New York’s Coldest December Ever Was Unbelievably Frigid

Cold temperatures are expected in New York during the month of December. New York’s climate is classified as humid subtropical, which means that winters are generally wet and cold, while summers are hot and humid. New York sees a substantial amount of rain year-round. Overall, the annual average temperatures have a pretty standard range. Winter months span the 30s and 40s, while summer months hover anywhere from the 60s to 70s. However, one winter stands out as the coldest in New York’s history. Let’s look back in time at New York’s coldest December that was unbelievably frigid. 

When Does It Get Cold in New York?

New York’s winter weather is fairly mild until the end of December or early January. The cold temperatures usually don’t arrive until after the holidays, sticking around through January and February. However, the usual winter temperatures are nothing compared to the December of 1917.

December 1917 in New York

New Yorkers didn’t just experience cold weather in December 1917; they lived through an unbelievably frigid cold snap which lasted weeks. The month of December ushered in a rainstorm, which was followed by a 10-day long freeze. On December 13th, a light accumulation of snow immediately turned to ice as a result of the below zero temperatures. New York City saw -13 degrees (F). Under a sheet of ice and frigid temperatures, New York hovered around the 20s through the month of February. 

Not only were the temperatures absolutely freezing, but the United States was also in the last leg of World War I. The below freezing temperatures impacted New York Harbor, which was a critical area of support during the war efforts. In addition to the frozen harbor, New York’s railroads and docks were affected. Because of these transportation issues, some northeastern states didn’t have access to coal or food.

New York’s Coldest December Ever

The coldest December on record in New York was 1917. The freezing temperatures might have provided great sledding experiences for kids, but the overall impact the weather had on World War I and residents of northeastern states was difficult. Thankfully, the cold snap began to ease up during the first part of January 1918, just as the world welcomed a new year; one that would see the end of the war. New York hasn’t seen a December that cold since the early 20th century.