December weather forecast
New York, USA

December in New York State heralds the full onset of winter, a time of frosted landscapes, twinkling holiday lights, and the unmistakable crispness of the air. This month encapsulates the essence of winter's beauty and its chill.

Upstate areas, including the regions surrounding the Appalachian and Adirondack Mountains, experience temperatures that typically fall between 20°F and 35°F. These regions are prone to significant snowfall, often accumulating several inches or more in a single storm, especially in the higher elevations. Lake-effect snow is particularly prominent downwind of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, leading to substantial snow accumulations in specific areas.

Downstate New York, which encompasses the Greater New York Metropolitan Area and Long Island, has temperatures generally ranging from 25°F to 40°F. While New York City and its surroundings are less likely to experience the hefty snowfall of the upstate regions, they are not immune. The metropolis occasionally dresses in a layer of snow, rendering iconic sites like Central Park into winter wonderlands.

Compared to November's transitional feel, December firmly establishes itself in the wintry camp. The shorter days and longer nights contribute to the cold ambience, and snow becomes a frequent visitor in many parts of the state. Holiday festivities, from tree lightings to festive markets, provide warmth and joy amid the cold backdrop. Ice-skating rinks, both upstate and downstate, come alive with activity. As the month draws to an end, New Year's celebrations see residents and visitors welcoming the upcoming year with hope and festivity, against the serene and snowy canvas of December in New York.

---

• New York - December »
  In New York, during December, snow falls for 3 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.34" of snow. December has the shortest days of the year in New York, with an average of 9h and 18min of daylight.
• Buffalo - December »
  In Buffalo in December, during 10.5 rainfall days, 2.2" of precipitation is typically accumulated. In Buffalo, in December, snow falls for 15.5 days, with typically accumulated 5.24" of snow.
• Rochester - December »
  In Rochester in December, snow falls for 14.2 days, with typically accumulated 5.31" of snow. In Rochester, during December, snow falls for 14.2 days and regularly aggregates up to 5.31" of snow.
• Yonkers - December »
  The months with the lowest UV index in Yonkers, New York, are January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2. January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index in Yonkers, New York.
• Syracuse - December »
  The months with the most snowfall in Syracuse are February and December, with an average 3.62" of accumulated snow. December has the shortest days of the year in Syracuse with an average of 9h and 6min of daylight.
• Albany - December »
  The month with the shortest days in Albany is December, with an average of 9h and 6min of daylight. In Albany during December, snow falls for 8.6 days and regularly aggregates up to 5.55" of snow.
• New Rochelle - December »
  In New Rochelle during December, the rain falls for 11.6 days and regularly aggregates up to 2.95" of precipitation. The months with the lowest UV index in New Rochelle are January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.
• Mount Vernon - December »
  In Mount Vernon during December, snow falls for 3.4 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.65" of snow. In Mount Vernon, in December, snow falls for 3.4 days, with typically accumulated 1.65" of snow.
• Schenectady - December »
  In Schenectady in December, snow falls for 6.4 days, with typically accumulated 5.24" of snow. In Schenectady in December, snow falls for 6.4 days, with typically accumulated 5.24" of snow.
• Utica - December »
  In Utica in December, during 16.8 snowfall days, 10.16" of snow is typically accumulated. In Utica in December, during 12.3 rainfall days, 3.46" of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• White Plains - December »
  In White Plains in December, during 4.7 snowfall days, 2.32" of snow is typically accumulated. The month with the most rainfall in White Plains is December, when the rain falls for 12 days and typically aggregates up to 3.98" of precipitation.
• Hempstead - December »
  Drawing to the end, December in Hempstead witnesses the final transformation from late fall to full winter, with the days recording their shortest daylight time of the year at 9.3 hours, compared to November. The month with the shortest days in Hempstead is December, with an average of 9h and 18min of daylight.