December weather forecast
New York, USA

December in New York State heralds the full onset of winter, a time of frosted landscapes, twinkling holiday lights, and the unmistakable crispness of the air. This month encapsulates the essence of winter's beauty and its chill.

Upstate areas, including the regions surrounding the Appalachian and Adirondack Mountains, experience temperatures that typically fall between 20°F (-6.7°C) and 35°F (1.7°C). These regions are prone to significant snowfall, often accumulating several inches or more in a single storm, especially in the higher elevations. Lake-effect snow is particularly prominent downwind of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, leading to substantial snow accumulations in specific areas.

Downstate New York, which encompasses the Greater New York Metropolitan Area and Long Island, has temperatures generally ranging from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 40°F (4.4°C). While New York City and its surroundings are less likely to experience the hefty snowfall of the upstate regions, they are not immune. The metropolis occasionally dresses in a layer of snow, rendering iconic sites like Central Park into winter wonderlands.

Compared to November's transitional feel, December firmly establishes itself in the wintry camp. The shorter days and longer nights contribute to the cold ambience, and snow becomes a frequent visitor in many parts of the state. Holiday festivities, from tree lightings to festive markets, provide warmth and joy amid the cold backdrop. Ice-skating rinks, both upstate and downstate, come alive with activity. As the month draws to an end, New Year's celebrations see residents and visitors welcoming the upcoming year with hope and festivity, against the serene and snowy canvas of December in New York.

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• New York - December »
  In New York in December, during 3 snowfall days, 1.34" (34mm) of snow is typically accumulated. The month with the shortest days in New York is December, with an average of 9h and 18min of daylight.
• Buffalo - December »
  In Buffalo in December, it is raining for 10.5 days, with typically 2.2" (56mm) of accumulated precipitation. In Buffalo, in December, during 15.5 snowfall days, 5.24" (133mm) of snow is typically accumulated.
• Rochester - December »
  In Rochester, New York, in December, during 14.2 snowfall days, 5.31" (135mm) of snow is typically accumulated. The month with the shortest days in Rochester is December, with an average of 9h and 6min of daylight.
• Yonkers - December »
  The month with the most snowfall in Yonkers is December, when snow falls for 2.5 days and typically aggregates up to 0.35" (9mm) of snow. February and December, with an average relative humidity of 76%, are most humid months in Yonkers, New York.
• Syracuse - December »
  In Syracuse during December, snow falls for 14.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 3.62" (92mm) of snow. The months with the most snowfall in Syracuse are February and December, with an average 3.62" (92mm) of accumulated snow.
• Albany - December »
  In Albany, New York, during December, snow falls for 8.6 days and regularly aggregates up to 5.55" (141mm) of snow. In Albany in December, it is raining for 12.1 days, with typically 2.72" (69mm) of accumulated precipitation.
• New Rochelle - December »
  The months with the lowest UV index in New Rochelle are January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2. The month with the shortest days in New Rochelle is December, with an average of 9h and 18min of daylight.
• Mount Vernon - December »
  With an average of 9h and 18min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Mount Vernon, New York. In Mount Vernon, in December, during 3.4 snowfall days, 1.65" (42mm) of snow is typically accumulated.
• Schenectady - December »
  In Schenectady, in December, snow falls for 6.4 days, with typically accumulated 5.24" (133mm) of snow. In Schenectady, in December, snow falls for 6.4 days, with typically accumulated 5.24" (133mm) of snow.
• Utica - December »
  In Utica during December, snow falls for 16.8 days and regularly aggregates up to 10.16" (258mm) of snow. In Utica, in December, during 16.8 snowfall days, 10.16" (258mm) of snow is typically accumulated.
• White Plains - December »
  The month with the shortest days in White Plains is December, with an average of 9h and 18min of daylight. In White Plains, during December, snow falls for 4.7 days and regularly aggregates up to 2.32" (59mm) of snow.
• Hempstead - December »
  Drawing to the end, December in Hempstead witnesses the final transformation from late fall to full winter, with the days recording their shortest daylight time of the year at 9.3 hours, compared to November. On the first day of December in Hempstead, New York, sunrise is at 6:59 am and sunset at 4:27 pm.