New York City Weather in December: Winter Chill, Holiday Magic & Snow Chances

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.

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 tell 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 (33°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 full-fledged winter weather, so not much rain overall. You can expect light showers and drizzles divided between 8 days in total; averaging about 4.4 inches (111 mm) of precipitation.

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: Cold weather already calls for a hot drink, but cold and rainy? The Flatiron District has many great spots to take shelter in, like 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: AMALFI Rooftop 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 super close to 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 cover. New York City weather in December has a 51% chance of being overcast or cloudy. Even if it has plenty of cloudy days, you’ll also get clear winter days.

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 62%.

How Windy is it in New York City in December?

December gets a little windier than November 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 treat, so whenever you get a chance to, head to rooftop bars like AMALFI Rooftop 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. Book in advance if you want a particular date, time, or seat.

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 take an evening walk around Flatiron and nearby Fifth Avenue to enjoy seasonal decorations and holiday window displays

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 the annual Union Square Holiday Market nearby!

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 going 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 a major tourist destination, but visitors should use the same common-sense precautions they would in any large city. Keep valuables secure, stay aware of your surroundings, and take extra care in crowded areas and on public transportation

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.

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 is in New York State, in the northeastern United States. The city consists of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island

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! Uber is widely available in New York City, although traffic can make driving slower than expected. For many trips around Manhattan, the subway may be faster and cheaper

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.

December weather can change quickly, so plan for cold temperatures and occasional rain or snow. Fortunately, NYC has plenty of indoor attractions, restaurants, cafés and museums for wet-weather days.

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.

💭FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions