Early winter · Weather & things to do
Keuka Lake in December
Keuka Lake cools off: highs slip to 35°F (2°C), from 47°F in November, with lows of 24°F (-5°C) and about 2.9 in (73 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
- 35°F (2°C)
- Avg low
- 24°F (-5°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.9 in (73 mm)
- Humidity
- 89%
- Cloud cover
- 83%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 53 min
- Comfort score
- 38/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Highs only reach about 35°F (2°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Average lows of 24°F (-5°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 2.9 in (73 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 83%.
Only about 8 h 53 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May & June and August & September.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 53 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 54/100 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 24°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.9 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Keuka Lake in December
With highs near 35°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Keuka Spring Vineyards
Small family winery on the east shore with a relaxed porch tasting.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 35°F.
Heron Hill Winery
Hillside tasting room with wide views down the lake.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Glenn H. Curtiss Museum
Aviation and motorcycle museum for the Hammondsport pioneer who rivaled the Wright brothers.
Why now Our curated notes list it for "rainy day", which suits a wetter month.
Village Tavern Restaurant & Inn
Hammondsport square restaurant with a long list of Finger Lakes wines by the glass.
Crooked Lake Ice Cream Co.
Old-fashioned soda fountain and diner on the Hammondsport village square.
Nearby in December
- Seneca Lake in December~21 mi · highs 36°F, 3.3 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Ithaca in December~34 mi · highs 37°F, 3.2 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Prince Edward County in December~97 mi · highs 35°F, 3.0 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake in December~107 mi · highs 37°F, 2.8 in rain · 1°C (2°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.
Keuka Lake in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Keuka Lake?
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 35°F (2°C) and 2.9 in (73 mm) of rain or snow. Our Finger Lakes Wine Trail route recommends May – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Keuka Lake in December?
Average highs are 35°F (2°C) and average lows 24°F (-5°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Keuka Lake in December?
Some: about 2.9 in (73 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 38.5 in (978 mm).
What should I pack for Keuka Lake in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 24°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.9 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Keuka Lake
Planning Keuka Lake in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.