New data shows New York just went through one of its most brutal Decembers in years, and some areas hadn’t seen snow like this in decades.
If December felt colder and snowier than you remember, the numbers back it up.
December 2025 was the snowiest and coldest December in years for many parts of New York.
Early last month, Hudson Valley Post reported that during the first 12 days of December, temperatures across the Hudson Valley, Great Lakes, and Northeast had averaged 10 to 15 degrees below normal.
Things only got colder.
In fact, New York State was the fifth-coldest state in the United States in December.
In all of the United States, December was 5th-warmest in the United States on record, just not in New York.
Only Vermont, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Maine were colder than the Empire State in December.
Illinois: Rockford
– #86 coldest nationally
– Average annual temperature: 49.1°F
– Average daily maximum: 59.2°F
– Average daily minimum: 39.2°F
While Chicago may be the Windy City, it isn’t Illinois’ coldest; Rockford, about 90 miles to the northwest, can claim that honor. Despite the cold, the city’s downtown is a place bustling with activity. The River District, named for its location on the Rock River, boasts everything from museums and cultural activities to fine cuisine and entertainment. Audiophiles may be familiar with Rockford as home to the legendary rock band Cheap Trick.