Month guide · New York City · United States
New York City in December
What December is really like in New York City: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Anthony Quintano from Hillsborough, NJ, United States, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
December is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 7°C (45°F), lows of 0°C (32°F), about 11 rainy days and roughly 9.3 hours of daylight. Festive and cold, with holiday windows, ice rinks and markets; the most expensive weeks fall just before Christmas and at New Year.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 7°C (45°F) / 0°C (32°F)
- Rainy days
- About 11
- Daylight
- About 9.3 hours
- Sea temperature
- 8°C (46°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in December
December is the 10th-warmest month in New York City: days average 7°C (45°F) against a yearly average high of 17°C (63°F), and nights fall to about 0°C (32°F). Rain falls on roughly 11 of its 31 days. Compared with November (12°C (54°F)), December is cooler; by January highs drop to around 4°C (39°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 07:13
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 16:30
- Daylight
- About 9.3 hours
- Sea
- 8°C (46°F)
Winter (December–February). Festive December lights and ice rinks give way to cold, sometimes snowy January and February, the quietest and lowest-priced months.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 5 for crowds (the peak is June at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in May). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- Holiday markets in Bryant Park, Union Square and Columbus Circle (usually November to December)
- New Year's Eve ball drop in Times Square (31 December)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
With cold days, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Park · Chelsea
The High Line
This elevated park on a disused freight railway runs about 2.3 km from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards at 34th Street, planted with wild grasses and perennials and dotted with public art.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Art
- Views
Experience · Financial District
Staten Island Ferry
Stand on the right-hand side heading to Staten Island for the best views of the statue, then simply ride back.
- Time needed
- 1 hour round trip
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Kids
- Couples
Neighbourhood · DUMBO
DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park
Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, DUMBO's cobbled streets frame the classic view of the Manhattan Bridge from Washington Street.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Kids
- Photo spot
- Couples
Museum · Fort Tryon Park
The Met Cloisters
Use the same-day Met ticket, take the A train to 190th Street and walk up through Fort Tryon Park.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Art
- History
- Off the beaten path
- Views
What to pack
For highs near 7°C, lows near 0°C and 11 wet days: a warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; shoes with good grip for icy pavements; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit New York City?
A shoulder-season month, with 2 notable events on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, April–June and September–October are better overall. Compare every month.
New York City in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit New York City?
It is a shoulder-season month. Festive and cold, with holiday windows, ice rinks and markets; the most expensive weeks fall just before Christmas and at New Year.
+How warm is New York City in December?
Average highs are around 7°C (45°F) and lows around 0°C (32°F).
+Does it rain a lot in New York City in December?
Expect rain on about 11 days of the month.