Weather Comparison
Rome vs New York
Side-by-side weather comparison for December
December Weather: Rome vs New York
| Metric | Rome | New York | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 12°C (54°F)▲ | 6°C (43°F) | Rome |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 5°C (41°F)▲ | -1°C (30°F) | Rome |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 11 days | 10 days▲ | New York |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 92 mm▲ | 101 mm | Rome |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 7h/day▲ | 6h/day | Rome |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 1 | 1 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 14 km/h▲ | 19 km/h | Rome |
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.
| Month | Rome | New York | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 12°C | 9d | 4°C | 9d |
| Feb | 12°C | 9d | 5°C | 9d |
| Mar | 15°C | 9d | 9°C | 10d |
| Apr | 18°C | 11d | 15°C | 11d |
| May | 22°C | 9d | 21°C | 11d |
| Jun | 27°C | 5d | 26°C | 11d |
| Jul | 30°C | 4d | 29°C | 12d |
| Aug | 31°C | 4d | 28°C | 11d |
| Sep | 25°C | 9d | 24°C | 9d |
| Oct | 21°C | 11d | 18°C | 9d |
| Nov | 16°C | 12d | 12°C | 8d |
| Dec | 12°C | 11d | 6°C | 10d |
Rome Weather in December
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
New York Weather in December
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities