Copenhagen in December
In December, Copenhagen averages 4°C (39°F) during the day and 0°C (32°F) at night, with around 12 days of rain (55 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear. Snowfall occurs on roughly 3 days.
December in Copenhagen is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Copenhagen
December is one of the coolest months in Copenhagen (10th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 8°C below the annual average (12°C). December runs 3°C cooler than November (7°C) and cools 1°C in January (3°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Copenhagen
Times shown for Copenhagen local time (Europe/Copenhagen), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Copenhagen — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Copenhagen's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Copenhagen
This is off-peak for Copenhagen — 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 Copenhagen
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.
🌨 Some snow — Copenhagen in December
Gear: Occasional snow, often slushy by afternoon. Waterproof boots, warm coat, hat and gloves.
Sea temperature in Copenhagen — December
Across the year Copenhagen's sea swings from 2.7°C (February) to 18.9°C (August) — December sits at 4.8°C.
Copenhagen in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°C / 37°F | -1°C / 30°F | 50 mm | 12 | 4 |
| February | 3°C / 37°F | -2°C / 28°F | 35 mm | 9 | 4 |
| March | 6°C / 43°F | 0°C / 32°F | 35 mm | 9 | 2 |
| April | 11°C / 52°F | 3°C / 37°F | 40 mm | 9 | 0 |
| May | 16°C / 61°F | 8°C / 46°F | 45 mm | 9 | 0 |
| June | 19°C / 66°F | 11°C / 52°F | 60 mm | 10 | 0 |
| July | 22°C / 72°F | 14°C / 57°F | 65 mm | 10 | 0 |
| August | 22°C / 72°F | 14°C / 57°F | 65 mm | 10 | 0 |
| September | 18°C / 64°F | 11°C / 52°F | 65 mm | 12 | 0 |
| October | 13°C / 55°F | 7°C / 45°F | 60 mm | 12 | 0 |
| November | 7°C / 45°F | 3°C / 37°F | 60 mm | 13 | 1 |
| December | 4°C / 39°F | 0°C / 32°F | 55 mm | 12 | 3 |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Copenhagen in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Copenhagen in December?
In December, Copenhagen averages a high of 4°C (39°F) and a low of 0°C (32°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Copenhagen in December?
December can be fairly wet in Copenhagen, with about 12 rainy days on average and roughly 3 snow days.
Is December a good time to visit Copenhagen?
December is cold. 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 Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.