Hamburg in December

In December, Hamburg averages 6°C (43°F) during the day and 2°C (36°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 20 days of the month see precipitation (73 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are cold — pack winter layers. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

December is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Hamburg. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.

6°C
Avg high
2°C
Avg low
20
Rain days
73 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Hamburg

11th
warmest month of the 12
6th
wettest month of the 12
9%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
7 h 30 min
daylight on the 15th

December is one of the coolest months in Hamburg (11th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 8°C below the annual average (14°C). December runs 2°C cooler than November (9°C) and cools 1°C in January (5°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Hamburg

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
8:30 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
4:00 PM
Day length
7 h 30 min

Times shown for Hamburg local time (Europe/Berlin), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Hamburg — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Hamburg's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
7:30 AM – 8:10 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
8:10 AM – 9:10 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
3:20 PM – 4:20 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
4:20 PM – 5:00 PM

📅 When to book — Hamburg 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 (Shoulder) and Hamburg's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Hamburg

Shoulder

Hamburg is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Why this tier: Christmas / New Year travel surge

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Hamburg

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
1.9
Low
Minimal sun protection needed for normal activity.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●○○○
Low
Mosquitoes present but manageable. Pack repellent (DEET 10-20%) for evenings near water.

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.

Hamburg in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 5°C / 40°F 1°C / 33°F 74 mm 22
February 7°C / 44°F 1°C / 33°F 60 mm 17
March 10°C / 49°F 2°C / 35°F 55 mm 16
April 14°C / 56°F 4°C / 40°F 51 mm 17
May 18°C / 64°F 9°C / 47°F 59 mm 18
June 22°C / 72°F 13°C / 55°F 70 mm 18
July 23°C / 73°F 14°C / 58°F 84 mm 22
August 23°C / 73°F 14°C / 58°F 68 mm 20
September 19°C / 67°F 12°C / 53°F 56 mm 19
October 15°C / 58°F 9°C / 47°F 70 mm 20
November 9°C / 47°F 4°C / 39°F 61 mm 20
December 6°C / 43°F 2°C / 36°F 73 mm 20

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Hamburg in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Hamburg in December?

In December, Hamburg averages a high of 6°C (43°F) and a low of 2°C (36°F) — generally cold.

Does it rain a lot in Hamburg in December?

December is quite rainy in Hamburg, with about 20 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Hamburg?

December is cold but on the rainy side. 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 Hamburg 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 Hamburg for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Hamburg on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.