Early winter · Weather & things to do
Seneca Lake in December
Seneca Lake cools off: highs slip to 36°F (2°C), from 47°F in November, with lows of 25°F (-4°C) and about 3.3 in (83 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
- 36°F (2°C)
- Avg low
- 25°F (-4°C)
- Rain or snow
- 3.3 in (83 mm)
- Humidity
- 89%
- Cloud cover
- 82%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 51 min
- Comfort score
- 38/100 · Tough
What December feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 36°F (2°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Average lows of 25°F (-4°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 3.3 in (83 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 82%.
Daylight is short, roughly 8 h 51 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – 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 51 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 53/100 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 3.3 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Seneca Lake in December
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Fox Run Vineyards
Lakeside winery in a restored dairy barn, with a café for lunch.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 36°F.
Wagner Vineyards & Ginny Lee Café
East-shore winery and brewery with a café deck overlooking the lake.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Kindred Fare
Farm-to-table restaurant in Geneva with a seasonal menu and local wine list.
Why now A cozy break on a 36°F day.
Belhurst Castle
1880s red-stone castle on the lake with a winery tasting room and dining.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 36°F.
Seneca Lake State Park
Shoreline park in Geneva with a lake walk and summer spray park.
Nearby in December
- Keuka Lake in December~21 mi · highs 35°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Ithaca in December~38 mi · highs 37°F, 3.2 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Prince Edward County in December~79 mi · highs 35°F, 3.0 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake in December~109 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.
Seneca Lake in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Seneca Lake?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 38/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May – September. Expect highs of 36°F (2°C) and 3.3 in (83 mm) of rain or snow. Our Finger Lakes Wine Trail route recommends May – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Seneca Lake in December?
Average highs are 36°F (2°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 Seneca Lake in December?
Some: about 3.3 in (83 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 39.7 in (1009 mm).
What should I pack for Seneca Lake 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 3.3 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Seneca Lake
Planning Seneca Lake in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.