Early winter · Weather & things to do
Beacon in December
Beacon cools off: highs slip to 40°F (4°C), from 51°F in November, with lows of 26°F (-3°C) and about 4.3 in (110 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 40/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 40°F (4°C)
- Avg low
- 26°F (-3°C)
- Rain or snow
- 4.3 in (110 mm)
- Humidity
- 88%
- Cloud cover
- 65%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 01 min
- Comfort score
- 40/100 · Tough
What December feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 40°F (4°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 26°F (-3°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 4.3 in (110 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because nights fall well below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Only about 9 h 01 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May and September & October.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 26°F.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 01 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 62/100 in November to 40/100.
- Our Hudson Valley by Rail route recommends Apr – Nov, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 26°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 4.3 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Beacon in December
With highs near 40°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Hudson Valley Brewery
Brewery known for sour IPAs, with a taproom in an old factory.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 40°F.
Brothers Trattoria
Long-running family Italian on Main Street, open since 1998.
Bank Square Coffeehouse
Coffeehouse on the corner of Main Street and Route 9D.
Bannerman Castle
Guided tours of a ruined arsenal on Pollepel Island in the Hudson.
Mount Beacon Park
Steep climb past incline-railway ruins to a fire tower with river views.
Nearby in December
- Manhattan in December~50 mi · highs 42°F, 4.6 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Hudson in December~52 mi · highs 37°F, 4.1 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- New York City in December~55 mi · highs 44°F, 5.2 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Philadelphia in December~124 mi · highs 44°F, 4.4 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Beacon in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Beacon?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 40/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May and September & October. Expect highs of 40°F (4°C) and 4.3 in (110 mm) of rain or snow. Our Hudson Valley by Rail route recommends Apr – Nov, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Beacon in December?
Average highs are 40°F (4°C) and average lows 26°F (-3°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Beacon in December?
Some: about 4.3 in (110 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 48.4 in (1229 mm).
What should I pack for Beacon in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 26°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 4.3 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Beacon in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.