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Weather Comparison

Paris vs New York

Side-by-side weather comparison for December

Paris: 0°CNew York: 4°C5,837 km apart

December Weather: Paris vs New York

MetricParisNew YorkBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer0°C (32°F)4°C (39°F)New York
Average LowHigher is milder-12°C (10°F)-8°C (18°F)New York
Rain DaysFewer is drier3 days3 daysTie
PrecipitationLess is drier30 mm30 mmTie
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier1h/day1h/dayTie
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer11Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better15 km/h15 km/hTie

Which City is Better in December?

Paris and New York are closely matched in December. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.

Paris is on the cooler side at 0°C, requiring warmer clothing. New York is cooler at 4°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, both cities are equally dry in December.

Temperature Comparison in December

Paris reaches an average high of 0°C (32°F) and drops to -12°C (10°F) at night during December. The daily temperature range is 12°C, meaning significant temperature swings between day and night.

New York averages 4°C (39°F) for the high and -8°C (18°F) for the low, with a daily range of 12°C. The 4°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in December.

Rainfall Comparison in December

Paris receives approximately 30 mm of rainfall across 3 rain days during December. Rain is occasional, so a light rain jacket should suffice.

New York sees 30 mm over 3 rain days. Both cities are equally rainy this month.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: Paris vs New York

Packing for Paris in December

Highs of 0°C, lows of -12°C, 3 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • a warm scarf

Packing for New York in December

Highs of 4°C, lows of -8°C, 3 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • a warm scarf

Pack for both: heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, insulated boots, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during December.

Year-Round Comparison: Paris vs New York

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.December is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthParisNew York
HighRainHighRain
Jan1°C3d5°C3d
Feb5°C3d9°C3d
Mar11°C4d14°C4d
Apr17°C5d19°C5d
May22°C6d23°C6d
Jun23°C6d24°C6d
Jul22°C6d23°C6d
Aug17°C5d19°C5d
Sep11°C4d14°C4d
Oct5°C3d9°C3d
Nov1°C3d5°C3d
Dec0°C3d4°C3d
0°

Paris Weather in December

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

4°

New York Weather in December

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paris warmer than New York in December?
No. In December, New York is warmer with an average high of 4°C (39°F) compared to Paris at 0°C (32°F), a difference of 4°C.
Which city gets more rain in December, Paris or New York?
Both cities average 3 rain days in December with similar precipitation levels.
Is it better to visit Paris or New York in December?
It depends on your preferences. Paris averages 0°C and 1 hours of daily sunshine with 3 rain days. New York averages 4°C with 1 sunshine hours and 3 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose New York. For fewer rain days, both are equal.
How far apart are Paris and New York?
Paris and New York are approximately 5,837 km (3,625 miles) apart. Paris is located in France (Europe) while New York is in United States (North America).
What is the best month to visit Paris and New York?
For Paris, May tends to be the best month with 7 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 22°C. For New York, May is typically ideal with 7 sunshine hours and 23°C highs.

Compare Paris and New York in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Paris coordinates: 48.86°N, 2.35°E | New York coordinates: 40.71°N, -74.01°E