New York · USA
December
Christmas in New York is as cinematic as the movies suggest — and priced accordingly.
Strong option
#8 of 12 months
There are better months for New York — see the full ranking below.
See when to go instead →Climate
High
5.1°C
Low
-0.6°C
Rain
102mm
Sun
4.9hrs/day
30-year climate normals · Open Meteo ERA5
How December scores in New York
Weather
Average
Value
Average
Crowds
Average
Events
Outstanding
Atmosphere
Outstanding
What you gain in December
- ↑Rockefeller Center tree and ice rink: genuinely one of the world's great Christmas experiences
- ↑Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular is exactly what it promises
- ↑New Year's Eve Times Square ball drop: a once-in-a-lifetime experience if you can stand the 6-hour wait
What you sacrifice
- ↓December is peak tourism pricing — hotel rates rival summer peaks
- ↓Times Square and Midtown Christmas shopping are extreme crowd situations
- ↓Cold (0°C overnight) and highest rainfall month: can feel punishing after dark
How December compares to October (best month)
| Factor | December | October ★ |
|---|---|---|
| Weather | 4 | 9 |
| Value | 4 | 5 |
| Crowds | 4 | 4 |
December in other destinations
Climate data: 30-year normals (1991–2020) from Open Meteo ERA5 reanalysis. Scores compare months within New York, not across destinations. Methodology →