St. Petersburg in December
In December, St. Petersburg averages -1°C (31°F) during the day and -4°C (24°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 20 days of the month see precipitation (51 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 St. Petersburg. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How December compares to the rest of the year in St. Petersburg
December is one of the coolest months in St. Petersburg (10th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 10°C below the annual average (9°C). December runs 3°C cooler than November (2°C) and cools 2°C in January (-3°C).
December sunrise & sunset in St. Petersburg
Times shown for St. Petersburg local time (Europe/Moscow), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in St. Petersburg — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in St. Petersburg's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in St. Petersburg
This is off-peak for St. Petersburg — 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 St. Petersburg
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 — St. Petersburg in December
Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.
St. Petersburg in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -3°C / 26°F | -7°C / 19°F | 46 mm | 21 | — |
| February | -1°C / 29°F | -6°C / 21°F | 43 mm | 18 | — |
| March | 3°C / 37°F | -4°C / 24°F | 40 mm | 18 | — |
| April | 9°C / 48°F | 0°C / 32°F | 49 mm | 16 | — |
| May | 16°C / 60°F | 6°C / 44°F | 57 mm | 17 | — |
| June | 20°C / 69°F | 12°C / 54°F | 60 mm | 19 | — |
| July | 22°C / 71°F | 14°C / 58°F | 89 mm | 22 | — |
| August | 21°C / 69°F | 13°C / 56°F | 96 mm | 21 | — |
| September | 15°C / 60°F | 9°C / 48°F | 59 mm | 20 | — |
| October | 8°C / 46°F | 3°C / 38°F | 66 mm | 21 | — |
| November | 2°C / 36°F | -1°C / 30°F | 53 mm | 20 | — |
| December | -1°C / 31°F | -4°C / 24°F | 51 mm | 20 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for St. Petersburg in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is St. Petersburg in December?
In December, St. Petersburg averages a high of -1°C (31°F) and a low of -4°C (24°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in St. Petersburg in December?
December is quite rainy in St. Petersburg, with about 20 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit St. Petersburg?
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 St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.