Helsinki in December
In December, Helsinki averages -1°C (30°F) during the day and -5°C (23°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 17 days of the month see precipitation (55 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are deeply cold — proper winter gear is essential. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts. Snowfall occurs on roughly 9 days.
December is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Helsinki. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Helsinki
December is one of the coolest months in Helsinki (10th of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 10°C below the annual average (9°C). December runs 4°C cooler than November (3°C) and cools 2°C in January (-3°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Helsinki
Times shown for Helsinki local time (Europe/Helsinki), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Helsinki — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Helsinki's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Helsinki 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 Helsinki's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Helsinki
This is off-peak for Helsinki — 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 Helsinki
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.
❄️ Snowy — Helsinki in December
Gear: Frequent snowfall. Waterproof boots and a real insulated coat are essential — not a fashion peacoat.
Sea temperature in Helsinki — December
Across the year Helsinki's sea swings from -0.2°C (January) to 19.4°C (August) — December sits at 1.4°C.
Helsinki in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -3°C / 27°F | -7°C / 19°F | 55 mm | 17 | 11 |
| February | -3°C / 27°F | -8°C / 18°F | 40 mm | 15 | 11 |
| March | 1°C / 34°F | -5°C / 23°F | 40 mm | 12 | 7 |
| April | 8°C / 46°F | 0°C / 32°F | 35 mm | 11 | 2 |
| May | 15°C / 59°F | 5°C / 41°F | 40 mm | 11 | 0 |
| June | 19°C / 66°F | 11°C / 52°F | 55 mm | 12 | 0 |
| July | 22°C / 72°F | 14°C / 57°F | 75 mm | 12 | 0 |
| August | 20°C / 68°F | 13°C / 55°F | 80 mm | 13 | 0 |
| September | 15°C / 59°F | 8°C / 46°F | 70 mm | 13 | 0 |
| October | 8°C / 46°F | 3°C / 37°F | 80 mm | 15 | 0 |
| November | 3°C / 37°F | -1°C / 30°F | 70 mm | 16 | 5 |
| December | -1°C / 30°F | -5°C / 23°F | 55 mm | 17 | 9 |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Helsinki in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Helsinki in December?
In December, Helsinki averages a high of -1°C (30°F) and a low of -5°C (23°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Helsinki in December?
December is quite rainy in Helsinki, with about 17 rainy days on average and roughly 9 snow days.
Is December a good time to visit Helsinki?
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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.