United States in December: what to expect

December splits the country in two. The Northeast, Midwest and Rockies are in winter: New York, Boston and Chicago run roughly 0–8 °C by day with colder nights, and Minneapolis and the northern Plains can drop well below −10 °C. Snow is normal in the Great Lakes and New England, and lake-effect snow can shut roads for a day at a time.

The warm options are the Southeast and the Southwest. South Florida and the Keys sit around 24–28 °C and are in their dry season; Hawaii is similar. The desert Southwest — Las Vegas, Phoenix, Tucson, and the Grand Canyon's South Rim — is cool but workable, roughly 10–18 °C by day, with cold nights at elevation. Coastal California is mild, around 15–20 °C, but December is the start of its rainy season.

Daylight is the other factor. Sunset falls near 4:30pm in the Northeast, around 5:40pm in Miami and 5:50pm in Los Angeles, so plan outdoor sights for the morning.

December has two distinct halves. The first three weeks are among the quietest and cheapest of the year outside ski country and Florida — good hotel rates in New York, Chicago, Washington and the Southwest, and easier restaurant bookings. From about 20 December to 2 January the country switches to its busiest travel period: domestic flights fill, rental cars run short and hotel rates in warm-weather and ski destinations can double.

If your dates are fixed to the holidays, book flights and accommodation as early as you can and expect airport crowds on the weekends either side of Christmas. If your dates are flexible, the first two weeks of December give you the same cities with far less friction.

December is built around the holidays. New York has the Rockefeller Center tree, department-store window displays and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular; Washington, D.C. has the National Christmas Tree and ZooLights at the National Zoo. Most cities run tree-lighting ceremonies in the first week and holiday markets through the month.

Elsewhere, ski season is in full swing in Colorado, Utah, Vermont and Lake Tahoe by mid-December. In the South, New Orleans and Charleston stay mild and host holiday home tours. On the West Coast, theme parks and Southern California beaches are quieter than in summer. Christmas Day itself is a closure day: many museums, restaurants and shops shut, so plan food and transport in advance.

For warm weather, head to South Florida — Miami, the Keys and the Gulf coast — or Hawaii; both are in their dry season and both are at peak price. The desert Southwest is the best-value outdoor option: Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon's South Rim are open and comfortable for hiking, with cold nights.

For a classic winter city break, New York City in December is the obvious pick: holiday lights, museums and theatre, with Washington, D.C. or Boston as an easy add-on by train. Skiers should base in Colorado, Utah, Vermont or Lake Tahoe. Skip the northern national parks — Yellowstone, Glacier and most of the Rockies' high roads are closed or accessible only by guided snow vehicle.

Pack for the region, not the country. For the Northeast, Midwest and mountains you need a proper winter coat, hat, gloves, thermal layers and waterproof boots — snow and slush are likely, and wind chill makes it feel colder than the number suggests. For Florida, Hawaii and the desert Southwest, light layers, sun protection and a warm layer for cool evenings are enough; desert nights near the Grand Canyon can drop below freezing.

Whatever the region, bring a rain shell for the California coast and the South, comfortable walking shoes for city days, and a universal adapter — the US uses 120 V type A and B plugs. If you are driving in winter, check rental-car snow tyres and chain rules before you leave.

November is the quiet shoulder before the holidays, with Thanksgiving week the single busiest travel period of the year. January, after the first weekend, is the cheapest month for city hotels and ski-country lodging, though the north stays cold. February keeps winter in the north and adds Presidents' Day crowds, while Florida and the desert Southwest stay in season.