New York City Christmas Snowfall: Averages & Extremes

NYC Christmas Snow Statistics

New York City receives an average of 2.9 inches (7.4 cm) of snow on Christmas Day. However, this average masks extreme variability:

• Maximum recorded: 18 inches (46 cm)
• Minimum recorded: 0 inches (many years)
• White Christmas probability: ~12% (measurable snow on ground)

Influencing Factors

• Coastal storm tracks (nor'easters)
• Arctic air mass timing
• Urban heat island effect (reduces accumulation vs. suburbs)
• Climate change trends (declining snow frequency)

Recent Examples

• 2009: 8.3 inches
• 2017: Trace amounts
• 2020: 0 inches
• 2022: 0.4 inches

For travelers: Late December in NYC is cold (avg high 39°F/4°C) but snow is unreliable. Pack layers and check forecasts closer to your dates.