Buffalo in December
In December, Buffalo averages 4°C (40°F) during the day and -1°C (30°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 14 days of the month see precipitation (89 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Buffalo. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Buffalo
December is one of the coolest months in Buffalo (10th of 12) and one of the wettest months (3rd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 9°C below the annual average (13°C). December runs 4°C cooler than November (9°C) and cools 4°C in January (0°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Buffalo
Times shown for Buffalo local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Buffalo — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Buffalo's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Buffalo in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Off-peak) and Buffalo's popularity.
December in United States — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Major travel surge plus widespread Dec 24-26 and Jan 1 business closures.
Plan: Book flights and hotels well ahead; expect many restaurants/shops closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.
Crowds & pricing — December in Buffalo
This is off-peak for Buffalo — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: challenging tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Buffalo
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
🥶 Bitter cold — Buffalo in December
Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.
Buffalo in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0°C / 33°F | -6°C / 21°F | 75 mm | 13 | — |
| February | 1°C / 34°F | -6°C / 21°F | 83 mm | 13 | — |
| March | 5°C / 42°F | -3°C / 27°F | 81 mm | 12 | — |
| April | 12°C / 53°F | 3°C / 37°F | 104 mm | 14 | — |
| May | 18°C / 65°F | 9°C / 49°F | 86 mm | 11 | — |
| June | 23°C / 74°F | 15°C / 59°F | 94 mm | 11 | — |
| July | 26°C / 78°F | 19°C / 65°F | 103 mm | 12 | — |
| August | 25°C / 77°F | 18°C / 65°F | 84 mm | 12 | — |
| September | 23°C / 73°F | 15°C / 59°F | 85 mm | 9 | — |
| October | 16°C / 60°F | 10°C / 49°F | 111 mm | 14 | — |
| November | 9°C / 48°F | 3°C / 37°F | 86 mm | 13 | — |
| December | 4°C / 40°F | -1°C / 30°F | 89 mm | 14 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Buffalo in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Buffalo in December?
In December, Buffalo averages a high of 4°C (40°F) and a low of -1°C (30°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Buffalo in December?
December can be fairly wet in Buffalo, with about 14 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Buffalo?
December is cold but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Buffalo in December?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Buffalo for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.