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New York, United States · Temperate oceanic

New York in December: go or not?

Tough period. New York in December only reaches 1.1/10.

📅 Updated August 2026 🛰️ ERA5 · 10 years 📍 40.71°N · 74.01°W
⚡ This month's verdict
Avoid
New York · December
1.1
-1–6°
Temperature
33%
Rain
4h
Sun
🌊 Seaside☀️ Bright🍴 Gastronomy
Photo : leon baldry via Unsplash
The month in detail

What to expect in December

Winter in New York is cool (6.0°F during the day). Days are short (4.4h of sunshine) but the city reveals a different side. Expect rain on 33.0% of days — a light raincoat in the bag is recommended.

December ranks 10 out of 12 months in New York. Compared to November: −11°F daytime, −0.9h of sun per day.

This month's conditions

What it's like in December

UV index
2 · low
no protection needed
Feels like
dry air
-1°
Sea
7°C
cold, for the brave
Daylight
9.1h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 32
Compare

Is December the right month?

The best month in New York is June (8.1/10), 7.0 pts higher than December.

See June →See all 12 months →
Context

Our verdict

New York is the ultimate urban experience: 8.5 million inhabitants across Manhattan-Bronx-Brooklyn-Queens-Staten Island. June stays my favorite month (8.6/10): 63-79°F, 36% rain, parks in full swing (Central Park, Prospect Park), terraces, festivals (SummerStage, Shakespeare in the Park).

Read Gilles' full review →

Book

Plan your trip

Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.

🏨
Stay
Hotels & rentals · New York
Expedia →
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Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
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Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →

🎟️ Activities & tours · New York

GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation

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Affiliate link · GetYourGuide
Practical info

What you need to know before you go

Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach trip.

Country · United States

🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyUS Dollar ($)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘExpensive · 4/5

🌡️ Climate

🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthJuly · 86°F
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 39°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘJuly · 44%

🏖️ Beach trip

📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
Explore

Other destinations in December

If December doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.

Similar climate
BostonUSAWashington DCUSANashvilleUnited StatesChicagoUSAKrakowPoland
Nearby
Cape CodUnited States335 kmKillingtonUnited States336 kmStoweUnited States431 kmMontrealCanada534 km
Other top picks
AlgarvePortugal4.5TanzaniaTanzania5.4JordanJordan7.2PetraJordan7.2El HierroSpain7.3
← NovemberJanuary →
🗺️ See all 754 destinations on the map
Location

Where is New York ?

Global position + regional geographic context.

🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
United States
Temperate oceanic climate with a 8.1 → 1.1 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
40.71°N · 74.01°W
Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit New York?
June is the best month with 79°F highs, 63°F lows, 7.9h of sunshine and 36.0% rainy days. The months of June & August offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does New York get in June?
New York averages 7.9 sunshine hours per day in June. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.6/10.
What is the rainiest month in New York?
January is the most unfavourable month with January has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in New York in June?
In June, overnight lows reach 63°F, while afternoon highs average 79°F.
Is New York good in winter?
In winter (December-February), New York scores 1.1/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains June with a score of 7.6/10.
When should you avoid New York?
January is the most difficult month to visit New York, with January has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in New York in December?
In December, the sea averages 45°F in New York: cold, for the brave. Best left to hardened swimmers or those with a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in New York in December?
The average UV index reaches 2 in December in New York (low), with about 9.1h of daylight. No protection needed.