Early winter · Weather & things to do
Ithaca in December
Ithaca cools off: highs slip to 37°F (3°C), from 48°F in November, with lows of 25°F (-4°C) and about 3.2 in (82 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 38/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 37°F (3°C)
- Avg low
- 25°F (-4°C)
- Rain or snow
- 3.2 in (82 mm)
- Humidity
- 91%
- Cloud cover
- 82%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 54 min
- Comfort score
- 38/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 37°F (3°C).
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 25°F (-4°C), so expect frost and ice.
About 3.2 in (82 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 82%.
Daylight is short, roughly 8 h 54 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May & June and August & September.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 25°F.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 54 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 55/100 in November to 38/100.
- Our Finger Lakes Wine Trail route recommends May – Oct, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 25°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 3.2 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Ithaca in December
With highs near 37°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Ithaca Farmers Market
Lakeside pavilion market with farm stands and prepared food from local vendors.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best saturday morning, Apr–Dec.
Sheldrake Point Winery
Lakeside Cayuga winery known for Riesling and ice wine.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 37°F.
Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art
Free I.M. Pei-designed art museum with a 5th-floor view over Cayuga Lake.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 37°F.
Ithaca Falls
150-foot falls a short walk from downtown, the tallest of the city's gorges.
Purity Ice Cream
Ithaca scoop shop since 1936, known for big portions and local flavors.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Nearby in December
- Keuka Lake in December~34 mi · highs 35°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Seneca Lake in December~38 mi · highs 36°F, 3.3 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Prince Edward County in December~114 mi · highs 35°F, 3.0 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Hudson in December~139 mi · highs 37°F, 4.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~401 m to Ithaca's ~121 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Ithaca in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Ithaca?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 38/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May & June and August & September. Expect highs of 37°F (3°C) and 3.2 in (82 mm) of rain or snow. Our Finger Lakes Wine Trail route recommends May – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Ithaca in December?
Average highs are 37°F (3°C) and average lows 25°F (-4°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Ithaca in December?
Some: about 3.2 in (82 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 5th-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 42.2 in (1071 mm).
What should I pack for Ithaca in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 25°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 3.2 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Ithaca in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.