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Weather Comparison

Rome vs New York

Side-by-side weather comparison for December

Rome: 12°CNew York: 6°C6,890 km apart

December Weather: Rome vs New York

MetricRomeNew YorkBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer12°C (54°F)6°C (43°F)Rome
Average LowHigher is milder5°C (41°F)-1°C (30°F)Rome
Rain DaysFewer is drier11 days10 daysNew York
PrecipitationLess is drier92 mm101 mmRome
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier7h/day6h/dayRome
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer11Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better14 km/h19 km/hRome

Which City is Better in December?

Rome 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.

Rome is on the cooler side at 12°C, requiring warmer clothing. New York is cooler at 6°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, New York is the stronger choice in December. Rome receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Temperature Comparison in December

Rome reaches an average high of 12°C (54°F) and drops to 5°C (41°F) at night during December. The daily temperature range is 7°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

New York averages 6°C (43°F) for the high and -1°C (30°F) for the low, with a daily range of 7°C. There is a notable 6°C gap between the two cities, so expect a very different feel.

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

Rainfall Comparison in December

Rome receives approximately 92 mm of rainfall across 11 rain days during December. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

New York sees 101 mm over 10 rain days. That makes New York the drier option by 1 rain day and 9 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: Rome vs New York

Packing for Rome in December

Highs of 12°C, lows of 5°C, 11 rain days

  • warm layers
  • a mid-weight jacket
  • long trousers
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes
  • a warm scarf

Packing for New York in December

Highs of 6°C, lows of -1°C, 10 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes
  • a warm scarf

Pack for both: waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during December.

Year-Round Comparison: Rome 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.

MonthRomeNew York
HighRainHighRain
Jan12°C9d4°C9d
Feb12°C9d5°C9d
Mar15°C9d9°C10d
Apr18°C11d15°C11d
May22°C9d21°C11d
Jun27°C5d26°C11d
Jul30°C4d29°C12d
Aug31°C4d28°C11d
Sep25°C9d24°C9d
Oct21°C11d18°C9d
Nov16°C12d12°C8d
Dec12°C11d6°C10d
12°

Rome Weather in December

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

6°

New York Weather in December

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rome warmer than New York in December?
Yes. In December, Rome is warmer with an average high of 12°C (54°F) compared to New York at 6°C (43°F), a difference of 6°C.
Which city gets more rain in December, Rome or New York?
Rome gets more rain in December with 11 rain days and 101 mm of precipitation. New York is the drier option with 10 rain days.
Is it better to visit Rome or New York in December?
It depends on your preferences. Rome averages 12°C and 7 hours of daily sunshine with 11 rain days. New York averages 6°C with 6 sunshine hours and 10 rain days. If you prefer warmer weather, choose Rome. For fewer rain days, New York is the better pick.
How far apart are Rome and New York?
Rome and New York are approximately 6,890 km (4,279 miles) apart. Rome is located in Italy (Europe) while New York is in United States (North America).
What is the best month to visit Rome and New York?
For Rome, July tends to be the best month with 14 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 30°C. For New York, July is typically ideal with 12 sunshine hours and 29°C highs.

Compare Rome 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.

Rome coordinates: 41.90°N, 12.50°E | New York coordinates: 40.71°N, -74.01°E