Ithaca, United States — Weather in December 2026

Climate Overview

Ithaca, United States in December has cold conditions, with highs averaging around 3.8°C (39°F). Rain falls on about 15 days this month, totalling around 93 mm.

This month falls at the beginning of Winter. Cold conditions dominate the month.

Temperatures remain fairly steady throughout December, with daily highs around 5°C (41°F).

December sees fairly even rainfall, totalling about 93 mm across the month.

Expect around 4.4h of sunshine at the start of December, decreasing to 3.8h by the end.

The warmest days tend to fall around the 1th, averaging 5.6°C (42°F).

Compared to November, this month is about 6°C cooler with 1 more rainy days. Temperatures begin dropping heading into January.

Monthly December Averages

Temperature

4°C / -2°C

Feels Like

0°C / -7°C

Rain

15 days · 93 mm

Sunshine

4.4h / day

Humidity

78% — Humid

Wind

19 km/h

Wind Direction

SW (230°)

Gusts

44 km/h

Daylight

9.1 h

Cloud Cover

80%

Clear Sky Days

0.4

UV Index

1.7 — Low

Dew Point

-3°C — Dry

Moon Phase

Waxing Crescent · 31%

Snow Days

17 days · 27.4 cm

Frost Days

20 days

Climate Charts

Daily averages based on historical data (2016–2025)

Daily Temperature

HighLow

Daily Precipitation

Rainfall

Daily Sunshine

Sunshine

Daily Wind Speed

Wind Speed

Sun Position

Sunrise 07:30

Daylight 9.1h

Sunset 16:35

What to Expect

Cold daytime highs of 4°C (39°F) mean shorter outdoor excursions with warming breaks. Keep afternoons flexible as tropical showers are common — they typically clear within an hour.

Wet weather can spread across much of the day, so it is best to keep outdoor plans flexible.

2 of the last 5 yearly records were warmer than this month's long-run average.

Compare Months

Month	Temp	Feels Like	Rain	Sun	Humidity	UV	Status	Details
January	2°C / -5°C	-3°C / -10°C	13days (83 mm) Wet	4.7h Fair	76% Humid	2.1 Moderate	Poor	View Details
February	4°C / -5°C	0°C / -10°C	12days (82 mm) Wet	5.8h Fair	74% Muggy	3.2 Moderate	Poor	View Details
March	9°C / -1°C	5°C / -5°C	13days (85 mm) Wet	7.2h Good	70% Muggy	4.2 Moderate	Poor	View Details
April	15°C / 5°C	12°C / 1°C	15days (114 mm) Wet	8.1h Good	71% Muggy	4.7 Moderate	Poor	View Details
May best	21°C / 11°C	21°C / 9°C	14days (103 mm) Wet	9.6h Good	75% Muggy	5.6 High	Good	View Details
June best	25°C / 16°C	27°C / 16°C	12days (98 mm) Wet	11.4h Excellent	74% Muggy	6.4 High	Excellent	View Details
July best	28°C / 19°C	31°C / 21°C	13days (107 mm) Wet	11.8h Excellent	75% Muggy	7 High	Good	View Details
August best	27°C / 19°C	29°C / 20°C	12days (105 mm) Wet	10.6h Excellent	76% Humid	5.9 High	Excellent	View Details
September best	24°C / 15°C	24°C / 15°C	9days (88 mm) Wet	8.9h Good	78% Humid	4.9 Moderate	Excellent	View Details
October	17°C / 10°C	16°C / 8°C	12days (118 mm) Wet	6.8h Fair	78% Humid	3.4 Moderate	Good	View Details
November	9°C / 3°C	6°C / -1°C	14days (86 mm) Wet	5.4h Fair	76% Humid	2.3 Moderate	Poor	View Details
December	4°C / -2°C	0°C / -7°C	15days (93 mm) Wet	4.4h Fair	78% Humid	1.7 Low	Poor	View Details

What to Wear

Full winter gear is a must — insulated coat, thermal base layers, warm hat, gloves, and waterproof boots.

A waterproof jacket or compact umbrella is recommended for occasional showers.

Packing List

Warm coatThermal base layersScarf & glovesUmbrellaWaterproof jacketWaterproof shoes

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand all

Is December a good time to visit Ithaca?

December is typically poor for visiting Ithaca, with average highs of 4°C (39°F) and around 15 rainy days. Ithaca, United States in December has cold conditions, with highs averaging around 3.8°C (39°F). Rain falls on about 15

Does it rain a lot in Ithaca in December?

Ithaca typically sees around 15 rainy days in December with 93 mm (3.7 in) of total rainfall. Pack a waterproof jacket.

Does it get cold at night in Ithaca in December?

Yes, nights in Ithaca during December are cold, averaging -2°C (28°F). Pack warm layers and a coat for evenings.

What should I pack for Ithaca in December?

With highs of 4°C (39°F) and lows of -2°C (28°F) in December, we recommend: Warm coat, Thermal base layers, Scarf & gloves, Umbrella, Waterproof jacket. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Is December among the best months weather-wise in Ithaca?

December is not the most favourable month weather-wise in Ithaca. Consider visiting during months with milder temperatures or less rainfall for a better experience.

What is the UV index in Ithaca in December?

The average UV index in Ithaca during December is 2 (low). No special sun protection is needed.

How many hours of daylight are there in Ithaca in December?

Ithaca gets approximately 9 hours of daylight per day in December, with around 4 hours of sunshine.

Does it snow in Ithaca in December?

Yes, Ithaca typically sees around 17 snow days in December with roughly 27 cm (11 in) of snowfall.

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