New York City in December
Cold, crowded and expensive — but magical
The short answer
December is a good time to visit New York City.
Best overall isn't the same as most magical — New York at Christmas is one of the great travel experiences.
December in detail
What December actually feels like
- Weather
- 1–7°C
- Cold — average highs around 7°C (44.3°F), lows around 1°C (33.8°F)
- Crowds
- Very high
- Festive crowds throughout Manhattan, peaking around Christmas and New Year's Eve
- Prices
- $$$$ (Peak)
- Highest demand of the year around the holidays
+Christmas lights, decorated streets, Rockefeller Center, holiday markets and department-store windows make this the most atmospheric month of the year.
–December is cold, and a high-demand, higher-price period — especially around Christmas and New Year's Eve.
My tip for December
Choose December if Christmas atmosphere matters more to you than weather or value.
- Christmas atmosphere
- Holiday markets
- Ice skating
How December compares
Against the other eleven months
8th of 12 overall in New York City, 10th for weather, 11th for space, 12th for value. The emptiest month is January; the best value is January.
See all twelve months for New York CityPlan around
What’s on in New York City in December
- Christmas & New Year
- The strongest festive period of the year: high atmosphere, high demand, high prices and cold weather. Magical, but plan and book early.
December
Not set on December?
Even stronger months in New York City
Ready to book December in New York City?
Christmas lights, decorated streets, Rockefeller Center, holiday markets and department-store windows make this the most atmospheric month of the year.
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