Month guide · York · United Kingdom
York in December
What December is really like in York: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Mramoeba, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
December is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 7°C (45°F), lows of 1°C (34°F), about 11 rainy days and roughly 7.4 hours of daylight. Festive lights, carol services in the Minster and very busy weekends until Christmas; quieter afterwards.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 7°C (45°F) / 1°C (34°F)
- Rainy days
- About 11
- Daylight
- About 7.4 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in December
December is the coolest month in York: days average 7°C (45°F) against a yearly average high of 14°C (57°F), and nights fall to about 1°C (34°F). Rain falls on roughly 11 of its 31 days. Compared with November (10°C (50°F)), December is cooler; by January highs stay near 7°C (45°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 08:17
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 15:42
- Daylight
- About 7.4 hours
Winter (December–February). Christmas markets and Minster carols in December, then cold, quiet weeks and the JORVIK Viking Festival in February.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 4 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in July). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- York Christmas Market continues (until shortly before Christmas)
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.
Castle · Castle Area
Clifford's Tower
The 13th-century stone keep of York Castle stands on a steep mound built by William the Conqueror.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Views
- Kids
Garden · Museum Gardens
Museum Gardens and Yorkshire Museum
The gardens are free; picnic among the abbey ruins before visiting the museum.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Nature
Religious site · Minster Quarter
Holy Trinity Goodramgate
Hidden behind a small archway off Goodramgate, this 15th-century church has a rare interior of 17th- and 18th-century box pews, uneven stone floors and medieval stained glass.
- Time needed
- 20 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Off the beaten path
- Architecture
Experience · City Centre
Evening ghost walk
Most walks set off around dusk without booking; bring cash or check whether card payment is accepted.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- After dark
- History
- Kids
- Couples
What to pack
For highs near 7°C, lows near 1°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 York?
A shoulder-season month, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, May–June and September are better overall. Compare every month.
York in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit York?
It is a shoulder-season month. Festive lights, carol services in the Minster and very busy weekends until Christmas; quieter afterwards.
+How warm is York in December?
Average highs are around 7°C (45°F) and lows around 1°C (34°F).
+Does it rain a lot in York in December?
Expect rain on about 11 days of the month.