunset at 4:38 pm EST.

Sunshine

The average sunshine in December in New York is 4.9h.

UV index

January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index in New York, New York. A UV Index reading of 2, and below, represents a minimal health hazard from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for ordinary individuals.
Note: In December, an average UV index of 2 transforms into the following instructions:
For the majority, extended sun exposure is not of great concern. Infants and people with sensitive skin must always be protected. The intensity of the Sun's UV radiation during midday suggests reducing time spent outdoors. A wide-brimmed hat is a shield, deflecting up to 50% of harmful UV radiation from eyes. Be attentive! The reflective property of snow can nearly double the Sun's UV radiation.
[Resources]

Frequently asked questions

Is December cold in New York?

The average high-temperature and low-temperature during December are 42.3°F (5.7°C) and 32.9°F (0.5°C) respectively. The average heat index (a.k.a. 'felt air temperature', 'real feel'), which combines air temperature and relative humidity, in August is appraised at 86°F (30°C).

What are the most humid months in New York?

February and December, with an average relative humidity of 76%, are most humid months in New York, New York.

What is the average humidity in December in New York?

In December, the average relative humidity in New York, New York, is 76%.

How many days does it rain in December in New York?

In December, in New York, the rain falls for 12.1 days. Throughout December, 3.5" (89mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

How many days does it snow in December in New York?

In New York, New York, in December, during 3 snowfall days, 1.34" (34mm) of snow is typically accumulated.

What is the water temperature in December in New York?

In New York, the average seawater temperature in December is 47.1°F (8.4°C). At temperatures below 50°F (10°C), swimming in a suitably protected swimsuit is feasible; otherwise, cold shock and loss of breathing control are imminent. Even a short swim, without thermal protection, at temperatures around 55.4°F (13°C) is not comfortable.

What is the month with the shortest days in New York?

The month with the shortest days in New York is December, with an average of 9h and 18min of daylight.

How many hours of daylight does New York have in December?

In December, the average day length is 9h and 19min.

When is the sunrise / sunset in December in New York?

On the first day of December, sunrise is at 7:01 am and sunset at 4:29 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:19 am and sunset at 4:38 pm EST.

How long on average sun shines in December in New York?

The average sunshine duration in December in New York, New York, is 4.9h.

What is the month with the lowest UV index in New York?

January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index.

How high is the UV index in December in New York?

In New York, the average daily maximum UV index in December is 2. A UV Index reading of 2, and below, represents a low health risk from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation.
Average humidity
Average rainfall days
Average snowfall days
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average sunshine days
Average UV index
Average cloud cover
Average visibility

Average temperature in December
New York, NY

Average temperature in December - New York, NY
  • Average high temperature in December: 42.3°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (82.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (36.5°F).

  • Average low temperature in December: 32.9°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (69.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (26.1°F).

[Resources]

Average pressure in December
New York, NY

Average pressure in December - New York, NY
  • Average pressure in December: 30.07"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.1"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.93"Hg).

[Resources]

Average wind speed in December
New York, NY

Average wind speed in December - New York, NY
  • Average wind speed in December: 9.4mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (9.9mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (6.6mph).

[Resources]

Average humidity in December
New York, NY

Average humidity in December - New York, NY
  • Average humidity in December: 76%

The months with the highest relative humidity are February and December (76%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is August (70%).

[Resources]

Average rainfall in December
New York, NY

Average rainfall in December - New York, NY
  • Average rainfall in December: 3.5"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (4.02").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (2.17").

[Resources]

Average rainfall days in December
New York, NY

Average rainfall days in December - New York, NY
  • Average rainfall days in December: 12.1 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (18.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (9.1 days).

[Resources]

Average snowfall in December
New York, NY

Average snowfall in December - New York, NY
  • Average snowfall in December: 1.34"

The month with the highest snowfall is March (2.64").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August, September and October (0").

[Resources]

Average snowfall days in December
New York, NY

Average snowfall days in December - New York, NY
  • Average snowfall days in December: 3 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (5.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

[Resources]

Average sea temperature in December
New York, NY

Average sea temperature in December - New York, NY
  • Average sea temperature in December: 47.2°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (74.1°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (39.7°F).

[Resources]

Average daylight in December /
Average sunshine in December
New York, NY

Average daylight in December / Average sunshine in December - New York, NY
  • Average daylight in December: 9h and 2min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 0min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 18min).

  • Average sunshine in December: 4h and 5min

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 30min).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 4h and 42min).

[Resources]

Average sunshine days in December
New York, NY

Average sunshine days in December - New York, NY
  • Average sunshine days in December: 15.7 days

The month with the most sunshine days is January (17.9 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (9.8 days).

[Resources]

Average UV index in December
New York, NY

Average UV index in December - New York, NY
  • Average UV index in December: 2

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, November and December (UV index 2).

[Resources]

Average cloud cover in December
New York, NY

Average cloud cover in December - New York, NY
  • Average cloud cover in December: 47

The months with the most cloud cover are February, March and December (Cloud cover 47).
The month with the least cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 30).

[Resources]

Average visibility in December
New York, NY

Average visibility in December - New York, NY
  • Average visibility in December: 6mi

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

[Resources]

New York, New York, USA

Weather forecast for your location

1. Click Locate me button
2. Allow the app to use your location