The Bronx, New York Weather in December

Cold, damp days

December is the cold, damp end of the year here, and that's the main reason The Bronx rates just 2.5/10. Highs reach only 5°C, nights dip to -2°C, and rain falls on 11 days. Cloud hangs over the borough often, and with about 3 hours of sun a day, outdoor plans feel short and chilly.

So trim your outdoor plans. The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show suits a grey afternoon, and you can also visit the Bronx Museum of the Arts or the indoor exhibits at the Bronx Zoo. Save long walks through Pelham Bay Park for a clearer day, since muddy paths and cold wind make them much less enjoyable.

Holiday lights and crowds

The festive season gives you plenty to see. The Botanical Garden's train show and the Bronx Zoo's Holiday Lights bring seasonal displays to the borough, and Christmas and Hanukkah shape the month too, though Hanukkah dates change each year. Families who love festive displays will find more to do than the weather alone suggests.

The Bronx is generally quieter than in May and September to October, when the weather is much better. Popular holiday events still draw visitors, especially around Christmas, so don't expect empty streets. Prices can be lower than in peak spring and autumn, but don't assume that holds over the holidays. November is a little milder, and January is colder still, so December sits in the middle of a chilly stretch. If you need a warmer base nearby, Washington, D.C. (347 km away) rates Fair this month, while Philadelphia (148 km away) is also Poor.

A useful local tip

At the Holiday Train Show, miniature New York landmarks are built from plant parts, including bark and seeds. Give yourself time to spot the details, and check the New York Botanical Garden's event information for that season's visiting arrangements.

Couples who prefer calm museum visits may enjoy December, but short daylight and wet spells limit time outdoors. Keep a flexible plan: pair an outdoor stop with an indoor sight rather than counting on a full day in the parks. If you can, aim for May or September to October instead.