Last updated: February 24, 2025
December in New Paltz, United States brings a dynamic weather tapestry, with temperatures ranging from a brisk maximum of 17°C (62°F) to a chilling minimum of -19°C (-1°F), resulting in an average of just 1°C (34°F). This month also sees humidity levels soaring to 80%, contributing to the crispness of the air. Rainfall accumulates to 102 mm (4.0 in) over 10 days, painting a picture of a wet yet invigorating atmosphere. As the landscape transforms with winter's embrace, residents and visitors can expect an enchanting blend of cold, moisture, and dynamic weather patterns.
In December, temperatures in New Paltz begin to reflect the deepening chill of winter, with minimums dropping to a brisk -19°C (-1°F) and averaging just 1°C (34°F). This shift marks a notable contrast from the milder fall temperatures, as the season progresses towards its coldest months. Residents can expect daytime highs to reach a pleasant 17°C (62°F), offering brief reprieves from the cold. The transition from November shows a clear downward trend, with averages now hovering just above freezing, setting the stage for the snowy landscapes that characterize the region in late December. Overall, while the temperatures may be frigid, the festive spirit often warms hearts, making this a picturesque time of year in New Paltz.
In New Paltz, December brings a notable transition into winter, with precipitation averaging 102 mm (4.0 in) across about 10 rainy days. This month often sees a mixture of rain and, as temperatures drop, the potential for snow. Compared to the wetter months of spring and early summer, December’s precipitation levels mirror those of November yet remain lower than October’s peak. This pattern suggests that while the region begins to brace for colder weather, it still experiences significant moisture, contributing to the area's rich winter landscape. The consistent rainfall in December helps maintain the watershed, ensuring a vibrant ecosystem even as the year draws to a close.
As December arrives in New Paltz, the humidity settles at a comfortable 80%, striking a balance between the crispness of winter and the lingering moisture from the autumn months. This marks a slight decrease from November's 82%, continuing a trend of diminishing humidity levels as the year progresses. The drop from the summer months, where July and June boasted humidity levels around 62% and 69% respectively, highlights the seasonal shift as colder weather takes hold. Interestingly, while December's humidity is higher than most of the summer months, it is a significant reduction from the early winter figures of January and February, which typically hover above 80%. Thus, December serves as a transition point, bridging the wetter autumn and the drier chill of mid-winter.
In December, New Paltz experiences a noticeable decline in UV Index levels, dropping to 2, which falls into the low exposure category. This shift signifies a welcome respite from the intense sun exposure experienced in the summer months, where the UV Index peaked at 10 from June to August. With a longer burn time of 45 minutes, residents and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities with less concern for skin damage. The trend throughout the year highlights a clear seasonal pattern: as temperatures cool and daylight diminishes, UV exposure decreases significantly, making December a safer month for sun sensitivity. For more detailed information, visit New Paltz UV Index.
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In December, New Paltz enjoys a notable 169 hours of sunshine, which, while less than the peak summer months, reflects the region's seasonal transition. As the year comes to a close, days gradually shorten, yet the amount of sunlight still surpasses the winter months ahead. Compared to previous months, December's sunshine hours are a dip from the vibrant mid-summer highs, but they maintain a respectable presence amid the cool, crisp air. This trend reveals a pattern that keeps New Paltz bathed in sunlight for much of the year, fostering a unique blend of winter festivities and outdoor explorations that locals and visitors alike can enjoy. Despite December's chill, the sunshine serves as a reminder of the warmth and vibrancy that define this charming community throughout the seasons.
In New Paltz, the likelihood of sunny weather takes a notable dip in December, with only a 29% chance of sunshine. This marks a significant decline, especially when compared to November's more optimistic 52%. As winter approaches, the trend reveals a general decrease in sunny days, with the lowest probability occurring during the year in December. This pattern highlights the region's shift into a chillier season, where overcast skies and potential snowfall become more commonplace. If you're planning outdoor activities, be prepared for a cloudy month as sunshine seems scarce in this delightful town.
In New Paltz, the December days bring a familiar return to shorter daylight hours, echoing the trends seen in November with just 9 hours of sunlight. As the year progresses from the revelry of summer, where daylight peaks at an invigorating 15 hours in June, it gradually declines, illustrating the shifting seasons. By the time we reach December, the sunlight begins to wane, with the shorter days inviting an introspective calm as winter settles in. This cyclical pattern not only signals the approach of colder months but also highlights the gradual transition from the vibrancy of spring and summer through to the tranquility of winter.
As December settles in New Paltz, the average wind speed presents a gentle chill, clocking in at 2.5 m/s (6 mph). This marks a slight uptick from the calmer summer months, particularly July and August, when winds slowed to a mere 1.9 m/s (4 mph). With the transition from fall to winter, the winds mirror the overall shift in atmosphere—cooler and brisker yet still manageable. A comparison to earlier months reveals that December's winds are on par with the averages seen during the beginning of the year, particularly January and February. Ultimately, December's breezes herald the winter season, inviting cozy gatherings and the magic of the holidays.
The weather in New Paltz changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of December's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in New Paltz and find detailed weather information for every month.
In December, the weather in the region is characterized by a milder average temperature of around 1°C (34°F), while January ushers in colder conditions, with an average of -1°C (30°F). December experiences a wider temperature swing, reaching a maximum of 17°C (62°F), compared to January's peak of 18°C (64°F). However, January is notably colder at night, with minimum temperatures dipping to -24°C (-11°F), compared to December's low of -19°C (-1°F). Precipitation is more frequent in December, with 102 mm (4.0 in) over 10 days, while January sees less rainfall, totaling 71 mm (2.8 in) across 8 days. The humidity also rises slightly from December to January, increasing from 80% to 84%. For a detailed look at the weather in January, you can check New Paltz weather in January.
December and February in New Paltz exhibit some notable differences in weather patterns. December tends to have slightly milder average temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -19°C to a maximum of 17°C, with an average around 1°C. In contrast, February is generally colder, with temperatures dipping even lower, reaching a minimum of -22°C and peaking at 24°C. While both months experience significant precipitation, December sees more rain overall (102 mm compared to February's 94 mm), although February has slightly more wet days (12 compared to December's 10). Additionally, humidity levels are comparable in both months, hovering around 80% to 82%. For more details on February weather, you can visit New Paltz weather in February.
In December, the weather is notably colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -19°C (-1°F) to a maximum of 17°C (62°F), averaging around 1°C (34°F). The month typically sees around 102 mm (4.0 in) of precipitation over 10 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 80%. In contrast, March brings a slight warming trend with temperatures ranging from -16°C (3°F) to a maximum of 25°C (77°F), averaging 3°C (38°F). While precipitation decreases slightly to 88 mm (3.5 in) over the same number of days, humidity remains similar at 81%. For more details on the weather in March, you can visit New Paltz weather in March.
December and April present strikingly different weather patterns. In December, temperatures typically range from a chilling -19°C (-1°F) to a more moderate 17°C (62°F), with an average of about 1°C (34°F). The month sees around 102 mm (4.0 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 80%. In contrast, April experiences milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a low of -4°C (25°F) to a high of 29°C (85°F), averaging around 10°C (49°F). This month brings slightly more precipitation at 128 mm (5.0 in) over 13 days, while humidity decreases slightly to 78%. For a detailed look at the weather specifics, check out New Paltz weather in April.
December's weather is typically much colder than that of May, with temperatures ranging from a chilling -19°C (1°F) to a milder max of 17°C (62°F), while May enjoys an average of 15°C (60°F) and can soar up to 33°C (92°F). Precipitation levels are somewhat comparable, with December receiving 102 mm (4.0 in) over about 10 days and May totaling 115 mm (4.5 in) across 12 days. Humidity also varies significantly; December tends to have higher humidity at 80% compared to May's more comfortable 69%. For a more detailed look at what to expect, check out New Paltz weather in May.
December and June present strikingly different weather patterns. In December, temperatures can plunge as low as -19°C (1°F), with an average temperature hovering around 1°C (34°F) and a maximum of 17°C (62°F). The month typically experiences higher humidity at 80% and sees about 102 mm (4.0 in) of precipitation over ten days. In contrast, June showcases a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (42°F) to a maximum of 35°C (95°F) and an average of 20°C (69°F). While June has slightly lower precipitation at 87 mm (3.4 in), it also enjoys lower humidity levels at 69%. For more details on the pleasant weather in June, you can check New Paltz weather in June.
December and July present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures can plunge as low as -19°C (−1°F), with an average of just 1°C (34°F) and maximums reaching 17°C (62°F). This month typically experiences about 102 mm (4.0 in) of precipitation over 10 days, coupled with a high humidity level of 80%. In contrast, July boasts much warmer temperatures, with minimums around 13°C (55°F), averages climbing to 24°C (75°F), and maximums soaring to 37°C (98°F). Rainfall in July is slightly higher at 118 mm (4.6 in), occurring over 13 days, but with a lower humidity of 62%. For more detailed information, check out New Paltz weather in July.
December and August present remarkably different weather experiences. In December, temperatures can plunge as low as -19°C (1°F), with an average around 1°C (34°F), while August boasts much warmer conditions, with average temperatures of 23°C (73°F) and highs reaching 34°C (94°F). Precipitation is fairly similar, with December receiving 102 mm (4.0 in) over about 10 days and August slightly higher at 113 mm (4.5 in) across 11 days. Additionally, December’s humidity levels are higher at 80%, contrasting with August's lower humidity of 65%. For a deeper dive into August weather specifics, you can check out New Paltz weather in August.
When comparing December and September weather, December presents a much colder climate with average temperatures hovering around 1°C (34°F) and nighttime lows dipping as low as -19°C (-1°F). In contrast, September boasts a milder and more pleasant atmosphere, with average temperatures reaching 19°C (66°F) and highs peaking at 33°C (91°F). Both months receive an equal amount of precipitation, around 102 mm (4.0 in), but December is marked by a higher humidity level of 80% compared to September's 68%. For a closer look at September's climate, you can visit New Paltz weather in September.
In comparing the weather between December and October, December tends to be significantly colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -19°C (-1°F) to a maximum of 17°C (62°F) and an average temperature of 1°C (34°F). In contrast, October exhibits much milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from -1°C (31°F) to 31°C (87°F) and an average temperature of 13°C (56°F). Additionally, while both months experience precipitation, October has slightly higher levels at 140 mm (5.5 in) over 11 days compared to December’s 102 mm (4.0 in) across 10 days. Humidity levels also differ, being higher in December at 80% compared to October's 74%. For a more detailed look at October's weather, you can check out New Paltz weather in October.
In comparing the weather conditions of December and November, December tends to be colder, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -19°C (−1°F) to a maximum of 17°C (62°F), while November sees milder temperatures, ranging from -14°C (7°F) to a warmer maximum of 24°C (75°F). Despite the slightly lower precipitation in November, totaling 91 mm (3.6 in) over 10 days, the increased precipitation of 102 mm (4.0 in) in December, also over 10 days, suggests a wetter month. Additionally, humidity levels remain relatively high in both months, with December at 80% and November slightly higher at 82%. For a closer look at November weather specifics, check out New Paltz weather in November.
In December, New Paltz experiences a notable shift in weather, transforming from the mildness of autumn to the chill of winter. Average temperatures plummet, with frosty nights occasionally dropping well below freezing, while daytime highs rarely break the warmth of earlier months. Visitors can expect an uptick in precipitation, often translating into snow, and the air becomes noticeably more humid, contributing to that crisp winter feel. As the landscape embraces its wintry transformation, December sets the stage for outdoor activities and holiday festivities, highlighting a distinct contrast to the milder, more temperate conditions of the preceding months. For a deeper dive into the seasonal variations, check out New Paltz Climate.