New York City Weather in December: Winter Chill, Holiday Magic & Snow Chances
New York City Weather in December– What It's Like in the Flatiron District
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By
Paul Martinez
- Updated
If you have watched the second Home Alone movie, then you have a pretty good idea of what the New York City weather in December can be. The city becomes a little chaotic, with places like the Flatiron District turning into an oasis of tranquility.
Holiday magic is everywhere we look, with some neighborhoods becoming temporary tourist attractions just because of their light displays. And seasonal activities become people’s go-to entertainment during December.
🎄 Why Visit NYC in December? Top Highlights
❄️ What’s NYC Weather Like in December?
Expect chilly winter days with daytime temps near 44°F (7°C) and nights around freezing. Cloudy skies and a light chance of snow add to the city’s holiday charm.☕ Flatiron Comfort When It’s Cold or Raining
Cozy up at Devoción or Birch Coffee, enjoy festive meals at Eataly Flatiron, explore MoMath, or discover a new favorite at Rizzoli Bookstore. All within walking distance.🎁 Festive Things to Do in December
🎅 See the Radio City Christmas Spectacular
✨ Wander Flatiron’s Christmas lights
🎄 Shop Union Square’s Holiday Market
🍽️ Dine under the ornaments at Rolf’s NYC
🎉 Brave the Times Square NYE Countdown🧳 NYC Travel Tips for December
Pack thermal layers, thick coats, gloves, scarves & waterproof boots. Sunglasses and a cozy tote or backpack complete your winter look. Stay in Flatiron for central access & calmer streets.
But no matter how chaotic the city gets, the Flatiron District will always have your back! You will be able to go everywhere in town and return to a calm spot, full of cozy restaurants to grab a bite at or a coffee to sip.
December is your chance to live out a picture-perfect holiday season, truly worthy of movies! You just need to plan properly since it is also a peak month for traveling.
This article is going to help you make the most of each day you spend here, helping you understand the weather to plan accordingly. And also telling you why the Flatiron District is your best bet!
This article is going to help you with planning because a good plan starts with understanding the weather you’re facing, and New York City weather in December is no joke. You’ll probably end up understanding why the Flatiron District is going to be your best accommodation bet!
Top photo: View of the Flatiron Public Plaza and Eataly
Average Temperatures in New York City in December
New York’s weather in December is incredible for people who enjoy chilly temperatures. Most days are cold enough that your breath will come out foggy, with thermometers lowering as we approach the new year.
You can expect daytime averages of 7°C (44.6°F) while your evenings will be a little chillier, usually around 0°C (32°F).
Thankfully, the Flatiron District will always have a great coffee shop open for us to grab hot drinks when needed.
Is the New York City Weather in December rainy?
Even with it being as cold as it is, December doesn’t get too rainy. It rains a little less than in the past month, and we might even get some snow close to Christmas time since temperatures drop even more.
It won’t be nearly enough rain to get in the way of you having fun, but don’t worry! I will tell you some fun things to do close to your accommodation in the Flatiron District, just in case!
How Much Does It Rain in December?
New York City weather in December is fully fledged winter days, so not much rain overall. You can expect the light showers and drizzles divided between 8 days in total, adding up to 96 mm (3.8 inches).
Best Things to Do in New York City When it Rains
A little rain (or a cold day) doesn’t have to mean you’re holed up inside, bored out of your mind. Here are some great things to do in the Flatiron District:
- 🖼️ Visit a Museum: New York is such a cultural city that there are over a hundred museums to choose from. I recommend hitting up the MoMath in Flatiron because it is a fun and interactive one, perfect for all ages!
- ☕ Grab a Coffee at Devoción or Birch Coffee: Cold weather already asks for a hot drink, but cold and rainy? The Flatiron District has many great spots to take shelter in, like Birch or Devociónn Coffee. They have amazing roasts and seasonal menus to try!
- 🍽️ Eataly Flatiron: In case you want to try doing something different, head to Eataly Flatiron! This is an entire building filled with the very best of Mediterranean cuisine, from specialty ingredients to small bites. And if you want a fuller dining experience, head to their rooftop restaurant: Serra by Birreria.
- 📚 Rizzoli Bookstore: One of my favorite ways to spend some time during rainy days is to look for my next read. One of NYC’s most iconic bookstores, Rizzoli, is in the Flatiron District! Come over for books on everything and a cozy place to escape from the cold.
There is so much to see in the Flatiron District that your whole day can be taken care of without having to get into the subway system.
Is it Hot in New York City in December?
Well, we’re well into the winter season, so it won’t be hot at all. It will be nicely warm inside places, but that will be it.
How Cloudy is New York City’s Weather in December?
Because the weather is colder, we generally get more cloud coverage. New York City weather in December has a 51% chance of being overcast or cloudy.
How Humid is it in New York City in December?
Well, December will be a sharp turn away from the mugginess of late summer. Relative humidity levels stay around 85% so in case your skin feels dry, head to Flatiron District’s beloved store Credo Beauty or The Detox Market for a little pick-me-up.
How Windy is it in New York City in December?
December gets a little windier than December since we are getting close to the coldest days NYC has. Wind speeds rise a little to 14.4 mph (23.2 kmh), it feels like more depending on where in town you are.
When are Sunrise and Sunset in New York City in December?
Winter sun can be an unpredictable thing, but we can still figure out a time window for when sunrise and sunset are most likely to happen:
- Sunrise: 7:00-7:30 AM
- Sunset: 4:20–4:50 PM
Winter sunsets will be a rare treat, so whenever you get a chance to, head to rooftop bars like Serra by Birreria to have some drinks. Don’t worry! These places have great heaters, so you won’t be cold.
Is the Water Warm in New York City in December?
Water temperature is always going to reflect the weather, so if the New York City weather in December is cold, the water is going to be cold as well.
How Warm is the Water in New York City in December?
The water isn’t going to be warm since temperatures hover around 43.8 to 49.4 °F (6.6 to 9.7 °C)
What to Wear in New York City in December
Well, I don’t know about you, but I love to match the people from where I’m visiting. New Yorkers are naturally stylish people, so you will need a great packing list. Here are some wildcard items to have on hand:
👚 Neutral base layers – A good pair of pants and a thick, long-sleeved shirt will give you a great outfit starting point. Places like Uniqlo on 5th Avenue have affordable pieces if you need to get stuff in town.
🧥 Thicker outer layers – If days during December are cold, nights get even colder. You will need at least one thick outer layer to face chilly temperatures, a leather jacket or trench coat might be a good choice.
🧤 Sunglasses, hair clips or ties, hats, scarves, and gloves: Your outfit will never be complete without the right accessories. Hats, gloves, and scarves will be a must for dealing with the cold. The other things will complement the look and keep you comfy!
👢 Waterproof shoes – You’ll deal with rain, puddles, and maybe even snow. Can you imagine dealing with soggy socks on top of everything? Waterproof shoes are a must!
🎒 Comfy backpacks or totes – Going out in the streets means getting souvenirs, merch, a water bottle, and who knows what else. Carrying a backpack or a tote will be super helpful!
Unique Things to Do in New York City in December
New York’s streets are pure holiday magic, and it can be hard to navigate all the things to do. Here are some of the best things to do in or around the Flatiron District:
Attend the Radio City Christmas Spectacular:
One of New York’s most iconic holiday events is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, home to the Rockette dancers! Their synchronized dancing is an amazing sight to see. Tickets don’t tend to sell out, but I recommend you get them as far in advance as possible to get a pick of seats.
Check Out Flatiron’s Christmas Lights:
No matter the holiday, New Yorkers tend to go all out to celebrate. There are incredible light displays throughout the Flatiron District and along 5th Avenue, so why not grab a hot drink and go check them out?
Go Do Something Festive:
Along with Christmas lights, there are plenty of holiday markets popping up around NYC! They are perfect for getting seasonal foods, grabbing a souvenir, or just feeling festive. The Flatiron has one on Union Square every year!
Have Dinner at Rolf’s:
Rolf’s is popularly known as the ‘most festive restaurant’ in town for a good reason. It becomes a true Christmas wonderland every year for the holidays! There are many German dishes you could try. And the best part is that it is located super close to the Flatiron District, so you can walk there under the lights.
Brave Times Square During New Year’s Eve:
Besides the Christmas magic, New York is famous for its many New Year’s celebrations. Times Square is so beloved that millions tune in worldwide to watch the concerts and the ball drop. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Consider being there sometime on December 31st if you’re brave enough.
New York City in December: Ultimate Travel Guide
The New York City weather in December is chilly, so you need to prepare to make the most of it. Here is an ultimate travel guide to help with that:
Is New York City Safe to Travel To?
New York City is an incredibly safe place to visit, and it gets more so during peak travel seasons like the weeks before Christmas! But that doesn’t mean we don’t need to take some safety precautions anyway.
Your first step will be doing research, which is more important when we’re traveling during peak season. It will help you find the best neighborhood to stay in and a good hotel/accommodation. Some hotel chains will even have concierge services that help with show and tour tickets.
One important thing is to always respect the place you’re visiting, whether it is a high-end restaurant or a religious temple.
And keep people updated on your plans just in case. Traveling to New York is going to be amazing, just you wait!
Where is New York City, USA?
New York City is in the northern part of the USA, meaning it is a special place for many reasons. A lot of American history happened in this place, so a trip here is a good idea.
What State is New York City In?
New York City has the same name as the state it’s surrounded by. It is a state known for natural beauty, between Pennsylvania and Connecticut. The borders go as far as Canada in some parts! You can find Niagara Falls in this shared international border.
How to Get to New York City, USA?
New York City is a very important place for both the country and tourism, so it is easily accessible by both air and road.
By Air: There are multiple airports you can use to reach NYC. LaGuardia and JFK are the closest airports, both in town, easily accessible by public transit or ride-share apps. You can also fly into Newark to avoid most of the traffic around the in-city airports.
By Road: New York City is well connected to the US by different highways. You can rent a car to drive into town, go there by bus, or hire a private transfer to get you where you need to go from the airport.
Best Places to Stay in New York City in December
By this point in your planning, you know that there is much to do in NYC, especially during the holidays. The best place to stay is always the Flatiron District, if only because it gives you access to pretty much anywhere in town.
Is there Uber in New York City?
Yes, there is, and it works perfectly! You will come to realize many New Yorkers don’t even have a car, so they depend on rideshare apps to get around. You can use Uber fine so long as you have a reliable internet connection.
New York City in December: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Best Months to Visit New York City, USA?
NYC has its best weeks late spring and late summer (March through August). You get all the best weather, and it gives you the chance to escape peak travel season if you want to! That peak season for traveling is between May and July, so bring over some extra patience if you are coming then.
Does it Get Cold in New York City?
New York is famous for its winters, so temperatures drop considerably during winter. This city gets very cold during winter months, with temperatures between 4 and – 4 degrees Celsius (40-25°F). This never stops people from doing everything around town!
What is the Coldest Month in New York City?
The peak of cold weather in NYC happens in January each year. Our temperatures hover around 1 degree Celsius (34°F) every day, feeling even colder after dark.
Packing for New York City in December: What to Bring?
Because December is very cold, you need to pack smart so you’re not stuck lugging around too many bags.
Start with a good pair of thermal wear just in case, along with thick pants and long-sleeved shirts. Sweaters will be necessary, as well as good coats. As for your shoes, either boots or thicker sneakers are amazing for all the walking you will do.
And don’t forget to pack small items like hats, gloves, and scarves. These will be essential for dealing with the cold weather while still being comfortable enough to enjoy your days.
Is December a Good Time to Visit the USA?
If you want to experience the most magical side of New York City, December is the time to be here. You get every bit of festive activity, amazing food options, and weather cold enough to be fun. December is a great time to visit the US!
Final Thoughts: Visiting New York City in December
New York City weather in December is a perfect background to have a magical holiday season. You can start at the Flatiron District and check off every item on your itinerary! There are many local spots you can hang out at when you need a breather.
It is truly cold already, but it usually has a few days of heavy rain, letting you explore everything from Coney Island to Lower Manhattan. There are so many things to do if you want to make the most of NYC, the local and touristy sides.
And even if it is cold, there won’t be much rain to stand in the way of your plans. You can skate under the Rockefeller Center Tree, walk through holiday markets, and make the most of the amazing city you’re in.
Christmas magic is in the air, and your trip can be perfect; you just need to start planning.
From seasonal highlights to neighborhood gems, our NYC Flatiron site is your starting point.
More Planning for Winter Weather in NYC
- Check out: New York City Weather in November
- Check out: New York City Weather in January
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