Norilsk in December
In December, Norilsk averages -20°C (-4°F) during the day and -26°C (-14°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 18 days of the month see precipitation (50 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are deeply cold — proper winter gear is essential. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
December is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Norilsk. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Norilsk
December is one of the coolest months in Norilsk (11th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 16°C below the annual average (-5°C). December runs 3°C cooler than November (-17°C) and cools 4°C in January (-24°C).
December daylight in Norilsk
At 69° N latitude, Norilsk experiences polar night — no direct sunlight in mid-December.
📅 When to book — Norilsk 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 Norilsk's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Norilsk
This is off-peak for Norilsk — 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 Norilsk
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.
🥶 Bitter cold — Norilsk in December
Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.
Norilsk in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -24°C / -11°F | -29°C / -20°F | 32 mm | 17 | — |
| February | -20°C / -3°F | -25°C / -13°F | 33 mm | 15 | — |
| March | -14°C / 7°F | -20°C / -4°F | 48 mm | 20 | — |
| April | -7°C / 19°F | -13°C / 9°F | 43 mm | 16 | — |
| May | 1°C / 33°F | -5°C / 23°F | 59 mm | 17 | — |
| June | 13°C / 56°F | 6°C / 43°F | 78 mm | 18 | — |
| July | 18°C / 64°F | 11°C / 51°F | 64 mm | 17 | — |
| August | 14°C / 58°F | 8°C / 47°F | 94 mm | 20 | — |
| September | 7°C / 44°F | 2°C / 35°F | 82 mm | 19 | — |
| October | -4°C / 24°F | -9°C / 17°F | 72 mm | 19 | — |
| November | -17°C / 1°F | -22°C / -8°F | 50 mm | 16 | — |
| December | -20°C / -4°F | -26°C / -14°F | 50 mm | 18 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Norilsk in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Norilsk in December?
In December, Norilsk averages a high of -20°C (-4°F) and a low of -26°C (-14°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Norilsk in December?
December is quite rainy in Norilsk, with about 18 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Norilsk?
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 Norilsk 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 Norilsk for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.